For a lot of travelers the routine is get through security, grab a snack, find the gate, grab a seat and then zone out with what’s on their phone.
But here’s a great reason to stay alert, look around and and glance out the window.
Especially at Denver International Airport.
Lucky ducks who looked out the window at Denver International Airport (DEN) on Friday were treated to the sight of an 8-foot disco chicken by Denver artist Lauren Young being loaded onto a United Airlines plane for a flight to Houston and an appearance at a rodeo.
The chicken is named Hennifer and is covered in more than a half-million mirrored tiles.
Here’s how chicken crossed the road and got loaded onto the plane.
Thanks to the artist for sharing the journey on TikTok.
The theories about lizard people, secret underground bunkers and resident extraterrestials at Denver International Airport (DEN) have been swirling for years.
Now we may have proof.
This week DEN and United Airlines celebrated the inaugural flight of United’s year round nonstop service between DEN and Roswell Air Center (ROW).
The Roswell site is linked to a UFO incident that may or may not have occured in 1947.
Back then, a “flying disk” allegedly crashed about 70 miles northwest of Roswell.
Materials from the crash were reportedly taken to what was the Army Air Field at the time.
The new flight from DEN to Roswell is less than 2 hours and is operated by SkyWest and departs for the UFO Capital of the World twice daily.
For the inaugural flight, DEN and United leaned into the alien theme. Passengers received celebratory certificates, alien plushies and other out-of-this-world treats and surprises.
We celebrated with cosmic cookies and even had a surprise extraterrestrial visitor! 👽 pic.twitter.com/N6D8zk6zA7
A Dollywood-themed experience is planned, with gate celebrations, live entertainment, an in-flight trivia contest, exclusive merchandise and themed food and drinks.
Passengers who purchase park tickets will be offered special lodging package at Dollywood properties.
The package will includes up to 25% off rates on Nov. 6 and Nov. 7, a $100 credit for food & beverage or merchandise at the resorts, as well as two Dollywood tickets, complimentary TimeSavers and trolley transportation to the park.
Sounds like loads of fun for some very dedicated fans.
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh helped design the new space, which replaces the smaller Kidsport, which first opened in 1984.
This new play area invites climbing and spinning and has a custom “runway” rug, scenic wallpaper with aviation themes and an interactive art installation with the moon and stars.
There’s also a nursing lounge, a restroom, picnic tables and plenty of places where adults can charge devices.
Good work PIT!
Created in partnership with the @pghkids, our new Kids Play Area isn't just a play space — it’s a place for kids to move, explore, and burn off energy before takeoff.
Lots of people are taking this week to look back at some of their favorite adventures from the past year. And we will too.
But let’s start the week with a round-up of some of the “want” activities and destinations we’ve been keeping in our inbox.
A while back we spent 10 days in South Dakota, by mistake (long story), and loved it!
We’d go back intentionally in 2026 to visit the wacky roadside attraction that is Wall Drug, stop in the historic town of Deadwood during its 150th anniversary, spend more time at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which was about to close due to a goverment shutdown when we last visited in 2015, and see the murals at the Corn Palace celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary.
United Airlines now flying from San Francisco to Adelaide, Australia
At the beginning of the year, we traded in a lot of miles to fly from Seattle to Sydney, Australia on United Airlines to join a 14-day Holland America cruise from Sydney, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand that included stops in Melbourne, Hobart, Christchurch, Wellington, Picton, Rotorua and other destinations.
We’d like to go back. Especially since United just launched the first nonstop connection between North America and Adelaide, in South Australia, with a 15-to-16 flight setting out from San Francisco.
The flight operates on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner; featuring 257 seats, 48 of which are in United Polaris Business Class, along with 21 in United Premium Plus.
The new service starts with three flights each week until the end of March 2026 arriving in Adelaide at 9:30am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and taking off for San Francisco those same days at 2:55pm.
Airports have decked the halls
Airports around the country are all decked out for the holidays. So be sure to leave extra time to explore and enjoy if you’re flying this season.
We’ll add more highlights during the week, but let’s kick the festivities off with Denver International Airport (DEN).
The airport has decided not to bring back its free ice-skating rink this year, but it has put up a 24-foot tall holiday tree, scheduled a piano player in the Great Hall from 8 am to 8 pm in the Great Hall through December 22 and will have roaming carolers in the concourses from 11 am to 6 pm. through December 24.
Feeling festive.🎄
Check out live music and this tree-mendous addition in the Great Hall, and step inside brand-new photo ops on the concourses! #DENHolidaypic.twitter.com/Tfdlp7Hsa9
Visitor numbers to Las Vegas have been declining. And the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is rolling out a national “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” campaign to lure visitors back.
In addition to the 60-second TV ad (below) that was launched during Thursday’s NFL season opener between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, the campaign includes a 3D anamorphic billboard in Times Square that will debut on Monday, September 15 and will feature images that seem to pop out of the 2D panel.
The campaign will also greet visitors at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) at the rideshare pickup zone in Terminal 1.
Starting Friday, Sept. 12, the “Fabulous Pickups” will feature colorful lighting, plush seating, music, and a neon selfie wall.
During special occasions, the zone will also host live performances, DJs and more.
Here’s a mock-up. But note the ‘note’ in the lower right-hand corner: “Purple benches will be finished in laminate, not tufted upholstered as shown.”
Tufted upholstery or not, this will be a welcome upgrade from the garage space that’s currently covered in cigarette butts.
Seattle’s Museum of Flight celebrates turning 60
Seattle’s Museum of Flight is marking its 60th anniversary with two days of events and special exhibitions on Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14.
During the weekend, the museum will also debut the newest addition to its aircraft collection: a classic Learjet 24A, which is about 60 years old.
