Airport Delays...or Why They Have Several Bars in Terminals

Sigh. Another day on American Airlines, another freaking delay. Without holding too much judgement, let's just say American Airlines is the single worse example of a consumer-based company I have every seen. Putrid is a word that comes to mind. While they continue to raise prices (OIL! OIL I TELL YOU! OIL PRICES!!) their entire lack of any customer friendly employees is shocking. As someone who flies over 150,000 miles a year (You read that right mister) They done wore me out. I haven't had a flight leave on time this year. Seriously, not one. Anyway, let's talk about the good thing about delays: Terminal Bars! If you're ever stuck in Dallas for over an hour, get on the damn train and head to terminal D. There you have a virtual mall, stores, and some great restaurants: Catina laredo has great upscale Tex-Mex and Cool River has incredible drinks and a great menu for an airport! Find them, they are smack dab in the middle of the terminal. Don't settle for food courts, go to terminal D.

If you're stuck in New York LaGuarida, do yourself a favor and head downstairs (yes back thru security) and visit the mall that's actually hidden from most of us. You have to find the down escalators and downstairs you will find some typical food venues, but even better, a great bar. Martini's (Zodiac of course) tend to make the delay a little easier. Just try to sit a little down the bar from the guy with the NY hat, you know he's going to do some serious bitching. Move over to the other side and grab some nuts, stir the drink and dream of being in your own bed. If you're flying on American, dream about being there in a few weeks.

Minneapolis has one of the best "I'm STUCK" terminals in the country. Just don't be tapping your foot in the men's room and you can have a great time in this place. Loaded with shops and restaurants, you can at least kill an hour or two and spend some serious bucks. There are upscale shops and at some serious bargains, which is incredibly rare beyond any security gate in the USA.

Worst: Tampa--What a dump. Chicago-American terminal is worthless. LAX-see Chicago.

Of course, I'm writing this when I'm stuck in Tampa. Can you tell? Tell next time...stuff those olives!!