ROAD WARRIOR...Best and Worst of 2011

David Letterman has his top 10, Peter King of SI.com has his Starwood Travel note of the week, I figure I should have something that address the travel that so many of us do now or have done in the past. So I will, for now, borrow the well worn phrase Road Warrior. So the question is, 'Where to begin?' Well because it is the end of the year and every publication, and industry will look back at the year and decide the best and worse, I think that is as good a place as any on where to start with Road Warrior Observations. So here goes:

Best US Airport...plenty of things to consider in this category...food, security, terminal size and the ability to move from one gate to another (no mile long treks without people movers), are just a the few criteria. My vote goes to Tampa (TPA). Easy in and easy out, security lines are never ridiculous even at peak travel times, good restaurants pre-security. Never had a long terminal walk between flights, everything is close at hand.

Worst US Airport...Memphis (MEM)...long security lines, bad food, surly people everywhere and no place to sit or get wireless. Its like stepping into the Twilight Zone in the 1960's. Horrible food post security. I could go on, but I'm trying to remain pleasant. Atlanta was a close second, but then again, I avoid ATL at all costs.

Best US Airline....Southwest! Hands down. With the preception of small, budget airline they have turned themselves into the largest and busiest carrier in many markets. Hartford (my home base), St.Louis, Baltimore/ Washington to name a few. The people are usually friendly and efficient, knowledgable about what needs to be done and most importantly, the flights usually get there on time. Unusual in this day and age. They have a good rewards program and when you get to A-list preferred...free wireless on those flights with wireless access.

Worst US Airline...American...even before the bankrupcy filing. They are just nasty in all aspects of the business. Customer service is unheard of and they charge you for breathing on the plane. If the mask drops from the overhead, there will be an additional 5 dollar fee. Not really but it feels that way. Delta was a close second.

Best International Airport...Terminal 5 at London Heathrow LHR). The one dedicated to British Airways. It is really just a shopping mall that they happen to park airplanes.

Worst International Airport...Memphis (MEM) please see above.

Best US Flight...Any plane where the seat next to you is open.

Worst US Flight...Any flight leaving Orlando (MCO), especially those leaving after 3 PM. Guaranteed the flight will be loaded with kids who are tired and cranky, because they want to spend one more day in the land of the mouse. By the way, tired and cranky is contagious. If you are ever on one of these flights, you will be tired and cranky and the end of the flight...and the kids will be sound asleep...even the one who screamed for the first 2 hours.

That should do it for now...I'm now officially tired and cranky.

Rainman