Best airport amenities of 2024
Airports can be crowded and unpleasant places to spend your time. They can also be charming, fun and surprising.
In 2024, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) brought it back Its coat checking serviceand Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) hosted another pop-up marriage license office around Valentine’s Day. Additionally, during this presidential election year, Oregon’s Rogue Valley Medford International Airport (MFR) reminded travelers that there is a replica of the Oval Office for rent at the airport.
As we start planning our 2025 travel adventures, here’s a roundup of some of the best new airport events and amenities across the country rolling out in 2024.
Unexpected and exciting event at IND’s Civic Plaza
While most airports put major services and amenities behind security, Indianapolis International Airport (IND) maintains an active and attractive central security hall called the Civic. Plaza. It features 35-foot ceilings and a five-story wall of windows as well as multiple dining venues, shops, and art.
And the airport used it smartly.
In January, when Indianapolis hosted the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, a full-size (94-foot by 50-foot) replica of the basketball court made with vinyl adhesive appeared in Civic Plaza. Free throw and pick-up games were not allowed, but it was a big hit.
When Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” came to town in November, the airport transformed Civic Plaza into Swift City. It came complete with Girl Scouts making and handing out friendship bracelets, a 30-foot tall Taylor Swift image, live music, a concert-themed menu and limited-time souvenirs.
And in December, Santa Claus practices running at the airportblast through the taxi lane in a fire truck and into Civic Plaza on an airport-themed carpet.
SFO’s silent dance floor
To maintain its status as a “quiet” airport with few overhead announcements, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) introduced a silent dance floor in February. It is appropriately dubbed the “San Fran-disco.”
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For one month, passengers are invited to let their hair down and dance to San Francisco-themed music with their own headphones in the specially decorated post-security area of Harvey Milk Terminal 1.
The meteorite landed at the impulse level
In March, airports in and around the path of the total solar eclipse on April 8 are preparing to welcome a large number of passengers.
Building on the excitement, Maine’s Portland International Airport (PWM) launched an exhibit of 18 meteorites. Titled “Fly Me to the Moon,” the exhibit includes meteorites on loan for five years from the Maine Gem & Mineral Museum’s world-class meteorite collection. Samples include the second-largest piece of the moon on Earth, pieces of Mars and an iconic Gibeon meteorite that looks a lot like Edvard Munch’s “The Scream.”
Airports are bustling because of April Fools’ Day
Many airports across the country lean towards April Fools’ Day.
This year, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) shared a photo of a plane completely covered in sticky notes.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) has introduced Travel Tubes – a “human pneumatic tube system that lets you check in first at the Ticket Office and then rush straight to the gate.”
Virginia’s Norfolk International Airport (ORF) partners with its neighbor, the Norfolk Botanical Garden, to offer visitors a unique way to travel between the garden and the airport: the Sky Lift offers views great views of both the airport and the 175 acre garden.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) introduced the opening of an underground tunnel with a large art installation titled “River Tunnel” by claiming that the tunnel would be filled with water. “Disney-style boats will replace the moving walkway and paddles will be provided for passengers who wish to row themselves,” SLC stated.
The SFO terminal is now connected behind security
Last year, we celebrated the massive Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) completing final post-security connections between all of its terminals.
This year, SFO did the same.
In June, the final section of Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at SFO was completed. It features new museum galleries, a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint accessible from the AirTrain terminal, additional aircraft gates, a third airport yoga studio and new concessions. Better yet, there is now a connectivity walkway linking all post-security SFO terminals.
More pass-through programs
A growing list of airports offer gate-passing programs that allow ticketless travelers to pass through TSA security checkpoints to greet arriving passengers, spend more time with friends or family members, or Just enjoy the station’s art, shops and restaurants. You can apply for a gate pass at airports in Seattle, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Orlando and Palm Springs, California, among several other cities.
In July, Nashville International Airport (BNA) has become the latest airport to adopt a version of the gate pass program. BNA Passport allows ticketless passengers to enjoy the airport’s powerful live music on multiple stages. Guests can also enjoy a “drinks to go” policy, allowing them to peruse the security area with a cocktail or beer.
‘My first flight’ button at ORF
Whether you are a child or an adult, your first flight on an airplane is a special occasion.
The team at ORF understands that. This year, the airport purchased a button making kit so it could create souvenir buttons to help passengers mark the joy of that special day.
ORF “My First Flight” buttons are available at airport information desks; The airport’s Volunteer Ambassadors also have a stockpile.
PDX opens its tree-lined main terminal
In August, Oregon’s Portland International Airport (PDX) opened The main terminal was expanded and reimagined designed by architectural firm ZGF. As part of a $2.15 billion renovation plan, the security space is as impressive as a forest with soaring wooden roofs; the latest check-in and checkpoint technology; more than 70 live trees; More than 5,000 living trees; and lots of art, shops and restaurants.
Stadium seating in the main terminal is the perfect place to relax before a flight with friends and family or listen to live music. And there was a reception in the seating area above each row of seats. PDX has faithfully recreated the much-loved teal and purple carpet pattern that inspired thousands of shoe selfies.
SLC brings world map
In 2024, SLC completed the third phase of redevelopment by Opening of a new underground tunnel. It also welcomed new art installations and surprised the traveling public by announcing that the airport’s iconic terrazzo world map (first installed in 1960) was is saved.
When the new airport terminal was being built, engineers announced they couldn’t save the map – but they did. The map is now displayed again at Concourse B Plaza.
LGB ends its 100th anniversary with a pickleball game
California’s Long Beach Airport (LGB) celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024 with a year-long campaign. It reopened its historic Station, released a series of collectible posters in the style of the Works Projects Administration’s national park posters, installed a time capsule and jumped into the balloon craze throw with a pop-up pickleball court – just in time for holiday travel.
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