 |
In a recent Newsweek story on airports around the world, what country’s airports were described this way? “Citizens queue in interminable lines and suffer humiliating treatment at the hands of surly authorities” The answer may surprise you! |
The above description? It applies to U.S. airports. The author goes on to extoll the virtues of the airports in South Korea, Vietnam and Cambodia , where “the lines moved quickly, and shoes remained firmly on [one’s feet].”
Newsweek also said the food in some of these airports in so-called “Third World” countries was often far superior to U.S. airport cuisine.
Another interesting point in the article? Crowded U.S. airports ” are the curse of prosperity.” In other words, flying is an out-of-reach dream for many in what we call the Third World, while Americans can indulge in flying, well, almost anytime they like. And, this is one of the many things I like about living here. Lines and all.
Such a B.S.!
You are required to take off your shoes at ICN.
Comment by james — December 6, 2007 @ 1:57 am
Comment by Rick Seaney — December 6, 2007 @ 2:08 am
My vote for a couple of the best would be Narita (Tokyo) and Suvarabumi (Bangkok) both of which allow your feet to be shod at all times and yet their security is tight and fast and extremely courteous!
As a matter of fact Beijing ranks near the top.
And all of the above are scrupulously clean and polished, no litter or dust anywhere.
Comment by Jack Hayes Bartlett — December 6, 2007 @ 3:38 am
The term “Third World Country” should not be used. Third world country refers to the countries that did not align with Communism or Capitalism during the Cold War. Try “developing nations” next time.
Comment by Carlos M — December 6, 2007 @ 9:57 am
I am Canadian & although I like Americans and visiting the States, my husband & I find the airports (esp. big hubs like Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth etc) not as friendly. People who work @ the airport often seem to be in a zombie like state- you know, just doing what’s required and nothing more. No smile, monotone voice ….
Not all people obviously, but most.
If you flew one of our Canadian airlines - esp Westjet, but Air Canada too, you’d find a big difference in attitude & friendliness. I think most of our airports are pretty good too - Vancouver & Calgary are what I use most.
Thanks for your service Rick - great !!
Comment by Stephanie — December 6, 2007 @ 11:17 am
Such typical American BS. By no stretch of the world can South Korea be described as “developing” and “3rd world”. Moreover, many of the top airports in the world in Asia are in very rich countries - Incheon, Narita, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Flying in these countries is “not out of the reach”. Please don’t take solace in sucg arguments when the matter of fact is that U.S. airports are very 3rd world … ok, not all for sure.
Comment by Sonya — December 6, 2007 @ 11:19 am
Regarding the shoes at ICN, it actually depends on what flight you’ll be on. I was there just last month and the security guys asked me if I was on United. I said yes and they asked me to take my shoes off. All the other folks that were on anything else (other than United, which I guess happened to be the only U.S. airline that security gate was working on) could keep theirs on. Sounds like a secure policy, huh? (NOT!)
Comment by seongmin — December 6, 2007 @ 12:31 pm
Bangkok continues to get better, is quickly building an airport train, and is moving local traffic to the old airport to speed it up. They are approaching KLIA, Kuala Lumpur ,as the worlds best!
Comment by captnosweat — December 6, 2007 @ 1:39 pm
While people make arguments, note that the majority of these airlines are a lot younger (newer) than the major American Hubs and thus have better, more up-to-date technology. But the Airport experience is related to the American concept of “hospitality.” In other countries people are expected to be courteous to everyone. Over here, you have to pay a premium for that. I fly Platinum or Exec. on AA and they treat me tons better than flying coach. US airports could adapt that policy, but you get spoiled workers thinking “they don’t pay me enough to go out of my way to be nice to people.” Instead of just employing the common courtesy you get in other countries like Japan or Korea. But I love the Vancouver airpot. Very pretty. And also like the Madrid airport. But how does one stop all the flights going in and out of LAX, ORD, JFK or DFW to be able to remodel and update the terminals. Logistical nightmare.
Comment by Pablo — December 6, 2007 @ 4:45 pm
I went through ICN about a month ago on Korean Air and changed planes there. I do not remember having to remove my shoes at the security checkpoint. Also I never had to for BKK (Bangkok-Suvarabumi), SGN (Saigon), CMB (Colombo, Sri Lanka and they have a war going on) or Phenom Phen, Cambodia.
Comment by Charlie — December 6, 2007 @ 6:54 pm
I flew thru many airports in Asia and must say I had really wonderful experiences. At ICN did not have to remove shoes but I flew from and back into NRT.(no danger there!) My worst experiences came from Canada(Ottawa and Montreal). I flew in for business there every week for around a month and took the same flt.Each time the same attendant was quite nasty…service there is the pitts for me. Now, I try to avoid going to Ottawa and Montreal.Quebec and toronto(pearson) had great customer service in comparison to those other two. Flying out of the Caribbean is as hassle free as well and no I don’t have to strip and walk on cold tiles or dirty carpeting either.
Comment by Fiona — February 13, 2008 @ 5:09 am