Here’s a nice twist on the (getting old now) flash mobs… a flash waltz.
This dance erupted as part of a celebration for the June 5th opening of the Austrian Star Alliance Terminal at Vienna Airport.
airport events
Holiday discounts & diversions at US airports
Here’s my ‘bonus’ At the Airport column on USAToday.com this week: a round-up of some of the holiday entertainment and special offers at airports this holiday season.
Even if everything goes according to schedule, getting to and through the airport can be a real headache during the hectic holiday travel season.To ease the stress and help keep passengers in good spirits, many airports offer holiday entertainment, promotions and contests as well as discount offers at shops and restaurants throughout the terminals.
Here’s a taste of what’s on tap for this holiday season.
The LAX TSA choir - really!
For more, keep your smartphone handy when you travel: Many performances and special offers are still rolling out on airport websites and some events are being posted exclusively on airport Facebook pages and Twitter feeds.
Prizes and promotions
This year it may pay to save some cash – and room in your carry-on – for last-minute holiday shopping at the airport.
San Antonio International Airport’s (SAT) coupon campaign is available online and will be printed on boarding passes. Those with smartphones need only show the coupon on their phones to a participating vendor to use the offer. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is also offering discounts to travelers who use their smartphones to scan barcodes on signs throughout the airport.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport’s Holiday edition of the Eat, Shop, Relax guide runs through December 31 and includes more than 80 coupons for some of MSP’s most popular restaurants, shops and services.
At New York’s LaGuardia Airport, travelers can print out or download a coupon good through January 2, 2012 for 20% off an item in a participating store or restaurant in the Central Terminal Food & Shops program.
And, as part of one of the holiday promotions taking place at Boston Logan International Airport this season, travelers are invited to write and submit a letter to Santa in the St. Nick Send Me to St. Thomas contest, which has as first prize a trip for four to St. Thomas.
Decorations, music and more
Most airports have holiday decorations strung up, but Fresno Yosemite International Airport is once again hosting a display of eleven uniquely decorated Christmas trees. This year’s theme is “An Airport Christmas…non-stop adventure” and each tree will be decorated to highlight one of the airport’s non-stop destinations.
At the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, “the holiday decorations are up and the children will be singing and dancing,” reports airport spokesperson Allan Siegel. The airport is getting ready to host its 23nd Annual Winter Festival of Music. From December 12 through December 16th, more than 1,200 children from various Broward County elementary, middle and high schools will be performing throughout the airport terminals.
The seasonal Choral Concert Program is already underway at Pittsburgh International Airport. Performances take place on the pre-security ticketing level of the Landside Terminal and feature choirs and orchestras from local schools and community groups and runs through December 22nd. A series of early morning (6:30 am to 8:30 am) piano concerts continues through December 30th.
TSA spokesperson Nico Melendez confirms that at Los Angeles International Airport, the LAX TSA choir is scheduled to perform December 20th at Terminal 4 and December 22nd in the public area of the international terminal.
Appearances by Santa are expected at a several airports, including Philadelphia International Airport, where Santa will be strolling through the airport and stopping to pose for pictures through Christmas Eve. PHL also promises passengers Victorian carolers, visits from Philadelphia’s famous Mummers, music performances, dance troupes and other entertainment.
Karaoke at the Houston Airport
Nashville International Airport will fill five stages with holiday-themed performances by the Cremona Strings Ensemble, the Pattie Cossentino Jazz Quartet, The Nashtones, Freeplay, The Billie Gaines Band and others through December 22nd and, each Wednesday and Friday through December 23rd, San Francisco International Airport’s ‘You are Hear’ program will be offering holiday-entertainment at stages located post-security in Terminals 2 and 3 and pre-security in the International Terminal. On Friday, December 23rd, the Golden Gate Bell Ringers return for a performance in the International Terminal.
At Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, a storybook-costumed character will read to children at the Red Balloon Bookshop (near Gate C12) December 22-23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the hour and half-hour.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which offers 15 live music performances each week throughout the year, has a holiday festival line-up (December 19 through 22) that includes Bishop Sterling Lands, the Judy Lee Dancers (tap-dancers 60 and older), the Austin Jazz Workshop and the Austin Square & Round Dancers.
Passengers (and some airport employees) will help provide the entertainment this year at two airports: Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport opens the mikes for airport karaoke on December 19th and Detroit Metro Airport’s karaoke event takes place December 19-22. “It’s been a big hit in past years, and we look forward to another great week of filling the concourse with the talent of travelers and airport team members while also collecting contributions for a great cause! [the Salvation Army],” said airport spokesperson Scott Wintner.
And, beginning at 6 am on December 23rd, travelers will be serenaded by the Full Measure Carolers and the Rockin’ Cranberries at the San Diego International Airport.
Kids karaoke contest at Houston’s Bush Airport
Well, this looks like it will be totally fun:
On Wednesday morning, December, 22, 2010, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston will be having a karaoke contest for kids under 17 from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m in the Terminal A ticket lobby.
