ATL

The Atlanta (ATL) airport has nearly 100 million passengers every year. Way more. Like 10 to 25 million more than its closest rivals:

Beijing (PEK - Beijing, China)

Heathrow (LHR - London, U.K.)

O'Hare (ORD - Chicago, U.S.)

This aerial view indicates they took a lesson from the cathedral architects.

Make a building shaped like your business.

I've been through the Atlanta airport quite a few times and it has, for the most part, never been a pleasant experience.

That is until this last time.

It was evident to me both times - coming and going from Belgium - that there was something different. Everyone we encountered was helpful, cheerful and seemed to genuinely enjoy their job.

Believe me, this is in stark contrast to our past experiences at ATL. So what happened? It probably isn't just one thing, but about a year ago the Atlanta airport got a new general manager.

His name is Louis E. Miller and he has 32 years of experience in airport management. His predecessor had been in the job for the previous 12 years. No doubt he made some improvements since this airport has become the busiest in the world.

But whether it is Mr. Miller or something else, ATL has improved in my opinion.

And it was the first time anybody in U. S. Customs ever said to me "Welcome Home."