[Travel ★★★]
(P1) If you have to fly this summer, a new ranking suggests you might want to steer clear of Newark International Airport. The New Jersey airport has been named the most miserable in the country by MilesCards.com, which has ranked the 50 busiest US airports since 2010, focusing on things like on-time arrivals, departure delays, wait times for taxis, and the time it takes to make it to the gate. Newark came out with a Misery Score of 95 out of 100 but was followed closely by LaGuardia, JFK International, and Chicago’s O’Hare, each with a score of 94, reports Travel and Leisure. LaGuardia and JFK were tied for the longest wait before take-off, reports the Huffington Post.
(P1) On the other hand, as the largest hub airport for the Northeast, Newark receives flights from smaller cities that can cause additional delays, the director of MilesCards.com tells NJ.com. Just 68% of Newark’s flights departed on time, while delays were also reported at security. Fliers on the West Coast should have better luck. The least miserable airports were in San Jose, Portland, and Sacramento, while Honolulu’s airport ranked best in on-time travel.
WORDS: 186
SOURCE: http://www.newser.com/story/225877/the-most-miserable-airport-in-america-has-been-named.html
VOCABULARY: ranking, miserable, on-time, take-off, hub, director, fliers
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
If you found the passage difficult to read or had problems understanding specific words or idiomatic expressions, please discuss them with your tutor. The following discussion questions should be answered in your own words and with your own arguments.
- Briefly, summarize the content of the article in your own words.
- Why do you think some airports are busier than others?
- Have you ever had a miserable traveling experience? If yes, explain.
- Do you like to travel by airplane? Why are why not?
READING COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:
- Who stated Newark International Airport is the most miserable?
- The rankings were based on criteria like late arrival times, late departure times, and availability of taxis. (T or F)
- What grade did Newark Airport receive?
- What percent of flights left on-time from Newark?
- Sacramento Airport was ranked first for being on-time (T or F)
EXPRESSIONS or PHRASES:
What do the following expressions or phrases mean?
- Steer clear (P1)
- Came out (P1)
- Followed closely (P1)
- Tied for the longest wait (P1)
- On the other hand (P2)
Image source: by “unknown” http://nj1015.com/weather-causes-flight-delays-damages-plane-at-newark-airport/