Airport Comfort Shouldn’t Be a Luxury

Airport lounges are fantastic. Most offer a comfortable environment to wait for your flight, fast internet, clean bathrooms, great coffee, and decent food. These spaces are well-maintained and relaxing, with various seating options where you can eat, have a drink, get some work done, or simply unwind. Another major perk? Plenty of power outlets, so you don’t have to hover over a single charging station, hoping no one unplugs your device.

So why don’t airports, in partnership with airlines, offer gate waiting areas that mirror some of these benefits? Is it a lack of space? Unlikely. Is it the additional cost? Perhaps, but considering how much money goes into airport renovations, I’d love to see the numbers.

I’ve been to many modern airports where public waiting areas are decent, even pleasant. Yet in the United States, one of the richest countries in the world, airport infrastructure is often outdated and, frankly, embarrassing. Public waiting areas, restrooms, and other facilities could be significantly improved. With the amount of revenue generated from passengers and taxes, how much is actually allocated to making these spaces better, more modern, and more comfortable for all travelers, not just those with lounge access?

I write this from a very comfortable chair, charging my iPad and phone, sipping a hot cup of coffee, and enjoying a panoramic view of the airfield through a massive window. This should be the standard for all travelers, not just a privileged few.