Airport guides

RNO: 5 Things We Love About Reno-Tahoe International Airport

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We continue celebrating features and amenities at airports around the country and the world with our series “5 Things We Love About …”

Today we’re visiting Reno Tahoe International Airport (RNO).

Keep in mind that some of the amenities we love may be temporarily unavailable due to health concerns. We are confident they will be back.

If we miss an amenity you love at RNO, please let us know in the comments section below.

And feel free to nominate another airport to be featured in the 5 Things We Love About… series.

5 Things We Love About Reno Tahoe International Airport (RNO)

1. RNO’s Kindness Take Flight Team

Passengers traveling through RNO often encounter members of the airport’s Kindness Takes Flight team marking a holiday or just doing something fun and, yes, kind.

On National Compliments Day they handed out free compliments.

On National Chocolate Cake Day, it was complimentary chocolate cupcakes and on National Popcorn Day (which we celebrate every day), the team distributed popcorn. And on National Dog Day, traveling pups received milk bones.

Sometimes, the teams gets a little far out. Like when they went to a galaxy far, far away for inspiration for their May the 4th Be With You celebration.

2. RNO’s Paws 4 Passengers team

Like an increasing number of airports around the country, RNO has a pet therapy program to help passengers destress while in the airport.

Before the program was put on pause (you thought I was going to say ‘paws,’ didn’t you) due to health concerns, RNO’s Paws 4 Passengers pups were “sanitized for your protection.”

3. RNO and Burning Man

Each year – except this year – about 20,000 of the 70,000 attendees at the extravaganza in the Black Rock desert known as Burning Man arrive and depart Nevada through Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

RNO goes all out to welcome and send-off the Burners from around the world. The airport rolls out everything from art and entertainment in the Connector Collections Gallery and elsewhere in the airport to staffed information booths for those who need to figure out how to get to the Burning Man site.

For tired and dusty revelers on their way home, the airport makes sure to have giant containers for the trash that must be taken off the festival site and plastic bags to wrap the luggage covered in Black Rock sand.

There is even a place where bikes purchased for transportation on the Burning Man site can be donated to local community groups instead of being thrown away.

4. Shopping at RNO

Here at StuckatTheAirport.com, we are big fans of shopping for offbeat and locally-themed items in airport shops.

RNO does not disappoint.

5. Bonus amenities at RNO

In addition to free local calls, bicycle parking and the common-use Escape Lounge, Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) has real gaming machines on both concourses, in the Taphouse bartops and in the lobby of the terminal.

Did we miss any of the features and amenities you love at Reno-Tahoe International Airport?

If so, please leave a note in the comments section below. And let us know which airport you would like to see featured in our “5 Things We Love About…” series next.

PHL: 5 Things We Love About Philadelphia International Airport

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Our 5 Things We Love About series of airport guides celebrating some of the features and amenities at airports around the country and the world is growing longer.

And today we add another airport to the list: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

PHL, just seven miles from downtown Philadelphia, first opened in 1940. Back then it was known then as Philadelphia Municipal Airport. Today PHL serves more than 32 million passengers a year with 25 airlines making 500 departures to more than 140 destinations worldwide.

Keep in mind that some of the amenities featured here may be temporarily unavailable due to health concerns. We are confident they will come back.

5 Things We Love About Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

1. Art and exhibitions at PHL

PHL’s award-winning art and exhibitions program is celebrating its 22nd year and you’ll find art at just about every turn.

We love the wall filled with posters of movies made in Philadelphia, such as Rocky (and the sequels), starring Sylvester Stallone; Dressed to Kill, with Michael Caine and Angie Dickinson, Blow Out, with John Travolta; Trading Places, Witness and more.

And we really love the temporary exhibitions PHL hosts as well as the permanent artwork, such as King Saladeen’s “Create Your Gold” (between Terminals C and D).


2.  PHL ARTPORT LOUNGE


The ARTport Lounge in Terminal F is a colorful place for passengers to relax while waiting for a flight. The area features the artwork of Kyle Confehr, Martha Rich, Alloyius Mcilwaine and Lauren Cat West. There’s a popular sticker wall here as well as cornhole game boards.

3. PHL WAGGING TAILS BRIGADE


PHL’s Wagging Tails Brigade of therapy dogs launched in April 2019. The program includes 12 teams of volunteer dogs and handlers who walk the terminals to interact with passengers and reduce stress.

Each dog has its own trading card as well.

