The detector dogs are specially trained by the Global Forensic and Justice Center (GFJC) at Florida International University (FIU) and will be on duty at an employee security checkpoint.
The two dogs in the pilot program at MIA – Cobra (a Belgian Malinois) and One Betta (a Dutch Shepherd) – have been trained to alert to the scent of COVID-19.
How do they do that? According to a statement from MIA, the virus causes metabolic changes in a person that result in the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The VOCs are excreted by a person’s breath and sweat, producing a scent that trained dogs can detect.
During this test, which MIA says is the first at a US airport, if a dog indicates someone is carrying the odor of the virus, that person will be directed to get a rapid COVID test.
Robot Food Delivery at SEA Airport
More ways to get your food at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) has joined the growing list of airports offering a mobile food ordering service.
OrderSEA works with the Grab and At Your Gate programs to offer pick-up and gate delivery options from 16 airport food outlets, with more on the way.
There is a tipping option available in the app and a small fee for delivery. And while you may not order alcoholic drinks for delivery, you may order from any participating post-security food outlet.
So if you are at the A Gates and you’d like something from the newly-opened Tundra Taqueria in the N Satellite, go ahead and order it.
As a bonus, some travelers who order gate delivery will find the At Your Gate delivery person accompanied by this very cute Gita robot.
At Your Gate has robots helping to deliver food at several other airports, including Los Angeles International (LAX), where they have named the robot NomNom.
Despite challenges, airports landed welcome new amenities this year
[This is a slightly different version of the story we prepared for USA TODAY]
Despite the challenges set out by COVID-19 this year, airports pressed forward and introduced new features, new art, new technologies, and new amenities for passengers.
Here are some other new amenities airports introduced in 2020. Keep in mind that some may be temporarily unavailable due to health concerns.
New art, attractions, and a new terminal
Courtesy LaGuardia Gateway Parnters
As part of the much acclaimed rebuild of New York’s LaGuardia Airport, in November a 25-foot-tall water feature turned on in Terminal B, In addition to displaying various patterns and shapes, the water falling from the towers’ nozzles serves as a backdrop for projected laser shows.
During November, Denver International Airport (DEN) celebrated the arrival of the 27-foot-tall ‘Luminous Wind’ sculpture at the light rail station stop right before the airport.
Courtesy Denver International Airport
And in September and October, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) debuted its new Terminal B. This is the first phase of the first new hub airport built in the U.S. in the 21st century.
Courtesy Salt Lake City International Airport
New Observation Decks and a record-breaking sky bridge
In February San Francisco International Airport (SFO) opened the SkyTerrace. The pre-security deck in Terminal 2 is open to the public and offers 180-degree views of the busiest section of SFO, where all four runways intersect.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) claimed a spot in the record books in February with the installation of a 780-foot long pedestrian bridge that is now the world’s longest structure over an active taxiway.
Courtesy Port of Seattle
And as part of its Gate Expansion Program, in November, Denver International Airport (DEN) unveiled an outdoor deck on the west side of Concourse B. In addition to outdoor seating, the deck has a pet relief area and fire pits.
Courtesy Denver International Airport
Entertainment
While most airports had to put their in-terminal music and performance programs on hold, airports continued to offer entertainment.
Almost two dozen airports banded together in August and again in May for JetStream music festivals. The free, multi-hour livestream events featured musicians from the entertainment line-up offered by the participating airports.
Over the summer, California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT), which has served as movie set for some popular films, set up movie screens and drive-in movie nights. In October, Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) and Nebraska’s Lincoln Airport (LNK) had drive-in movie nights for Halloween-season movies.
Courtesy ONT Airport
And Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) debuted an entertaining Coca-Cola themed lounge in Terminal D complete with charging stations, seating, activities, and memorabilia-filled exhibits.
Courtesy DFW Airport
Fresh Services for health and safety
Of course, in response to the COVID-19 health pandemic, airports have been focusing time, energy, creativity and, of course, money on making sure the terminals are clean and safe for travelers.
Since March, airports throughout the country have sprouted hand-sanitizing stations, PPE vending machines, and temperature-check programs. They have developed contactless systems for bag check, check-in, security screening, and boarding. And both Grab and At Your Gate have expanded their offerings for in-airport food ordering and delivery.
Cleaning and sanitizing robots have joined the permanent staff at airports in Pittsburgh, San Antonio and many other cities.
