LAX -- hardly a welcoming sight

I recently completed an international flight from LAX to Hong Kong and was thoroughly embarrassed by the conditions and inefficiency I saw at LAX.

After a shuttle ride to LAX at a cost of $55, I had to wait in Line No. 1 to have my baggage screened, then I was escorted with my baggage to the check-in counter, where my bags were left in another section. I had to wait in Line No. 2 to check in and fetch another person to carry my bag to the counter. (I was not allowed to touch it.)

Upon arrival in Hong Kong, I saw that bright, welcoming murals decorated the corridors and the airport looked brand new, even though it was not. I was able to take an airport express train from city center to the airport for about $10 and check in my luggage at the check-in counter, where it was screened without me.

What a contrast to my experience landing at LAX. When we deplaned, the corridors leading from the gate to the passport control were bland, beige and filthy, with huge holes knocked out of them, and plaster and debris littering the corridor. What’s going on? Can’t we do a better job welcoming visitors to our city and country?

KATHERINE JOHANSEN

Orange