Third World Airports

Thoughts about air travel and culture shock-
Tokyo to Aukland, business class on New Zealand Air. Narita Airport security: take out the computer, make sure toothpaste, shampoo and other dangerous liquids are in a baggie (because liquids in a baggie are safer than just liquids), walk thru metal detector. No removing shoes or belt.
Narita business class lounge: clean and comfortable. Free booze and a wide assortment of soft drinks. Okay snacks. Free wi-fi and plenty of computers for use. My flight is announced over the PA.
NZ Air: Old plane, business class seats not that great, but food and service are wonderful. Turns out New Zealand wine is quite drinkable. Movies on demand.

Aukland to Christchurch; short flight not worth comment.

Christchurch to Sydney, Quantas Airline business class: short flight. Security is easy. No shoe or belt removal. Lounge is comfortable, flights are announced, wifi and food and booze available. The airplane is oldish, without seatback video, but a friendly stewardess supplies portable dvd player and a selection of DVDs. Food is good. Australian wine is also quite drinkable.

Sydney to LA, first class, Quantas Airline. Security: My first class ticket gets me priority treatment thru customs and security, take out computer, liquids in bag, walk though metal detector. Shoes and belt still on. First class lounge is huge and airy and comfortable, waiters bring me eggs florentine and fresh squeezed orange juice, free wi-fi, even Apple computers in the computer area. My flight is announced over the PA.
The plane is newer, full reclining seats, good food, service, movies on demand.

LA to Wash DC, first class, American Airlines. Security: stand in sweaty line for 20 minutes. Take out computer, liquids. Remove shoes and belt. Hold up pants and walk through metal detector. Find place to redress.
Lounge reminds me of time spent in a Nepali airport many years ago. Dirty carpets, shabby seats. My first class ticket gets me a free bottle of water. Available food is old coffee and tiny greasy muffins. Wifi requires payment. Flights are not announced in the lounge.
The plane is ancient. First class gets a free brunch of corned beef hash. Did not eat, but smells quite not good. The movie, on the tiny overhead screen, is Paul Blart; Mall Cop.