Prosperity and crowding doesn't explain the US's wretched airports, a lack of imagination does. While in developing countries a spiffy airport is a source of pride, many US cities seemed to have devoted zero thought to making their airports comfortable or pleasant for travellers, beautiful, inspiring or calming; or even, in most cases, with good transit options.

Many equally prosperous and busy European airports do far better. Schipol, for example.

Plus, changes don't necessarily cost money. Why don't airports have zones where you can sit in quiet away from TVs or talk on a cell phone?

Why don't airports have more tables for people to work at while they're waiting? More outlets?

Why is it so hard to find out what time it is in an airport?

During a recent trip through San Jose airport in Costa Rica, a solo acoustic guitarist was playing in the main waiting area & there were calla lilies in the bathroom. OK, flowers in the bathroom may be too expensive for us, but would replacing the constant loop of CNN news that you can't turn off with soft music or silence be out of the question?

I believe that you mean integrity of the Airlines could cause bad prosperity as it seems to be looking right now. Just think if this happened in 20 years or if it just eventually would have driven every airline into the ground. Build the moral of your passengers and your airports will not be effected by prosperity. Only men that have skills will be flyin in the cockpit or actually use down to earth designing and make some fun and excitement with the new spirit of the Airlines.