Replies

I've been in all 11 of the worst airports on this list and 7 of the 11 best airports.

A few observations:

Chicago's Midway (MDY) definitely belongs on the worst list. Yes, I know, it is convenient to downtown and long layovers are rare. But the vendors really take advantage of short transit times to sell $2 sandwiches for $9. Yeah, I know there is a McDonald's that sells food at reasonable prices. But get in that long line and you risk missing your connection! Plus, I've been in third world airports which are less crowded and dirty than Midway. Its only saving grace is that you don't spend much time there.
Detroit (DTW) makes the best list because it uncrowded and relatively clean? Hello! When half the shops are closed due to lack of economic activity in the area, lack of crowding is one result. I suppose the do deserve credit for being relatively clean, but consider Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh (PIT) is really one of the better airports in the country. You can actually load and unload curbside (as long as you don't get too piggy about it) or park nearby for $1 the first hour. Before the TSA goons screwed up business for the airport mall by admitting only traveling passengers, it was arguably the best airport mall in the country, with lots of choices for restaurants and retail at reasonable prices, including visitors stocking up on clothing at our tax-exempt competitive prices. People actually came there to shop with their departing or arriving guests because prices are so reasonable and selection is great in PIT. This is still true to a certain extent, but the airport wasn't built with the TSA in mind and many of the shops have closed or seriously shortened hours. Still, I'd rank it better than some of the airports on the best list.
Chicago O'Hara (ORD) unfairly gets a bad rap because it handles tons of flights (many of which are inevitably late), it is far away from downtown and it is spread out. But is also offers a lot to a captive audience-- the funky underground walkways with the neon lights and groovy sounds in way cool. There are lots of choices for retail and eating, albeit not as reasonable as Pittsburgh. And the aviation and museum displays are second to none, with the possible exception of Denver, which is a much newer airport. Plus the fact that, if you are traveling light, you can walk right from the airport to the city transit system almost as conveniently as you can at Minneapolis (MSP) or Washington's Reagan Airport (DCA) is worth a lot.

Oh contrair Vigilanteman, Chicago O’Hara most definitely deserves its bad rap.

Back in the day (before 9/11) when I was flying round trip across country on a average of 5 to 6 times a year, I always ended up getting booked through O’Hara. And every time (regardless of the weather) my flight would end up getting delayed on average of 6 to 8 hours (if not outright cancelled). In addition, I have never had a connection through O’Hara airport without at least one piece of my luggage getting delayed or lost.

So, yes indeed. O’Hara deserves it bad rap. In fact, I would go as far as putting this sorry excuse for an airport at number 1 on this list.