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.