At the Atlanta airport today
I’m on a 1 night trip to Atlanta, and once again I had to fly into Atlanta (Hartsfield) airport. And once again the same thing bugs me about this airport. The design is one long corridor, instead of a more modular design (like you-know-what-airport).
Now, no offense to the fine citizens of Atlanta, but why design an airport like a ladder or long tunnel, so that everyone has to take the same train to get to Baggage and Ground Transportation? If you’re unfortunate enough to deplane at Terminal C or farther, it takes too long to get out of that airport. Add to that the fact of the train being underground, not elevated, and I already feel hemmed in and a little less happy before I even get to Avis . I appreciate the nice mural with the happy people that greets you when you finally start to emerge from the underground train lair into the sunshine, but at that point it’s too late. I already feel a little dehumanized.
At least the above-ground part of the airport is nice and open. And the city itself is amazing, with great food. I stayed at the Hilton Atlanta Airport this time, and was very pleased. A bit pricey at $169, but free candy and bottled water, and Starbucks in the lobby, made it feel more like home.
-dean
Extra note: flying back home, I saw the same ID-checker I usually do, still smiling and making people feel better. If she’s not paid extra for that, she should be.
October 21st, 2006 at 1:22 pm
Well, two trips through Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport later, two things got drilled into my head.
1. The same lady at the security check-in is still smiling, and makes me feel more relaxed and happier every time I see her.
2. My earlier thoughts about the Amex platinum card not being worth the money are now gone forever. Having access to Delta Crown Rooms when your flight is delayed (again, and again) is definitely worth the annual fee to American Express.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
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