Best airports and worst airports

[MattDavies86]

My only issue with Bangkok airport is the full body security scanners that almost made me miss my connecting flight. Also my luggage was raided and things (luckily not too valuable) were stolen by their baggage sorters.

You mean those big sort of transparent cylinder booths? I didn't' have to go in one, aren't they only if you keep bleeping through the normal scanners?

[dglynn77]

Shanghai (Pudong) Airport - Only good experiences
Wenzhou Airport - Good, but small! (They even upgraded me and boyfriend to first class when we were flying him back to Shanghai so he could fly back to the states! We were so excited and like "This is the only time we'll ever be in first class!" hahaha
LAX - Dirty and terrible. Hated it.
O'Hare - Good. They had lots of places to eat and drink!

[Tooki]

You mean those big sort of transparent cylinder booths? I didn't' have to go in one, aren't they only if you keep bleeping through the normal scanners?

Yep, those big transparent cylinder booths. I was only transferring flights as well and everybody had to go into them. Most people got padded down as well.

This was in late 2011 so perhaps they don't use them anymore?

[chizatlauren]

Well, my country's main airport (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) is 'awarded' as the second WORST airport in the world last year (2012), so I guess we really do have the worst airport.

[lademoiselle]

Macarons. Macaroons are the coconut and egg white cookies that you make for Pesach.

Off-topic (sorry!), but I wrote about you once in an assignment and mentioned macarons; when I handed it in the tutor changed every reference to "macaroons" and actually deducted SPaG marks because of it. I didn't want to be pedantic so I let it go, but man did that make me seethe inside!

I haven't been to many airports in my life and the last time I flew was at 8 years old, so I have nothing useful to say on that subject

[CynicalQuixotic]

Off-topic (sorry!), but I wrote about you once in an assignment and mentioned macarons; when I handed it in the tutor changed every reference to "macaroons" and actually deducted SPaG marks because of it. I didn't want to be pedantic so I let it go, but man did that make me seethe inside!

I haven't been to many airports in my life and the last time I flew was at 8 years old, so I have nothing useful to say on that subject

You know, you never indulged my narcissism and showed me that assignment. Also, I want to punch your tutor in the face. GOOGLE, people. GOOGLE.

Also, I'm from the US and from the state whose smaller airport was voted Worst Airport in the US (hello LaGuardia!), so, even Roissy is a step up for me. Heathrow isn't too shabby either.

[Tooki]

Also, Tallinn (Lennart Mari) airport is pretty nifty and nice for a small airport. They have fast and free wifi coverage, the food is well priced for an airport and the security/customs process is very fast and hassle-free.

[rubydissolution]

I typically fly once a year to Florida and I gotta say the most beautiful (though busy at times) is Orlando Int airport (MCO). I seriously could just take a day trip to shop in that airport. So may shops!! Getting through security can sometimes be a bitch, but typically its not too bad.

[stephanieaz]

LAX - Dirty and terrible. Hated it.

I agree with this!

[lyonsgirl]

I agree with this!

Honestly, I think ATL is worse. My experiences in LAX haven't been bad. The problem with ATL is I have never once flown in or out of there without being delayed a significant amount of time. Ever.

ETA: ATL, DFW. Both not my favorite airports. I'm growing to like RIC - because it's so teeny I barely have to ever wait in security, so when I'm flying to see Nix I can get there like, an hour before my flight, go through security, potty, and walk on the plane. IND is up there on my "yay" list, but that's because it's my "home" airport and it means I'm going to see Nix, lol.

[lucybelle]

Honestly, I think ATL is worse. My experiences in LAX haven't been bad. The problem with ATL is I have never once flown in or out of there without being delayed a significant amount of time. Ever.

But they sell Sweet Water beer in ATL. At least you can get a good beer while you wait!

[lyonsgirl]

But they sell Sweet Water beer in ATL. At least you can get a good beer while you wait!

That is true. I hate alcohol in airports though... I don't drink when I'm traveling because I can't stand how much they charge. I'm already paying $$$$$ for my plane ticket... why can't you just charge me normal prices?! I'm pretty sure ORD (O'Hare) does this.

Also. I've noticed that I tend to refer to airports by their airport code now... I think I've been flying too much since Jan 2012...

[Brieasaurus]

Also, I'm from the US and from the state whose smaller airport was voted Worst Airport in the US (hello LaGuardia!), so, even Roissy is a step up for me. Heathrow isn't too shabby either.

I like LaGuardia! Better than JFK in my opinion but I think all NY airports are pretty crummy. At LGA though they have "iPad booths" which I think are neat and super comfy, plus there's a Five Guys which is my favorite. I hardly ever fly though so my experience is pretty limited.

[ChibiFelicia]

Hong Kong international is a lovely airport. LHR (heathrow) is nice. I like LAX it's a bit basic but its fast. I dont like spending too much time at the airport so first time i flew into LAX i was surprised i was out in less than 30 minutes. Im too used to the walking half an hour to get to my flight (in LHR) and i hate it! I've flown from and into quite a few airports now but i've never really thought about whether i like or dislike it. Its just a place i gotta go to to get to my destination it's probably why i like LAX lol.

[leah_c]

I've only been in a few airports, but here ya go...

MSP- this is my home airport and I really like it. Security is easy to get through and they have nice shops/restaurants you can go to while waiting for you plane.

Denver- loved this one. Even though its busy, I loved the moving sidewalks and the internet/gaming booths I used during a layover. But it is really busy during lunch time, so be prepared for long lines and waiting awhile for a table to eat at.

Washington, DC. Ronald Reagan National Airport- This one was ok. I felt like it wasn't very secure since you can go through the shops/food area and get almost to the gates before you had to go through security. Also didn't help that people in line in front of me started fighting and 4-6 cops pulled them a short ways away to deal with them (we could listen to the whole questioning & arguments with the cops). Though it was funny cause the person in front of me turned around and said "only in DC. We never see this in Minnesota". Lol.


Durango-La Plata County Airport, Durango, Colorado- This was a very small airport. I both liked and disliked this one. Its so small that I got there early and had to wait until about an hour before my flight to be able to check in (the desk didn't open until this time cause they would have so few flights they would shut the check-in desks down between flights). The security was a joke, I could see many flaws in it. The departure/arrival area was on the other side of the wall from the security station. The only food available was a tiny travel shop that had a little cooler of snacks & drinks for the whole airport. But on the other hand I kinda liked it cause there weren't many people, only one baggage claim for the whole place, and the car agency knew who I was when I came over to get my car. Lol.


Airports are airports to me. Lol. I mean there's a love/hate relationship most of the time. I think its something to expect, but you hope you have a good experience.