Registered as N1965L, this plane was the twelfth in a production line of iconic personal jets that helped define the Sixties jet set, the museum explains.
Fresh Art at Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport (DEN) is showcasing Calaveras en Mi Ciudad, a mobile art exhibition that celebrates and pays tribute to Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), a holiday and day of remembrance in Mexico.
Look for this artwork from November 3, 2025, to November 3, 2026, on DEN’s A-Bridge and on Concourse A west, near Gate A19.
Tickets will soon be released for the free outdoor summer concert series, Concerts on the Fly, at Denver International Airport (DEN).
The concerts will take place each Sunday from July 27 through August 31 and run from 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. on DEN’s 82,000-square-foot open-air plaza, located between the south end of the Jeppesen Terminal and The Westin Denver International Airport Hotel.
The tickets are free, but are limited and must be reserved in advance. DEN will release tickets for each show one week before each scheduled concert at the Concerts on the Fly site.
If you’re traveling through DEN during these dates or live in the area, this is a fun summer amenity offered by DEN.
Here’s the line-up:
July 27
DJ Al Your Pal
Opening Act: C2 Mass Choir
Headliner: Avery*Sunshine
August 3:
DJ KTone
Opening Act: Jakarta
Headliner: Kim & Kayla Waters
August 10:
DJ Kimani
Opening Act: Wash Park Band
Headliner: DOTSERO
August 17:
DJ Al Your Pal
Co-Headliners: Nelson Rangell & Pieces of a Dream!
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to get some fresh air during a layover?
A few airports around the country have outdoor decks where you can do this.
And one of them is Denver International Airport (DEN), which has three post-security outdoor decks with comfortable seating, firepits, views of the airfield and pet relief areas.
At DEN, you’ll find one outdoor deck on each concourse: at Concourse A-West (near Gate A15), on Concourse B-West (near Gate B7) and Concourse C-East (near Gate C67).
If you’ve got a long layover and are willing to go back through security, there’s also a lovely, 82,000-square-foot open-air plaza located pre-security between the Jeppesen Terminal and the Westin Hotel.
Open now through September 30, the deck has lounge seating, grass-like turf and a variety of events.
One of our favorite events on DEN’s summer agenda is free mini golf.
Throughout June, travelers and community members may play a free round of nine holes on the plaza from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
As it does every year, free mini-golf at Denver International Airport is a great candidate for Airport Amenity of the Week.
Now Open: Free Mini Golf ⛳
Sink some putts on our 9-hole course, open daily from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. through June 30!
The 150th Preakness Stakes – the second race in the Triple Crown series of thoroughbred horse races – takes place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on Saturday, May 17.
To celebrate the Preakness Stakes race and the accompanying Preakness Festival, two large models of thoroughbred horses are now on display at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Both horses are located on the upper level of the airport, near the center of the terminal and the C security checkpoint. One horse is located pre-security and the other is located post-security.
Passengers may snap a selfie with one or both of the horses.
But, unfortunately, no rides.
Fresh art at Denver International Airport
We’re looking forward to flying into Denver International Airport (DEN) soon and seeing this cool new constellation-inspired artwork near Gate C54.
Star light, star bright. 🌟 The first of two Constellations by Danielle Roney is now glowing near Gate C54!
Flowers, phone calls, brunch, and big hugs are in store for many moms this weekend.
And maybe a bonus postcard.
Over Mother’s Day weekend Norfolk International Airport (ORF) will be handing out free “Thanks, Mom” postcards at the Information Desk between 9 a.m. and 9 p.,m.
They’ll even give you a free stamp to send that postcard (while supplies last).
Traveling for Mother's Day this weekend? We made some special postcards just for Mom! 🌷 You can pick one up at our Information Desk 24/7, but guests who stop by the desk between 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. can ask for a complimentary stamp 💌 (while supplies last). pic.twitter.com/Q5gIFxbOSQ
— Norfolk International Airport (@flyORF) May 8, 2025
Thirty years ago, on February 28, 1995, the future staff of StuckatTheAirport.com was having a hard time leaving Denver’s Stapleton International Airport.
It wasn’t that we loved that airport so much.
It was because operations were switching over from Stapleton to the brand new Denver International Airport (DEN) facilities, 19 miles down the road. And, as workers were, literally, rolling up the rugs and stacking up furniture, computers were shutting down and flights were getting later and later.
Those of us who received food vouchers for our delayed flights were having a hard time spending them at the one concession still open that was selling soda and juices for $10 a pop.
The airport, which is now the 3rd busiest airport in the country, celebrated its 30th birthday on February 28 and shared some great images, an informative timeline plus a cool timelapse video of the airport’s impressive growth over the years.
Take a look. And let us know your favorite amenities, and if you’ve encountered any aliens from other planets, at Denver International Airport.
The play area, called GSPlay, features colorful large interlocking toy pieces that kids can connect in endless shapes and layouts, a scavenger hunt and an interactive map that invites children to mark their next destination.
First kid’s play area at Denver International Airport
Located on Concourse C, near Gate C48, the play area has an outer space and alien theme (a nod to the alien conspiracy theories about DEN) and features colorful climbing structures for young kids.
And kids, their parents and just about every traveler will surely smile when they spot the newest art installation at DEN Airport.
“It’s Not What You Take, It’s What You Bring Back,” by Thomas ‘Detour’ Evans, is made of colorful upcycled luggage and is on Concourse B-East near Gate B60.
Checked and cleared for display. ✅
Thomas “Detour” Evans’ upcycled luggage sculpture, “It’s Not What You Take, It’s What You Bring Back” is officially up on Concourse B-East near Gate B60. pic.twitter.com/KRAQWEgcLn
