Airports can be crowded and annoying places to spend your time. They can be charming, fun and even surprising.
In 2024, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) brought back its coat check service, and Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) hosted another pop-up marriage license bureau around Valentine’s Day. Also, during this presidential election year, Oregon’s Rogue Valley International Medford Airport (MFR) reminded travelers that the airport has an Oval Office replica for rent.
As we begin plotting 2025 travel adventures, here’s a roundup of some of the best new facilities and event airports around the country in 2024.
Surprise and delight events at IND’s Civic Plaza
While most airports place core services and facilities behind security, Indianapolis International Airport (IND) maintains an active and inviting security central hall known as the Civic Plaza. It features 35-foot-high ceilings and a five-story wall of windows, as well as many dining options, shops and art.
And the airport puts it to clever use.
In January, when Indianapolis hosted NBA All-Star Weekend 2024, a full-size (94-foot by 50-foot) replica of a basketball court made of vinyl adhesive appeared in Civic Plaza. Free throws and pickup games were not allowed, but it was a big hit.
When Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” came to town in November, the airport turned Civic Plaza into Swift City. It was complete with Girl Scouts creating and handing out friendship bracelets, a 30-foot-tall image of Taylor Swift, live music, a concert-themed menu and limited-time souvenirs.
And in December, Santa Claus practiced running through the airport, racing down the taxiway in a fire truck and entering Civic Plaza on an airport-themed carpet.
SFO’s Silent Disco
In keeping with its status as a “quiet” airport with minimal overhead announcements, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) introduced a silent disco in February. It was aptly named “San Frans-Disco”.
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For one month, passengers were invited to let their hair down and dance to San Francisco-themed music in a specially decorated post security area of Harvey Milk Terminal 1 using their own headphones.
Meteors land on PWM
In March, airports in and around the path of totality were preparing for an influx of passenger traffic for the April 8 total solar eclipse.
Building on the excitement, Maine’s Portland International Jetport (PWM) launched a display of 18 meteors. The exhibit, titled “Fly Me to the Moon,” features meteorites on loan for five years from the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum’s world-class meteorite collection. Specimens include the second largest fragment of the Moon on Earth, fragments of Mars and the iconic Gibeon meteorites that resemble Edvard Munch’s “The Scream.”
Airports use it for April Fool’s Day
Many airports across the country have bowed to April Fool’s 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) introduced Travel Tubes – a “human pneumatic tube system that allows you to pre-check in the ticketing hall and then go directly to the gate.”
Virginia’s Norfolk International Airport (ORF) partnered with its neighbor, the Norfolk Botanical Garden, to offer guests a unique way to travel between the garden and the airport: a sky lift offering sweeping views of both the airfield and the garden’s 175 acres.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) teased the opening of the underground tunnel with a major art installation called “River Tunnel”, claiming that the tunnel would be filled with water. “Disneyesque-type boats will replace the walkways and paddles will be provided for passengers who want to row their own boats,” SLC claimed.
SFO terminals are now linked with post security
Last year, we celebrated the fact that the sprawling Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) completed the final post-security connection between all of its terminals.
The SFO did the same this year.
In June, the last section of Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at SFO was completed. It features new museum galleries, a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint accessible from the airtrain station, additional aircraft gates, a third airport yoga room and new concessions. Even better, there is now a connecting walkway that connects all SFO terminals to post security.
More GATE PASS programs
A growing list of airports offer Gate Pass programs that allow ticketless guests to bypass TSA security checkpoints so they can greet an arriving passenger, spend more time with a friend or family member, or enjoy the terminal’s art, shops and restaurants. You can apply for a gate pass at airports in Seattle, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Orlando, and Palm Springs, California, in addition to a handful of other cities.
‘My First Flight’ buttons on ORF
Whether you are a child or an adult, your first flight on an airplane is a special occasion.
The team at ORF gets it. This year, the airport purchased a button making kit so that it can make souvenir buttons to help passengers mark the feeling of that fickle special day.
ORF’s “My First Flight” buttons are available at airport information booths; The airport’s volunteer ambassadors also have a stash.
PDX opens the tree-lined main terminal
In August, Oregon’s Portland International Airport (PDX) opened its doors An expanded and reimagined main terminal designed by architecture firm ZGF. Part of a $2.15 billion makeover, the impressive forest-like unspoiled space features high wooden ceilings; the latest in check-in and checkpoint technology; Over 70 live trees; over 5,000 living plants; And plenty of art, shops and restaurants.
Stadium seating in the main terminal is perfect for hanging out with friends and family before a flight or listening to live music. And there’s a treat in the lounge area at every edge of the seat. PDX faithfully recreated the much-loved teal-and-purple carpet pattern that inspired thousands of shoe selfies.
SLC brings back its world map
In 2024, SLC completed the third phase of its redevelopment Opening of new underground tunnels. He also welcomed new art installations and surprised the traveling public by announcing that the airport’s iconic terrazzo world map (first installed in 1960) had been preserved.
When the new airport terminal was being built, engineers announced they couldn’t save the map — but they did. The map is now back in the Concourse B Plaza.
LGB completes its centennial year with a pickle ball
California’s Long Beach Airport (LGB) celebrated its centennial in 2024 with a year-long campaign. It reopened its historic terminal, issued a collectible series of posters in the style of the Work Projects Administration’s national park posters, installed a time capsule and tapped into the pickleball craze with a pop-up pickleball court — just in time for holiday travel.
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