While I agree with the flaws which the author identifies in this article, I felt it was a bit dismissive of the changes which are being undertaken. Yes, it took a long time to recognize the problems and build the train system, but it's virtually done at this point. Here we are, in the home stretch on this improvement, and the author's tone (not his words) makes it sound like MWAA is just getting started.

The same goes for metro. He writes, "The long-planned Metrorail extension to Dulles is not expected for years." He fails to acknowledge that this extension has finally been funded and construction has begun.


Finally, the author quotes Sebastian Poggel, a travel consultant who says: "The transfer tank-shuttle to the [Dulles] midfield terminal is an embarrassment to an airport of this century, leaving the impression of a Third World country to visitors." Clearly Mr. Poggel doesn't get to Third World countries often enough. I dislike the mobile lounges, too, but I would be happy to experience Dulles with its mobile lounges instead of Indira Gandhi International Airport, Kinshasa International Airport, Maya-Maya Airport, Almaty International Airport, and the like.

Until the end of Alitalia, Z(Magnigicia) class could use the NW club. pickup was with the buggy at the back door of the club, and transported to the front door of the 767 and 2-2-1 or 2-1-2 or 1-2-2 seating.

when i started flying out of iad, they were used all the time. the mover leaving the pier was the departure time of the aircraft. i don't remember the gate procedure any more.

last time i used cdg, they had a device very similar to the iad people movers. maximum lift on those units seemed to be about 4 stories. i always worried everyone would look out the left side window, and the thing over.