The true cost of nicer airports

[ExGingi]

I just discovered the true cost of nicer airports. It is measured in footsteps. I miss the short distances and pedestrian accessibility of LGA.

[aygart]

I just discovered the true cost of nicer airports. It is measured in footsteps. I miss the short distances and pedestrian accessibility of LGA.

Sometimes it is a wash by not needing to be a slalom course

[ExGingi]

Sometimes it is a wash by not needing to be a slalom course

Old LGA: gate->sidewalk in less than 3 minutes. Straightforward one flight down the stairs and out the door. New LGA: take escalators 2 flights up. Walk a lot. Then take two escalators down to baggage claim/doors (and since one passes check-in/departures level on the way down, it might make sense to get picked up at that level.

[Dan]

The worst part is that it's lipstick on a pig, as there's still just 1 runway.

[ExGingi]

The worst part is that it's lipstick on a pig, as there's still just 1 runway.

-1

What's the alternative? An airport that is 35 miles away?

BTW I was blown away by the Centurion Lounge. The Israelis should come and learn how to build a lounge (even if a relatively small airport with domestic flights only).

[Dan]

-1

What's the alternative? An airport that is 35 miles away?

BTW I was blown away by the Centurion Lounge. The Israelis should come and learn how to build a lounge (even if a relatively small airport with domestic flights only).

It was doable. They just spend the money to make your walk longer instead.
https://untappedcities.com/2013/09/25/laguardia-airports-runways-extended-into-water/

[Dan]

Kansas City is changing their airport from the world's most convenient (30 second walk to any gate) to long walks to all gates.

[ExGingi]

And since the topic is being discussed, while the new IST airport is beautiful compared to the old one (which also had quite long distances to walk) the walking distances are insane (at least there a4e motorized alternatives). And I personally preferred the TK lounge in the old airport over the new one. 

[ExGingi]

Kansas City is changing their airport from the world's most convenient (30 second walk to any gate) to long walks to all gates.

Everybody is becoming YYZ of old (though other airports put YYZ walking to shame nowadays, but at least they do it in style).

[Yehuda57]

Old LGA: gate->sidewalk in less than 3 minutes. Straightforward one flight down the stairs and out the door. New LGA: take escalators 2 flights up. Walk a lot. Then take two escalators down to baggage claim/doors (and since one passes check-in/departures level on the way down, it might make sense to get picked up at that level.

I'm not so sure I agree with this. Yes, *sometimes* it was that quick, but many times the traffic outside and chaos inside meant it took much longer. And boarding your flight crammed in with hundreds of people is uncomfortable enough that I prefer walking a little to not have to do that.

[ExGingi]

I'm not so sure I agree with this. Yes, *sometimes* it was that quick, but many times the traffic outside and chaos inside meant it took much longer. And boarding your flight crammed in with hundreds of people is uncomfortable enough that I prefer walking a little to not have to do that.

You might have missed the fact that I described the arrival experience. I can agree with you on some aspects of the departure experience. There is a cost measured in footsteps. It might be worth it (though I think they should make it too priority to be able to WALK between terminals B and C rather than being forced to take the shuttle. )

[Yehuda57]

Revamped airports should be sponsored by FitBit

[Yehuda57]

Maybe we can make an airport ranking thread. Is there a worse airport in terms of MWG (Miles of Walking to Gate) than LHR?

[Yehudaa]

Maybe we can make an airport ranking thread. Is there a worse airport in terms of MWG (Miles of Walking to Gate) than LHR?

Maybe a bit outdated but here's one study:

https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2019/06/26/1874217/0/en/What-Are-the-Fastest-and-Slowest-Airports-to-Exit-Worldwide.html

[CountValentine]

ORD terminal 5 for domestic is a nightmare. Has to be the longest walk I ever had.

[ExGingi]

Maybe we can make an airport ranking thread. Is there a worse airport in terms of MWG (Miles of Walking to Gate) than LHR?

I haven't been to LHR in decades (since BA started going crazy with fuel surcharges on mileage redemptions). But IIRC that's not the only issue there. There are the buses for connections that require terminal changes.

Otherwise, YYZ used to be high on that list. I'm not sure if there's anything worse than IST in that aspect nowadays. It could be a 20-30 minute BRISK walk!

IIRC my one experience connecting at CLT was also quite horrendous (but that might also be an AAirline effect, funny how they have that kind of experience in various hubs - MIA also comes to mind).

There are also two separate issues: Curbside to gate, and walking required for connections (especially international).

[Dan]

The walk from MIA car rental returns to D60 is the stuff nightmares are made of.
And of course no CLEAR, because AA.

[ah giten]

The walk from MIA car rental returns to D60 is the stuff nightmares are made of.
And of course no CLEAR, because AA.

Arrival on AA to MIA 'mover' to car rental, same. Forget about the walk, the crowds...

[ExGingi]

The walk from MIA car rental returns to D60 is the stuff nightmares are made of.
And of course no cleAAr, because AA.

FTFY

TBH - MIA is the airport to avoid. Can't find a reason to fly there when FLL is conveniently located. Though FLL can use some upgrades. I have no idea why there are no seats/benches at the Car Rental center. Does the entire party of travelers need to stand while waiting for a car, or do they prefer all car rentals with a party larger than 1 to head back to the terminal to pick up the rest of the people?

[Dan]

FTFY

TBH - MIA is the airport to avoid. Can't find a reason to fly there when FLL is conveniently located. Though FLL can use some upgrades. I have no idea why there are no seats/benches at the Car Rental center. Does the entire party of travelers need to stand while waiting for a car, or do they prefer all car rentals with a party larger than 1 to head back to the terminal to pick up the rest of the people?

I always head back to the terminal while the family waits for the luggage and brings it curbside.