Looking to make a connection - the Chuck Woolery “Love Connection” kind - at an airport? Washington Dulles International may be the place for you.
The airport ranks fourth in a new survey of “Best and Worst Airports to Make a Connection” survey, conducted by grooming-product manufacturer AXE and released Dec. 5.
The survey ranked 37 airports on two factors: the number of delays (more time to meet and mingle) and the number of places within the airport to do so.
At Dulles, those looking to find love could “spark up a conversation over a glass of Shiraz at a wine bar,” the survey suggested.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport ranked 19th best on the list, one notch above Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Among major airports nationwide, Philadelphia International topped the list.
“Thanks to some of the nation's longest and most frequent flight delays . . . getting stuck in ‘the airport of brotherly love' gives you a chance to hang your hat in one of 15 bars and seven lounges, or grab a cheese steak at one of 57 restaurants,” the report suggests. “If you've got an extra-long layover, impress the object of your desire with smooth moves at the airport's magic shop.”
Other airports in the top five include Newark-Liberty (“lots of time during 70-minute delays”), John F. Kennedy International (“plant yourself at a beer garden”) and Port Columbus International in Ohio (“the college set can ease the stress of holiday traveling in the airport's meditation room”).
The “worst” airports on the list included Oakland International, San Jose International, McCarran International in Las Vegas, Orlando International and Los Angeles International. Most of those facilities were criticized for too few amenities, while Orlando had “too many kids hugging oversized mouse dolls” for the correct ambiance.
Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International and Chicago's O'Hare didn't make the top-10 worst list, but were singled out as needing improvement,
“These airports have amenities, but relatively few for the number of passengers who pass through their gates,” said Bert Sperling, president of Sperling's BestPlaces. “At these busy airports, a little snow or fog can strand a huge number of travelers, and a potentially enjoyable time could turn into a frustrating wait for a table or service.”
Looking to make a connection at the airport? Play it right.
“There's a different set of rules for meeting people while traveling, and guys and girls need to know what they can do to make sure their game isn't grounded, even when their flight is,” said Johnny Jet, editor of a travel Web site.
His suggestion: Ask for the other person's e-mail, but spend at least 15 minutes getting to know each other before you do.
