5 Things We Love About

Estonia’s Tallinn Airport

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We received some snaps of Estonia’s Tallinn Airport (TLL) from intrepid traveler Cathy Raines, who said this airport may now be her favorite, “or right up there.”

On its Facebook page, the airport says it will never be the largest in the world “but it can be the world’s coziest airport.”

That sounds inviting. So we decided to take a closer look. And can now add this charming airport to our “5 Things We Love About…” series.

5 Things We Love About Estonia’s Tallinn Airport (TLL)

1. A Ping Pong Table

Here’s a way to entertain travelers while offering a bit of exercise at the airport.

2. A playground for kids

Shoes off and fun on. This looks like a great place for kids to hang out before a flight.

3. A giant chess set

Kids AND adults can enjoy this fun airport amenity while sharpening their strategy skills.

4. An airport library

This airport library stays open around the clock. And the shelves are stocked with books in English, Estonian, Russian and other languages. There’s also a separate section just for children’s books.

Travelers are invited to leave books in the library and, the airport invites readers to leave “an inscription in the book: a nice thought or wish for the next reader or a note of the destinations this book has visited.”

5. A piano

Again, a fun amenity that not only entertains airport travelers but lets them hone – and show off – a skill.

Thanks, Cathy, for letting us know about this charming and, yes, cozy, airport.

5 Things We Love about Oregon’s Eugene Airport

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Eugene Airport (EUG)

Oregon’s Eugene Airport (EUG) is also known as Mahlon Sweet Field and was named in honor of Mahlon Sweet. He was the automobile dealer and aviation enthusiast who built the city’s first airstrip – Eugene Airport Park – in 1919.

Today, EUG has 10 gates and is served by 7 air carriers – Alaska, America, Avela, Allegiant, Delta, Southwest, and United – and offers direct flights to 14 cities.

Here are 5 Things to Love About EUG Airport

1. Free Short Stories

EUG is one of a handful of airports around the country that hosts a Short Story Dispenser from French Publishing House Short Édition.

The dispenser at EUG is in a prime location: right at the top of the stairs on the way to the busy A Gates and is offered in partnership with the Eugene Public Library.

Passengers may choose one of three buttons and request a local, international, or kid’s story. Once a selection is made, a free short story or poem is printed right away on an ink-free, eco-friendly strip of paper.

2. A Great Art Collection at EUG

A mural-sized version of a license plate that benefits the Oregon Cultural Trust is on display near the A Gates. Travelers are invited to search for the 127 Oregon cultural symbols featured in the artwork.

The airport has plenty of other art throughout the terminal, including a changing gallery of work by adults in the Oregon Supported Living Program; a collection of images taken from data collected by University of Oregon researchers in astronomy, biology, and other sciences; and a fun multi-site work called “Flight Patterns,” by David Joyce that features almost life-sized photos of people in various mid-flight poses.

3. Rocking Chairs

EUG offers seating with power ports, seating at high tables, and, of course, banks of traditional airport seating.

But the most coveted seats at Eugene Airport, as at many other airports, are the rocking chairs.

4. Big Duck Statues

A handful of the 6-foot-tall fiberglass ducks that were once part of an art installation around town back in 2002 have waddled their way to the airport.

5. Souvenir Sasquatch Poo

There are lots of local and regionally-themed souvenirs to buy in the airport shops. But one of the most popular items is Bigfoot Poop.

5 Things We Love About Eugene Airport is part of the ongoing 5 Things We Love About .. series on Stuck at the Airport. Let us know if you’d like us to add your favorite airport.

RDM: 5 Things We Love About Oregon’s Redmond Municipal Airport

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Oregon’s Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), located in the heart of Central Oregon, is the state’s 3rd largest airport and is served by 5 airlines: American Airlines, Alaska Air, Avelo Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines.

Travelers can fly non-stop from here to Burbank, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, and Seattle. 

Stuck at the Airport stopped by for a visit and spotted (more than) 5 Things to Love About Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM).

