In the 'old days' airports around the world used buses to from terminals, quite normal, or you walked to the plane.
There are still countless airports around the world where that still happens. yes using the piers is convenient, but go to many places where you walk or bus to the aircraft, no big deal at all. I certainly would not stop using an airport because of it.
Long time since I was in Europe but I remember doing the same at airports there, I would guess it still happens too, when you have busy times other aircraft might not be ready to leave the gate, these things happen.
I would prefer to leave on a bus than wait for ages until the gate was available.
Also when aircraft use both the front 'and' the back doors they can get passengers on an off quite quickly.
I would go as far as saying ever since a child I like the experience of walking on or off a plane, see the big engines, the jet-fuel smell.
If you limit airports because they don't have piers you are eliminating agreat number of places to visit.
I honestly wouldn't worry about it.
Edited: 6:36 am, October 17, 2012