4. The PHL Book Exchange

Everything in PHL’s book exchange and seating area in Terminal A is recycled. The book exchange and seats are made of reclaimed wooden pallets, the plants are in recycled aluminum cans and water bottles, and the backdrop tiles are made from broken skateboard decks.

The books are “take one, leave one” and come from passengers and from the airlines, which donate books left onboard airplanes.

5.  THE PHL POP-UP THEATER


The pop-up theater in Baggage Claim B showcases media/video by Philadelphia area youth who participate in various nonprofit programs.

Right now the features “Symphony for a Broken Orchestra,” an exhibition with broken musical instruments from the School District of Philadelphia, emphasizing the importance of music education in schools.

Broken Orchestra from Topic on Vimeo.

Did we miss an amenity you love at PHL airport? The rocking chairs? Perhaps the fact that you can order a cheesesteak in any terminal? The Philadelphia Zoo at PHL program? Or the on-property Marriott hotel connected via a skywalk to Terminal B?

Let us know in the comments section below. Which airport should we visit next?



DAL: 5 Things We Love About Dallas Love Field Airport

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The “5 Things We Love About…” series marches on. Even though we are forced to stay on the ground and close to home.

So today we are celebrating some of the features and amenities we love at Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL).

Keep in mind that some of the things we love at DAL airport may be temporarily closed due to health concerns. But we are confident they will be back.

If we miss one of the features you love about Dallas Love Field Airport, please drop a note in the comments section below.

And be sure to take a look at some of the other airports on the “5 Things We Love About…” list. The series will continue as long as there are airports to visit. There are a lot of airports, so we will just keep this occasional feature going here on StuckatTheAirport.com

5 Things We Love About Dallas Love Field Airport

1. Live at Love Stage

The Live at Love Stage at DAL airport presents daily, lunchtime musical performances by local artists. The music is piped throughout the terminal, so you can still enjoy the music at your gate, in a restaurant or a shop.

2. The Love Field Art Program

Love Field has a robust art program, with both permanent artwork and changing exhibitions to enjoy both before and after security. You can even join an airport art tour.

3. The LBJ Plaque

Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas on November 22, 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson took the oath of office as President aboard Air Force One as it sat parked on the ramp at Dallas Love Field.

Johnson is the only President sworn-in west of the Mississippi River and an exhibit at the Love Field Observation Deck recognizes the event with a plaque and a presidential seal on loan from Amy & Farris Rookstool, III

At night, a light illuminates another plaque out on the aircraft apron that shows the exact location of Air Force One at the swearing-in.

Here’s a note from Mr. Rookstool:

 “I spent 11 years working on honoring this Presidential History at Dallas Love Field. As a child I was at DAL on November 22, 1963. Never in a million years would I have ever imagined that I would be the historian responsible for marking this historic site at the airport. The LBJ inauguration was the first and only time a President has ever been sworn in aboard and aircraft (Air Force One) at an airport.“

4. Lil’ Love Lounge at Love Field

The children’s play area at Dallas Love Field Airport was a popular spot before it had to temporarily close due to COVID-19 health concerns. DAL officials promise it is coming back with a fresh new theme.

5. The Souvenirs at DAL Airport

Here at StuckatTheAirport.com, we’re a big fan of quirky, locally-themed souvenirs. The shops at Dallas Love Field Airport offer plenty of options.

Did we miss one of your favorite amenities at Dallas Love Field Airport? Let us know in the comments section below.

What airport should we feature next?

ONT – 5 Things We Love about Ontario International Airport

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Welcome to another installment of Stuck at the Airport’s “5 Things We Love About…” series.

Today we’re sharing some of the features and amenities we love at Ontario International Airport (ONT).

The airport that is quick to remind you that it is not in Canada, but in Southern California, is about 40 miles from Disneyland, downtown LA, and Laguna Beach.

If we have missed one of your favorite amenities at ONT, please leave a note in the comments section below.

And take a look at the other airports in the “5 Things We Love at …” series. We are adding new airports (and taking nominations) all the time.

5 Things We Love About Ontario International Airport (ONT)

1. Drive-in movies at ONT

Without a doubt, the best amenity at ONT airport right now is the drive-in movies.

Better yet: ONT’s drive-in movies are free.

To help area residents combat being cooped up due to COVID-19 concerns, ONT is partnering with the City of Ontario and Street Food Cinema to offer a series of free drive-in movies at the airport on two 50-foot screens. The sound for the movies comes in on the FM radio signal.

“Ford v Ferrari” has already been screened, as has “The Sandlot.”  Coming up next: “Princess Bride” on July 17 and “Napoleon Dynamite” on July 31.