1: Compassionate Therapy Dogs

Compassionate Canines Certified Therapy Dog Teams are often on duty in the ticketing, baggage, and gate areas of the terminal.

2. Art at RDM

For a small airport, RDM has a lot of art.

Look for temporary art installations and lots of permanent art pieces, including the hard-to-miss section of a Western Juniper tree by the TSA checkpoint. Common in the high desert of Central Oregon, this juniper tree is thought to be more than 500 years old.

Learn more about the art at Redmond Municipal Airport here.

3. Sasquatch

Central Oregon is prime Bigfoot (or Sasquatch)-hunting country. And the Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is probably the only place you are assured of spotting the elusive creature.

When RDM’s Sasquatch sculpture first moved in, he was carrying a pink suitcase. These days he’s helping the airport get ready for its terminal expansion project.

4. RDM’s “FLYBRARY”

Take a book, leave a book

RDM has two locations for its “Flybrary” – one post-security and one in the bag claim area – where passengers are encouraged to leave a book that they’ve finished and take a new one left by another traveler or supplied by the airport.

5. Play areas for kids

Like a lot of airports, Redmond Municipal Airport has play areas for kids. A nice bonus here is that in addition to the post-security play area, RDM has a good-sized play area in the bag claim area. We spotted these kids having a great time in the toy helicopter.

Bonus: Sasquatch and Yeti Poo

We’re not sure why, but locally-themed souvenir ‘poo’ (usually chocolate-covered nut) is a big seller in airport gift shops.

At Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) Sasquatch and Yeti Poo – here it’s cotton candy – is one of the top sellers.

IND: 5 (More) Things We Love About Indianapolis International Airport

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Stuck at The Airport’s “5 Things We Love About…” series revisited Indianapolis International Airport (IND) recently and found 5 more things to love.

This Madame Walker Mural

This mural by Tasha Beckwith honors Indianapolis hair-care entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker, who is credited as being the first female self-made millionaire in America.

These Lounge-Like Chairs

These powered privacy chairs are usually seen in airline lounges. At IND you’ll find them in a gate hold area.

This Free Pop-a-Shot Basketball Game

At IND’s pre-security Civic Plaza, the Indiana Pacers Courtside Club celebrates the local Indiana Pacers basketball team. Adjacent to the restaurant is a free pop-a-shot basketball game.

This Bookstore

Airport concessionaire Hudson does a nice job with its Ink-branded shop selling books, magazines, and gifts in IND.

These Cute and Corny Souvenirs

Souvenir shopping is one our favorite things to do at airports. IND shops don’t disappoint.

Int

5 Things We Love About London Gatwick Airport

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Our ‘5 Things We Love About’ series highlighting features and amenities at airports around the world continues with London’s Gatwick Airport (LGW).

We have airport mascot Gary Gatwick to help highlight some of the amenities.

1. CONVENIENCE

Most travelers only think of Heathrow Airport when they think of booking flights to London.

But getting to central London from Gatwick Airport is really quite easy. And fast.

Gatwick is about 30 miles south of central London and the non-stop Gatwick Express rail service makes the trip to London’s Victoria Station in just 30 minutes. And Victoria Station is very centrally located.

On the train, travelers will find free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and places to store suitcases.

There’s even a “Delay Repay” offer if you’re arrival is delayed by at least 15 minutes.    

 Thameslink trains also make the journey easy from Gatwick Airport to London Bridge and other destinations.

2. HOTEL OPTIONS AT GATWICK AIRPORT

For quick naps or a freshen-ups once you land, the YotelAir London Gatwick Airport, located landside in the South Terminal, offers super-compact ‘cabins’ for stays as short as four hours.

Gatwick Airport also offers travelers the choice of staying overnight at the Sofitel London Gatwick or the Hilton London Gatwick, both owned by the Arora Group. We found rates at both hotels lower than at the corresponding properties at Heathrow.

3. FIRST AIRPORT GIN DISTILLERY

The world’s first airport distillery is at Gatwick Airport.

You’ll find it tucked in the corner of the Nicholas Culpeper Pub & Dining venue, which is located pre-security in Gatwick’s North Terminal.

