Airports, Airports, Airports

Mikes and I recently returned from our honeymoon. We just celebrated our 1 yr anniversary too! Hoot! wait a minute... a honeymoon 1 year after we were married? That's right! After our wedding, we were so busy with moving out, new jobs, and school that we postponed the trip until after my first year of law school. (Note: we did stay a few days at our favorite New England joint: The Notchland Inn , which I highly recommend if you ever find yourself up in NH)

So, when we finally did manage to go on our much awaited honeymoon, Mike took 2 weeks off work, we were in and out of 8 airports, and visited 3 countries outside the US.

AIRPORT 1 - Salt Lake City, UT
I like the Salt Lake International Airport. Nothing against people traveling with kids, but it really holds up the line. Many a times I've been behind couples who take forever passing kids back and forth, can't seem to remember how to fold up the stroller and just don't know the basic 101s of getting through security! Yes, I know it's hard to travel with kids, but for those prepared with our shoes and jackets already off, we should be able to whizz through without having to wait for someone to chug their water bottle b/c they forgot to throw it out. Viola! Salt Lake airport recently divided up the security lines into pros, intermediate, and newbies (or people with families). Salt Lake is never a super busy airport and the different lines make it even faster.

AIRPORT 2 - Chicago, IL
Boo! The only good thing about Chicago airport is the decent eaterie and stores to browse through on your long layovers due to delayed flights from the terrible weather. Luckily our flight was on-time (I think b/c it was International and gets priority over domestic flights)

AIRPORT 3 - Tokyo, JapanWe flew in and out of the Narita International airport twice. First, we had a layover there while catching our flight to Thailand. Second, on our way home we got off at Tokyo (after Vietnam) and went into the city for 1.5 days. Narita is great b/c it has baggage storage,which was essential for us! Tokyo is about 1-2 hours away (depending on mode of transport) from the airport and we were able to store our 2 heavy check-ins at the airport. Both the subway and train connect the airport to the Tokyo or you can hop a bus or even a taxi for $160 or so. Despite having all these options of getting into the city, it'll cost you about $30 each way unless you have the time and patience to figure out the subway system for $12 each way. It was much easier getting back to the airport, but leaving and finding out hotel was exhausting. The distance from the city is a big minus. On our way back to the US, we had fun browsing through all the little stores and they had a lot of little restaurants and even a McDonalds for those who craved American food comforts.

AIRPORT 4 - Bangkok, Thailand


Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) recently opened a year ago in 2007. I haven't seen the old Bangkok airport, but I was in and out of the Suvarnabhumi airport twice during our Asia tour. And let me tell you, it is a nice airport. I give it a 8/10. The architecture is beautiful, designed by Helmut Jahn of Murphy/Jahn Architects. Lots of good food inside (a couple of joints with free wi-fi). We had pretty decent sushi and miso soup. I knock down the rating b/c if you're flying into/out of BKK, it's likely that you'll be traveling on Thai Air Asia (cheapest flights around) and that means you can't check your bags in earlier than 2 hours and have crazy lines to stand in when you finally can check in. Lugging luggage around BKK was not super fun and there weren't many places to just chill while you're waiting around for Thai Asia to open their desks. Instead of having a security check at the beginning of all gates, each individual gate had their own check. That stunk b/c unlike most airports, you couldn't buy a drink inside and then bring it on the plane with you.

AIRPORT 5 - Krabi, Thailand
This small airport doesn't have much to do, so bring a book! Thailand is awesome b/c so many people speak English and are extremely helpful. Krabi is no different. we got of the plane and someone helped us get on the right bus to catch a boat to our destination: Ton Sai Bay.

AIRPORT 6 - Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam is one crazy country. I'm really biased b/c I love CHINA! I think China is the greatest and would love to go back there. Vietnam was also cheap (like China), but it didn't seem to have as rich a history. At the airport, it took no time to go through security, not much to do inside, although you can buy a small bag of M&M's for $5. US imports were crazy priced! Who knew M&M's would be a luxury item?? Despite being 45 minutes from the city, taxis are super cheap ($15) so long as you get in the right one...

AIRPORT 7 - New York City, New York
When we finally flew back to the homeland, we flew into JFK. Not much to say about JFK except it's better than La Guardia. Once while flying from NY to UT after Thanksgiving at the Tanana's, I was lucky to have a flight out of JFK that was on-time and non-stop. Meanwhile, Mikes flight out of La Guardia was 8 hours delayed, he missed his connection in Denver and had to spend the night there to catch a flight the next morning.

AIRPORT 8 - Baltimore, Maryland


Once we returned, I decided to visit the Smith clan since I was already on the East coast. I actually took the train down, but flew out of BWI to return to UT. Whoa! The line was back to the days right after the shoe bomber was caught. It twisted and turned, I couldn't believe it. Luckily I was there a good 2 hours early since I caught a ride with my brother Derek on his way to work. I wasn't stressing, but I saw plenty of other people who were.

I love to travel, but after so many airports in so little time, I'm looking forward to a relaxing summer of lounging and reading books of my own choosing.