Courtesy PIT Airport
In May, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) introduced a virtual information booth. Los Angeles International Airport, Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI), and Denver International Airport (DEN) now offer similar services. And as the holiday season kicks off, COVID-19 testing stations, many in partnership with airlines, are quickly proliferating at airports across the nation.
Courtesy SDF Airport
Did we miss a new airport amenity you spotted in 2020? Please let us know in the comments section below.
The airport’s main terminal is named for Barbara Jordan (pictured above on the airport’s trading card. Jordan was the first Black woman elected to the Texas state senate and the first Black Texan in Congress.
If we miss something you love at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), please leave a note in the comments section below. And keep in mind that some of the amenities we mention may currently be unavailable due to health concerns. We’re confident they’ll be back.
And be sure to take a look at the other airports we’ve featured so far in the “5 Things We Love About...” series.
5 Things We Love About Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
1. The Live Music at AUS Airport
Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World” and that includes live music at the airport.
AUS’s Live Music in the Air series presents 31 (yes 31!) live music events a week in 7 airport venues.
During the annual SXSW festival there are bonus concerts at the airport. Once a year, there’s a Kid Band Week. There’s overhead music running all the time, courtesy of listener-support radio station KUTX (give a listen). And there’s an AUS Spotify playlist you can listen to as well.
The Live Music in the Air series is abbreviated for now, but we’re told when the full series comes back it will offer even more live music than before.
The only downside of all that live music at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)? You might have so much fun you’ll miss your plane.
We love all the art we’ve seen at AUS airport. But we especially enjoy Jill Bedgood’s “big hair” etchings found in some women’s restrooms at AUS. In some men’s rooms, you’ll find etchings of a variety of big hats.
Feel free to try them on. Everyone does.
3. Coffee Robots at AUS Airport
There are lots of places to get really great coffee at AUS airport.
But even before social-distancing was a thing, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport understood that sometimes it’s just fine if a robot, not a live person, hands you your coffee. In fact, it can be more fun.
Austin-based Briggo specialty coffee company has two robotic Coffee Haus units at AUS Airport, by Gate 12 and Gate 17.
Order on the app or at the machine and pick up your drink after you get a text from the coffee-making robot. The robots are on duty 24/7.
4. Great stuff to eat at AUS airport
Last year travelers ate 1,603,602 tacos at AUS airport.
The airport does a brisk business in brisket sandwiches and ice-cream as well.
Where to eat?
Some options at AUS include Amy’s Ice-Creams, Hut’s Hamburgers, Berry Austin, ippies and Hops, Earl Campbell’s Taco Truck, Salt Lick Barbecue and Tacodeli.
Brisket sandwich available at Austin-Bergstrom Int’l Airport
5. Outdoor patios at AUS
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has outdoor patios at both the Barbara Jordan and South Terminals.
The 5,770-square-foot patio in the Barbara Jordan Terminal is on the mezzanine level between Gates 1-2 and, as a nice bonus, there’s an air-conditioned area.
Did we miss one of your favorite amenities at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport?
If so, leave a note in the comments section below and we’ll try to add it.
And be sure to take a look at some of the airports we’ve already featured in our “5 Things We Love About...” series. We’re adding more all the time.
Here’s some of the airport news that caught our attention today.
May I help you, virtually?
Our first encounter with a video help desk was at the massive Istanbul Airport in October 2019.
It seemed odd but, then, efficient to step up to what seemed like an unstaffed information desk and then have a live video chat with someone located offsite.
But now video chats are the socially distanced way to get questions answered in an airport.
The Virtual Information Booth is now open! A volunteer Airport Ambassador is now available to answer questions via live video feed for travelers and other airport visitors, all while keeping our social distance. Learn more at: https://t.co/Q26aS9Nowq. #flylouisville#togetherkypic.twitter.com/jbolezJiSa
— FlyLouisville (SDF) (@FlyLouisville) May 7, 2020
Travelers can have real-time video conversations with a customer services specialist over a touch-free tablet system installed at the information booth.
As health safety and social distancing concerns continue, we expect to see more airports offering some sort of virtual help desk.
San Jose International Airport shows off its ingenuity
We like the no-nonsense social distancing signage and floor decals.
And we are impressed that instead of waiting months for out-of-stock hand-sanitizing stations and plexiglass barriers, the Facilities and Engineering team at SJC is making its own.
At Your Gate + Grab = Service
Grab, the time-saving app that lets you order from an airport restaurant and then go straight to the pick-up line to get your meal is partnering with AtYourGate, the service that lets you order airport food via an app and have it delivered to you wherever you are in the terminal.
