Airports.

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thrill
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Re: Airports.

Post by thrill »

The best airports for layovers are the worst airports for initial departures and vice versa. If your terminal sucks it's probably because it's a smaller airport but is probably much quicker to get through security.

In my experience, there are a select few that are both easy to get through security and have good terminal amenities (Phoenix, Reno, Portland) and there are a select few that suck to get through security and suck to pass time in their concourse (Tampa, Midway, Houston, San Jose).

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haltz
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Re: Airports.

Post by haltz »

Swirls wrote:I love flying. My dad actually got his recreational pilot's license before he got his driver's license, and he told me that during high school, he would literally take each paycheck and buy a tank of gas for his car and then drive to the airport and rent a little Cessna for an hour. My first experience in a plane was as a 3-4 year old in one of those little Cessnas with my dad as the pilot. I've flown with him probably 5-10x, but he hasn't maintained his pilot's license for probably 15 years or so.
I've been up with my stepdad in a four-seat Beechcraft 4-5 times and once we get up in the air he lets me fly the plane which is an absolute blast and surprisingly intuitive. Apparently, that model of personal aircraft is really easy to fly - you can just use the yoke and don't really have to worry about your feet. The first time I took the controls and made that thing move in three dimensions it was exhilarating. His looks like this (although apparently he just sold it and bought a newer Bonanza without the v-tail that I haven't been down to see yet).

Image

As far as airports go, I really don't mind Lambert. Obviously there's a lack of flights and amenities, but getting in and out quickly is my biggest concern. If you're ever being picked up or picking someone up, do it upstairs at the passenger drop off for departing flights. That way you or your ride can park the car for a second and you don't have to do a bunch of laps. All you have to do is walk up a flight of stairs and things get a little easier.

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CardsofSTL
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Re: Airports.

Post by CardsofSTL »

I'm sitting at my gate at John Glenn International in beautiful Columbus as I type this... Three city stop this trip so we will see if I can get some new horror stories. Just glad I'm not flying to Fort Myers with these kooks.

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CardsofSTL
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Re: Airports.

Post by CardsofSTL »

Flying American Airlines today. First time ever with them. We will see how it goes. Security hand searched my bags which pissed me off but my bag of Fritos was given the all clear.

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ghostrunner
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Re: Airports.

Post by ghostrunner »

Indy is actually one of the best airports I’ve been in, possibly the best. Small and doesn’t have a [expletive] of stuff in it (but enough for the size) and it’s super easy to get through and a relatively pleasant place to hang out.

Only one I recall liking better is Amsterdam, which I’ve only been in once but it seemed perfect at the time.

Both are sunny and open and there’s a nice lack of intrusive commerce.

Atlanta, KC and Philly are the worst I can remember. My terminal in Philly last year had these god awful fluorescent lights and tables with pay-to-use tablets at these tables. Felt like being in a casino. It’s also just a huge airport and full of stores.

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CardsofSTL
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Re: Airports.

Post by CardsofSTL »

ghostrunner wrote:Indy is actually one of the best airports I’ve been in, possibly the best. Small and doesn’t have a [expletive] of stuff in it (but enough for the size) and it’s super easy to get through and a relatively pleasant place to hang out.
Sounds similar to the John Glenn experience in Columbus. Nice and easy airport; not a whole lot of frills but enough to find something to do for an hour or so.

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CardsofSTL
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Re: Airports.

Post by CardsofSTL »

CardsofSTL wrote:Flying American Airlines today. First time ever with them. We will see how it goes. Security hand searched my bags which pissed me off but my bag of Fritos was given the all clear.
American Airlines is eh....not a big fan of their boarding process. Though I did spring for an exit row seat on my connection so I had extra room; so that was nice. I was cramped between two big guys on the first flight which was also nice but in a different way. Just kidding; it was one of the most uncomfortable flights I have had.

greenback44
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Re: Airports.

Post by greenback44 »

ghostrunner wrote:Indy is actually one of the best airports I’ve been in, possibly the best. Small and doesn’t have a [expletive] of stuff in it (but enough for the size) and it’s super easy to get through and a relatively pleasant place to hang out.
It's about half-way to Terre Haute for me though. I had a 6am flight and a 5:30am flight this week from Indianapolis. Because of the long drive, I have to get up at about 3am to make these flights, which is insane.

The Lexington airport is even smaller, and it's similarly functional.

I was in the Boston airport recently, and the Crazy Rich Asians line about salmonella and despair (in JFK, which is probably nicer than LaGuardia) came to mind.

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CardsofSTL
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Re: Airports.

Post by CardsofSTL »

Charlotte's airport seemed pretty convenient but it was full of really strange people. Maybe that's how they grow them in NC.

No offense Tarheels.

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CardsofSTL
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Re: Airports.

Post by CardsofSTL »

Haven't even gone to the beautiful Columbus' John Glenn Airport yet and my connection in Phoenix is already showing as delayed. Thanks a lot wart.

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