Summer Trip Tips

Your analysis of the problems at U.S. airports was thoughtful, well presented and thought provoking ["Summer Air Travel Survival Guide," June 18].

My response to the mess at the airports is much simpler and can be summed up in three words: Take the train.

Walter J. Kent
Glen Rock , N.J .

When I flew with my three-year-old daughter, I booked the bulk head seat with her at the window and me on the aisle. Everyone who got that middle seat begged to sit anywhere else. It gave us the whole row. I'd put a beach towel on the floor, and she would have play space. About every half hour, I would give her a gift wrapped package. She loved tearing into the wrapping, and there would be anything from a snack to a small toy inside to keep her occupied. I could read and relax while she happily played. It resulted in wonderful flights.

Janie Paul
Stanley, Kansas

As someone about to log 100,000 air miles this year, I thought your airport story was an excellent piece. However, your airport rankings overlook some critical criteria: Surrounding traffic, parking, signage and personnel. I happen to live equidistant from LaGuardia, Newark, and Philadelphia airports, with JFK just another half-hour away. And despite its crowded planes and occasional delays, I choose Newark every time. It's a quick hit from the turnpike, parking is superb, signage is clear and the airport service is always helpful.

Pete Taft
Hopewell , N.J .

I think Houston Hobby is a terrible place to make connections! If you are making a connection on the same carrier, you must change terminals (many times), which requires an additional security screening. Also, when I travel to New York City, my airport of choice is Newark - never any problems there!

S. Reilly
San Antonio

I had an experience that points out the futility and cosmetic nature of the Transportation Security Administration fiasco. I arrived at Los Angles International Airport to chaperone my son's 4th grade class trip to Washington DC and found that the first name on my ticket was not mine; it was a different name that did not even resemble mine. Electing not to hassle with pointing it out, I boarded the plane and flew to Washington-Dulles, spent a week with my son's class, re-boarded and flew from Washington-Dulles back to LAX. I passed through TSA check points without one employee noticing that I had a completely different name on my ticket than I did on my driver's license, and this was a flight to the nation's capital.

Gregory Poirier
Los Angeles

Having lived on Cape Cod since 1965, I have watched an amazing exercise in the art of moronic travel repeat itself, first from July 4 to Labor day-then Memorial Day to Columbus Day-and now almost year round. The same people get on the same roads (not much choice with only two bridges) and inexplicably, at the same time, within hours, arrive at or leave this island. I have blissfully come and gone on the same roads in the wee hours thanking them for them every lonesome mile.

Jeff Trask
Dennisport , Mass.

Now that everyone knows the inside tricks of flying, I believe I'll hitchhike. The fresh air should be better than cabin air and I can eat at any diner along the way.

Earle Kolbe
Alcoa, Tenn.