Munich to Dulles: Calm to Chaos

While flying to and from Munich, Germany, recently, I noticed such striking differences between the international airport at Munich (pictured to the right) and my home international airport, Dulles, outside Washington, DC. It reminded me of the contrasts that existed when flying between world capitals and some backwater third-world country some years ago.

The Munich airport is one of the most modern and convenient in the world but what I noticed most was the lack of noise. The airport is actually quiet and peaceful and a joy to visit. Even the airport’s Web site says, accurately, it is “Calm and Relaxed.” There’s no mindless elevator music, no blaring announcements over the public address system … the place is quiet, and that makes such a positive difference for weary travelers.

Dulles airport, by contrast, is a cacophony of noise, racket and chaos. Nervous-sounding alto sax elevator music screams nonstop throughout the terminal … people loudly shout announcements over the PA system … television monitors blare advertisements for everything from CNN to local tourism attractions. On top of that, Dulles has been under perpetual construction for one thing or another since God invented dirt. The place is a mess.

What is also strikingly different is the approach to airport security. At Munich, the method is highly organized, efficient and thorough. They don’t miss anything. By the way, I asked a police officer if I could take a picture of the security check area, and he said, “Sure, no problem.” The photo appears at the right. Take a photo of security at Dulles, and you might end up in a stark room for some stern questioning.

The biggest difference between Munich and Dulles is that comparison between modern and third-world. Munich is the former; Dulles the latter. At Munich, there is quality shopping, terrific restaurants, and a great hotel, train to the city and car rental … all within walking distance. Dulles has none of that.

Flying home from Munich this past Wednesday, I was also reminded that it has been two years since airport security in America went to “orange” on some meaningless Homeland Security scale. Does anyone know why … or care?