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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW March spring chinook release to emulate historic Rogue run ... UPDATED: Wounded Idaho pastor regains consciousness; suspect arrested in D.C. ... Hearts With a Mission expanding to Grants Pass ... March spring chinook release to emulate historic Rogue run ... UPDATED: Wounded Idaho pastor regains consciousness; suspect arrested in D.C. ... Hearts With a Mission expanding to Grants Pass ... SOUTHERN OREGON JOURNAL A tale of two airports Comment By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune Posted Feb. 28, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune Posted Feb. 28, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News Happy Leap Day Eve, one and all. May the extra 24 hours be a springboard into a fresh season. February is a great time to travel. Since I left family and friends in Phoenix, Ariz., years ago, I recently thought I’d pay them an overdue visit and enjoy their temperate climes. I don’t care much for flying. Crowds of anxious travelers devoted to electronic devices, running to make connections after flight delays, cruddy little packets of nutless snacks once aboard and wedged in, and seats made for something roughly the size and shape of a 20-pound sack of fertilizer, all conspire to put me off. But planes are fast. A couple of weeks ago, in contrast to metropolitan airports, I enjoyed the leisurely hospitality of the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport — big name, little hassle. Its website suggests arriving two hours before a flight, because you never know. There could be a large delegation from South Africa, for instance, having visited the valley to examine fairy shrimp on the Table Rocks. Or perhaps an enthusiastic envoy of birders from the U.K. might wing their way homeward after witnessing the fishing technique of the American coot of Klamath Lake compared with the Eurasian coot back home. One never knows. I took a chance and arrived 90 minutes before my 10 o’clock flight. Finding no one in the check-in line, I stepped aside for any possible envoy or delegation that might want to pass through while I located my boarding pass and ID. I checked my bag and headed, unencumbered, for the security checkpoint. Now, I enjoy herding through airport security lines as much as the next gal, but the Medford airport security check was so enjoyable — almost like a spa experience in its tension-releasing ambiance. I nearly went through a second time for a salt therapy treatment. I was to think of this anti-line while waiting interminably in a Phoenix security line, with the first-place winner of the International Whining Competition directly behind me. I nearly suggested she make the drive of 1,100 miles instead, but that would have given her an additional beef. Anyway, I walked toward my Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport gate number two waiting area, which appeared to blend with all the other gates’ waiting areas. I remembered the airport having two or three gates and always enjoyed a smile at the small-town comfort, but this time I could have sworn I saw Gate 6 emblazoned on the wall. Six gates? Were they four feet apart? I saw only two doors from which to board planes. I was reminded afresh what the significance of gates meant when I landed in San Francisco with a 45-minute connection to Phoenix, and had to dodge and dash between fellow travelers for about a mile between 20 gates — reserved for United Airlines alone. I knew what a trek gate travel could be. But as I sat, dreamily, still serene from my security check experience, I concluded that a couple of the gates must be designated for the restrooms and maybe a couple others for the restaurant and travel goodies kiosk. I hope airport Director Bern doesn’t get on my Case for this article. (I’m groaning with you.) It’s only because I wish like anything that all airport experiences could be as carefree as ours. As a final thought, never buy into the suggestion that Phoenix, Ariz., will be cool in February. They set a new high of 90 degrees just for my visit. It’s a dry heat. And tomorrow or in days to come, should someone suggest you take a flying leap, at least you’ll know of a pleasant starting point. You’re on your own from there. Peggy Dover is a freelance writer in Eagle Point. Reach her at [email protected]. By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune Posted Feb. 28, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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