If you want to participate you’ll have to register right away and plan on arriving at the airport around 5 a.m.
Why so early? The contest will broadcast live on TV; although there’s no word yet on what program or station.
Want to register? The airport is asking contestants to register by emailing: has.events@houstontx.gov.
Want more information? Call (281) 233.1171.
Good luck!
Airports celebrate the holiday with discounts & entertaining diversions
With its full-body scanners and enhanced pat-down procedures, the TSA is a shoo-in this year for the Scrooge role during the busy holiday travel season. As a counterpoint, many airports will be doling out candy cane kindness in the form of festive decorations, dining and retail discounts, giveaways, contests and entertainment.
Here’s a sampling of what’s in store; check your airport’s website – or Facebook page – for more.
Tunes in the terminals
TSA Choir at Austin Bergstrom Airport
Airports stretching from San Diego and Sacramento to Philadelphia and Fort Lauderdale will be hosting holiday carolers, choirs, crooners and yes, Virginia, karaoke.
Nashville International Airport is hosting half a dozen holiday-themed performances between now and December 22nd, while at Austin Bergstrom International Airport, the holiday entertainment program once again includes the Judy Lee Dancers (all dancers are 60 years old and up) on December 16th and, on December 22nd, the Austin Airport TSA Chorus. See the full schedule for Nashville airport and the Austin airport.
LAX TSA CHOIR
Los Angeles International Airport also has a TSA chorus and this year has concerts scheduled December 14th on the Terminal 2 mezzanine, December 15 in the Tom Bradley Terminal, December 16th in Terminal 7 and Dec 21 (post-security) in the American Airlines rotunda in Terminal 4. “Our goal is to sing put the human face of the TSA in the public. So it’s not just the ‘Hey, take of your shoes’ image” says chorus organizer and terminal screening manager Raul Matute.
San Francisco International Airport’s ‘You Are Hear’ music program presents free concerts each Wednesday and Friday throughout December (except on the 24th) from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the International Terminal, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Apropos of the season, on December 22nd, the Golden Gate Bellringers will be in the International Terminal. See the full schedule.
At the Philadelphia International Airport, Victorian carolers will sing and stroll through the airport terminals on December 11 & 12; 18 & 19; and 22 & 23. Santa’s PHL strolling stretches from now through the 24th and, while out and about, he’s happy to stop and pose for photos with travelers.
In addition to its regular Terminal Tunes Entertainment Program, which emphasizes holiday tunes during December, Fort Lauderdale International Airport is hosting its Winter Festival of Music. The program stretches from December 13-17 and features children from local schools dancing, singing and playing instruments during morning and afternoon performances in all four terminals and in the Rental Car Center.
At Montana’s Missoula International Airport, entertainment on tap for December 15 – 24 includes holiday music on piano, harp and woodwinds. Performances will be held in the airport lobby.
Mondays and Fridays through December 17th, Sacramento International Airport hosts five performers a day in Terminal A, beginning at 6 a.m. and ending at 8 p.m. See the full schedule. And from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on December 18th, characters from Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer TV show will be at the pre-security Civic Plaza at Indianapolis International Airport taking photos with kids. There will also be a coloring contest and a sweepstakes to win tickets to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Any adult who fills out an entry form will win free parking.
San Antonio International Airport will have 60 different music groups from local area schools performing everything form choral performance and jazz music to mariachi between now and December 17. At the San Diego International Airport, the monthly calendar of airport entertainment gets a December boost with roving entertainers on December 22nd (The Rockin’ Cranberries and the Full Measure Carolers) and the San Diego Children’s Choir on December 23rd.
In addition to musical performances by area high school bands and choirs and occasional visits by Santa, Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport will once again be hosting airport karaoke. All-ages karaoke sessions will take place December 9th and 18th and there will be a special kids-only karaoke event on December 22nd in Terminal A.
And the Fresno Yosemite International Airport is taking over the long-standing Central California Christmas tradition once held by Fresno’s Metropolitan Museum: the display of 12 uniquely decorated Christmas trees. The airport is also presenting a lighted Victorian Christmas Village display, entertainment and surprise visits by Santa Claus.
Coupons and contests
The TSA warns travelers that wrapped gifts may get unwrapped at the security checkpoint, so airports in San Francisco, Phoenix, Philadelphia and several other cities are providing free post-security gift wrapping stations. Travelers will also find some promotions and treats at many other airports:
Through December 31st, all airport Vino Volo shops that sell wine are offering 10% off on the purchase of 3 or more bottles. And in both the Food & Shops at LaGuardia airport’s Central Terminal and at Philadelphia airports’ Philadelphia Marketplace, travelers who spend $100 or more in the shops can pick up a complimentary silver snowflake necklace from the Taxco Sterling shops in those airports.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is handing out a free coupon book full of almost 80 discounts and/or gift-with-purchase offers for dining and retail outlets throughout the airport. Download the booklet from the airport website or pick one up at an airport information booth. Las Vegas International Airport is also offering travelers a discount holiday coupon book this year. Look for the red Travel Advantages booklet at the airport or download a copy.
