Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

My son Keith, his partner Chris, and I had occasion this past weekend to spend time in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport (MSP) on our way to see Keith’s brother, Kevin, who was celebrating his fortieth birthday. It made me think of all the airports I’ve been in recently. Truthfully, I like MSP the best.

It’s comfortable; there are lounge chairs — really comfy lounge chairs — in many locations. It’s quiet; most of the floor is carpeted to mute the noise of roller bags. It’s upscale; there is a mini-mall inside with more than just the usual fast food places to eat.
Additionally, I found a lounge on the second floor, above the usual airport din, where real stretch-out couches and lounge chairs invite people who are serious about being quiet. It was called the “Quiet Lounge.” Reading is allowed, but there’s no cell phones, no chatting, no loud gum chewing. Were I trapped in MSP in a crippling snow storm, that’s where I’d hide.

For the fun of it, here are my impressions of other airports I’ve passed through in the past year or so.
Denver – strictest security; plan extra time to remove most of your clothing. Atlanta – craziest layout; plan extra time to get from one terminal to another. Philadelphia – Most helpful security personnel. (This really doesn’t say much!) Tahiti – quaint but efficient. Tahiti Nui Airlines, however, takes first place for service. Detroit – best remodeling effort with a tram to move passengers from one gate to another and an amazing water display.

Cincinnati – most original boarding system. Call it the herd approach. Savannah – most patriotic, as passengers and guests stand and applaud when a serviceperson in uniform passes. South Bend – most unpredictable. Don’t have your plane get cancelled on a Notre Dame football weekend because you’ll have no other options. Winnipeg – most utilitarian. Fargo – Cutest small town airport, due to a current remodeling effort.

We all know flying isn’t what it used to be. The planes are packed because there are fewer flights, the seats are close together, and the amenities are non-existent. So maybe the new criterion in choosing an airline is the airport you have to deal with. If so, don’t go anywhere near Chicago’s O’Hare. Unless you’re a masochist.