Three Airports
I wish I could sit down and figure out how much time over the past two years I have spent in an airport. I have a love-hate relationship with airports now because of all the quality times we have spent together. Some airports I find endearing while others just the thought of causes me to ball my fist with a sense of fury. I won’t name any names as to not cause any hurt feelings. Although most of the time it wasn’t really the airport itself that caused my anger and hatred. But a well designed airport and its amenities can make a huge difference in the experience of a traveler, especially when the airport is a connection city.
This all came to mind as an airport employee at MSP asked me to participate in a survey (luckily for them they didn’t ask me two days later on my way back through MSP, would have been a totally different survey response!). I would hope all airports would care so much to think about the amenities they offer their travelers and the ease of transition from gate to gate, offering free WIFI, as well as the quality of dining experience and parking facilities. We all know traveling can be such a nightmare so it really is the little things that matter.
It leads me to think about my favorite airports in this country- at least the ones I have been to so far, and how they are all so unique and different. And when you have had as many layovers, delays, bumps, missed connections as I have, you really begin to appreciate them for what they offer.
Three of my favorite Airports:
John Wayne International Airport (SNA): There is much to be desired of this airport when you use it as an alternative to overcrowded, confusing, and sometimes extremely obnoxious LAX. The quiet more relaxed nature of SNA makes it a great airport to fly into and out of easily because it is so small and intimate, plus they have a fantastic candy shop selling gourmet treats. I do however wish it had more of a variety of food options, McDonalds and Starbucks are great but a little more variety would be nice- but it isn’t a connection airport, so it’s really not a necessity.
Portland International Airport (PDX): This airport has been voted “Nation’s Best Airport” by Conde Nast Traveler for the past few years and it’s easy to see why. The airport is devoted to being green with solar panels, low flush toilets and they even compost the trash. That’s dedication my friends. They offer free WIFI- which is a must these days and a plethora of restaurants and food choices. They even have a great shopping area within the airport and is accessible by the MAX light rail service. Plus it has a beautiful view of the Columbia River!
Washington/Dulles International Airport (IAD): I’m not sure why I like this airport so much. Maybe I like the destination and so I get excited when I’m there. I think it stands out in my mind because of the architecture and the way the airport was designed. It helps to pass the time when you have interesting things to look at. They also have a very interesting mode of transportation within terminals. I tried to find out what they are called but couldn’t find it anywhere online. They almost remind you of army vehicles, they raise up and down are white and boxy. They are fun and frightening all at the same time. Lastly- bonus about this airport is they have a Five Guys.
What is your favorite or least favorite airport and why?
Tags: Airports
September 25th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Well I have only been to a handful of airports, but I love the Denver airport. They have clean restrooms and I definately see that as a plus. They also have large seating areas in their terminals which makes it nice to set-up and get cozy whiloe you wait for your flight.
September 25th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Since your in Salt Lake, where would you rate SLC International? What you be your three least favorite, not including smaller ones like SNA?
September 25th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
SLC is definitly a highly rated airport. It has free WiFi (finally), is easy to navigate, clean, and is a great connection airport. It’s hard to say which my least favorite airports would be because they may be biased a little by expiriences I’ve had there. I don’t want to rate an airport badly because I missed a connection. I really don’t like LAX because it can be difficult to navigate and it’s ALWAYS busy. And you are right it’s not fair to compare bigger airports with smaller airports as they deal with a different amount of traffic.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
I like Chicago O’Hare, JFK, and Atlanta. They’ve got wi-fi and always have places to eat open late into the night.