During its annual Holidays Take Flight festival (now through Jan. 2) Oregon’s Portland International Airport offers food and beverage samplings, store promotions, live entertainment and special events. With Air Canada, the airport is also giving away a pair of round trip airline tickets from Portland to Toronto. Enter at the airport or on the PDX website through January 2nd.
Christmas Market and a Magical Teapot
The holiday spirit extends beyond US airports.
The Christmas Fantasy at Singapore’s Changi Airport includes giveaways, song and dance performances, activities for kids and fanciful décor that includes a ‘magical teapot’ that lights up with special effects and dispenses colored balls that can be exchanged for prizes.
While the traditional Christmas Market is no longer held at the Frankfort Airport, the airport continues the tradition of hosting a holiday sweepstakes for a car. This year, airport shoppers can Win the Fastest Christmas Mini.
Through January 2nd, the Winter Market at Munich Airport, underneath the roof of the Munich Airport Center features nightly entertainment, free ice-skating and curling rinks, 300 Christmas trees and 45 booths selling Bavarian specialties and handicrafts.
This article was originally prepared for USAToday.com.
More airport holiday events listing tomorrow….
Look for Santa at Indianapolis International Airport
You may still be eating Thanksgiving leftovers at your house, but at Indianapolis International Airport they’ve already moved on to Christmas.
On Saturday, Santa Claus will arrive at the airport at 11 a.m. and hang out for a few hours in the airport’s pre-security Civic Plaza.
While he’s there, he’ll pose with kids for free digital pictures. There will also be a cookie and ornament-decorating station as well as a chance to enter to win tickets for entry to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and other attractions. And everyone who enters the contest ‘wins’ free parking.
Tidbits for travelers: JAX getting jazzed
The 2010 Jacksonville Jazz Festival takes place Friday, May 28, through Sunday, May 30, in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. With Patti Labelle, Tito Puente Jr., the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Buckwheat Zydeco on the line-up, it looks like it will be a fine event.
But today, May 24th, before the official festival even gets started, the Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) will be kicking off its own jazz festival with live music and visual art displays in the center courtyard of the airport. The airport’s jazz festival continues through Sunday, May 30 with a line-up that includes local acts such as Class Act, PM Experience, Robbie Eccles, Aaron Bing, The Mike Bernos Band and Roger Glover, the “River City Music Man.”
Landmarks, hotels & airports turning off lights for Earth Hour
(courtesy: Jorge Sierra / WWF-Spain)
Attention travelers and aliens assigned to monitor our planet from outer space: you may notice major landmarks, tourist attractions, and large areas of many cities and towns around the world going dark for an hour on March 27.
Do not be alarmed. It’s just Earth Hour, a rolling, global black-out designed to draw attention to climate change. First organized in Sydney, Australia back in 2007, during last year’s Earth Hour there were voluntary lights-out events in 87 countries. This year, millions of people, more than 115 countries, thousands of cities and hundreds of major attractions and landmarks worldwide have pledged to switch off the lights for an hour as well.
My msnbc.com column this week, Lights out for climate change, lists just some of the landmarks and attractions participating in the carefully choreographed event that kicks off Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. local time in New Zealand’s Chatham Islands and then follow time zones around the globe, ending with an hour of darkness in the South Pacific island of Samoa almost 25 hours later. You can see the complete list on the Earth Hour website, but some of the places that will go dark include the Eiffel Tower, the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge, UN Headquarters in NY, Seattle’s Space Needle and the Smithsonian Castle in Washington, D.C.
(courtesy WWF / Maverick Photo Agency)
Some people think the whole Earth Hour project is silly. But no matter where you stand on the issue of global warming or the ability of a single, simple event to make a difference, it will be impressive to see so many usually-lit places go dark, if just for an hour.
Many hotels around the world are participating in Earth Hour by turning off lights in public areas and offering candlelit dinners. In England, though, when five Starwood hotels turn off their lights, hotel staff will begin pedaling special bicycles that will generate enough power to light up the hotel lobbies.
Several airports are also joining in Earth Hour as well, turning off lights that are not essential for safety or security. You’ll notice lights out at airports in Toronto, Calgary, Amsterdam, London (Luton), Singapore, and Los Angeles, where the iconic, colorful, 100-foot-tall LAX Gateway pylons that stand at the airport’s entrance will glow a steady, solid green between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. and then turn off completely between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.
(courtesy Los Angeles International Airport)
Changi Airport celebrates Deepavali with flowers
Deepavali – or The Festival of Lights – is celebrated by Hindus worldwide to mark the victory of good over evil.
To commemorate the holiday, you’ll find more than a dozen live garden displays and floral sculptures throughout Singapore’s Changi Airport through October 25th.
Here’s a sample of the installations:
There are seven displays in the Departure Transit Malls and five in the Departure Hall Public Areas .
Here’s one more:
