Airports can be crowded and stressful places to waste your time. They can also be lovely, sweet and surprising.
In 2024, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) brought back its coat check service, and Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) hosted another marriage license office coming up on Valentine’s Day. Also, during this presidential election year, Oregon’s Rogue Valley International Medford Airport (MFR) reminded travelers that there is an Oval Office statue for rent at the airport.
As we begin planning 2025 travel, here’s a rundown of some of the new services and events airlines across the country launched in 2024.
Amazing and exciting events at IND’s Civic Plaza
While many airports place important facilities and services behind security, Indianapolis International Airport (IND) maintains a functional and inviting central security hall called Civic Plaza. It has 35-meter-high ceilings and a five-story wall of windows, as well as dozens of restaurants, shops and art.
And the airport uses it wisely.
In January, when Indianapolis hosted the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, a full-scale replica (94-foot by 50-foot) of a basketball court made of vinyl adhesive appeared in Civic Plaza. Free throws and pickup plays 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 was complete with custom made friendship rings, a 30-foot-tall statue of Taylor Swift, live music, a concert-themed menu and limited-time memorabilia.
And in December, Santa Claus practices at the airport, racing across the taxiway in a fire truck and entering Civic Plaza on an airport-themed carpet.
SFO silent disco
In keeping with its status as a “quiet” airport with minimal announcements, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) launched a silent disco in February. It was rightly called “San Fran-disco.”
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Throughout the month, passengers were invited to let their hair down and dance to San Francisco-themed music using their own headphones in the specially decorated Harvey Milk Terminal 1 security area.
Meteorites are always PWM
In March, airports in and around the path of the April 8 solar eclipse were preparing for an influx of passengers.
Building on the excitement, Maine’s Portland International Jetport (PWM) debuted an 18-foot meteorite display. Called “Take Me to the Moon,” the exhibit featured meteorites on five-year loan from the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum’s world-class meteorite collection. Examples include the second largest moon on Earth, fragments of Mars and a Gibeon sky painting similar to Edvard Munch’s “The Scream.”
Airports have fun on April Fool’s Day
Many airports around the country rely on April Fool’s Day.
This year, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) shared a photo of an airplane covered in sticky notes.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) has introduced Travel Tubes — “a personal air tube system that allows you to pre-check in the Ticketing Hall and navigate your way to the gate.”
Virginia’s Norfolk International Airport (ORF) has partnered with its neighbor, the Norfolk Botanical Garden, to offer visitors a unique way to travel between the garden and the airport: the Sky Lift that offers a great view of both the airport and the 175-acre garden.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) teased the opening of an underground tunnel with a large art installation titled “River Tunnel” by saying that the tunnel will be filled with water. “Disneyesque boats will replace the moving walkways and paddles will be provided for passengers who want to paddle their own boats,” SLC said.
SFO terminals are now connected to postsecurity
Last year, we celebrated the fact that Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) eliminated the final security link between all of its terminals.
This year, the SFO did the same.
In June, the final section of Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at SFO was completed. It also includes a new museum gallery, a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint accessible from the AirTrain station, additional airport gates, the airport’s third yoga room and new concessions. Even better, there is now a connecting route linking all SFO postsecurity terminals.
Many programs to pass the gate
A growing list of airports offer gate pass programs that allow ticketless guests to bypass the TSA security checkpoint to 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 several other cities.
In July, Nashville International Airport (BNA) became the latest airport to adopt its own version of the gate pass program. The BNA Passport allows passengers without tickets to enjoy live airport music in most sections. Guests can also enjoy its “walk-in” policy, which allows them to go around the security area with a cocktail or beer.
Buttons ‘My First Flight’ on ORF
Whether you are a child or an adult, your first flight in an airplane is a special occasion.
The team at ORF gets that. This year, the airport purchased a button making kit so we can create souvenir buttons to help passengers mark that special day feeling.
ORF “My First Flight” buttons are available at the airport information desk; Volunteer Ambassadors at the airport have a hidden location.
PDX opens a main terminal with a tree line
In August, Oregon International Airport (PDX) opened its largest and most reimagined terminal designed by architecture firm ZGF. Part of a $2.15 billion makeover, the impressive forest-like sanctuary has a soaring wooden roof; the latest in access and inspection technologies; more than 70 living trees; 5,000-plus living plants; and an abundance of art, shops and restaurants.
The stadium seats in the main terminal are perfect for relaxing before the flight with friends and family or listening to live music. And there’s fun in the lounge on each bank of seats. PDX has faithfully recreated the much-loved teal-purple carpet pattern that inspired thousands of shoe selfies.
SLC retrieves its world map
In 2024, SLC completed the third phase of its redevelopment by opening 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) had been saved.
When the new airport was built, the engineers announced that they would not be able to save the map – but they did. The map is now back in view at Concourse B Plaza.
LGB closes out its centennial with pickleball
California’s Long Beach Airport (LGB) celebrated its centennial in 2024 with a year-long campaign. It also opened its History Terminal, released a series of posters in the style of the Work Projects Administration’s national park posters, installed a time capsule and jumped into the pickleball craze with a pop-up pickleball court — just in time for the holiday season.
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