Quote:
Originally Posted by PhillyPDX
True.
One side observation I want to note. The US has really upped its game for airport terminals over the last 10 or so years. They were just so damn bad compared to international airports up to the early 2000’s (I recall reading a Thomas Friedman article saying such, how depressing it was here), but across the country ports have been pouring massive amounts of money into improvements, even aesthetic/grand ones after a generation of utilitarian infrastructure terminals. Portland, Nashville just opened a very nice massive overhaul sim to Portland, I flew into Indy a few years - the entire airport was literally brand new and very nice, Philly has poured in literal billions to make a dated shell fairly pleasant and intimate, Seattle, Detroit…and on and on.. Great to see….I no longer loathe flying into most airports anymore (save Newark and the crappy way overcrowded DFW terminal Alaska uses there). Something to be said for all of this. A little national pride statement.
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I agree. It's really nice to see airports around the country elevating the experience for travellers. In certain markets with multiple airport choices, I have found myself gravitating towards picking my destination/connecting airports based on how easy the airport is to use as well as the overall experience while within it's building(s). I'll use Long Beach Airport for example (LGB). This is a personal favorite of mine for my Southern California ventures as it's got a wonderful relaxing ambiance, easy to get through, great amenities, and centrally located in the greater LA area.
On the other hand, I recently had a connecting flight in San Jose and honestly I will likely avoid that airport again in the future if I have options. It was cramped, not well ventilated, hardly any quick and easy food options, and honestly was kind of a dump. I was kind of surprised really, being in the middle of the Silicone Valley. I also have a poor perception of O'Hare after flying through it back in 2007 and feeling like every part of it at that time was a dump. I'm sure there have been changes since then, but anytime I've flown to or through Chicago since then, I've typically used Midway. Having an airport that is well configured, accessible, with plenty of amenties, and just nicer... really does matter.