Bad experience at Honolulu airport
Bad experience at Honolulu airport
The Honolulu airport does not put visitors in a good mood. The airport needs major upgrades that are not in the current modernization plan. The current improvement plan adds employee parking and attempts to streamline traffic, but does nothing to improve the visitor experience.
My experience of arriving Sept. 8, 2015, like my departure Sept. 11, is typical of most visitors.
After departing the gate upon arrival, it is a very long hike to baggage claim. Like many fliers today, I carry on my luggage to avoid checked baggage fees. I still had to go to baggage claim to catch my shuttle. I expect to have to carry my luggage a distance, but I really feel sorry for those traveling with young children or poor health because it is a long way, especially in the heat and humidity with only one slow as a tortoise moving walk way.
This airport MUST be air conditioned despite locals belief that Hawaii does not need air conditioning, it does. While I was there, Honolulu stores were sold out of window air conditioners. Perhaps 40 years ago it was not needed. There are thousands more travelers than there were 40 years ago and these people generate a lot of heat in addition to warmer air temperatures.
The other problem Honolulu airport has for visitors is the difficulty of getting around the facility. When getting off the plane there were no signs for car rentals, just baggage claim. The one moving walkway was so slow people not using it easily were able to pass those who were.
An underground tram system such as the one in Minneapolis/St. Paul would be an excellent improvement. An elevated tram such as that in Dallas/Ft. Worth also would be a great improvement. Yes, these are expensive, but it would be cheaper than rebuilding the existing airport.
After my shuttle dropped me off at Hawaiian Airlines, I had to walk outside the terminal to get to security, all the way from Hawaiian Airlines, past Korean Air and back to gate 34 because of long lines. TSA personal had no idea what was going on or where to direct people.
The Honolulu airport is a disgrace and only will get much worse in the future as traffic increases. I hope to never fly into there again.
Linda Matthys
Ramona, Calif.
Back up the bravado
Just a thought concerning the gentleman spewing anger at Lincoln Park.
If you are so against abortion, do something about it! Waving signs does not help the teenager who cannot handle having a baby.
Do you offer her a place to live and help placing her child for adoption? Have you ever offered to support pregnant women or their unwanted children? Until you back up your bravado with some bucks, it’s time to pack up your signs and go home!
You might ask: Why do I have the right to pass judgment on your empty, vicious rhetoric? I financially support organizations that care for unwanted children. I put my money where my mouth is.
Mary Ann Chester
Keaau