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You can add Memphis International Airport (MEM) to that list. The terminal corridors are so narrow and the ceilings so low as to trigger claustrophobia when passing someone walking in the opposite direction. Add in an almost total absence of natural light, and you have one of the least traveler-friendly major airports in the U.S.
I’ve eaten at Encounters a half-dozen times. Especially when I have a 2 PM flight and am worried about LA traffic. I’ll get to the airport early, check my bag, and then go across the street to eat lunch.
It’s actually pretty good.
LAX is a disaster. Hard to get to, no real clear road to get in and out of it from, and the cell phone lot (at only 79 spaces) is so far away and annoying to navigate to, it’s as if they found the only open parcel of land in the area and put up a parking lot. Worst of all, no train service to it. I pay the extra money to fly out of Burbank if it’s possible–so very handy and easy to traverse.
AND train service.
LaGuardia though I’ve never had a serious problem with. At least the signs are clear as to where to go.
Many airports in the U-S have gone, or are currently undergoing renovation. By and large, I enjoy most of them, much more than actually flying on cramped planes where it costs almost as much for my baggage as for my ticket. That said, sections of the St. Louis Airport have seen their better days. I agree 100% on the labrynth of despair, coffee stains and cacophony of smells that is LAX.
Oh in a word…well four words to be precise,
San Francisco International Airport.
I know they just sunk a bunch of money into a fairly new terminal but lets look at it this way.
Runways: They are too close together to permit “dual use” when visibility is down below, and Rick correct me if I am wrong, 1000 feet. Hmmmm San Francisco known for its fog, when is visibility not down that low. Same with when it rains. Again with the Hmmm rain during the winter. Both of these issues lead up to some pretty dreadful on time performances (seriously I plan on a 60 min delay flying into or out of SFO during the winter).
There was a plan to expand the distance between the runways a few years ago but the NIMBYs got involved.
So I say tear it down.
Jamie,
I’m delighted with the restaurant review; please tell us your favorite dish there, so my editor will quit bugging me.
Cheers,
Rick
All,
It’s not looking very promising for California’s airports. Thank you all for your opinions.
Cheers,
Rick
Well from someone who fly’s 5 days a week, I agree about LaGarbage! By far the worst airport in the world. Tear it down! Who cares about the 26 million who choose to go to that rat race place! After LaGarbage I would say Honolulu. For those that have been there I am sure they know it is a dump! On the other side of the scale Tampa, Phoenix and Wichita are real nice airports. User friendly, not to bad on delays and friendly people!
Chris,
I hear a lot of very positive comments about Tampa, as well.
Best,
Rick
How does DFW look comparing to other airports? I personally like it
well, certain terminals
I agree that LAX is easily the worst major airport in the U.S.A. However, if you have never been to, or worse, transferred from international to domestic at London Heathrow then you have truly never experienced hell on earth!
Hey, Rick, how about a new topic, “SERVICES OFFERED AT AIRPORTS!”
We’ve eaten at Encounter many time and love it! Glad to hear the renovation is coming to an end.
re LAX – I often have to use the Bradley Intl terminal when on my way to/from an internationl destination. That terminal is a zoo & a disgrace. It looks like a terminal in a 3rd world country. If I had a choice, I would not use LAX or fly through the US at all, but that’s another issue…..
Bill,
You know, that’s a good idea – some of the more interesting or unusual services offered at airports. Let me look into that…
Thanks,
Rick
Greg,
Glad to hear you liked Encounter – in fact, despite what my editor thinks, it seems like plenty of people have eaten there – and liked it.
Cheers,
Rick
Olga,
I’m with you, I think DFW has a lot going for it.
Thanks for writing,
Rick