Best and worst airports
Mar 6, 2011, 7:17 pm
#31
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: No. IL, ORD
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 36
OR Tambo International - JNB
O.R. Tambo in Johannesburg, South Africa had many upgrades and expansions for the World Cup 2010. Lots of interesting shops, restaurants and room to sit, wait or walk around. On long layovers I often go up on the mezzanine in the older part of the terminal where it is quiet, open chairs and power outlets.
Mar 6, 2011, 7:22 pm
#32
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: ABE/PHL/EWR
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 396
For those of you that have vacationed in Jackson Hole, WY, the new JAC airport gate area is beautiful. Comfortable leather chairs surrounding tables, fireplaces, lots of seating, and a gorgeous view of the Tetons and the runway. They use a contracted security company, so no TSA. That, and you are either going skiing, or you're on your way home from a great ski vacation 
Mar 6, 2011, 7:55 pm
#33
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: AA, but I play the field
Posts: 1,440
DCA is indeed great for quick departures and easy access to the city. Unfortunately, a major renovation of the main terminal was done just prior to 9/11, and thus the best restaurant, service and waiting areas were built outside the security perimeter (and those businesses have suffered accordingly). Thus, it is admittedly not the best airport to hang out it once you are inside the security perimeter -- the actual concourses are fairly drab and not so well appointed in terms of amenities. But whether you are flying on business or pleasure, the convenience of getting in and out quickly can't be beat.
The other less well-known thing that DCA is really great for is meeting arriving passengers. There are huge floor to ceiling windows in the main terminal from which you can actually see planes pulling up to the gates, as well as planes taking off and landing in the distance. I find it is rare these days to have such a great view of operations while still outside the security perimeter. This feature makes it a particular great place to take small kids -- my nieces and nephews have been fascinated by the ground activity, and thrilled on several occasions to see their mom/dad/grandparents' actual plane arrive or depart from the gate. Admittedly, this particular feature of the airport is not much of a boon those who are actually traveling; however, spending time at DCA, especially on a bright sunny day reminds me of times when air travel conjured up fun and romance, instead of long security lines in dark tunnels. And for that reason as well, it will always remain a favorite of mine. ^
Mar 6, 2011, 8:19 pm
#34
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K MM
Posts: 60
My criteria: access, terminal layout, gate-to-curb time
I like: SIN, MUC, SAN
I dislike: FRA, IAD, SFO, BKK, LAX
I like: SIN, MUC, SAN
I dislike: FRA, IAD, SFO, BKK, LAX
Mar 6, 2011, 9:08 pm
#35
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 198
My likes include PDX and EUG, both relatively small and efficient, free wi-fi, great UA and UX personnel. Whatever they told you on the 1K line isn't permitted, just take it up with the GA and it's done.
Mar 6, 2011, 10:13 pm
#36
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: DEN (ex-MCI)
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 284
Like: MCI, DEN, ORD
Dislike: IAD
MCI is a great home airport for the lone reason that there are no lines for anything. If a relative doesn't drop me off 50 feet from my gate, I only wait 3 extra minutes for an economy parking shuttle to deliver me at my gate. I flew out a dozen times last year and never waited in a regular TSA or premier check-in line for more than a few minutes. Free WiFi. Arriving, I usually get off the plane first and walk 50 feet to my personal ride to my car via the shuttle that is happy to take one person instead of waiting for more
Oh yea, best part is hardly any elites, so >90% UDU as a 1P.
I like DEN/ORD because I can walk around a lot and get exercise.
Everything about IAD screams cheap (except the giant tram things, which scream 1960s futuristic). One nice thing is the FiveGuys near the A gates. Not a fan of the 4 mid-east arrivals immigration cattle call at 7am either.
Dislike: IAD
MCI is a great home airport for the lone reason that there are no lines for anything. If a relative doesn't drop me off 50 feet from my gate, I only wait 3 extra minutes for an economy parking shuttle to deliver me at my gate. I flew out a dozen times last year and never waited in a regular TSA or premier check-in line for more than a few minutes. Free WiFi. Arriving, I usually get off the plane first and walk 50 feet to my personal ride to my car via the shuttle that is happy to take one person instead of waiting for more
Oh yea, best part is hardly any elites, so >90% UDU as a 1P.I like DEN/ORD because I can walk around a lot and get exercise.
Everything about IAD screams cheap (except the giant tram things, which scream 1960s futuristic). One nice thing is the FiveGuys near the A gates. Not a fan of the 4 mid-east arrivals immigration cattle call at 7am either.
