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You definitely don’t need to get here early for your flight. This is a small, quaint airport that is an easy in and out, but there are 0 amenities. The airport only has 2 real gates sections that are across from each other and you board from the runway. The place probably deserves 5 stars except for the fact that almost none of the staff is friendly and this is my 3rd trip here. They’re not mean, they just look and act like they hate their jobs and us passengers are a thorn in their proverbial side. Although, Michael at the ticket counter for Delta was funny, helpful, smiling and definitely deserves 5 stars. I would say it’s a Delta thing but his female coworker at the counter was just as disinterested in helping people as the rest of the Augusta Airport staff… Side note: our flight crew looked, acted and just plain sounded like they slept in their trunks after partying all night. Should be an interesting flight…

Dane County Regional Airport – Menu with Prices – 4000 International Ln, Madison

This is one of the easiest airports I’ve flown through. There is plenty of covered parking (especially important in the winter – who wants to come back to a car covered in snow?), security is usually quick (especially with precheck), and checked bags are available quickly after the flight ends. You can generally show up less than an hour before your flight and not have any issues. There are some definite cons to an airport of this size. In particular, the limited destinations and lack of dining options are a pain. Lines to check a bag can get quite long – even around the holidays, there usually are not more than two people working the ticket counter for Delta and United. I also get “randomly selected” for additional screening in the precheck line about half the time I fly – this is the only airport where this happens to me regularly. Still, I’d much rather fly out of Madison than most other airports I’ve been to. The convenience really outweighs the cons.

Lafayette Regional Airport – Menu with Prices – 200 Terminal Dr, Lafayette

Almost missed our flight due to the ridiculously slow security at this tiny airport. After checking in we waited 1 hour and 40 minutes in the security line! They had one grumpy lady checking people in, one 70 year old lady trying to load heavy bags, and one clueless lady trying to scan items. 4 big planes were all leaving within 20 min of each other so the line was very long. (2pm, 2:10pm 2:15pm, & 2:21pm) I know this airport is offering deals so they can grow but they are clearly not ready for these big planes! So many people missed their flights on United & Delta and were yelling. Thankfully Frontier held the flight for 30 min for the 36 people still stuck in security. In order to be at the gate for boarding time we would’ve had to be in the security line 2 hrs & 15 min before the flight. Might be worth the extra drive and money to fly New Orleans instead, as we usually do. I’ve never been so stressed at an airport before. The only way I will fly Laffayette again is if I’m pre-TSA.

Springfield-Branson National Airport – Menu with Prices – 2300 N Airport Blvd, Springfield

One of the nicest and cleanest airports I’ve been to… Although Springfield is similar to my hometown of Lexington, this airport was even nicer than the Bluegrass Airport. It seems a lot larger too. TSA was very nice. And check point was quick and easy on the Saturday that I was flying home. A talkative flight attendant who waited at the wait along side of me said that there are three flights a day from here to the ATL hub/airport, Monday through Friday, but on Saturdays there are only two. There are other airlines, and other Delta flights, I just thought that tid bit was worth mentioning. There is one restaurant, which is a McAllisters Deli, but they also have a grill window/portion to the restaurant. I didn’t try the grill options, but the deli options weren’t great. There’s also a coffee shop with comfy couches. They sell pastries, and typical coffee shop finds. The Uber and Lyft drivers pickup in their own area, not the same side of the airport as the parking lot. So, if we see the parking lot, keep walking to corner of the airport/building and turn left and then you will see the taxis.

