EY Y04 L24 Airports

There are many famous airports in Japan and around the world. Name one. Where is it? Have you ever been there? What can you tell me about this airport?
Tell me about the best or worst experience that you or someone you know has ever had at an airport or traveling by air.
Air travel is very convenient but sometimes we have to endure layovers between connecting flights, waiting for our next plane. Have you ever had a long layover between flights? If yes, how long did you have to wait? What did you do to pass the time? If no, what would you do to pass the time during a long layover?
Do you splurge or have you ever splurged at a duty free store at an airport (for example on high-fashion, jewelry, watches, perfume, electronics, tobacco etc)? If yes, what did you get and was it a bargain? If no, why not?
People get nervous at airports going through passport control, security, customs and check-in. Which part of getting through an airport do you find the most stressful? Why?
Airports create a lot of jobs, from customs officers to airline ground staff to air traffic controllers. What do you think is a great job at an airport OR what do you think is a terrible job at an airport? Why?

Question 1

Narita Airport in Tokyo is my favorite airport in the world because it is clean, well organized, and has plenty of shops and friendly staff. I have been there multiple times while traveling to the United States and back.

Question 2

I'm going to tell you about my worst experience since it's more interesting. I was coming back to Oklahoma from Florida when I was about 21 years old. It was only my second time flying. I had a layover in Atlanta, where I was supposed to catch my next flight to Wichita, Kansas, about 1.5 hours north of my hometown. Because of a hurricane my flight was canceled and I was told I couldn't fly to Wichita for three days. I was shocked and in distress because I didn't have any money with me since I was supposed to be home that night. After running back and forth (painfully, because of my horrific sunburn) between help desks and a call to my father I managed to catch a flight to Kansas City. Unfortunately I had to sleep in that airport while waiting for my father to get off work and drive four hours to come pick me up. It was a very stressful trip and I had to work later that day. I'm never going to Atlanta again!

Question 3

Besides my unexpected issue in Atlanta, my longest layover was only four hours. I always try to plan my trips with 2-3 hour layovers so I have enough time to rest and get ready for the next flight without being there for too long. For the four hour layover I brought my laptop and watched a movie in the lobby while I waited. I also did a little shopping.

Question 4

I have never been very interested in fancy items. I am more likely to buy a souvenir featuring the city, state, or country I am visiting.

Question 5

Going through customs doesn't make me nervous. The only time I am bothered at an airport is when I feel a time crunch. I also don't like it when the line is moving too slowly, especially once I have arrived at my final destination. Just let me out!

Question 6

My father's cousin works at an airport as a gate attendant. She has tons of crazy stories to tell on a daily basis. Once, I asked her what the easiest job would be there. She said that baggage handlers have the easiest job since they didn't really have to deal with customers and just got to throw bags around all day. The pay is also pretty good.