Chicago Midway Airport

Southwest Airlines Saga Continues

After a week of widespread cancellations and disarray in operations, many Southwest Airlines passengers are still stuck at airports around the country waiting for standby seats. Or in hotels waiting for confirmation of a flight home.

If you’re following social media and watching TV, you’ve also likely seen stories of people renting cars – sometimes with strangers – to get where they need to go.

The airline says it’s doing its best to put things right. And late Wednesday, Southwest Airlines Chief Commercial Officer, Ryan Green, took to social media to offer (more) apologies; a pledge to do “everything we can” to make things up to customers, and something more useful: fresh details about some added tools and resources that might help travelers get refunds, flight reservations, and their baggage.

Airports also are beginning to get answers and action from Southwest Airlines. Take a look at this Twitter thread from Chicago’s Midway Airport, where Southwest Airlines is the largest carrier. In addition to trying to accommodate thousands of stranded passengers, the airport has had to store and secure an incredible amount of baggage.

In the meantime, most other airlines are capping fares on many routes to accommodate those who are rebooking themselves on non-Southwest Airlines flights. But since this is still the busy holiday season, those seats are hard to come by too.

For those of you who may be stuck at an airport or know someone whose holiday plans were ruined by weather and airline meltdowns we know you’ll understand the joy this man experienced – and expressed – once he was reunited with this bag at Midway Airport.

(More) Holiday Decor at an Airport Near You

A lot of people are going to be spending a lot of time in airports in the coming weeks. And while there may be long lines and lots of delays, at least there will be some lovely holiday decorations to look at.

We’re making a list (and checking it twice) of great holiday decor at airports. And we’re very curious about what’s on tap at Denver International Airport.

Happy Thanksgiving. Safe Travels

Here are some Thanksgiving items we spotted at airports this week. If you’re on the road or in the air, please travel safely.

Reno-Tahoe Airport’s Gratitude Wall is Back

LaGuardia Terminal B has its own Turkey Mascot

Gobble Down a Thanksgiving Dinner at O’Hare & Denver Airports

There’s a New Pop-Up Lounge at Philadelphia Int’l Airport

Cat Let Out of Checked Bag at JFK Airport

United Airlines’ Tasty Travel Tip

Airports have Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals Too

At The Airport: News from AUS, ROC, MDW, and more

Banksy Art on View at Austin-Bergstrom Int’l Airport

Airport or art gallery? We have to say both.

Five prints and a sculpture by the artist Bansky are on display in a gallery between Gates 11 and 9 at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). If you’re headed that way, be sure to spend some time checking some of the other great temporary and permanent art exhibits in the terminals.

Airports Mark Veterans Day

Airports around the country are honoring our nation’s veterans this week. Here are a few examples.

Airport Restaurant Week at O’Hare & Midway Airports

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.

At O’Hare, the Airport Restaurant Week offers include free in-store samplings, combo meal deals and menu specials such as the Cucumber Crush Cocktail being served at multiple venues.

O’Hare is also offering a free tote bag deal as part of Airport Restaurant Week.

The Airport Restaurant Week deals at Midway Airport include a free lunch tote (with purchase) as well as free tastings and special menu and beverage pairings.

You can partake of these Airport Restaurant Week offers if you’re traveling through O’Hare or Midway Airport between now and February 9.