Why the fuss?

Did you know that flying through most airports these days is considered more painful than say… a trip to the dentist for a root canal? In a recent USA Today story, Laura Bly pointed to a J.D. Powers and Associates study regarding customer satisfaction at airports and let me just tell you, it’s not hard to be better than most.

The old school way to manage an airport had every thing to do with “rates and charges” and using materials that “don’t show the dirt.” Thankfully, things have changed dramatically. Airports are upping their game to compete for the ever more important customer. In the story Ms. Bly told of airports sending items to your home for free (if they were banned/ prohibited through gate screening); handing out little booties to keep your tootsies clean when your shoes are x-rayed; massage bars and all sorts of amenities. Apparently there’s even an airport that offers psychiatric assistance to nervous fliers.

CAK got a little ink in the story too. Our now infamous t-shirt “big airports suck…the wind right out of you” was pictured in the two-page spread. Laura called us scrappy. I consider that a compliment.

There is no question that we are working harder to keep our promise: Akron-Canton Airport- a better way to go®. We are adding new concessions, a comfy passenger waiting area, and a kid’s play area. More is to come. We also know our competition is upping their game. The great news for travelers is that the airport experience is getting better. Now aren’t you glad that the industry isn’t so hung up on brown carpet any more?

Comments

Happy New Years to my neighbors out at Akron/Canton. Continue the tremendous work you do at your airport. Most airports are jealous of how well you have grown in just a 10 year span, and will continue growing in the future. I have flown it 10+ times in the last couple years, and will continue using it.

Right now my coalition of Airport Supporters are trying to help out the struggling Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. They have done a successful job with flights to Orlando aboard Allegiant Air (ALGT-Nasdaq), but they have not done much since then.

YNG needs to look at how well CAK has done over the years and perhaps take some tips from you guys. You run a very successful operation and should be commended for IT! You earn my award for the best airport in Ohio and the best operation of any government funded operation in the region.

GOOD LUCK IN 2007!

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