I think that most new airports and individual terminals are putting a significant amount of thought into comfort, speed, and the stress of not only the public but of the people who work there.

A good example of this is the Detroit airport. The largest terminal (McNamara) has been designed to accomodate a significant number of people comfortably. There is a monorail / tram that runs the length of the long terminal. Movators (moving sidewalks) carry people from gate to gate and the well positioned mix of stores along the path make it enjoyable.

http://www.visitingdc.com/images/detroit-airport-Tram.jpg

Specifically regarding airline lounges:

I've traveled a lot. I think that the first class lounges are great for folks who spend any amount of time in an airport. Personally, I like the Air Canada and Lufastansa lounges the best. They are well apointed and quiet with large TV's, magazines, food, (usually) free liquor and staff that will do just about anything you ask of them.

I once fell asleep in an Air Canada lounge. The concierge who was working the desk noticed that I was asleep, put a blanket over me and gently woke me up the first time my flight was called. This may have been an irregularilty, but there is no way this would have happened in gen pop.

One of the trends that I've noticed is that airports are seeking independent companies that aren't tied to a specific airline to provide pay-per-use lounges. Typically, these lounges provide private spaces, internet access and limited amenities for under $50.

Personally though, in the airports that I've frequented, I've gone to the effort to find the quiet spots in good locations with easy access to AC power. Even though I have access to a few different first class lounges (even when not flying first), I often prefer these areas because I don't spend much time in the airport before my flight.

Points of comfort before a flight:

I always use seatguru.com to reserve my seat. On most airlines, you can check-in 24 hours before.

I set an alarm on my blackberry to alert me to that 24th hour mark and check-in right away to ensure that I get the seat I want.

My seat is usually as close to the front of the plane as possible (for quick deboard) and on the isle.

My luggage is important. I travel with these 2 bags:

http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Products/Packs/5003358s_v1_m56577569830727431.jpg
http://tinyurl.com/d7u9b6

I breze through security and have the option to check or carry-on. The backpack acts as my "go bag" and contains everything (noise cancleing headphones, book, paper, pens, drugs, laptop, etc) that I need to be comfortable.

Points of comfort in a terminal:

Proper gate location.
I don't mind connecting flights. But I hate having to walk to a gate on the other side of the terminal or worst of all in a different terminal all together. Busses suck.

I hate the glass walls new terminals are using.
In a couple of newer terminals, glass walls that open at certain times are common. They're a pain in the but if you know your way around a terminal and are trying to move quickly.

Staff.
The single worst thing about air travel can be the staff you have to deal with. I've been treated like gold for no reason at all and like crap for the same. 1 single employee at any point in a trip can make travel comfortable or not.

The price of water.
I hate (hate hate hate) paying $5 for a bottle of water past security in SFO. Sometimes, I will enter a first class lounge for no other reason than to stock up on water. I'm not cheap, but paying more for a bottle of water because they can make me pay for it really gets to me.

Increased use of Clear & Canpass
http://www.flyclear.com/ http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/canpass/menu-eng.html
I think that this should be a part of the passport application process. Quite simply, you complete an advanced security check before you travel. Security knows more about you then your parents but in exchange they let you breaze through.

Points of comfort in flight:

My ideal flight goes like this:
I board the plane last. Usually after everyone else has entered the plane and the gate staff is starting to wonder where I am.

If I'm carrying on both pieces of luggage, I store my large bag as close to the front of the plane as possible. Usually, even when flying economy, bording the plane last means that a flight attendant will store it for me.

I sit down, take out a magazine, pop a couple of pieces of gum and wait until the seatbelt sign goes off. Often, I'll chat with the person sittig beside me. Meeting folks on planes is usually very interesting.

I take out my PSP and my noise canceling headphones. I watch whatever television show I have loaded up. Sometimes I read and often I brainstorm. I rarely ever take my laptop out of it's case unless I'm preparing for a presentation.

I deboard and I know exactly where I'm going.

That's an ideal, comfortable flight.
Source(s):
I've traveled a lot for business and a bit personally. There aren't many airports in North America that I haven't been in.


Permalink | Report