Bergen Airport (BGO), Norway
Topping the list is Bergen Airport, an underrated gem in Western Norway. It’s incredibly accessible thanks to a tram that takes you straight from Bergen's city center to the airport lobby—for under $5 USD! The layout is smart and efficient, with minimal walking required. Security is quick and hassle-free, and while there aren’t any lounges, the food options are solid and the environment is clean and modern. On all of the small group tours The Traveling Professor goes on, this is his favorite airport.
Why it's a favorite:
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Cheap, direct airport tram
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Clean, efficient, and easy to navigate
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Smooth security process
Kansas City International Airport (MCI), USA
A surprisingly delightful experience, Kansas City’s airport is fresh, beautiful, and efficient. The wide, open spaces and modern design impressed The Professor on his first visit. Baggage claim is quick, rental car access is easy, and food choices are excellent.
Why we love it:
LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York City, USA
Yes, you read that right. LaGuardia Airport, once the butt of many jokes, has transformed into a world-class facility. From upscale dining to the stunning Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge, it’s a great airport experience—despite the limited public transportation options.
High points:
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Beautiful recent renovations
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Excellent lounges and dining
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Friendly and professional TSA agents
The Worst Airports According to The Traveling Professor
Cusco Airport (CUZ), Peru
While The Professor is a fan of Peruvian airlines, Cusco Airport leaves much to be desired. It’s small, outdated, and overcrowded. Dining options are almost non-existent, the lone lounge is tiny and often full, and seating is scarce.
Why it's a letdown:
Manchester Airport (MAN), England
Old and cramped, Manchester Airport struggles to keep up with the times. The low ceilings and basement-like check-in area make for a gloomy experience, and the food options aren’t much to write home about.
Lowlights:
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Long check-in lines
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Poor layout and design
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Limited dining choices
Islip Airport (ISP), Long Island, USA
Islip should be a strong regional player, but it disappoints across the board. The airlines serving it offer limited schedules to less-than-desirable destinations. Food options are abysmal, and parking is a mess.
Where it fails:
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Awful food selection
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Limited airline service
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Poor parking options
The Love/Hate Airport: Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), North Carolina
Charlotte Airport is a mixed bag. It’s conveniently located close to downtown and rental cars are just a short walk from baggage claim. But inside, it’s often overcrowded. Security lines can be painful, and even the decent lounges are usually jam-packed. Here’s hoping renovations improve the experience soon.
Pros and cons:
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Quick access to city and rentals
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Crowded terminals and long security lines
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Good lounge selection (if you can get in)
The Absolute Worst: London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Saving the worst for last, London Heathrow is The Professor’s least favorite. Endless terminal transfers, confusing signage, and excruciating passport and security lines make it a traveler’s nightmare. Add in long walks and disorganized connections, and it’s easy to understand why The Professor would rather fly anywhere else. We avoid it on our small group tours and we suggest that you avoid it too.
What makes it unbearable:
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Long, confusing terminal transfers
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Overcrowded security checks
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Poor signage and endless walking
Final Boarding Call
Airports can make or break your travel experience. From the convenience of Bergen to the chaos of Heathrow, The Traveling Professor has seen the good, the bad, and the truly frustrating. If you’re planning your next adventure, consider these airport insights before you book—and may your journey always begin (and end) smoothly.