Waco Regional Airport – Menu with Prices – 7909 Karl May Dr, Waco

What a hidden gem to for the Waco community. Honestly, I think it is a little under utilized by the city and the college community. We went on a college visit to Baylor and flew out of the Waco Regional Airport. Honestly I think the tickets were an extra 50-75 dollars, which for the convenience of not having to drive to DFW and mess with the lines is a steal (it is about an hour 45 minute drive to DFW). Things that would be helpful to know if you are flying out of this airport. If you have the first morning flight (5 am American) there is not going to be anyone there until about 4:30. Not knowing what to expect the teenager and I got there at 4. The security officer did unlock the door but the counter did not open until about 4:30. There is nothing open at that time inside the airport for food and drink options other than a vending machine. The airport was small but clean and efficiently run. The same person who checked us in at the counter -swiped our tickets getting on the plane (teenager found this refreshingly humorous). You take your bag over to a room that TSA has to the side of the counter and TSA takes your bag from you. Very convenient airport to use and if our son ever decided to attend Baylor we would definitely use it as our first option.

QDOBA Mexican Eats – Menu with Prices – Concourse B, 8500 Peña Blvd, Denver

I have to say I have very bad experiences when it comes to customer service at the airport. As a flight attendant I see the worst of the worst. However these employees were amazing! I first came in contact with Anna. I watched her as she talked to each customer welcoming them and being super friendly. I was a little caught off guard and though maybe she’s a happy person. However all three employees were amazing. All cheerful, very helpful, and extremely caring. Beyond any place I have been to. Even outside of the airport. They truly deserve some recognition! This will be the spot I eat for now on when I come to Denver airport! Kudos to QDOBA for hiring some amazing people!

Des Moines International Airport – Menu with Prices – 5800 Fleur Dr, Des Moines

The fact that this airport doesn’t have too much traffic gives it 4-5 stars. I like that the check in kiosks have all/most airline options available on them, so you don’t have to wait for your specific airline and wait too long. However, it ends up with 3 stars because in terms of available amenities (free WiFi, restaurants, etc.), I feel like this airport is 1-2 stars. This airport is extremely tiny, which is also one of its perks, but if you’re early for your flight or have a long layover, you’ll need/want to provide most things on your own. You’ll need to bring your own entertainment that doesn’t depend on WiFi and probably pack a meal/snacks that can make it through TSA screening, unless you like the “basic” food/drink options here… Or just like beer in general. Thank goodness they have charging stations scattered throughout each gate, since all the data people have to use up zaps up a lot of battery. There’s no big chain/fast food options here that I know of. Luckily, the TSA here is less strict and faster to get through, so I feel comfortable bringing different foods through (but my bag still got pulled aside and inspected). The airport, overall, in terms of space is very clean and easy to navigate. The arrivals and departures all end up at the same entrance/exit. All the rental car companies are also in the same area as the parking facility.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge International Departure – Menu with Prices – 6301 Silver Dart Dr, Mississauga

Well, it’s time to wrap up my reviews from my lovely summer jaunt to Eastern Canada. And what better way to end it with the airport that got me to and from this area of the world? It’s a little silly to review an airport because, I mean, really, no one is going to schlep their stuff out to Billy Bishop City Airport to take Air Canada Express because Drew didn’t like the ‘tude some TSA agent gave him. But, hey, hopefully you will take value in my pointers and interesting things you may want to know when visiting Canada’s largest and busiest airport (49.5 million passengers a year come through YYZ). ACCESSIBILTY: A I have previously raved about the inexpensive, quick, and comfortable Union Pearson Express (see: https://bit.ly/2ZfpX6c). Essentially, it makes the rental cars obsolete for the Toronto visitor, taking you right from the airport to the heart of the city (Union Station). Awesome! FUNCTIONALITY: B While a few more signs would have helped and the international lines were a little longer than I would have liked, but YYZ is (for the most part) an easy airport to get around. Plenty of bathrooms, plenty of shops, plenty of restaurants, and plenty to keep you occupied as you wait for a flight. AMENITIES: B- Not enough charging stations, at least not the international gate at the Delta Terminal I waited at. Same goes for the seating, and crowds, as overflow spilled into the walkway when our plane was called. They have some pretty cool, albeit expensive stores. I have previously reviewed the newest 6th and Sundry (see: https://bit.ly/30ww0zW), which has an epic selection of travel, medical, and foodstuffs. Same goes for The Scoreboard (see: https://bit.ly/2P9xoHo), which I’m sure will be loved by every Toronto sports fan. WHY THE HELL DOES TORONTO HAVE THE AIRPORT CODE YYZ?!?!: NO GRADE It was explained to me, some roundabout B.S. including that every Canada code starts with a “Y”, but that takes me down a rabbit hole of more questions and asking what the hell good is a code with NONE of the letters of the city in it?!?! I’m sorry, but move over little hoity-toity Taree private airport in New South Wales, Australia, give over TRO to one of the 25 biggest airports in the world! OVERALL: B In the end, it’s a great airport in a great city. I can’t wait to roll through this airport — and through this awesome part of the world — once again!

