Wouldn’t it be nice right now to be making your way to an airport and getting ready to visit a new city or an old favorite?
That time will come. For now, here are some tidbits from airports around the country.
Pay respects to civil rights icon John Lewis at ATL Airport
In April 2019, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) unveiled an exhibit in the domestic atrium titled “John Lewis – Good Trouble” to honor the longtime U.S. Congressman and civil rights icon.
Lewis died late last week, on July 17, and the exhibit has turned into a memorial tribute where travelers can stop and pay respects.
New Concourse E extension at PDX Airport
Courtesy Port of Portland
We shared the news last week about the opening of the new Concourse E extension at Portland International Airport (PDX).
Here’s a bit more about the project.
The extension brings the first new gates to PDX in more nearly 20 years and offers views of Mt. Hood and the Columbia Rivier.
The new concourse extension also features two aerial sculptures by Jacob Hashimoto featuring 11,000 paper kits and 450 different graphics representing Portland’s river, bridges, and neighborhoods.
Hashimoto’s PDX artwork may be familiar to travelers. He also has his work displayed at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), in the lobby of SFO Grand Hyatt.
A new concourse at Nashville International Airport too
Portland isn’t the airport that cut the ribbon on a new concourse last week.
On Friday, July 17, the first Southwest Airlines flight took off from Nashville International Airport’s (BNA) new $292 million Concourse D.
Features of BNA’s new Concourse D include: ✈️ 6 domestic aircraft gates ✈️ 115,000 square feet of terminal space with a fresh, modern look ✈️ 2 compelling public art installations ✈️ Wi-Fi ✈️ Gate seating with integrated device charging outlets (continued…)
It’s been a busy first full day of operations for BNA’s new Concourse D. Have a look! ➡️ PLUS: See lots of great photos of aircraft spotted at Concourse D today on our Instagram. We’re https://t.co/GoHrWXpgDA. pic.twitter.com/iJJznZjVfv
Keep in mind that some amenities at ATL and other airports may be temporarily suspended or unavailable right now due to health concerns, but we’re confident they’ll return.
If we don’t include your favorite service or amenity at ATL airport or if you’d like to nominate an airport to be featured, please add a note in the comment section below.
Want to sponsor one or more of the entries in the “5 Things We Love at …” series? Get in touch.
5 Things We Love About Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
1. The art at ATL
Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has an extensive collection of art and history exhibits throughout the domestic and international terminals spaces, in all seven concourses, and in connecting walkways between concourses.
Here are just a few of the pieces in ATL’s art and history collection:
Photos and artifacts pay tribute to Civil Rights leaders John Lewis (Domestic Atrium) and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Concourse E).
Flight Paths, by Steve Waldeck (in the underground walkway between Concourses A and B) simulates the sights and sounds of a walk through a Georgia forest.
Elsewhere, you’ll find a series of Zimbabwean stone sculptures, a selection of images from National Geographic’s Photo Ark project, and many more permanent and temporary exhibitions.
2. Kid stuff at ATL
Kids will enjoy finding some of the cool and quirky art exhibits at ATL, including the Lunch Box Time Capsule exhibit on the boarding level of Concourse E (near Gate E14).
Fun too: a ride on the airport’s Plane Train. Just be sure to get a spot in the front or back car for a cool view of the tunnels between concourses.
3. Shopping at ATL
ATL is home to the World’s Largest Hudson shop, which is actually a collection of shops within a shop. In addition to Georgia-themed-souvenirs, you’ll find old-school candy, plenty of books and even some vinyl records.
4. The ATL Canopies
The two massive canopies over the north and south sides of the domestic terminal at ATL are part of a multi-billion dollar capital improvement project.
Each canopy is nearly 900 feet long – the length of nearly three football fields. In addition to being waterproof, the translucent arches can also be lit up in a wide variety of colors.
Thank you frontline and essential workers! Tonight, as a demonstration of our gratitude, we honor your courage and dedication by joining #LightItBlue and landmarks across the U.S. to shine light on those who are working tirelessly every day. Keep shining bright.✨💙 #MakeItBluepic.twitter.com/xrHcYeQcGY
Two pairs of restrooms (at Gates B18 & B23) use red or green lights to signal when a restroom stall is occupied or empty. (Brilliant!) The system also tracks restroom usage so the janitorial staff knows when a lav needs to be cleaned. A nice partnership between TRAX and Tooshlights and ATL.
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
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
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 pre-security event gives travelers and locals a chance to sample dishes from more than 30 airport eateries.
Participants range from One Flew South, Cat Cora’s Kitchen, Atlanta Chophouse and Brewery, Atlanta Braves All-Star Grill and Paschal’s to Piece of Cake and Krispy Kreme.
Tasting tickets are $15 for a
book of 10 and you’ll need to hand over 1 ticket per taste.
You can purchase tickets on-site and 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank, a local nonprofit that distributes millions of pounds of food to community kitchens, shelters, senior centers, food pantries and more throughout the year.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4
p.m. and includes music and a cooking competition with two airports chefs
competing for the title of Taste’s Top Chef 2019,
