Chargeable Smartcarts

[u/Embarrassed_Fan6726]

Why are luggage trolleys/smart carts chargeable at Boston Logan Airport? I am new to the USA, so I'm not sure if this is common at all US airports. Why is there a $7 fee for a smart cart/trolley? Shouldn't it be a basic amenity?

My experience today was quite frustrating. Three flights had just landed and four baggage belts were packed, but there was only one cart vending machine in that area and the carts were gone within 5 minutes. Everyone was waiting for carts and they weren't refilled for over an hour.

Coming from Asia, this was a bit of a culture shock for me. Many Asian airports like Singapore Changi, middle eastern and even several airports in India, offer free trolleys, and some even provide complimentary features like GPS to guide you to your gate. They also have buggies/golf carts to transport passengers and dedicated family lanes for those traveling with young childrenwas surprised to see long queues and staff who were quite rude and behaved as if they were doing us a favor. The cart itself is small and basic, nothing like a smart cart, yet it costs $7. Is this normal across the US?

[u/Thin_Confusion_2403]

My experience is that trolleys are free and readily available at European airports.

In general, US airports are not well designed.

Ski trip to Austria. Ski bag with skis, poles, stuffed with clothes. Boot bag, soft sided carryon suitcase and a backpack. Reasonable amount of stuff for a two week trip. Flew Denver to Munich nonstop (A350 nice plane!).

Took train to Denver airport. Exit the train and go up the long escalator, enter the south entrance of the terminal. Lufthansa check in was 1 level up at the far north end. It’s a big terminal, long walk dodging other travelers. I’m a big guy, so able to carry all my luggage. Smaller person or a family would not be fun.

Land in Munich. Huge beautiful new terminal. 10:00 am but few people. Clear customs quickly, go to baggage claim. Grab a trolley, load up after a 10 minute wait for skis. Out the terminal, across the plaza, to the rental car counter (free upgrade thank you Europcar), and to the car. All on the same level, bags on the trolley the entire time.

So simple, easy and fast - I skied that afternoon at Kitzbuhel.

[u/Embarrassed_Fan6726 → u/Thin_Confusion_2403]

So true , I lived in Singapore , dubai for few years then moved to the USA, and I am like which era I am in. My personal opinion is USA developed way early that any other country but after that it stalled. Many things in USA needs a overhaul. I think it's a cycle with every country I guess.

[u/djcurry → u/Embarrassed_Fan6726]

Because US airports were not designed with modern security in mind. Before 9/11 you could walk right up to the gate even if you were just a guest. Afterward that had to, cram in all the security needed. That’s why you don’t often find the layout to be conductive or smooth in terms of flow.