It's something you can't help but contemplate, when you spend a lot of time in transit while travelling- that your experience of an airport can really set the mood for your whole holiday or business trip. I've had some pleasant, some horrible, and some just downright funny experiences in airports all around the world, and it hasn't even been the newest or most luxurious airports I've enjoyed the most- although I, like most jetlagged, sleepy jetsetters, appreciate a decent lounge.
There are a number of factors which can make or break an airport. Managing corporations and governments have a vested interest in the quality and reputation of their airports, as it has a direct impact on their revenue; as such, many studies and market reviews have tried to pinpoint what it is that makes an airport good, apart from practical usability (although, there are many interesting design factors concerning the basic utility of an airport- look at Hong Kong for example, or really any other airport that needs to stand up to tough weather conditions, and has a limited amount of runway space). Skytrax's world airport awards are based on such criteria as amenities, shopping, customer service, health facilities, ease of access, immigration service, dining, and airport hotels. Reviews of the world's most hated airports are based on the same criteria, with aspects such as hostile service staff and poor flight scheduling seeming to enrage people the most. You'd really think that service standards would be an inexpensive thing for management to change- it's not like they have to invest billions in building, just make better hiring decisions and implement basic customer service training, but hey- LHR, LAX and CDG are apparently so important they don't need to be pleasant.
I asked a few friends a little while back for their most memorable experiences of airports around the world. The general consensus was that one shouldn't try to sleep, or really be comfortable at all, while in an American airport. One guy found Zurich airport really boring, despite the interiors; another hated the service he got at Italian airports. Then, someone brought up a commonality about airports which really resonated with me: "I really like airports as its(sic) a real equaliser between people from different cultures. Chances are the person next to you is just as fed up of flying and getting screwed by airlines as you are. It's like a a little bubble where everyone is the same- human". Apart from the exclusivity of first-class lounges, this is absolutely true; there aren't many other places where people come together because of something as universal and culturally unbiased as the need to travel to see family, see the world, or make a new start in another part of it.
Most of us could name our favourite airports pretty easily, although our perception is altered in either direction by not just the qualities of the airport itself, but whether it's a part of a beloved destination, or an irritating stopover en route to something better. I hate Los Angeles International Airport; it's ugly, expensive to get to, it smells funny, the customer service is terrible (except, surprisingly, at immigration), it's uncomfortable and there's barely anywhere to eat or take a nap. I like Hong Kong International airport; immigration is very quick, it's largely spotless, there is neat and expedient transport to the city, there are lounges catering to most budgets, and the shopping helps while away the hours- not to mention the free wi-fi and cheap food. The oddest but most memorable experience I've ever had was at Xieng Khouang airport, in Phonsavan, rural Laos. It's essentially two wooden sheds in the middle of a field, security is non existent, and the interior resembles a country bus station from the early 20th century. There's a little semi-enclosed area facing the runway where you can watch for your plane; there are only four flights a week, so it's pretty easy to spot. While waiting here on wooden benches, a chicken strutted past, just casually chilling at the airport. It was surreal in a way, all the people inside the cage and the chicken on the outside. I'd been a bit afraid, having heard that the U.S. consulate recommended its citizens not fly Air Lao, and having heard my aunt's stories of the ex-military plane she took with them in the 70s, complete with drunk pilot, but the Lao airport attendants did their job with quiet dignity and efficiency, it was great.
When planning your next trip, have a think about how any scheduled stopovers can be enhanced by landing in, or avoiding time in, particular airports, and please do share your stories in the comments.
