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TreasureKY -> Airports... the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (7/2/2011 8:39:59 AM)
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Firm and I travel by air fairly often, though it is usually into the same airports. You can't help but develop opinions on which are "good" and which are not. It really isn't a reflection on the final destination, but I'm always surprised when the city we are visiting is just fantastic, but the airport sucks big weenies.
As an example, we just got back from Montreal this week. Beautiful city and always a joy to visit... but the Trudeau Airport is an absolute nightmare! Sometimes it is hard to put your finger on, but in this case, it is easy to say why our impression isn't a good one. The layout of the airport is just awful.
I'm rather rubbish in guessing distances, but I can tell you it is one hellava walk from the arrival gates to customs. It felt like at least a mile of blank corridors, stairs and winding turns. You just keep walking and walking and walking... following signs (sometimes almost hidden) that merely say "arrivals". After a while, you almost wonder if you're heading to the right place.
There does seem to be a general lack of clear direction and flow. Even though we'd been through the airport before, it was a bit confusing finding our way out of the airport and to the taxis. (Don't get me started on the taxi rides in Montreal. [;)])
Coming back through to depart, the distance wasn't nearly as bad but it did get to be a bit of a joke between Firm and I about how many times we had to show our passport and have our boarding passes scanned. It seemed like it was every 50 feet or so... I think our final count was showing our passports seven times, and having our boarding passes scanned eight times.
Hartsfield Airport in Atlanta is no joyous place, either, but I will say it has gotten better recently. That, or perhaps I've just gotten used to it. It does have lots of amenities both before and after security, and at least has trains to convey you to the different concourses. If I were a first time traveler departing from or arriving there, however, I'd be very unhappy with the signage and directions.
Kansas City Airport is decent, considering. There isn't much in the way of diversion there when waiting for a flight... few places to eat and shop, and it is aging, but getting in and out of the terminal is a breeze. With the horseshoe design, you're never more than 50 feet or so from gate to front door.
Denver International is another one that is horrid. Huge and confusing is about all I can say for it. [&:]
McCarran in Vegas isn't too bad. At least on the inside. It's a little more confusing actually trying to leave the airport. But it is clean and tidy, and they do have some nice places to eat and shop while waiting.
My favorite is the Norfolk International Airport in Virginia. While few amenities are available, the new facilities and the beautiful setting made this a pleasant airport to travel through. Pity it isn't one of our "regular" destinations.
So... what are your "best" and "worst"?
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