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Old Aug 6, 2012 | 11:33 am
  #43  
N1003U
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Join Date: Jul 2010
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Originally Posted by flugvergnugen
It's the same joke where in hell, the lovers are the ones who are Swiss
Yes, that's the one!

Originally Posted by flugvergnugen
Ugh, no... Give me FRA anytime over *any* USA airport.
I suppose we are all a product of our personal experiences, and in many cases I agree with the criticisms of USA airports. However, *any* is a very strong term, and subject to challenge. In many cases, I would agree with you, but I can think of a few airports in the US that I would prefer over FRA in terms of a pleasant traveling experience.

As implied in an earlier post, except when traveling in F, I would take DEN and DTW over FRA on almost all counts except train connections (which are virtually irrelevant in the US anyway).

As long as you have priority status to jump past the tourists in the security line, MCO is a lovely large airport. Easy to get in, easy to get out, nice lounges, and (usually) plenty of room in the gate areas.

SEA is not terrible, I would put it at least on par with FRA.

If you want to include non-LH destinations into the argument:

IND rivals the best airports in the world at the present time in terms of facilities, ease of access, pleasant airline and security staffs, excellent logistics, etc. IND is not an international hub (but still technically an international airport).

Though not much to look at on the outside (and not international for commercial service), DCA is pleasant enough on the inside, and it is hard to find an airport that is more convenient to a major city center (2 stops on the Metro or 5 minutes by taxi in off-peak traffic).

The direction signs in the terminal are terrible, but once you get to know your way around, HNL is also very convenient to navigate, and a short taxi or bus to the city center. The Customs and Immigration people in HNL rival DTW in terms of nice and efficient (IME--anyway as "nice" as it can be for someone entering the US ).

I personally find CLT to be wonderful airport, both inbound and outbound to international destinations--bright, efficient, and easy to navigate.

I have probably missed a couple of other examples, but I am tired, it is the middle of the night, and I have to board my flight...

If you want to tell me that JFK, IAD, LAX, and few other US airports are terrible (even an embarrassment), you will not get much argument from me. The same applies to 99%+ of US politicians.

However, if you want to wave your hand and imply strongly that all US airports are inferior to what is an OK but not world benchmark facility in FRA (again F travel excluded), then I will firmly, but politely ask you to please first put some facts on the table.

Thanks.
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