I’m noticing a whole lot of crankiness and grumbling surrounding the subject of airports lately. Once elegant, stylish and civilized, today most passengers regard them as necessary evils to air travel. Is the honeymoon finally over for the airport?
My flight attendant friend Susan says that since the grip of post-911 hysteria took hold, the airline industry has “declared war on its passengers.” And adding to the fun and games is Homeland Security’s adoption of a kick-the-dog screening policy for terrorism.
It’s true. Airports have become complicated and chaotic places that can bring out the beast in the most easy-going traveler. Personally, I happen to like the vibe of an airport but concede that the experience can be quite stressful and overwhelming. Gone are the days of concierge service by well appointed gate agents – replaced instead with overregulated, hyper-vigilant, Starbucks–loaded TSA employees.
While navigating and maneuvering from one end of these elaborate micro-cities to the other requires an almost Herculean effort, you must try to keep your wits about you. If you can manage to remain calm and hang in there just a little longer, you might actually come out the other side with your sanity, dignity and baggage intact. Airports are for the pragmatist in you, so stop fighting it. Your estimated time of arrival…eventually.
There are some airports that are efficient and well run. I think Singapore airport is excellent and Hong Kong wins the prize for the easiest to navigate. On one level you can go through customs, collect your bags and be on a train to the city. You can even check in at the station in the city so you don’t have to drag your bags all the way.
Helsinki airport is great, it is not too big and the whole place runs very smoothly.
Debra, Yes, airports are fascinating to say the least. This might sound funny, but in the US I like the Cincinnati Airport. For sure each one has it’s own personality. Singapore – that’s one I’ll have to put on my bucket list. So, how is the weather in Bagni di Lucca today? I see the forecast for Wednesday is sunny in Rome. Crossing my finger. Hugs. toni
It’s a shame the romance has gone out of travel, when you think of times gone by. I still manage to get a big kick out of it though. I think I enjoy the planning – like what to wear on the plane – more than the trip itself sometimes!!! 😉 I think leaving from Australia – I’ve not had the pleasure of the airports in the States – is an advantage. Dubai is a favourite stopover. Only 14 hours from Melbourne !!!!! Great airport too. All a means to an end Toni! I’m sure you’ll be able to manage just about any inconvenience with Orvieto as your destination! Jxx
Ciao Janine. I guess I could have written more about how much I love airports (I do), but I thought that angle would be a bit boring….ONLY 14 hours to Dubai? Piece of cake. :). I have flown to Sydney from SF once so I know that you deserve a medal (and a platinum frequent flyer card). I really can’t complain, but the trip from Italy, door to door, has sometimes taken 30 hours. I often wish I lived in NYC – a straight shot to Rome. Oh well, here I go into the wild blue yonder. Hugs. t
We have a beautiful day here in Bagni today. The horrible wind has gone and the sun is shining. It is still freezing, but without the wind it is much more bearable.