2.  ONT’s role in Hollywood movies

Speaking of movies, ONT calls itself “Hollywood’s secret back lot.”

Filming for scenes in “Ford v Ferrari”, “Catch Me If You Can,” “Argo,” and even the TV series “LAX” all took place at Ontario International Airport.

So, keep your eyes out for movie and TV stars when you are there.

3. The views from ONT

Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead and Mt. Baldy are to the north of ONT and you can get great views from the runway and from the sky.  In the winter, you will spot snow-covered mountains in the distance when exiting the terminal.

4. ONT’s Paw Squad

ONT’s therapy dog team, called the Paw Squad, provides comfort – and photo ops – for stressed-out travelers.

5. PPE Kiosks in the ONT passenger terminals

ONT was the first California airport to install PPE kiosks in the terminals. The machines dispense face covers, disposable gloves, disinfectant wipes, and alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Did we miss mentioning something you love about Ontario International Airport (ONT)? Leave us a note in the comments section below.

Which airport should we profile next?

ORD: 5 Things We Love About Chicago O’Hare International Airport

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We’re back with another installment of our “5 Things We Love About…” series and today we’re landing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Please keep in mind that due to health concerns, some features and amenities at ORD may be temporarily unavailable. But we’re confident they’ll be back.

Here’s a link to the airports that have been profiled in the “5 Things We Love About…” series so far. Feel free to nominate an airport you’d like to see included in the series.

And if we missed a feature or amenity you love at any of the profiled airports, le us know in the comments section.

5 Things We Love About Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is located about 14 miles from downtown Chicago. Originally named Orchard Field Airport, the airport was renamed in O’Hare International Airport in 1949 to honor Lieutenant Commander Edward H. “Butch” O’Hare, a Chicagoan killed during WWII.  

1. ORD’s Aeroponic Garden

O’Hare International Airport’s aeroponic garden grows herbs and vegetables, including basil, lettuce, beans and edible flowers – all without soil. Many restaurants in the airport use ingredients harvested from this garden.

2. The Brachiosaurus at ORD

The Field Museum has been kind enough to loan ORD a skeleton model of a Brachiosaurus excavated in 1900 by one of the museum’s paleontologists. The model is 4 stories tall and 72 feet long and hard to miss in Terminal 1, Concourse B, near the entrance to the tunnel to Concourse C.

3. The ORD Shoe Hospital

The Shoe Hospital at ORD not only offers shoe shining services, they can fix broken heels, sell you shoelaces, put another hole in your leather belt and, in a pinch, fix a suitcase or a strap on your carry-on bag.

4. Art at ORD

Entertaining and iconic, “The Sky’s the Limit,” by Michael Hayden is a 745-foot-long kinetic light sculpture in the tunnel connecting Concourses B&C in Terminal 1.

5. The Fighter Plane

ORD displays a replica of the WWII F4F-3 fighter plane flown by the airport’s namesake, Lt. Commander Edward “Butch” O’Hare. Find it on the north end of Terminal 2, near gate E1.

Did we miss any of your favorite features or amenities at ORD? The yoga rooms? The day passes you can get to use the well-equipped gym at the O’Hare Hilton? Or perhaps the Farmer’s Fridge vending machines that dispense fresh salads and snacks in returnable jars?

Let us know?

CVG: 5 Things We Love About Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

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The “5 Things We Love About…” series on Stuck at The Airport celebrates features and amenities at airports around the country and the world.

Today we’re sending some love to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).

If we miss an amenity at CVG that you love, please be sure to mention it in the comments section below. The same goes for nominating another airport for the series.

CVG: 5 Things We Love About Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport”

1. Miniature Therapy Horses that visit CVG

Many airports have teams of therapy dogs that come by to help destress passengers in the terminals.

CVG has a partnership with Seven Oaks Farm, which brings miniature therapy horses by the airport.

2. CVG’s Autonomous Floor Scrubbers and Vacuum Robots

CVG is serious about staying clean. So keep on the lookout for Neo, a floor-scrubbing robot made by Avidbots and vacuum robots from Softbank.

3. CVG’s themed Cincinnati Zoo play area

The Cincinnati Zoo partners with CVG to make a play area celebrating Fiona, the zoo’s celebrity hippo who gained fame for being the smallest hippo to survive being born six weeks premature.

4. History exhibits at CVG

In another charming community partnership, CVG features Cincinnati Museum Center exhibits – including the Mastodon in Concourse B.

