AIRPORT TERMINAL DESIGN - THE PASSENGER'S POINT OF VIEW

DEFICIENCIES IN ACCESS FACILITIES AND PASSENGER PROCESSING METHODS AT MOST CURRENT AIRPORT TERMINALS ARE ILLUSTRATED BY A TYPICAL SCHEDULE FOR THE GROUND MODE OF AN AIRLINE TRIP ORIGINATING IN A MAJOR CITY. EXCESSIVE GROUND TRAVEL TIME TO THE AIRPORT, EXCESSIVE DISTANCES TO BE COVERED AT THE AIRPORT ITSELF, BAGGAGE HANDLING PROCEDURES, AND OFFICIAL DOCUMENTATION ARE SHOWN TO PRODUCE DELAYS THAT CAN GENERALLY BE IDENTIFIED WITH OVERALL PLANNING GEARED TO CONCEPTS FROM THE EARLY DAYS OF AVIATION. A MODULAR DESIGN OF A TERMINAL IS PROPOSED TO RELIEVE SEQUENTIAL DELAYS CAUSED BY MUTUAL INTERPLAY BETWEEN VARIOUS BOTTLENECKS. STANDARD DEPARTURE GATES, CODED BOARDING PASSES, AUTOMATIC BAGGAGE DELIVERY, AND TELEVISED INSPECTION OF DOCUMENTS ARE RECOMMENDED. /IAA/