Norm Mineta San Jose International Airport - Terminal A

It's too bad that in the heart of Silicon Valley, the airport is a haphazard mix of buildings, roads, and constant constructions zones. I hold out hope that some day, my grandchildren will be able to fly in and fly out of a technologically advanced airport.

In the meantime, give yourself plenty of time to make it to the airport and park (especially long term parking), stand in the long security lines, and stand in the even longer Starbucks line inside.

If you're game, try Oakland airport. Many of the airlines that fly in and out of San Jose also fly in and out of Oakland and there is a lot less construction going on there.

Terminal A, Terminal B -- whatever. This airport stinks due to its horrible layout.

When departing, The security lines spit you out right into the midst of a busy aisle, so you have to juggle all of your belongings while walking with your shoes half on to an empty chair to get your life together.

Renting a car here is a nightmare, as you have to walk the length of a football field (through a garage) just to get to the bus stop (where you wait up to 20 minutes if you missed the last bus), then proceed to the terminals to pick up more people. Each stop takes a few minutes, with the driver telling people that drinks aren't allowed on the bus. Then everyone proceeds to cram in. Then you have to drive all the way around the airport and across a short bridge just to get to the rental area, which they separate yet again into 2 separate stops: the "first class citizens" get off at the Hertz and Avis stop, then for those poor souls who don't want to spend a bundle on a rental car, the "second-class citizens" get the second stop.

I have never been to an airport where you had to drive for miles just to get out of the dang thing. Once you get your rental car (unless there's a huge line out the door, in which case you wait even longer), you get to circle around the airport on the "scenic" route before proceeding to your destination. 3 hours after you land.

PROS: it's an airport
CONS: the layout!

Terminal A at SJC has done a good job of dealing with all the security measures put in place after 9/11. In general, you can find short-term or long-term parking easily except on holiday weekends. If you are picking someone up, it is very efficient, however, the police will hurry you along if your arriving passenger is not at your car within about 15 seconds. And they are not too friendly about it.

I try to fly in and out of SJC as often as possible. It's convenient and several major airlines operate out of here. Terminal A is the nicest of the terminals.