Airports prep for summer travel
In recent years, winter snowstorms have attracted most of the attention when it comes to airport delays, but it’s summertime that really worries airlines and airports. Snow and ice are easier to predict, and tend to move more slowly, than sudden summer thunderstorms that can foul flight connections, divert airplanes, and generally spoil your day.
To that end, the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) rg and the Air Transport Association (ATA) say they’re preparing for what Mother Nature may send their way this summer.
“Passengers should know that airports are well prepared to assist in the event of extended delays,” contends Greg Principato, ACI-NA President. ACI-NA says:
- Most airports ensure that at least one eatery stays open 24 hours;
- If passengers are stranded and have to stay the night, airports may offer cots, sleeping mats, inflatable pillows and such;
- Some major airports have instituted so-called “ambassador programs” designed to provide a helping hand to stranded travelers.
Then there are amenities. If you’re stuck in an airport for an extended period, it’s nice to have places to play, relax, eat, and work. To those ends, a new ACI-NA survey finds:
- Almost half the airports surveyed have children’s play areas;
- 22 percent have game rooms;
- 26 percent offer DVD rentals;
- 34 percent offer massage services;
- 14 percent have spas;
- 11 percent sport hair salons;
- 17 percent have nail salons;
- 45 percent of the airports surveyed offer free Wi-Fi, and 55 percent charge a fee;
- Half of airports have business centers;
- 25 percent offer electrical sharing stations for laptops and cell phones.
From the "Things You Don’t Expect" category, these tidbits:
- One-fourth of airports actually feature rocking chairs, a great way to alleviate airborne angst;
- Seven airports have health clinics, and one aerodrome even offers dental care.
If all the above fails to divert you from your delay, try buying a bouquet of flowers and heading to one of those rocking chairs. Airports Council International-North America says fully 29 airports offer flowers for sale.
© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler