re: NOLA: "New airport 'like a Mercedes with flat tires'"

I expected the airport to be a disaster. I thought it was a boondoggle and followed all the problems and setbacks during construction and during the delayed opening. I travel often and am a cynic by nature. That being said, I did not have a single problem at any point on my trip this weekend. We departed Friday late afternoon and returned today around noon. No traffic. The parking was easy to navigate, had clear signage and is more convenient to the terminal than the old one. Security line (TSA Pre) had 3 people in front of me. Baggage was not a problem. We arrived early, anticipating problems, so there was a lot of time to wander and observe. I didn’t see anyone having issues with flights, food, security, etc. I had pizza, a beer and coffee.

We returned around noon today and taxied right up to our gate. The bags were on the carousel when we got there. The baggage and long-term parking are so close that we just walked the bags to the car. Entire route covered. At the old terminal, the driver had to walk a ton, get the car and circle around while the others waited on the curb.

The old terminal was super convenient due to familiarity. It functioned OK. It had zero amenities and the charm of a Greyhound bus station. I did not expect to give a positive endorsement after the weekend but here I am. Everything was nicer. Food and drink options are colossally better. The old terminal had $12 beer and dirty lines. Everything was as convenient, or more convenient, than the old one. I’m reading this thread and am really surprised that some people had a completely different experience. I have talked to 3 or 4 other people/groups who have flown out of the new terminal & nobody had any problems other than one person who was part of the temporary baggage issue.

The new terminal is fine.