Capt’n Dave’s Seafood Market – Menu with Prices – 700 Alma Dr, Plano

I have always loved this place Dave and his Brother in law Rocky are the greatest and the employees are fun and they remember you. Today i went to pick up some seafood and on the door there was a sign handwritten that said ” Bathroom for employees only” i thought this was funny because this to me is not the type of business you would think had a public restroom. Its a seafood counter just like The Plano meat store where you buy what you need and leave. It struck me funny that people would request a bathroom enough that Dave needed a sign. Being a place that i go often and people know me by name and always a funny good time, I walked in and joking said to the woman by the counter, Can I use the bathroom and in the same breath said to the same woman behind the counter, who would come in here and ask for a bathroom? she was smiling and we had a small laugh. From the back i heard someone yelling at me and i thought she was playing along with the joke and i laughed, then she said Laugh all you want but its not funny? what i thought? Then she yelled from the back I hate men like you? again i thought she was kidding so i said, i am not a man but an ugly woman. Shen then replied then i hate ugly women like you!. I turned to the other woman at the counter who is very nice and said is she upset about something? she stated that she was having a bad day. I told he that that was not a way to respond and you could see that she was embarrassed. All the while the the angry woman (Daphne) was still yelling some stuff at me but i could hear what she was saying. I told the nice lady that that was a rude way to treat a good customer and that i am sure Rocky and Dave would not appreciate this type of behavior. First of all I was never speaking to Daphne and she was just angry and rude. I did call back and Daphne answered the phone and told me that I was too aggressive and she does not stand for that?? Get a sense of humor as Captain Daves has always had one and a great people to work with. I spoke with Rocky and explained everything and since Rocky and I always joke around and he knows me as the U-12 guy, he sounded sad and apologized. Rocky is a helpful and happy guy and I enjoy buying from him. I would say if you encounter Daphne, don’t smile or try and be fun and happy or she will go off on you!. Make sure you ask for someone else of she will ruin a great experience and a great seafood store with lots of other fabulous employees

Sora Sushi Bar – Menu with Prices – 1 Newark Airport, Newark

It’s only fitting that the worst airport I’ve ever been to also has the worst sushi restaurant inside of it. There were literally no other options for a meal near my gate so I figured I’d give this place a try. Upon waking in I immediately noticed they were serving breakfast. I didn’t expect that but I guess not everyone wants sushi for breakfast. Fine, no biggie. I then asked the hostess what time lunch was served and she replied with some incoherent gibberish as she walked away from me. I don’t think it would’ve been possible for her to act anymore disinterested in her job or serving a potential customer. I turned around and left while telling myself I’d rather go hungry than give money to this place. Fast forward about 30 minutes and a delayed flight later I decided to give it another shot. I was desperate, don’t judge me. It was after 10:30am so I figured breakfast was likely over which to my satisfaction it was. I asked a now different hostess if I could sit at the bar and she replied I could sit anywhere I preferred. So far so good! I settled in at the bar and waited. And waited. And waited. Nobody was interested in handing me a menu, asking if I wanted anything to drink, or even acknowledging my presence. Not even the sushi chef who was literally 5 feet from me made eye contact. Being ghosted by a sushi chef working in the worst airport in the worst sushi restaurant really makes you feel good about yourself. Enough was enough…I got up and walked out not even bothering to push in my chair. It’s okay though, one of the waitresses there watched me get up and quickly walked over and pushed it back in.

