So, now that I travel quite a bit here are the airports I frequent and what I generally think of them. I am, erm, "inspired" to write about them because I am currently sitting in one. Here they are, in no particular order. As you know, if you have read my blog with any regularity, I find airports, as a rule, very depressing places. However, many of them have tried to take the edge off of a painful process.
And I'm really not sorry if this bores you. It's my blog, after all.
Phoenix -- This is a really nice airport, amenity-wise. It has interesting shops and some good food choices, like Paradise Bakery (Arizona's Panera Bread). Bag claim isn't terrible, but it isn't the quickest I've ever done, either. Plenty of moving walkways, and I once met a guy who played shortstop for the Rivercats there. He was running one of those people movers (I didn't ask). He did have his PCS championship ring, which was far more impressive than I expected. The Southwest terminal is split into two wings, with different security lines for each one. This really helps cut down on the line as this airport is pretty busy. Rental cars have their own mega-facility, and it is easy to navigate and easy access to AZ freeways.
LAX -- Where I am currently. This airport is the pit of despair. The security line at the terminal is right at the door, so you are often in a line outside sucking on car and bus fumes. The colors are all grey and depressing...it really feels like a detention area or some sort of movie-like immigration processing area. There are very few amenities and the actual security line always takes forever. Everything is tiled in that area, so I can imagine that all the women who are wearing sandals when they travel are completely grossed out when they have to remove their shoes to walk through this area barefoot. I get grossed out in sympathy. No one looks relaxed, and the surrounding area is depressing as well. On the bright side...there's nothing here that a thorough carpet bombing couldn't fix. Never checked a bag through here, and plan to avoid that at all cost. Every minute in this space makes my heart sadder.
Orange County -- This is actually the John Wayne airport, and has a huge statue of the cowboy in the bag claim area. The actual airport isn't terrible...it's easy to access, rental cars are a short walk from the terminal, and the security lines are pretty easy to navigate. The amenities are lacking, though. There's only one non-chain restaurant and it lacks in power plugs. The terminal itself is single long hallway, so it can be easy or slightly more difficult, depending on your gate because there are no people movers. However, it's a small place, so rarely is that a problem. The biggest nag here is taking off. The take-off pattern is over Newport Beach, and because of noise restrictions, you feel like you take off straight up and then they cut power way back, so there is this moment of semi-weightlessness. Weird feeling, and jacks with my ears in a bad way. Bonus points for cool surf history stuff on display.
Sacramento -- My local airport is also one of my favorites. Everything is easy to get to, parking and rental cars are close, and the amenities are very nice. They have a couple of cool little restaurants, including a great noodle place. The only downside is checked bags, as they take almost forever to get, so avoid that if you can. There are cool luggage pillars in the bag claim area, which is kinda funny.
Oakland -- this airport has gotten easier to navigate since they re-did the entrance. I haven't flown through here in a while, so I can't speak to its amenities or security line. driving to/from is not difficult, though.
San Francisco -- same as Oakland as far as flying through, but definitely driving to/from is a royal pain. it has easy freeway access, but that freeway is always slammed. Avoid at all costs, unless you are staying in SF only, then it has a BART link which, I hear, is pretty handy.
San Jose -- never flown through, but definitely hate driving to/from. the road is an absolute disaster, signage is poor, and it feels like a post-industrial war zone.
Seattle -- great airport, which will be greater when they complete the light rail to downtown. Lots of really nice amenities, including some pretty good sushi. Never done the rental car, so can't speak for that. security line is pretty good. Bag claim, however, is the longest I have ever experienced. It takes upwards of 45 minutes to get your bag, so stop at Starbucks or Tully's and chill a minute before you go down.
Tucson -- Weirdest airport experience I have ever had. the place is really spread out and absolutely empty. There were three people in the security line and it still took me 15 minutes to get through because of the world's slowest TSA agent. I think this guy had a special skill in that area. Lpatop counters for plug in have these weird backless seats with an awkward footrest that puts you in a very odd position. Designed for form, not for function. Amenities aren't bad, there just isn't many of them. Rental car return felt like an Enterprise in a really small town. Had to do all the legwork ourselves for the return.
I interrupt this broadcast to state that the girls Auburn basketball team just walked by. They are all very tall, which is why it was so noticeable. And one girl was wearing high heels, so it made here look like a seven footer. I guess they play an LA school this weekend. Okay, back to your regularly scheduled airport descriptions.
O'Hare -- I hate this airport almost as much as I hate LAX. Everything is a mile away from each other, and getting to/from is a complete pain. It's been a while since I have flown through O'Hare, so I can't go into detailed descriptions about it. I hates it, though. Hates it, hates it, hates it.
Houston -- This has a huge statue of the elder George Bush in it, which is weird. And a museum. he's not dead, yet.
Louisville -- Easy airport in a small market with easy access. Can't speak to amenities since I didn't use them, but the rental car was really easy...right outside the terminal.
JFK -- The crush of humanity in this airport is overwhelming, and getting to/from is an exercise in frustration and horror. I loathe the airport, even though I have enjoyed both of my visits to NYC.
Newark -- Do I really have to describe this? Really? *Shudder*
DFW -- Connectors through here can be a real bear, especially if your departure flight is at the other end of the double-horseshoe and you have 15 minutes to get there. Nothing like getting on a plane all sweaty and collapsing from heart failure.
There are others, but you get the idea. Hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. If not...well, what can I say?
Peace.
