DTW

Happy Souvenir Sunday: Chain saws and ticket readers from DTW

May 24, 2009Harriet BaskasSouvenirsDetroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, DTW

There are plenty of cool, under $10 souvenirs to be found in the shops at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW).

But if you’re after something truly unusual, check out the airport’s on-line auction.

Sadly, you missed your chance to pick up this chainsaw, which came with a lovely carry case. Unlike the 1992 Chevrolet GMT -400 ambulance currently up for auction, the 18″ Troy Bilt Model 42cc was not surplus property, but an abandoned item that ended up in the Lost & Found.

Up for adoption now: a 1990 Ford Econoline van, a variety of other vehicles, and an intriguing assortment of airline ticket printers and readers.

Not interested in any of this stuff? Keep checking back. The airport authority plans to expand its offerings to include computers and office equipment, fine and costume jewelry, watches, construction equipment and other specialty airport equipment.

New airport – new art

September 17, 2008Harriet BaskasArt, OpeningsDetroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, DTW, Indianapolis International Airport

I wrote earlier about the North Terminal opening today (Sept 17, 2008) at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).

There’s been a lot written about the 35 shops and restaurants included in the new DTW terminal, but there hasn’t been much in the news about any new art.

Over at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), though, where they’re putting the finishing touches on their new terminal, art is definitely on the agenda.

Scheduled to open on November 11, the new Indianapolis International Airport (just down the road from the old one) will have $4 million worth of newly commissioned artwork.

Included: “whimsical and functional seating” in the baggage claim area by New York artist Ron Baron that has been “created by casting actual pieces of luggage in bronze and painting them to look like their originals… The slightly old-fashioned look of the suitcases and travelers recalls the joy and wonder that was associated with air travel in a bygone era.”

There’s lots more. Stay tuned.

Love the Layover: Detroit Metro Airport’s new North Terminal

September 13, 2008Harriet BaskasOpeningsDetroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, DTW

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW’s) officially opens its new North Terminal on Wednesday, September 17^th (2008) with 35 brand new shops and restaurants, including a few “firsts” and special features.

Here’s a preview:

Look for the first airport locations for the Earl of Sandwich and Ruby Tuesday restaurant as well as the first branded Sports Illustrated retail store, which will have electronic kiosks for accessing sports information and sell branded merchandise of the area’s professional (Red Wings, Tigers, Pistons, Lions) and college (Michigan State University and the University of Michigan) teams.

Sports – and film – fans might also enjoy the Hockeytown Café, which will pay tribute to Detroit’s hockey history, and the Legends Bar, which will feature art glass panels that honor great heroes of Detroit such as Joe Lewis, and Gordie Howe – as well as Golden Era of Hollywood figures like Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo and more.

In addition to food courts, delis, news stand and gift shops, the new North Terminal will also have a Brookstone store, Zoom vending ‘stores’ stocked with electronic items and accessories, and a branch of XpresSpa, offering massages and reflexology services, as well as salon treatments such as manicures, pedicures, facials, and waxing.

Here’s a link to a readable version of the terminal map below.

Finishing touches at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) North terminal

September 8, 2008Harriet BaskasOpeningsDetroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, DTW

The new North Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) will open for business on September. 17th, but airport officials are already showing it off.

Last Friday there was VIP Preview and Charity Benefit for about 1,000 guests with the proceeds going to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History, First Step, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and Traveler’s Aid Society of Metropolitan Detroit.

Then on Saturday, Sept. 6, the airport held an open house. More than 10,000 people showed up.

No doubt lots of those folks wanted to see the new terminal, but I bet some people came for the live entertainment, the games, and for the chance to win a plane load of gas in gas cards, a trip to Walt Disney World, round trip airline tickets and other prizes.

Right now the new North Terminal is still called simply the new North Terminal. Naming rights for the building have been up for auction – but it seems that so far there are no takers.

When it opens, the new North Terminal will be used by Air Canada, American Airlines, AirTran Airways, Frontier Airlines, Lufthansa German Airlines, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways, USA 3000, and charter airlines. Northwest Airlines and SkyTeam(TM) partners AeroMexico, Air France, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, will remain in the McNamara Terminal.

Airlines cut flights; airports open new terminals

August 25, 2008Harriet BaskasEconomy, OpeningsDetroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, DTW, Indianapolis International Airport, Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Three new terminals and at least one fresh new airport are set to open in the United States this fall. With all the news about airlines cutting flights and eliminating service, let’s hope someone will get to enjoy these new facilities.

The new 26-gate North Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) opens for business on September 17^th. Before airplanes start pulling up to the gates, the airport is hosting a free open house (Sept. 6^th) with music, dance, games, a scavenger hunt, and prizes that include “a plane load of gas in gas cards,” airline tickets, and a trip to Disney world. The day before that party (Sept 5) there will be a charity preview event inside the terminal to benefit five local non-profit groups. On tap: dinner, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Quartet and live entertainment.