Earth Hour is an annual “lights off” event that asks individuals and institutions around the globe to go dark for 60 minutes to show symbolic support for the planet and raise awareness of the environmental issues affecting it.
Sure, it sounds a bit woo-woo. But Earth Hour it’s been taking place since 2007. And the level of participation is pretty impressive.
From the pylons at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the Space Needle in Seattle, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and Tower Bridge in London, here are some of the places around the globe that went dark for an hour in honor of Earth Hour on Saturday at 8:30 pm (local time).
Let us know if you participated in Earth Hour this year.
It's #EarthHour! The iconic #LAX pylons will remain dark for the next hour to raise awareness of climate change and highlight Los Angeles World Airports' ongoing commitment to sustainable operations. #EarthHourLAXpic.twitter.com/xulneKPbDr
We’re going dark for @earthhour tonight from 8:30PM-9:30PM, joining landmarks around the world to raise awareness about climate change. Over 190 countries and territories are participating in Earth Hour tonight to inspire collective action for our planet. #earthhourpic.twitter.com/Kd0k5z2skS
All non-essential lights in and around St. Peter's Basilica were turned off for an hour on Saturday evening as part of the Earth Hour 2023 initiative. . . .#EarthHour2023#Vaticanpic.twitter.com/u9gfG8vZeO
The Supreme Court on Monday let stand a ruling that allows the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to require mask-wearing on planes, trains, and other forms of transport.
The TSA stopped enforcing a mask mandate in April of this year after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s mask mandate was struck down by a federal judge in Florida.
Are you still wearing a mask when you fly? COVID is still out there and we’ve seen lots of people wearing masks in airports and on planes.
Longer Hours for SEA’s Spot Saver program
Hate waiting in long airport security lines?
A great amenity popping up at airports is a program that allows travelers to make a timed reservation to go through the security line.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) was the first airport in the U.S. to offer the service, which they call Spot Saver. And it has become so popular that SEA is now expanding the program, just in time for the upcoming busy holiday travel season.
Previously, the advanced check-in option for security checkpoint lines was only available during the busiest times of the day, until 1 p.m. Now travelers can use the service afternoons and evenings as well.
Other airports around the country offer a similar service. Check your airport’s website for the option before getting in that long security line.
New Airport Socks Alert
The Stuck at The Airport fashion reporter has a great collection of airport socks. And it looks like there’s an opportunity to add a new pair to the collection.
Here’s how to get them:
Washington’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) turns 60 this month, on November 17. And throughout November, airport visitors who purchase three items in the Duty Free Americas shops can show their receipts and get a free pair of socks. But only 1000 pairs are available.
There will also be special events on the airport’s anniversary day, November 17, including free cookies and throwback prices for coffee.
Airports around the country are staying busy this week with everything from the introduction of a new digital concierge at DFW to celebrity sightings, Hispanic Heritage Month and Fossil Day celebrations, and shopping tips.
Need help navigating Terminal B? IBM's "Digital Iris" is here to assist!
Iris is a hyper-realistic digital persona that we're testing at kiosks near Gates B14 & B42. 📍 It provides up-to-the-minute flight and gate info, interactive maps, and more!
Don't leave Las Vegas with out visiting the @NeonMuseum store at LAS! Located near Gate C16, it's a trip back in time with a wide variety of vintage Las Vegas-inspired gifts and souvenirs. #ShopLASpic.twitter.com/owOJrl2o1G
— Harry Reid International Airport (@LASairport) October 12, 2022
La Reina Boricua debuts recipes at CAK during Hispanic Heritage Month! Akron’s popular La Reina Boricua is sharing deeply rooted Puerto Rican dishes through the airport’s business catalyst program. Learn more at https://t.co/Cb7w395KFGpic.twitter.com/FQyIyWoi6c
For our first-time attendee, things didn’t look too promising when she arrived to find all the hot balloons just lying flat on the ground.
There were families gathered in the field with their kids still in their pajamas. And lots of people with giant cups of coffee. And for a while, nothing seemed to be happening.
But after a set of small test balloons were sent up to make sure the wind conditions were suitable for hot air balloon adventures, the business of filling up the balloons, taking off, and flying over Washington’s lower Yakima Valley was underway.
The sunrise launches are thrilling, but somehow we missed out on seeing the Night Glow when all the hot air balloons are anchored to the ground and are then lit up from inside so that they glow against the night sky.
So we’re already planning on attending next year. See you there.
The 11- day Fiesta San Antonio celebration is underway. And the party extends to the airport.
San Antonio International Airport (SAT) holds an annual Fiesta Takes Flight Parade in the terminal. This year’s event was on April 2.
Hundreds of airline and airport employees, their families, and even travelers participate in the Fiesta Takes Flight Parade in the middle of the airport’s terminals. The parade features authentic coronation dresses, entertainment, unique parade floats, colorful fiesta attire, and festive colors throughout the airport.
Imagine showing up for your flight and seeing this!
“This is such a fun time to celebrate the history, vibrant culture, and traditions of San Antonio. We have a very creative family at SAT and it’s always exciting to see everyone’s entries on the day of the parade”, said Jesus H. Saenz, Jr., Director of Airports, San Antonio Airport System. “And I’m always filled with pride when travelers enter the terminals and I see their reactions to the decoration and festivities because it is so unique and representative of our beautiful city”.
Trophies are awarded to parade participants for creativity, spirit, originality, colorfulness, theme, and spirit. American Airlines won the first place trophy. Southwest Airlines won second place. And Delta Air Lines, Aeromexico and Viva Aerobus tied for third.
One of the airport’s fiesta traditions is to distribute colorful medals to tourists. This year’s medal featured The Star of Texas or La Estrella de Texas, an art installation at the entrance to the airport by Mexican artist Sebastian.