The partnership makes sense on many levels but is perfectly timed for these ‘no-touch’ times.
Grab already operates in over 50 airports in 4 countries. AtYourGate serves 10 airports now, with 40 more to be served in short order.
Since 2000, volunteer hosts at Fort Wayne International Airport in Indiana has been welcoming arriving passengers with free individually wrapped cookies.
The cookies are made fresh by the nearby Ellison Bakery. And when the volunteers are off-duty, cookies are still available from a self-serve cookie kiosk at the security exit.
Over the years, FWA Airport has given out a lot of those free cookies.
Millions, in fact.
And on Friday, June 26 the airport had a party for the 3-millionth free cookie.
The guests of honor? An unsuspecting family arriving on a flight from Tampa. In addition to the free milestone cookie, their prizes include a basket of gifts from the airport, a free roundtrip ticket for 2 on Allegiant Air, and lots more cookies from Ellison Bakery. Nice!
Despite a drop in air traffic that is no doubt taking a bite out of its budget, the free cookie program at Fort Wayne International Airport is not crumbling.
In fact, FWA and Ellison Bakery announced that arriving passengers will now get a free package of 7 small assorted cookies instead of just one.
Stuck at The Airport continues its “5 Things We Love About…” series today with “5 Things We Love About Evansville Regional Airport (EVV)” in Indiana.
If we have missed a feature or amenity at EVV that you love, please be sure to add in the comments section below.
And keep in mind that some of the features we mention may be temporarily unavailable due to health concerns.
Before we get started, here’s a link to all the other airports we’ve featured so far in the 5 Things We Love About… series. Feel free to nominate an airport for the series. If you want to sponsor one of the episodes, get in touch.
5 Things We Love About Evansville Regional Airport (EVV)
1. EVV’s business lounge
EVV’s free-to-use post-security business lounge has privacy booths, couch seating, privacy shielded tables and “fishbowl” offices.
Bonus “get things done” extras include free Wi-Fi and seats with charging outlets in the terminal.
2. EVV’s Second Saturday Stories
Here is a great way to make an airport a key part of the community.
EVV’s “Second Saturday Stories” is a storytelling program in partnership with the local library system that takes place at the airport on, you guessed it, the second Saturday of each month.
Children and their family members gather at the airport to listen to stories, sing songs, create art about airplanes and aviation, and just have fun.
We also love the play area for kids at EVV
3. EVV’s Iron Compass café
EVV’s Iron Compass Café and bar – the airport’s only restaurant – is a bit different than other regional airport restaurants. The menu includes more than 70 brands of bourbon, from regional Kentucky bourbons to nips of the precious Pappy Van Winkle.
4. EVV’s solar parking canopies
Fewer than 10 airports around the country have solar covered canopies and, at 1.3 megawatts, EVV’s will be the largest solar parking canopy installation in the U.S.
When at full operation the canopies will supply 50 percent of the terminal’s power.
5. Shopping at EVV
Evansville Regional Airport (EVV) has one small gift shop, but it stocks some unusual items.
On the shelves, passengers will find a local line of soap and shampoo for dogs, Evansville-themed “e is for everyone” swag and, for some reason, giant spoons that are more than 3 feet long.
Did we miss a feature or amenity at Evansville Regional Airport that you love? Please add a note in the comments section below.
Have an airport to nominate for the series? Let us know which one and, of course, 5 reasons why you love that airport.
Restaurants, shops, bars, schools and offices in many communities are closed.
But airports? For now, they’re open.
Although activities in and around the terminals are different, with far fewer passengers and flights than normal.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has opened its garages to free parking. And posting a list of which dining, shopping and service locations are open.
Reminder: #PHLairport is open. For a list of open dining, shopping and service locations, visit https://t.co/X3Mt8fD9Ut. Parking in PHL lots and garages is free- the economy lot is closed and the AAdvantage Aviator MasterCard lot is available to cardholders only. pic.twitter.com/Y6WGilxxyc
We'll continue to follow the guidance of health and government officials to make our dining options as safe and healthy as possible. Thank you for your patience as we navigate the ongoing situation. For restaurants offering takeout and grab-and-go options: https://t.co/xk6Pl7yvchpic.twitter.com/XiCUiTrl2w
— Boston Logan International Airport (@BostonLogan) March 17, 2020
At San Francisco International Airport (SFO), all restaurants are open for now, but many with reduced hours. Bars are closed. And, as with restaurants in many cities, service is take-out only.
