The Worst Airports I Have Dealt With: Experiences and Insights

Traveling through airports is often a necessary part of navigating the world of air travel. However, some airports stand out for their frustrations and inefficiencies. In this article, I will recount some of the worst airports I have personally experienced, including JFK, St. Louis, and Kansas City. Each of these airport experiences is a cautionary tale that highlights the importance of airport design, efficiency, and customer service.

JFK: The Height of Inconvenience

Among numerous airports I have traveled through, JFK ( John F. Kennedy International Airport) takes the crown for being one of the worst. Despite my extensive travels, JFK consistently ranks high on my list of frustrating airport experiences. The constant security lines can be bewildering, adding tension to an already stressful situation. Moreover, its confusing terminal design forces passengers to change terminals for connecting flights, necessitating an additional round of security checks. This design flaw is particularly irritating and time-consuming.

One of my most memorable incidents occurred during a trip back from Italy, where we faced a 4-hour layover. Upon landing, we had to wait for over an hour before receiving a gate. After clearing customs, we then had to board a train, re-enter security, and rush to our final terminal. Our hurried journey to the gate at the end of a seemingly endless terminal ended with us taking a salesperson up on a test of Clear, a service that allows expedited screening. Without this service, missing our flight would have been a very real possibility.

St. Louis: The Long Walk

As a former corporate employee, my transition to frequent business travel brought me to St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Among my experiences, the 15-minute walk, with a small company laptop in tow, to the connecting flight remains vivid. This walk was particularly challenging as it required navigating multiple concourses and ensuring I reached the gate on time. However, the experience, while tedious, was more manageable when compared to other airports.

Kansas City, Missouri: A Small and Cluttered Gateway

In Kansas City, Missouri's Hewhere Airport (now Kansas City International Airport), the small and cramped gate areas stood out as a significant drawback. The airport’s layout and design were poorly planned, leading to overcrowding during boarding. Additionally, the restrooms were not conveniently located, adding to the discomfort.

Lessons Learned from Patriotic Airports

Hong Kong’s former Kai Tak Airport was ironically a highlight in my journey. Despite its towering structure, the airport’s proximity to hotels and the ease of claiming luggage within 15 minutes made it a welcome change. On the other hand, Heathrow’s Terminal 3, while a well-known hub, was overcrowded and chaotic, making it a less desirable experience. Gaining a first-hand look at Charles De Gaulle’s terminal 2A, now converted into a Convention Center, vividly reminded me of the stench of body odor, making it a memorable stop.

My experience at Delhi airport in 1980 was particularly memorable. My wife’s sudden need for a restroom was met with pitch-blackness until the cleaning ladies turned on the lights. This stark contrast between the outdated facilities and modern airports further underscores the importance of maintaining a clean and user-friendly environment.

Conclusion

While the experience of traveling through airports can be a necessary evil, it is crucial for airports to prioritize passenger convenience, efficient design, and modern amenities. Drawing from the experiences at JFK, St. Louis, and Kansas City, it is apparent that the design of an airport plays a significant role in the overall travel experience. Improvements in airport architecture and customer service can greatly enhance the experience for travelers, making them more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable.