That airport is dimly lit and the bathrooms are just beyond filthy. Do not even attempt to use them if you can possibly help it. You definitely want to bring your own TP everywhere you go. You may want to bring lots of waterless hand cleaner, too.
As others said, there will be line jumpers. (I was almost knocked down in the Moscow McDonald's, and DD (age 2) WAS knocked down by a 6 foot 3 bald guy when I was in line with her for a bathroom at the American embassy -- too bad my Russian cussing was sub-par -- I stood outside the door screaming curses in English and beating on the door -- he exited, still zipping up, completely unfazed).
The guards at the airport are generally female and wear lots and lots of makeup, mini-skirts, and 3-inch heels.
The airport was undergoing renovations when we travelled, and on the way home, at the airport, DD had a MAJOR blowout just before we were due to board. I carried her through security 3 times, begging the female guards for the too-ahl-yet, only to be given curt nods toward a bathroom that WAS NOT THERE!
Finally, in desperation, DH carried DD into the men's room, where a group of Mongolian shepherds (I am NOT making this up! -- they were dressed in animal skins!) watched in horror as DH held her over a sink, stripped her, cleaned her up, put on her clean diaper, and re-dressed her. Oh, and disposed of dirty didy in trashcan. Mongolian shepherds were all gagging!
(BTW, "real" men in Russia just don't "do" babies -- the judge - male- had clued us in on this).
Yes, we were met by translator and driver. Were warned by agency not to let ANYONE touch luggage except driver and translator.
So, to all who are travelling or about to travel, good luck and godspeed!
