airport bookshops

Travel tidbits from an airport near you

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Airport bookstores making a comeback

Yesterday we celebrated the news that Powell’s Books is returning to Portland International Airport (PDX).

Today we celebrate the opening of another real bookstore at an airport. Green Apple Books is now open at Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

How dirty is your luggage?

When was the last time you sanitized your luggage?

If the answer is ‘never,’ then you might be a candidate for the Clean luggage sanitation machine, which will debut this week at JFK Terminal 7 as part of a pilot project.

The promise: the machine uses UV-C light to eliminate 99.9% of viruses, bacteria and other harmful pathogens from your luggage in seconds.

The cost: $10 for two pieces of luggage.

Would you use this??

More way to celebrate books at airports

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More airport book options

We celebrated National Book Lovers Day over the weekend with mention of some airport book stores we love and will miss.

We’re not done celebrating the creative ways airports help travelers find books.

In Houston, there are Little Libraries, the kind you may see around your neighborhood, filled with free books at both William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

At IAH, you’ll find Little Libraries in Terminal A, near Gate A3 and in Terminal D, near Gate D9. In HOU, find the Little Libraries near Gates 44, 4 and 23.

You’ll also find a fun Little Library-style book swap at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

PHL’s book exchange box and the seating area in Terminal A are made of reclaimed wooden pallets. The books are “take one, leave one” and come from passengers and from airlines that donate books left onboard airplanes.

Do you have a favorite airport bookstore or book exchange? Share you tips in the comments section below.

Great idea: book carts at airports

Airport shops

Here’s a great idea:

Canada’s Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF), in Breslau, Ontario has a self-service book cart stocked with donated used books and magazines.

A WestJet Airlines employee came up with the idea; the airport bought the cart; and the proceeds from sales – more than $3,300 so far – is donated to local charities.

Seems simple, straightforward and a win for everyone.  Wouldn’t it be great if all airports set up something like this?