Sunday 5 October 2008

Hamilton + Overseas = Huh?

When I was flying in to Hamilton, it was all about getting through the airport and out the other side. When I was flying out, I had more time to appreciate the finer details. Such as the fact that Hamilton is an international airport.

That isn't something that readily comes to mind when thinking of Hamilton: airplane access to cities in countries abroad. Not that Hamilton is a small place, per se, being about probably number five in size (could check, but it's easier to make stuff up), but "Hamilton the center of international travel" is not something that most people would name.

And it looks like I'm not the only one having trouble with this. Travel is down from there, and Hamilton might not be an international airport much longer. It does look like Hamilton could be a good place to fly from, in that airplanes aren't chock full, and it's always nice to be able to relax without a thousand kids screaming in your ear, but I'm doubtful it's going to pick up significantly. Use it or lose it, Hamilton, but it looks like the people have already spoken.

The other weird thing about Hamilton was a domestic departure tax. Wha? Some bizarre plot to trap people there and grow the city population? A scam to help pay for their shiny new terminal? Recover the costs from not being internal enough? And just why couldn't the travel agency we booked with have paid this as part of their dues?

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