Tiger Airways terminal in Melbourne is the worst in Australia

KNOWN as the “tin shed” arriving at this terminal is every Aussie’s nightmare. Here’s why flying low-cost carriers doesn’t always pay off.

Is this Australia’s worst airport terminal?

DUBBED the “Tiger detention centre” and the “tin shed”, Tiger Airways terminal at Tullamarine, Melbourne may just be Australia’s worst airport.

Located at the southern end of the Melbourne airport precinct, it was originally constructed for Virgin Blue before they moved into terminal three.

Looking more like a cargo hold than a place for travellers, this holding bay has been servicing Tiger flights to and from Melbourne since 2007.

News.com.au frequent flyers have called the Tiger Airways terminal “disgusting”, “substandard” and a “shambolic holding pen”.

The stand alone terminal has been criticised by travellers for its nominal seating, basic amenities and temporary-like feel. There is also the problem of its connection to the other terminals. The Skybus does not service terminal four meaning passengers must make a ten minute walk, luggage in hand, to take connecting flights.

Other complaints include that there are no baggage carousels and that passengers must walk out onto the tarmac to board the planes.

Tiger Airways terminal in Melbourne is called the “tin shed”. Picture: Be

“It’s a joke,” said one passenger who did not want to be named. “I know people are paying a low fare but if we’re trying to attract tourists then this is not a great first impression.”

But for every passenger who gripes, there are those who say you get what you pay for.

Tiger is currently offering one-way deals from Brisbane to Melbourne for $69 and Melbourne to Sydney for $45. Compare this to Qantas which has sale prices for the same destinations at around $189 and $145 respectively.

At Gold Coast Airport, Tiger Airways flight to Melbourne delayed because of technical problems. Group of holiday makers from Melbourne waiting to head home.

However there is some good news for the no-frills carrier with Melbourne Airport building a new fourth terminal to replace the current site as part of its 20 year, $10 billion masterplan.

A spokesperson for Tiger Airways told news.com.au: “The low-cost terminal is due to be completed by mid next year and will greatly enhance our customer experience.”

Operating around 50 flights a day in and out of Melbourne, the new terminal will be a welcome addition to Tiger Airways who have struggled in the competitive low-cost carrier market. Last financial year the parent company had to sell 60 per cent of its stake in the loss-making Tigerair Australia.

23 Nov 2007 Passangers board the first Tiger flight. Tiger Airways takes off at Melbourne Airport. Flight TT7402 to the /Gold /Coast, it was the first flight to depart from its home of Melbourne Airport. aviation aircraft airlines plane jet

Tiger airways domestic airport terminal... wth. It looks like a jail pic.twitter.com/KkOSUnctOA

— $YLV1@Z (@nartsylvia) January 22, 2014

The tiger terminal at Melbourne airport is the most depressing place on Earth

— Stu (@Hojudaism) February 10, 2014

Melbourne Airport Terminal 4 for Tiger Airways. Looks like some bus station. Lol...it's still an… http://t.co/jLOGnE4cUM

— Aishah Ansari. (@aishahansari) April 20, 2013

What airport do you think is the worst in Australia? Tell us below.