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Heathrow annoying, Americans rude according to some social network

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) on Feb 22nd 2009 at 5:00PM

The members of social network Where Are you Now? have spoken! Heathrow is the worst airport in the world, according to voters, thanks to passport control lines and baggage problems. The Brits don't get all the glory, though. JFK in New York and Los Angeles picked up spots #2 and #3, respectively.

The good news, for Heathrow and JFK, at least, is that both were at the top of the list for security. Bangkok, Amsterdam and Rome were at the bottom. WAYN co-founder and joint chief executive Jerome Touze calls the survey results "pretty damning in terms of Heathrow's reputation for passenger service." Apparently, he doesn't realize nobody gives a shit about WAYN's opinion.

But, Heathrow is worth the wait, with the friendliest passport control officers outside Australia. They're even nicer than the Canadians! U.S. customs officers were voted rudest, followed by those in India and Russia.

Again thinking that people give a damn about his opinion, Touze believes that "U.S. customs and immigration need address their attitude towards visitors, simplify the form filling, generally be a lot more welcoming and better reflect the personality of the American people."

Thanks, Jerome. Because of your publicist prompted quote, we'll get right on that.

WAYN's survey included detail from 2,250 air travelers, who answered questions about customs, baggage handling and passport matters.

[Via Sydney Morning Herald]

Why are these the world's best airports?

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Filed under: Business, Airports, Consumer Activism

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

walki-talki.com Feb 22nd 2009 10:00PM

The results are totally in line with my own impressions, though I would definitely rank LAX as the second worst airport on the planet.

I never thought JFK was all that bad. Then again, it's been years since I've gone through JFK.

Myself and everyone I know has had luggage go missing or arrive late going through Heathrow. Whenever I plan my trip, I try to avoid Heathrow like the plague!

masanddjs Feb 23rd 2009 6:31AM

Brussels airport should be right up there with rudest!

gail Feb 23rd 2009 10:12AM

I agree that Amsterdam felt very lax this summer when we flew in and out of there. Gatwick isn't much better than Heathrow. The rudest and least helpful people were at JFK and it was not just the airline employees. The vendors were equally horrible. My cell phone dissappeared from my luggage and no one would help and most long distance is free! Small airports are generally more user friendly. The gentlman at the Hertz desk in Leeds, UK was great.

Trixi Louise Feb 23rd 2009 10:25AM

I agree it is a very rude inspection point. They made me open my brand new lingerie packages I had in my carry on, which were obviously sealed. Although the lingerie was very beautiful, it was still an embarrasing display and uncalled for.

Trixi

minette Feb 23rd 2009 10:24AM

As usual Americans are the rudest and most ignorant in this area also. We used to pride ourselves on customer service but that was over 20 years ago.
Airline workers feel that they can get away with anythink and they are right too.

StoneMan Feb 23rd 2009 10:47AM

Boston Logan Airport has sucked forever. Too many Union Hack Thugs Running it as well as the Crooked State Police. Do not forget, 2 Jets came out of that Damn Airport on 911. It will never get any better with the Massachusetts Mafia in control.

gene6500 Feb 23rd 2009 10:47AM

in my humble opinion miami is the most screwed up airport anywhere

Felipe Andres Feb 23rd 2009 1:40PM

To the guy saying Miami is worst, I have to tell you its heaven compared to others. But so you know, Miami International Airport is a victim of crooked politicians and greedy construction companies. The poor place was set for upgrades/remodel years ago, and to this day it still isn't finished. Us (yes im a Miamian) taxpayer are paying now the cost overruns (well into the millions). I have never encountered bad people there. Security may be rude at times, but then again MIA is a hot spot for terrorist and criminal entery. I believe second to New York. So it is understandable that security is always on edge.

Joe Feb 23rd 2009 10:48AM

I agree after travelling all over the world many times that the US Customs and Immigration officers are the rudest, most unwelcoming in the world and make me embarrassed to be an American every time I enter the US.

Something should be done to correct this.

KG Feb 23rd 2009 10:54AM

Worst: US - LA ; Asia - Tokyo; Eur - Heathrow

Best: US - Ohare ; Asia - Singapore ; Eur - Orly

Dawna Feb 23rd 2009 11:33AM

My worst airport experience was in San Francisco! Vendors and airport employees were extremely rude.

Rod Feb 23rd 2009 12:13PM

The worst? Miami. No signs, no assistance. US immigration officials? I've talked to many foreign travelers who have said they only come back to the US because they have to, resenting their treatment at the airports. Smaller airports are definitely better. We got hugs from an airline representative in Sacramento after our trip to Peru.

Chris Feb 23rd 2009 1:58PM

Yes, Sac. is teh best I have ever been to, so easy and not to crowded. Yet over the years I think it has gotten busier but still, far the best in the US.

JEFF Feb 23rd 2009 12:13PM

just came round trip from chicago ohare/dublin....must say the dublin was quick but very low security...no shoes/jackets off...no lap top looking....just pass thru...the passport was stamped and way we went....must also agree hearthrow was awful...waited 2 hrs in securty line last yr..........

ItsAConspiracy Feb 23rd 2009 12:14PM

Dawna said...
My worst airport experience was in San Francisco! Vendors and airport employees were extremely rude."

I agree, especially the security in some instances. Although I had no problem going through security; in most cases they seemed to be polite and helpful, it was when I returned and proceeded to exit. When I walked though the security exit, there were knuckle headed officers staring at me as though I was some kind of a suspect. It was so disturbing that I almost asked one of them do I need to go through security procedures to exit the airport? People get uniforms that says 'officer' then some of them immediately think they can intimidate others.
I also think those security advisories that are played inside the terminal are also annoying, advising people to report any suspicious behavior or unattended baggage, even though everthing and every person at that point has gone through security. All this does to me is incite an unnecessary atmosphere of suspicion and the feeling of being watched. I experienced this type of situation at both the San Francisco and Oakland airports.

Logan Feb 23rd 2009 12:31PM

I'd say London Gatwick would be a close #4. I get detained everytime I arrive which is about once a month. Its getting pretty ridiculous, about two hours each time just to get through immigration control.

KENNY Feb 23rd 2009 12:31PM

LAX, tin pot security personnel are the rudest i have come across.

76driver Feb 23rd 2009 12:37PM

Just flew home Saturday from LHR, it has one feature most US airports do not have, great transportation to the city. The Underground from Heathrow can easily connect to most parts of London, for under 5 pounds for a day pass. The Hotel information booth near the Underground platform can not only find an inexpensive hotel or youth hostel, but can show you a picture of the place and the friendly girl behind the counter can check avialabilty and will even call and make a reservation for you. Found a small hotel in central London for 40 pounds a day. Try that in Newark, Philly, or Washington Dulles