if airport efficiency were an Olympic sport

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TRAVEL

The reports are in: U.S. airports got a D+
Mon Aug 2

Hate going to the airport? Might be because you're at one in America. Not only are U.S. airports among the world’s worst, but not a single one appears in the top 30 best airports ranked by aviation group Skytrax. And earlier this year, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave America’s aviation system a D+. What’s driving these results?

Long lines that have been consistent since 9/11, when enhanced security required use of already limited space on TSA checkpoints and baggage screening systems.
More recently, pandemic-driven health screening checkpoints further complicated how airport space is used and navigated. Unruly passengers only make matters worse.
Overcrowding and delays due to more flights scheduled than gates available. A single delay can also have a compounding effect. For example, one late plane can miss its entry to a gate, end up having to taxi on the runway, and then delay boarding for that plane’s next flight — which brings that delay along to its new destination.

Ultimately, these issues are rooted in old airports that haven’t been properly maintained. Airport construction first took off after WWII with federal grants, building for the size and traffic needs of that time. As the number of passengers doubled between 1954 and 1959, airports struggled to keep up, facing a slew of problems such as noise complaints and small storage facilities that couldn’t hold newer jets. Now, a group of Republican senators are trying to play catchup through a bipartisan bill that includes $25 billion dedicated to increasing efficiency, from check-in to boarding, and making air travel a little greener. Delays are expected, though, as progressive Democrats push for the larger infrastructure plan to include funds for health care, education, and climate change.

How are airports in other countries better? While the U.S. leaves airport responsibilities to state and local governance, the same is not true internationally. For example in China, the federal government handles all financing, planning, and construction. What’s more, some of the top ranked airports are themselves a destination worth visiting.

Singapore has been number one in the world for eight years. In addition to endless food and shopping options, travelers love its orchids, butterfly garden, and rooftop pool.
Tokyo comes second with its advanced and efficient system linking terminals within the airport. Travelers also enjoy several open-air rooftop restaurants.
Amsterdam ranks ninth, featuring a free art museum before heading to one of the 223 gates spread around a single terminal.

Our Sources:

→ Extensive coverage: Vox
→ Infrastructure bill with airport funds: New York Times
→ Why funding wasn’t enough to update airports: Our Airports and Business Insider

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WORKER CONDITIONS

Nationwide strikes are changing horrific worker conditions and low wages
Mon Jul 26

There have been more labor strikes this year than any year in the past decade. Most recently in Kansas, 600 Frito-Lay workers are celebrating after a nearly three week strike demanding an end to long hours, forced overtime, and stagnant wages. The worst offense of all was what some call “suicide” shifts, when employees start another shift only eight hours after ending one, leaving no time for family, errands, or even a proper night’s sleep. Their new contract puts an end to these shifts, increases wages by 4%, and mandates at least one day off a week.

Similar wins are playing out across the country.

In Illinois, 2,500 service employees are hopeful after an 18-day strike and ten months of negotiations, marking the longest public sector strike in Chicago’s recent history.
After workers across 15 cities in May went on strike for better pay, McDonald’s raised their minimum wage to $15 an hour.
New York’s excluded workers (those left out from federal benefits during the pandemic) went on a hunger strike for three weeks in April. This resulted in the state creating a $2.1 billion assistance fund for those workers.

Despite this progress, the U.S. as a whole is still behind in fair labor practices. A study from 2007 found that even when the stock market was strong and CEO compensation grew rapidly, hourly wage employees weren’t earning more despite working the equivalent of over a month more per year. In fact, wealth grew for the top 1% while dropping for 60% of American households. Today’s $7.25 federal minimum wage has not been raised in over 10 years. The Action Network currently has an active petition calling on Congress, state legislators, and city councils to raise the federal minimum wage to $15.

Our Sources:

→ Frito-Lay strike coverage: Business Insider and CNN
→ Rise in strikes over past year: Labor Notes
→ Strikes, successful and not, across the country: Democracy Now
→ Report highlighting how behind U.S. worker wages are: Economic Policy Institute
→ Strike against McDonald’s nationwide: Vice

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CLASSIFIEDS

The first question new freelancers ask our founder is always the same: How much should I charge?

That’s why we’re stoked to share an awesome resource from Mandy Ellis. She created the Freelance Writer’s Pricing Guide, filled with information to navigate all the custom work that hits your inbox.

The best part? It’s free to Below the Fold readers. Check it out!

>> Check out the free pricing guide

ASCII-ING ABOUT THE NEWS

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if airport efficiency were an Olympic sport

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