Last edited by TheBagman; Mar 6, 2011 at 10:26 pm Reason: wifi
Mar 6, 2011, 10:21 pm
#37
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SFO South Bay
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 3,052
FRA is by far the worst airport I have flown through. Big transit spot for UA, but no RCC. No IFL. The Senator lounges are WAY WAY WAY over crowded. You often pass security (sometimes twice!) WITHIN secure areas (changing flights). Bad news is that I have to visit there at least 8-10 times per year.
FRA. BAD.
Mar 6, 2011, 10:28 pm
#38
Join Date: May 2006
Location: MYF/CMA/SAN/YYZ/YKF
Programs: COdbaUA 1K MM, AA EXP, Bonbon Gold, GHA Titanium, Hertz PC, NEXUS and GE
Posts: 5,839
Just came out of there (Terminal 1) - didn't see one! But I was using the fast track security.
I know LHR has a bad reputation, but except for the long distance you have to walk to get to Arrivals, it's not too bad in my opinion. The new gates in Terminal 1 have nice light and high ceilings. If you sign up for IRIS, you can be through immigration in seconds. There are a choice of at least 3 trains (including the Tube) to get downtown, depending on how fast you want to get there, and how much you want to spend.
Compare this with CDG, one of the worst designs I've ever seen for a major airport, and the RER train to downtown is very inconvenient to use.
I know LHR has a bad reputation, but except for the long distance you have to walk to get to Arrivals, it's not too bad in my opinion. The new gates in Terminal 1 have nice light and high ceilings. If you sign up for IRIS, you can be through immigration in seconds. There are a choice of at least 3 trains (including the Tube) to get downtown, depending on how fast you want to get there, and how much you want to spend.
Compare this with CDG, one of the worst designs I've ever seen for a major airport, and the RER train to downtown is very inconvenient to use.
At least one of BUF's CSRs is former cabin crew, so she has a really interesting prospective. I hadn't done BUF in quite a while, thanks to the cheaper fares into YYZ after Redwood showed up (hope AA and DL keep the pressure up, but I doubt it), but everyone remembered me and gave me big smiles and hellos.
YYZ people are just amazing. So proactive and always want to care for us. They even take good care of the AC *G really well from what I've seen.
BIG +1 ^
FRA is by far the worst airport I have flown through. Big transit spot for UA, but no RCC. No IFL. The Senator lounges are WAY WAY WAY over crowded. You often pass security (sometimes twice!) WITHIN secure areas (changing flights). Bad news is that I have to visit there at least 8-10 times per year.
FRA. BAD.
FRA is by far the worst airport I have flown through. Big transit spot for UA, but no RCC. No IFL. The Senator lounges are WAY WAY WAY over crowded. You often pass security (sometimes twice!) WITHIN secure areas (changing flights). Bad news is that I have to visit there at least 8-10 times per year.
FRA. BAD.
Mar 6, 2011, 10:35 pm
#39
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: HNL, TYO, & Many Places in the Sky
Programs: Too Many
Posts: 397
Best-SIN, HKG, & NRT (though its too far from downtown)
Worst-JFK, IAD, & ORD
Worst-JFK, IAD, & ORD
Mar 6, 2011, 11:12 pm
#40
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA Platinum; WN Companion Pass
Posts: 129
+1
DCA is indeed great for quick departures and easy access to the city. Unfortunately, a major renovation of the main terminal was done just prior to 9/11, and thus the best restaurant, service and waiting areas were built outside the security perimeter (and those businesses have suffered accordingly). Thus, it is admittedly not the best airport to hang out it once you are inside the security perimeter -- the actual concourses are fairly drab and not so well appointed in terms of amenities. But whether you are flying on business or pleasure, the convenience of getting in and out quickly can't be beat.
The other less well-known thing that DCA is really great for is meeting arriving passengers. There are huge floor to ceiling windows in the main terminal from which you can actually see planes pulling up to the gates, as well as planes taking off and landing in the distance. I find it is rare these days to have such a great view of operations while still outside the security perimeter. This feature makes it a particular great place to take small kids -- my nieces and nephews have been fascinated by the ground activity, and thrilled on several occasions to see their mom/dad/grandparents' actual plane arrive or depart from the gate. Admittedly, this particular feature of the airport is not much of a boon those who are actually traveling; however, spending time at DCA, especially on a bright sunny day reminds me of times when air travel conjured up fun and romance, instead of long security lines in dark tunnels. And for that reason as well, it will always remain a favorite of mine. ^
DCA is indeed great for quick departures and easy access to the city. Unfortunately, a major renovation of the main terminal was done just prior to 9/11, and thus the best restaurant, service and waiting areas were built outside the security perimeter (and those businesses have suffered accordingly). Thus, it is admittedly not the best airport to hang out it once you are inside the security perimeter -- the actual concourses are fairly drab and not so well appointed in terms of amenities. But whether you are flying on business or pleasure, the convenience of getting in and out quickly can't be beat.
