Is there a warranty with that?

It's been raining for a few days in Raleigh. Not nearly as hard as it is in Atlanta, I imagine, but I bet we're getting some of the tail end of their storms.

As I walked into our brand-new Raleigh airport this morning (as in, just opened about a year ago), I noticed those gray security bins strategically placed throughout the airport. It took a while for me to figure out what was going on and then I realized - they were acting as rain buckets for the leaks coming through the roof.

Leaks through the roof??! The building was just built a year ago. And we're not talking about one or two leaks, but at least 20 security bins were placed throughout various areas of the airport. I wonder if they bought the home warranty.

Operator Error

How is it that we live in the digital era and no one knows how to use an airline self-service kiosk?

It doesn't matter if the person is young or old, hip or old-fashioned, I have yet to watch a person use one of those kiosks without 1) needing assistance or 2) taking less than 5 minutes to print their boarding passes.

I'll be the first to admit: I'm not a patient person. In fact, I'm the opposite of a patient person. And nothing drives me crazier than to watch people try to navigate the self-service kiosks.

First, it begins with them not knowing when to walk up to a kiosk. Without fail, there will be seventeen kiosks open and I'll have to direct the poor soul at the front of the line to one of them.

Me: "Excuse me? Are you waiting for a kiosk?"
Them: "Yes."
Me: "There's an open kiosk over there. And there. And there. And there."

Then, invariably, they don't have their confirmation code. Or a credit card to swipe. Or a passport. Or their destination airport.

Once they have gotten past the intro screen, they feel the need to read every single word on the screen and carefully select the right button to push. Nevermind that the right button to push is always in a bright color, to help guide you through the process quickly. I watch as their fingers hover over the screen, anticipating their next move. But it's a slow process, as if they don't fully understand how the magical screen can capture their answers.

Finally, they print their boarding pass and just as I'm about to take their place in line, they stand there to talk to the kiosk attendant. They don't move out of the way so the next person can use the kiosk. No. They stand IN FRONT OF THE IDLE KIOSK, asking some asinine question (I'm sure.)

Now, I'm no computer whiz kid. But I do know how to read and how to push things. These extraordinary talents allow me to check in and print my boarding pass in a matter of mere seconds.

The airline kiosks should be reserved for those with these special talents. Everyone else can use the old fashioned way to check-in: the friendly airline ticket counter agent.

A few of my favorite airports

Because I fly so often, I've started to concoct a list of favorite airports. Those that do a great job of making you excited to actually have a layover, or delay, because there's something about the airport that puts you at ease. I know, crazy. Anyway, I've come up with five that I think are among my most favorite I've visited so far:

5. Pittsburgh: While it's an older airport and in need of a little face lift, the indoor mall makes those extra-long waits a little more bearable. It's a little awkward to maneuver a roll-bag between the stand-alones at the GAP, but it's nice to be able to shop if you're so inclined.

4. Detroit: I never thought this airport would make it on my list, but the Northwest terminal is amazing. Spacious, contemporary, with a little red indoor monorail that reminds one of the toy trains that circle along the ceilings of kitschy toy shops. Good restaurants and comfortable seating take the chaos out of this airport.

3. Charlotte: The word "whimsical" comes to mind. I love the white rocking chairs nestled among the tree-lined atrium and they have some of the cutest mobiles hanging from the ceiling. It's easy to get around and they have my favorite eatery there - Yovana (freshly made yogurt).

2. Heathrow (British Airways Terminal): Despite this terminal being practically on the other side of the country from the rest of Heathrow, it's definitely worth the drive. It's exactly the kind of terminal I would imagine Apple creating - lots of fun high-tech imagery, high-end boutiques (in case you're in the mood for a $5,000 Gucci handbag at 7:00am) and easy to get around. It's a very fun terminal.

1. Raleigh-Durham (Terminal 2): Not only does arriving here mean I'm home, but the newly remodeled terminal is gorgeous. Contemporary and spacious, with outlets by every seat and really good restaurants (finally!). I can't wait to see what the whole airport will look like when they are finally finished remodeling...in another ten years!

A random list, I know. But it's the little, silly things in life that help make travel a little more bearable!

Commoditized

In the Dallas airport this morning, I walked by a vending machine. It didn't dispense candy bars or soda pop, but iPods. Press E3 for a blue iPod Nano. Or press A8 for an extra set of ear buds. A simple slide of the credit card makes the sale complete.

Amazing. Even iPods are becoming a commodity. Soon we'll be trading iPods on the Stock Exchange, right along with orange juice pork bellies.

Note: I actually found an image online of the exact vending machine at DFW so you can revel in the experience. Apparently, I'm not the only one completely amazed.