JOE & THE JUICE – Menu with Prices – 252 S Brand Blvd, Glendale

I had a very unfortunate experience here. The female employee who helped us out sat atop the counter on her cellphone the duration of our entire interaction. She was impolite, we were not greeted when we came in, and in the middle of ordering she interrupted us to ask her coworker for the passcode to his phone so she could change the song playing. They started fussing over his phone and were intimate and physical to the point it made my entire group uncomfortable while we stood there waiting until they were finished reveling so we could continue ordering. Before they started making our drinks they had to spend some minutes finding a song to play on their phones. When our drinks were ready, we weren’t told or acknowledged they were just placed by the register next to the female employee’s legs since she was still sitting on the counter on her phone. To add to how this kind of customer service hurts a business – throughout all of this – there were multiple people who came in and waited to order and eventually walked out because they were ignored or uncomfortable. I understand this is a new location but experiences like this deter me, (and probably any other customers who are treated like that) from ever wanting to come back

Lark St. Poke Bar Menu with Prices 203 Lark St, Albany

I feel funny giving a poke bar 5 stars, but in the capital district, this place deserves all 5 stars. Those familiar with Lark St know what it’s all about. It’s fun, liberal, hipster-ish, a mash of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomy. Tats, beards abound. (Actually, this is true of a lot of upstate NY, but I digress) Three blocks away is what I would call the dangerous part of Albany. Having said that, there was a sweet Maserati parked in front of Lark St poke bar. This area is what I would call a smaller, slightly more dangerous version of Williamsburg. You have to hunt for parking, and it looks like it would be a nightmare, yet I have yet to have trouble finding a spot. Inside, the dining area is spacious. Never had trouble getting a seat. Staff: friendly, helpful, and they move things along. Food: it’s poke, and you can choose to make it the way you want it. I get the large, with three scoops of salmon, and load up my bowl. It’s freaking delicious, filling, and I felt like patting myself on the back for eating a healthy meal and not a burger and fries or wings. I love this place, would eat here at least once a week if I could.

Aloft Denver Airport at Gateway Park Menu with Prices 16470 E 40th Cir, Aurora

In Denver for a specific event, I had to book an extra day, and wanted to be close to the airport for my super early flight. Unless you are staying at the Westin virtually inside the airport (Richie Rich!), then the Gateway Park area (technically located in Aurora) is your best option. There is a cluster of hotels here, with Aloft being a shining star, about a 15 min drive from the airport. I always enjoy Aloft. It’s really sleek, and generally affordable, all things considered. This location, I was particularly pleased with. I arrived and immediately noticed the vibrant, diverse and inclusive staff. The lobby looked like it could have used a touch up from the cleaning staff, but this was a minimal issue. I was asked if I wanted “lower or higher” – there are 5 floors – and I took higher, and was assigned room 421. It was everything I hoped for and expected from Aloft. The room had a good view facing the airport area, and was really convenient for dining. I walked down to the Applebee’s, and even that location was exceptional. Despite the chill, the walk was bearable, and I was really thankful that it was so close. I paid $96 for the night, and this place runs a free scheduled shuttle service to the airport, so that saved me a $20 Lyft fee! If you would like to take advantage of the shuttle you must sign up with the front desk, as it arrives at certain predetermined times. After my dinner at Applebee’s I went ahead and signed up for the 4:15AM shuttle for my 6AM flight. It worked out perfectly. After scheduling my shuttle I stepped over to the bar. Renee was a sweet young lady, and made a great drink. I sipped my drink, watched a rerun of The Masked Singer, and conversed with the fellow patrons a bit. It was really nice. You can take your bar drinks anywhere on the property, so I took it up to my room and enjoyed some TV. I charged my drink to the room, and it was quite easy. I was really happy with my choice in value, proximity to the airport and for the services provided. When in Denver I will absolutely book at Aloft Gateway Park again.