The other less well-known thing that DCA is really great for is meeting arriving passengers. There are huge floor to ceiling windows in the main terminal from which you can actually see planes pulling up to the gates, as well as planes taking off and landing in the distance. I find it is rare these days to have such a great view of operations while still outside the security perimeter. This feature makes it a particular great place to take small kids -- my nieces and nephews have been fascinated by the ground activity, and thrilled on several occasions to see their mom/dad/grandparents' actual plane arrive or depart from the gate. Admittedly, this particular feature of the airport is not much of a boon those who are actually traveling; however, spending time at DCA, especially on a bright sunny day reminds me of times when air travel conjured up fun and romance, instead of long security lines in dark tunnels. And for that reason as well, it will always remain a favorite of mine. ^
Also agreed on FRA. I was shocked when I had to take a bus from my plane to the actual terminal. Took an extra 15 minutes which, again, after a long flight can be exhausting.
MCI is pretty small given KC's size, but I really liked the fact that the gates were SO close to the airport entrance.
Mar 6, 2011, 11:42 pm
#41
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Houston, Texas
Programs: UA1K, 1MM, Marriott Platinum Premier
Posts: 45
I just asked a question in another thread, which prompted me to do a search and I found a few threads related, but no definitively titled one.
What do you guys find to be the best airports you frequent? How about the worst? What I mean is flight timeliness/reliability, connections, staff availability and friendliness, and overall experience?
I realize there are different classes of airports (comparing John Wayne to LAX is obviously not a fair comparison) but in general?
I am fortunate that my home base (DIA) is fairly reliable and generally have helpful staff. The fact that the land is huge and there are a lot of runways means not a lot of delays.
On the other hand, I have to connect through ORD quite often and I am almost always delayed, the staff seem much more rude in general, and I always feel a bit unhappier after having spent time there.
What do you guys find to be the best airports you frequent? How about the worst? What I mean is flight timeliness/reliability, connections, staff availability and friendliness, and overall experience?
I realize there are different classes of airports (comparing John Wayne to LAX is obviously not a fair comparison) but in general?
I am fortunate that my home base (DIA) is fairly reliable and generally have helpful staff. The fact that the land is huge and there are a lot of runways means not a lot of delays.
On the other hand, I have to connect through ORD quite often and I am almost always delayed, the staff seem much more rude in general, and I always feel a bit unhappier after having spent time there.
The best in order of preference: SIN, HKG,BKK, ICN, NRT
The worst by far: MNL
Domestic (my most frequently visited airports): DEN, SFO (good), PHX, LAX LAS, SLC (OK) MSY (horrible, both facility and service)
Mar 7, 2011, 12:37 am
#42
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,438
Perpetual construction seems to be a German thing. There is one major stretch of road heading to the airport where work has literally been ongoing in different spots for ten years now. My gripe with FRA is the parking. Used to be you could park in the P4 section, particularly near 227 if you were lucky, and walk straight into the terminal. Now virtually that entire level of the garage save for a few sections near A has been given over to private companies. All this while the rates to park have skyrocketed. It is something like 125 euros for five days.
Mar 7, 2011, 12:50 am
#43
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: OSL/IAH/ZRH (time, not preference)
Programs: UA1K, LH GM, AA EXP->GM
Posts: 38,265
For transfer I'd still claim that IAD is more racist and CDG is more idiotic than FRA. FRA is not evil by design, it is just a symbol of political imbecility.
Do you also not fly via SEA or SAN or DFW for that reason?
HKG would be a whole lot nicer if they did not do the cavity search while boarding UA.
Mar 7, 2011, 4:44 am
#44
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,171
I really don't understand the JFK hate. Other than the DL terminals, they're all fairly new & nice or renovated. T7 security can be annoying, but the RCC is always fairly light, you're 1 min from the gates, and they just totally redid the whole place w/new food and shopping. Haven't been to the AA/B6 terminals, but they're supposedly great.
Mar 7, 2011, 5:00 am
#45
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA Platinum; WN Companion Pass
Posts: 129
I really don't understand the JFK hate. Other than the DL terminals, they're all fairly new & nice or renovated. T7 security can be annoying, but the RCC is always fairly light, you're 1 min from the gates, and they just totally redid the whole place w/new food and shopping. Haven't been to the AA/B6 terminals, but they're supposedly great.
Other than that, I don't really have any issues with JFK --I think it's fine.