Archive: Opinions

EditorialIn my last rant I blasted the airlines for charging more and providing less -- in fact providing a thoroughly miserable experience. You may have surmised I was about to embark on a trip -- I was, and I was dreading it, especially after the disaster my family had suffered on a US Airways journey in February.  My trip wasn't nearly as bad, but being a miserable traveler I didn't enjoy it (I enjoyed being there and I enjoyed being back -- I just didn't enjoy the actual traveling.)

But I was reminded how lucky we are to live in an area serviced by the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport.  Now I have heard some people speak disparagingly of our airport, simply because it is small.  But these folks should get past their holier - than - thou - big - city prejudices and focus on what actually happens when you go to an airport.

For example, when I flew into West Palm Beach last week it was fully an hour before my luggage arrived on the luggage belt.  But when I returned home last Saturday my suitcase popped out onto the belt literally two minutes after I walked from the gate to the luggage area.  I don't know about you, but that is a big deal to me, to be able to leave the airport minutes after arriving, after a trip replete with huge lines and tumult in the West Palm security lines and a three hour layover in Philly, and two and a half hours crammed in the center seat next to a sleeping woman with the worst breath I ever smelled!

I don't think I have ever been treated rudely at the Ithaca Tompkins airport.  Lines are typically short, and everyone from the counter clerks to TSA employees are friendly and helpful.  The place is clean and airy, and attractive.  Currently they are experimenting with providing free Internet access, and the new Arrival/Departure displays are a big improvement -- attractive and legible.

Can you say any of that about the Philadelphia airport?  Even with recent improvements that facility is a cesspool of surly service, delays, and what I refer to as cow herding.  It's noisy and dirty and you can almost count on your connection being delayed or canceled.  Why US Airways ever stopped routing Ithaca flights through the much better Pittsburgh airport I will never understand!

For someone who hates to travel as much as I do, the Tompkins Ithaca airport is a breath of fresh air.  No matter how miserable a trip is, it's a great place to start out, and an even better place to come home to.  As far as I am concerned, the disparagers are just jealous.  You won't find this level of service at Logan or O'Hare, or Denver or even Syracuse.  They could take a lesson from Ithaca.  They should!

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