Customer Reviews

Stuck At The Airport: The Very Best of Services, Dining, and Unexpected Attractions for Travelers

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I half heard this lady on NPR's Morning Edition last weekend talking to Scott Simon about having a decent time at airports. Yeah right. Then I heard her again on the local NPR affiliate and I thought I either need whatever she's on or I gotta check out her book.

So I found it at my local bookstore's travel section, and must say it's a must for anyone who travels a bit or more by air . There are over 50 airports listed and according to the author, Harriet Baskas, you can actually get something out of an often unplanned and exasperating extended layover if you know the territory a little bit. Finding out for example that at many interminable terminals there are convenient and affordable places to workout beyond walking the wrong way on the ramps was a plus for me. I'm not much on shopping, but I like checking out local art scenes and if you know where to look, there's some stuff which might be more interesting than the foodcourt or the paperback you'll be reading on the plane, later. Phone numbers and websites for each port are included, too, which have even more handy and up to date information including maps to and from, current art exhibits, where the microbrewery's located, and so on. Let's face it - waiting stinks - but the positive attitude that Ms. Baskas has about making the best of it might rub off a little bit and that can't hurt. I liked it.

This book is highly practical. It is essentially a guidebook to many important airports and the services and amenities they offer for the delayed traveler. It is a unique and clever book. It is clearly written and easy to use. I hope to see more guides of this type from this lucent author.

This book is unfortunately limited in scope (to domestic airports) and out of date; things change fast as travelers are spending more time at airports. Not very useful any more.

How many times have I been waiting for the long over due flight at Christmas time to pick up family/friends at the airport and couldn't even find a quiet place to nap? My hit and miss approach to decent (non-cardboard like pizza) food when I'm traveling is over. Those endless hours staring at the clock are over. From now on I'm up and on the move to explore the places that Ms. Baskas has researched. I'm looking forward to my next layover to check out those airports. I love this book. A very clever idea.

This book is very good. Gave great information about airports. I loved this book while I was in Honolulu because I found so many things to do waiting for my 2 and 1/2 hour connection to Maui.

This book is great. I've used it a lot and it is very helpful. Each chapter is a different airport. There is information on the layout, shopping, dining,airline gates, relaxing, websites, children's activities, and more. She even mentions some of the best places to eat and shop. I live in Pittsburgh (and the Pittsburgh airport is in this book) it used to be US Airways' biggest hub. Then two years ago US airways cut 400 flights!!!! I was mad, so now I have to transfer because they cut so many non-stop destinations. Then I saw this book and I thought differently I am actually excited to transfer because I can visit a new place and I can explore the airport and use the suggestions in this book! She has great suggestions and best kept secrets. Some airports included are: Amsterdam, Atlanta, Chicago O' Hare, Cleveland, Detroit, Las Vegas McCarran,London Gatwick and Heathrow airports, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York Kennedy and Laguardia, Orlando, both Paris airports, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington Dulles and National. If you frequently fly with an airline that has connecting flights through one of these airports, this would be a good book for you.The only other thing that I think could have been added is a map of the airport. Overall this is a perfect book for anyone, from business travelers to families on vacation.

Very disappointing and of little practical use. Where are the many important international airports?

I found _Stuck at the Airport_ to be a very interesting book. As an infrequent airline traveler, I am usually too engrossed in looking around to be really bored, but it still had some very interesting suggestions.