As guidance for social distancing strengthens, our dining and retail tenants are adjusting operations to protect your health and safety. Here are the restaurants open for grab-and-go food options: https://t.co/8VHEepvoAEpic.twitter.com/IVyTHX7eN7
Good morning #Atlanta, We are up and running! If you are traveling today, please use @TSA's Domestic Main Checkpoint and International Arrivals. Safe travels! ✈️ pic.twitter.com/JB42VueGrY
As with everything else in the world right now, situations are changing. So if you’re headed to an airport, check ahead.
Our shops and food vendors may change operating hours or suspend service if there's a decrease in passenger demand at this time. The Governor's Executive Order also applies to food and beverage locations at our airport. We remain open and operational. https://t.co/5VR8XnnQ5z
A reminder following @GovSisolak’s remarks earlier this evening: @LASairport provides essential transportation services and will remain open to serve the state’s travelers and cargo operations. https://t.co/BIOg3dKIHl
— Harry Reid International Airport (@LASairport) March 18, 2020
We are committed to keeping our travelers informed as schedules and services are modified due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Please see the following update from our restaurant partners. pic.twitter.com/ZNQd6oiF0I
Carry-out & Grab-n-Go food options available (post-security) at Coolgreens, Schlotzsky’s, Cinnabon, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Tucker’s Onion Burgers and retail locations. Locations may be operating at reduced hours. Vending is available next to The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. (2/3) pic.twitter.com/4qBhuvUBbk
— Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) (@fly_okc) March 18, 2020
Don’t believe the rumors. @PATHTrain, @PABusTerminal, @GWBBusStation, our airports, and bridges and tunnels remain open and ready to move essential workers like healthcare professionals. For updated info, follow @PANYNJ. Thanks for your continued patience and support. pic.twitter.com/9DigJIQyNT
And, on Wednesday morning, not long after an earthquake was reported near Salt Lake City, the airport tweeted this:
The airport is not currently operational. The FAA tower, terminals and concourses have been evacuated. The road to the airport has been opened, so that passengers can be picked-up.
The 17-day Chicago Restaurant Week festival is underway in the Windy City and the Chicago Department of Aviation doesn’t want air travelers to miss out.
So, through February 9, both Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are hosting Airport Restaurant Week events to coincide with the food fest events in town.
Here at Stuck at the Airport, we are all about cool amenities and shops and restaurants that reflect the local community.
So, we’re curious to check out the newest addition at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport: The Cocktail Room at 18th and Central in Terminal 1 Concourse A.
A collaboration
between HMSHost Tattersall Distilling, The Cocktail Room at 18th and Central shows
off the craft distilling movement in Minnesota and beyond.
The new bar gets its
name from Tattersall Distilling’s location in Northeast Minneapolis, and one of
its most popular drinks.
Tattersall Distilling is a nationally acclaimed Minneapolis-based craft distiller, which makes organic vodka, straight rye whiskey, apple brandy, aquavit, gin and an extensive portfolio of liqueurs, all with an emphasis on using local ingredients and sustainable practices.
In addition to the unique drink options and specialty cocktails on the menu created for the MSP venue, many of the bar bites and plates are made from locally sourced ingredients.
Signature items menu items include smoked salmon, lemon pepper wings, house-made onion dip, and chicken bacon flatbread.
There’s also house popcorn, so we’re totally
there.
DEN officials acknowledge that ever since the airport was built, there have been rumors of underground tunnels leading to secret meeting facilities for the world’s elite, a curse connected to the airport’s blue horse sculpture and an in-house colony of lizard people.
There’s also been talk of the airport’s connection to the Illuminati, a secret organization said to be controlling world events.
Whether you believe the stories or not, you can now order a booze-filled Illuminati Shake at the new branch of Little Man Ice Cream at Denver International Airport on Concourse C.
Denver-based Little Man is known for home-made ice cream, sorbet, vegan flavors and their iconic ice cream “Sammie’s.”
The new airport location offers several boozy options, such as Strawberry Margarita Freeze, Whiskey Apple Pie and Oreo Java Spiced Rum.
As a nod to DEN conspiracy theories, Little Man has created the Illuminati Shake for the airport menu.
It’s made with vanilla ice-cream, Absinthe and Maraschino.
Even better – DEN’s Little Man hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
So you can order that Illuminati shake for breakfast.
Because one “conspiracy theory” about airports is true: you can eat anything you want in an airport at any time.
