Just like 2021, the past year has been a challenging year for the air travel industry. Airports have been welcoming back travelers in numbers close to and in many cases above 2019 levels and are trying to get back to the job of updating terminals, refreshing amenities and introducing services. new.
As we head into the new year, let’s take a look back at some of the best amenities and events we’ve spotted at airports in 2022.
In January, Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) for passengers, airport staff and those who welcome free compliments in honor National Praise Day.
An airport spokesperson said the airport’s “Kindness Takes Flight” team made flattering comments such as “That color looks good on you” and “I bet you’re sweating glitter” until ” additional compliments” exhausted, an airport spokesperson said.
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and several other airports celebrated Valentine’s Day in February with free carnations for visitors.
Others sang love songs to passengers and offered chocolates. In Las Vegas, the Marriage Capital of the World, the Clark County Clerk’s Office has reopened its pop-up marriage registry office. Harry Reid . International Airport (LAS).
March, a 28-pound rabbit named Alex the Great joined a pig named LiLou and about a dozen dogs in the Wag Brigade pet therapy program at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Already famous for its free cinema and iconic tapestries, Portland International Airport (PDX) debut a new bar, Juliett, celebrates women in aviation.
Portraits of famous female pilots such as Bessie Coleman, the first African-American female pilot, and Mildred “Micky” Axton, the first woman to fly a B-29, mark the entrance. Many of the specially crafted cocktails and beers on the menu are inspired by aviation and travel themes.
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Airports did not let us down last year when April Fool’s day around with lots of jokes and fake promises.
Among the best is Denver International Airport (DEN) launches a line of candles featuring scents like Jet Fuel and Mustang Musk (a nod to one of DEN’s most controversial works of art). Canada’s Edmonton International Airport (YEG) has announced that it will improve airport signage by “translating” everything into the common language of emojis.
April also marks the Celebrating 20 years since the Transportation Security Administration began screening passengers at US airports.
April 30, 2002, Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI) was the first airport with a federalized checkpoint. TSA currently screens passengers at checkpoints across the country. On various social media platforms, the agency also updates the public with alarming and sometimes interesting “findings” about the checkpoint such as a gun hidden inside. a turkey or disassembled and packed inside jars of peanut butter.
In the May, Minneapolis-St. Paul’s International Airport (MSP) installed a 33 foot long simulated aircraft cabin at one of its terminals.
Once used to train Delta Air Lines pilots and flight attendants in emergency evacuation procedures, this cabin is now a place for people with sensory, physical or cognitive disabilities, or Those who are afraid of flying, can try the experience of flying and regain their confidence as a traveler. Several other airports plan to follow the MSP’s lead.
Paused during the pandemic, events at an outdoor public space at Denver International Airport (DEN) between Jeppesen Terminal and the Westin Hotel were “reactivated” in June.
From mid-June to mid-July, the space hosts a free miniature golf course. Also, from mid-December to January 1, 2023, anyone can skate for free, including free skate rentals.
Traveling is stressful. Life can be stressful. Sometimes it all becomes too much.
that’s why Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) timed the launch of an extended mental health campaign to coincide with the launch of the nationwide suicide and crisis relief number (988) in July.
Planned to run through December 2024, the campaign features nine digital screens in the terminal. Each is 7 feet tall, with 55-inch screens displaying diverse and comprehensive messages about the importance of mental health and the resources available to those seeking help.
In August, we were super excited to learn that Two US airports nominated for Best Toilet in America 2022. Each year, the contest selects 10 creative and hygienic public toilets finalists and invites the public to help choose the right toilet for the winner’s throne.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) was nominated in the category of innovative toilets for all genders. In the end, it’s Tampa . International Airport (TPA) cleaned up in October, winning the competition for new, colorful, locally-themed restrooms. TPA celebrated with balloons and toilet paper cookies, and donated the prize money to a local charity.
While vying for America’s Best Restroom, Tampa International Airport has also perfected one of the best airport amenities of the year: a must-see 21 foot tall flamingo sculpture by Matthew Mazzotta titled “Home”.
Two other great airport amenities returned to the airport in November and December.
In a move we’re surprised other airports haven’t followed, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) brought back winter coat inspection service.
For the very reasonable price of $2 per day or $10 per trip, travelers to warm-weather destinations can check out jackets, hats, gloves, and cold-weather gear other at the airport and pick them up on the way home.
In addition, passengers at San Diego International Airport (SAN) can order one of two limited edition beers brewed with purified water recovered from the drips of jet-mounted air-conditioning units.
It’s not as lucky as it might sound. As part of the airport’s water management program, drip water is cleaned using reverse osmosis and ozone sterilization, and then sent to San Diego’s East Village Brewing Company, where it has been installed. produced the Hoppy Travels and Pils IPA before the flight for the airport.
