Wouldn't It Be Nice?

I've previously mentioned my love of airports; they sit above rest areas on a list of "Things I Inexplicably Adore." As any traveler (experienced or otherwise) will tell you, the quality of airports can make a huge difference in the overall traveling experience. Traveling by way of LAX, for example, is sure to be stressful, while airports that provide better amenities (even on a basic level) are likely to enable smoother and calmer travel.

In a recent New York Times article, Susan Stellin discusses the ways in which airports can improve, in order to better overall passenger satisfaction.

Stellin mentions that Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is the "highest-ranking large airport in this year's... customer satisfaction survey," and that her own observations of the airport help her to understand why. My brother, too, has been singing the praises of Detroit's airport, ever since he began frequenting it late last year.

The article lists four ways in which airports could improve, as well as some of the airports that seemingly get it right. Moreover, the article offers specific suggestions for betterment; most of them are fantastic, but of course will likely be ignored in favor of little to no change at all.

I particularly like that the article links to several websites that offer a variety of services, such as lists of airports with free Wi-Fi, and tips on the best airports in which to sleep.

I also learned of some pretty interesting offerings at various airports. Vancouver International, for example, has a bar in the baggage claim area. It's perhaps a nice place to kill time if you're waiting to be picked up (though trekking that luggage around would be a huge drag), or even if you're the one doing the picking up—provided that you're safe about it, that is.

Indianapolis' airport offers free Wi-Fi, while the newest terminal in San Jose International has electrical outlets built in to every chair. Pretty fantastic; if only they could combine the two. For foodies like me, San Francisco International hosts branches of local establishments, which helps make the airport a part of the Bay Area community.

Many of the proposed ideas are practical, but I understand that implementation would take time and money, so it's not as easy as it sounds.

Still, it's curious that airports aren't more committed to a higher level of customer service. In particular, one would think that larger airports would be more invested in providing a better environment for travelers, given the high number of passengers that frequent their space.

In the meantime, as I continue to travel (minimally), I'll take note of the ones that I love, and the ones that I would love to makeover.