The distillery produces small batch, bespoke London Gatwick Airport Gin that is used in many of the specialty cocktails at the restaurant.

If the distiller is on site, you might get even get invited in for a tour and a taste.  

4. GOURMET DINING AT GATWICK

Juniper & Co, located post-security in the North Terminal, offera a menu featuring high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

There’s a kid’s menu; a curated bar menu that includes a map showing how far away some the specialty gins, wines, beers, and juices are made; a breakfast menu; and an all-day menu with dishes using a wide range of locally-sourced ingredients.

Super fresh meals are made with salmon from H. Forman & Son (48 miles from Gatwick), Wells Farm bacon, sausages, and eggs (farmed 26 miles away), artisan bread freshly baked by Flour Station (60 miles from Gatwick), and a great cheese plate made with a great assortment of local cheeses.

5. AIRPORT MASCOT GARY GATWICK

For entertainment and engagement, Gatwick Airport has a mascot named Gary Gatwick.

A small version of the teddy bear mascot can be spotted out and about in the city, the region, and around the world. But in the airport, a full-size Gary Gatwick will often be found in the terminal and at special airport events.

‘5 Things We Love About…” an airport near you

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Fall travel doesn’t look like it is going to involve much flying. And we suspect that concerns about COVID-19 will mean that most winter adventures will have to be put on hold as well.

But that’s not stopping us from celebrating cool features and amenities at airports in our ongoing “5 Things We Love About…” series.

So far, we’ve profiled more than 30 airports. And we’re reminded of how proud each of these airports is to be serving and representing their cities.

While we work on putting together more airport profiles, take a moment to visit some that have been featured so far.

And please let us know if there’s an airport you’d like to see featured.

Albany International Airport (ALB)

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

Boise Airport (BOI)

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)

Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)

Denver International Airport (DEN)

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Evansville Regional Airport (EVV)

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)

Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

John Wayne Airport (SNA)

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Miami International Airport (MIA)

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Portland International Airport (PDX)]

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)

ALB: 5 Things We Love About Albany International Airport

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

Today we’re landing at New York’s Albany International Airport (ALB), once known as “the aerial crossroads of the Northeast.”

ALB: 5 Things We Love About Albany International Airport

Photo by Mark Morand

1. The Reading Lounge at ALB

ALB is home to the Mario & Matilda Cuomo Pavilion, which is a partnership with the New York State Writers Institute.

The pavilion is an 800-square foot glass-enclosed space on the first floor of the terminal. The space is designed to be a reading lounge where visitors can select a free book by authors featured by the Institute, download an author interview, and learn about the Institute’s programs and events.

2. The Art at Albany International Airport

Photo by Arthur Evans.

Albany International Airport’s Art & Culture Program presents a robust array of offerings in exhibition spaces throughout the terminal.

In addition to Concourse Galleries and an exhibition case program that features information and artifacts from museums in the region, ALB airport has a dedicated 2,500-square gallery located pre-security on the third floor of the airport.

As a nice bonus, artwork in the curated gallery shows is often for sale.

Red Drift by Gina Ochiogrosso

3. The Observation Area at ALB

Albany International Airport has a pre-security observation area on the third level of the terminal. Part of the airport art gallery, the observation area offers views of the airport runways, the wings of the terminal, and, on a clear day, the southern Adirondack Mountains.

4. Flowers at ALB

Albany International Airport makes a point to have fresh flowers throughout the terminal. And lots of them. Starting at the curbside.

5. Shiny new facilities at ALB

Albany International Airport recently completed a multi-million dollar capital redevelopment project. Passengers will benefit from the new air traffic control tower, a new 230,000-square-foot terminal, and a new 1000-space parking garage with a pedestrian bridge to the terminal.

Did we miss one of your favorite features or amenities at Albany International Airport (ALB)?

If so, leave a note in the comments section below.

And be sure to take a look at the other airports in the “5 Things We Love About…” series. We’re adding a few new airports each week.

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?



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?