November 22, 2009
Great quote: I would've done anything to have Travelers Aid at Charles de Gaulle Airport
This article about volunteers helping people in airports (when you need help in an airport it tends to be pretty serious) had a great quote: I would've done anything to have Travelers Aid at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
As you may recall, my biggest airport stress ever happened in Charles de Gaulle and while I mostly blame my wife (for not listening to me) I also blame the airport because too many workers didn't speak English, directions to the tax refund office were the worst directions ever, and because of the guy with a gun who wouldn't let us up the escalator to go through security to catch our plane.
Can you believe they blocked access to the terminal half an hour before our flight and there was no "detour" so we had to scramble trying to find another way to get to security? Information was no help, the guy with the machine gun was no help, finally a construction worker was able to show us a back way.
Yeah a volunteer (heck even someone working at information who knew something) who could have solved the problem (either finding the tax refund place or getting back to the terminal) would have been nice.
Posted by James Trotta at November 22, 2009 11:51 AM
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Surprisingly, for as big as it is, the airport at Mexico City is much the same. No one speaks English; the arrival and departure signs, gates, exits, baggage, etc., are all in Spanish. Everyone is in a hurry, and the lines are long. Boarding areas are crowded. Fortunately, I do know some Spanish, so managed it. Armed guards are everywhere, but friendly they're not! It's best not to try and make idle conversation with them. This was even before 9/11 so who knows what it's like now. On the other hand, the airport at Guadalajara was much easier to get through. The very small airport at Acapulco was a breeze. Not sure they understood a word we said, but were very helpful. Most of the taxi drivers do speak English, however, and are friendly and courteous. Hotel desk clerks and most of the staff all speak English.
Posted by: Sharon at November 25, 2009 5:33 AM