5. Beer, Bourbon and Cute Souvenirs at CVG

Cork N’ Bottle and has several other establishments at CVG feature a wide variety of Kentucky bourbons. They love beer here, too. And the airport has partnered with the Christian Moerlein Taproom to make the bespoke JET CVG beer.

Need a souvenir? Of course you do.

Cincinnati’s unofficial mascot is a winged pig, which celebrates the city’s pork processing past.

CVG’s shops carry everything from piggy banks to chocolate pig “poop”.

DEN: 5 Things We Love About Denver International Airport

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While we wait for air travel to rev back up, the “5 Things We Love About…” series on Stuck at the Airport is celebrating some of the features and amenities at airports around the country and the world.

Today we are giving some love to Denver International Airport (DEN), from it whipped marshmallow-peak tents to the aliens we’re sure are somewhere in – or below – all those acres.

Keep in mind that some of the features we love at DEN may be temporarily unavailable due to health concerns.  We are confident they will be back.

If we’ve missed an amenity you love at Denver International Airport, leave a note in the comments section below. The same goes for suggesting an airport you would like to see featured in a future “5 Things We Love About…” episode.

Here are the airports included in the “5 Things We Love About…” series so far.

5 Things We Love About Denver International Airport (DEN)

1. The DEN Tents

The 21 “tents” that make up the main terminal at Denver International Airport are described as echoing the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, Native American teepees, billowing thunderheads or, perhaps, canvas-covered wagons toiling westward over the Great Plains.

2. The art at DEN

DEN is known for its unusual and eclectic art collection.

One favorite is “Mustang”.  Nicknamed, Blucifer, the blue 32-foot cast-fiberglass sculpture with neon red eyes is hard to miss on the Peña Boulevard approach to the airport.  “Mustang” was created by Luis Jiménez who, sadly, died after a piece of the sculpture fell on him while he was working on it.

DEN hosts temporary art exhibitions and has lots of permanent public art works, including Gary Sweeney’s “America, Why I Lover Her,” in the Jeppesen Terminal.

3. DEN’s CATS

DEN has more than 100 dogs and one actual cat in its CATS (Canine Airport Therapy Squad) program.

4. DEN’s Talking Gargoyle

“Notre Denver,” by Terry Allen, is an artwork featuring two cast bronze gargoyles sitting inside suitcases that watch over the east and west baggage claim areas.

These two gargoyles are charming, but they don’t talk. And due to construction at DEN, this work is in storage through 2021.

But DEN’s talking gargoyle, named Gregoriden, is on duty.

He’s set on a timer and says something to passersby every 5-10 minutes. Visit him on level 5 in the terminal near Southwest baggage claim.

5. DEN’s Gate Expansion Project

The gate expansion project at DEN will add 39 new gates across all three concourses. Better yet, the project is adding a post-security outdoor patio on each concourse featuring pet relief areas, outdoor seating, and fire pits.

Fire pits! We can’t wait!

ATL: 5 Things We Love About Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport

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The “5 Things We Love About…” series on StuckatTheAirport.com continues today with some of the features and amenities that delight us at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Keep in mind that some amenities at ATL and other airports may be temporarily suspended or unavailable right now due to health concerns, but we’re confident they’ll return.

If we don’t include your favorite service or amenity at ATL airport or if you’d like to nominate an airport to be featured, please add a note in the comment section below.

Want to sponsor one or more of the entries in the “5 Things We Love at …” series? Get in touch.

5 Things We Love About Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

1. The art at ATL

Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has an extensive collection of art and history exhibits throughout the domestic and international terminals spaces, in all seven concourses, and in connecting walkways between concourses.

Here are just a few of the pieces in ATL’s art and history collection:

Photos and artifacts pay tribute to Civil Rights leaders John Lewis (Domestic Atrium) and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Concourse E).

Flight Paths, by Steve Waldeck (in the underground walkway between Concourses A and B) simulates the sights and sounds of a walk through a Georgia forest.

Elsewhere, you’ll find a series of Zimbabwean stone sculptures, a selection of images from National Geographic’s Photo Ark project, and many more permanent and temporary exhibitions.

2. Kid stuff at ATL

Kids will enjoy finding some of the cool and quirky art exhibits at ATL, including the Lunch Box Time Capsule exhibit on the boarding level of Concourse E (near Gate E14).

Fun too: a ride on the airport’s Plane Train. Just be sure to get a spot in the front or back car for a cool view of the tunnels between concourses.

