No-frills airport terminals are springing up throughout Western Europe. Personally, I'll take lower costing airfares over airport amenities, but what about everyone else?
Airports have always seemed like a mystical place to me. Not really belonging to the city they inhabit, instead mysteriously being of another world. The people who worked in the airports always seemed a little more cosmopolitan, worldly.
Even in Lewiston, Idaho, the airport seemed special. With just two gates (not kidding), the amenities were limited to a couple of gift shops and a bar. And despite my lack of experience with other airports, even I knew it was small.
But it had carpeting. And air conditioning. And travelers could grab a cup of coffee or a bottle of water. It wasn’t exactly “no frills,” but it was close. So, what’s to be made of these new truly no-frills airport terminals in Marseilles and Lyons? In an attempt to reduce costs, the airport terminals offer a way for travelers to get from check-in to the plane with little more than security in between.
Personally, I can do without the extras. Yes, I like to kill time walking through a book store while I’m waiting for my flight. But I can just as easily bring a book and read. I’ll admit to having a good time in some of the airport bars I’ve been to while waiting, but it was a way to pass the time, not the destination.
Of course, since 9/11 and even more so since the alleged terrorist attempt in early August, it seems we travelers are spending more and more time in the airports, and the amenities are admittedly nice. But if the price goes down, well, I’m definitely willing to give up bookstore browsing while at the airport.
How about you? Do you find the trade off - amenities vs. low prices - one you’re willing to make? Or would you prefer to pay a little more to be able to eat, drink, shop and play while you’re waiting for your plane?
