As an engineer, maximizing efficiency is (for better or for worse) always on my mind. Recently at the Singapore airport, I noticed they had a very different airport security screening system vs the US. In the US, there is a central security screening (yay TSA) after which you’re all set to go. In Singapore, there is a trivial initial security screening to get to the inside of the airport but the full screening is found at each individual gate instead of a central one.
Which is better or worse I wonder?
US System
· One single area for screening
· Peaceful once you get past it
· Long potential wait at screening area
Singapore system
· Significant duplication of equipment and staff at each gate (dozens+)
· Easy to get to your gate and gate is busy with only your flight
· Can’t leave boarding area once you get there
Hard to say really as there is pros and cons to each but I find the duplication of equipment and staff likely unfavorable from a cost analysis (Singapore has cheap foreign labor however). And while I hate the bottleneck of the initial screening area, I prefer to just get it over with myself and have freedom once I’m done.
On a side note, I finally got the chance to ride the new Boeing 787 on Japan Airlines. I can’t reiterate enough how much better Asian airlines are (excluding Chinese airlines) over US. Delta has the record for some of the oldest planes in service at 20+ yrs, and its noticeable when you ride them vs the brand new JAL planes. The friendliness and service orientated staff is also leaps and bounds superior. It recaptures a bit of that feeling of actually ENJOYING a flight.
At least in business class, the seats are also great with almost a fully flat recline, I actually was able to sleep some for once (important on a brutal 24 hrs straight of flight time). The JAL lounge in Tokyo also now holds the record for best lounge I’ve ever seen. Though I usually fly delta due to corporate policy and mileage, I think I’m going to have to stop bothering with them whenever possible. Its just not worth it.
At least in business class, the seats are also great with almost a fully flat recline, I actually was able to sleep some for once (important on a brutal 24 hrs straight of flight time). The JAL lounge in Tokyo also now holds the record for best lounge I’ve ever seen. Though I usually fly delta due to corporate policy and mileage, I think I’m going to have to stop bothering with them whenever possible. Its just not worth it.
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