 

3. Shopping at ATL

ATL is home to the World’s Largest Hudson shop, which is actually a collection of shops within a shop. In addition to Georgia-themed-souvenirs, you’ll find old-school candy, plenty of books and even some vinyl records.

4. The ATL Canopies

The two massive canopies over the north and south sides of the domestic terminal at ATL are part of a multi-billion dollar capital improvement project.

Each canopy is nearly 900 feet long – the length of nearly three football fields. In addition to being waterproof, the translucent arches can also be lit up in a wide variety of colors.

5. Lav lights at ATL

Two pairs of restrooms (at Gates B18 & B23) use red or green lights to signal when a restroom stall is occupied or empty. (Brilliant!) The system also tracks restroom usage so the janitorial staff knows when a lav needs to be cleaned. A nice partnership between TRAX and Tooshlights and ATL.

MIA: 5 Things We Love About Miami International Airport

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Stuck at the Airport’s “5 Things We Love About…” series continues today with a look at some of the notable features and amenities at Miami International Airport (MIA).

Keep in mind that some of the amenities at MIA may be temporarily unavailable due to COVID-19 concerns, but we’re confident they’ll return.

If we missed one your favorite things about MIA, please share a note in the comments section below.

Want to nominate an airport for the series – or sponsor and installment – get in touch!

Here are 5 Things We Love About Miami International Airport (MIA)

By R&R Studios

1. The art at MIA Airport

Miami International Airport (MIA) has a robust collection of permanent public art as well as temporary exhibitions.

Here’s a sampling:

‘Meltdown’ by Jen Stark at MIA

Murals by Carybé 

2. The MIA Beach

It started as an April Fool’s joke. But now MIA does have a beach (of sorts) in the terminal.

3. Monitors showing vintage MIA & Miami

Instead of taking down a bank of video flight monitors, MIA and the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives at Miami Dade College use the monitors to show vintage film clips.

4. Local Caribbean and Cuban cuisine at MIA

Miami International Airport (MIA) is a great place to find real – and really great – Cuban and Caribbean meals and keep-you-awake Cuban coffee. Just a few of the places to find local flavor at MIA include Bongo’s Cuban Cafe, La Carreta, Cafe La Carreta, Cafe Versailles, Estefan Kitchen Express, Ku-Va Restaurant and Bar..

5. Cool Souvenirs at MIA

Travelers can find some unique souvenirs at Miami International Airport.

Our favorites include stone crabs packed for travel, hand-rolled Cuban-style cigars and travel gear from the colorful Britto shop.

MSY: 5 Things we Love About Louis Armstrong New Orleans Int’l Airport

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Stuck at the Airport’s “5 Things We Love About…” series is back today with Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).

The continuing series celebrates features and amenities at airports around the country and the world.

We’re trying to keep our lists to just 5 cool things about each airport, but you are invited to add ‘bonus’ favorites in the comments below.

*Note that some of the things we love at airports may be temporarily closed or suspended due to COVID-19 concerns, but we’re pretty sure they are coming back.

So:

5 Things We Love About Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

MSY debuted its new $1.3 billion terminal building in November 2019 to serve 16 airlines with 35 gates spread out across three concourses.

1. Live music as MSY


Any trip to New Orleans involves live music. And that includes live music at the airport on arrival – and before you leave. The new terminal has music stages in the bag claim area and in the terminal.

2. The shops and restaurants


The new MSY is filled with restaurants and bars that represent local favorites, including Lucky Dogs, Cafe Du Monde, Emeril’s Table, Leah’s Kitchen and many more.

Great souvenirs of New Orleans can be found at the MSY as well.

3. The MSY Treewall

The Treewall at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is an impressive three-story artwork portraying an oak tree that sits right in the middle of the airport’s main terminal area. It not only offers a great sense of place; it’s a great meeting place and, of course, a great photo opp spot.

4. MSY’s “Meet an Alligator” program

Every Friday the Audubon Nature Institute brings a few juvenile alligators to MSY airport so passengers can learn about these creatures and get a souvenir photo.

5. MSY’s K9 Krewe

Alligators aren’t the only animals that visit MSY on a regular basis.

The airport has a therapy animal program called MSY K9 KREWE.

13 dogs and their owners make visits to MSY to help decrease travel anxiety and hang out with travelers.

Did we miss something you love about MSY?

If we missed your favorite feature or amenity at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), please leave a note in the comment section below.

Want to nominate an airport for the series or sponsor one of the episodes? Get in touch.

Airports in the “5 Things We Love About …” series. So far:

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)