It’s partly because the airport is the gateway to a city full of great music, art, history, and food. And it is partly because the ‘new’ terminal that opened in 2019 is also full of great food, art, music, and other amenities.
We also like the fact that the airport authority is making creative use of the “old” MSY terminal.
Some movies have been filmed in the old terminal building. And for the third year in a row, the empty terminal building has served as a skatepark for the Red Bull Terminal Takeover skateboarding competition.
Over the course of two days, April 14 – 15, ten teams of top-notch skaters from around the country took turns filming some outrageous skating sessions in the terminal.
Edited two-minute clips from each team will be posted on RedBull.com in mid-May for two weeks of public voting. The winning team will get a cash prize that they will be able to donate to an organization of their choice.
We’ll share the videos once they are available. But in the meantime, here are some of great pics of the Terminal Takeover, courtesy of Red Bull.
Imagine being able to do this next time you are Stuck at the Airport!
(Greyson Beal at Red Bull Terminal Takeover. Jonathan Mehring)(Brandon Valjalo performs a 360 flip. Jonathan Mehring)
We were delighted when celebrity skateboarders and skateboard crews from across the country rolled into the old terminal facilities – and even onto the tarmac – at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) for Red Bull’s second Terminal Takeover.
It’s a creative use of the empty space. And, along with film shoots, a good way for the airport to earn income from the space while plans formalize for full-time, long-term use of the building.
Jake Wooten performs a backside 360 at Red Bull Terminal Takeover
Now, some of the videos from the skateboard take-over are being shared.
And it turns out that in addition to the crew competitions, the old airport terminal was also the backdrop for a real-life video game.
Earlier this month, celebrity skateboarders and skateboard crews from across the country rolled into the old terminal facilities – and even onto the tarmac – at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. They were there for Red Bull’s second Terminal Takeover.
Here is a short video of pro skateboarder Jake Wooten showing off his skills – and the airport terminal transformation – from last year’s event. And below, a link to a story we prepared for The Points Guy site.
— New Orleans Airport (@flyneworleans) May 2, 2022
Celebrate Museum Month – at the airport
Many airports around the country have official museums and museum programs. Stuck at the Airport will highlight as many as we can. But Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport gave us a head start.
May is #MuseumMonth and we’re celebrating our very own Phoenix Airport Museum! 🎨
— Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (@PHXSkyHarbor) May 2, 2022
Recognize any of these stuffed animals?
Since March, we've had quite a few stuffed animals turn up in our airport lost and found! These have been left behind at the book store, the parking structure, and the children's play areas. Recognize any of them? Let us know! We love making reunions happen. pic.twitter.com/or4snPIRb5
— MKE – Milwaukee Airport (@MitchellAirport) May 2, 2022
But what about the old terminal? It hasn’t been torn or repurposed for anything permanent just yet. Which made the empty main hall, gate halls, and baggage carousels perfect backdrops recently for a thrilling Red Bull Terminal Takeover by daring skateboarders.
What do you do with unused baggage carousels and escalators? Turn them into skate ramps — that's what Red Bull did this weekend at the abandoned New Orleans airport terminal ✈ https://t.co/4TvtlhGFEH
The continuing series celebrates features and amenities at airports around the country and the world.
We’re trying to keep our lists to just 5 cool things about each airport, but you are invited to add ‘bonus’ favorites in the comments below.
*Note that some of the things we love at airports may be temporarily closed or suspended due to COVID-19 concerns, but we’re pretty sure they are coming back.
So:
5 Things We Love About Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
MSY debuted its new $1.3 billion terminal building in November 2019 to serve 16 airlines with 35 gates spread out across three concourses.
1. Live music as MSY
Any trip to New Orleans involves live music. And that includes live music at the airport on arrival – and before you leave. The new terminal has music stages in the bag claim area and in the terminal.
2. The shops and restaurants
The new MSY is filled with restaurants and bars that represent local favorites, including Lucky Dogs, Cafe Du Monde, Emeril’s Table, Leah’s Kitchen and many more.
Great souvenirs of New Orleans can be found at the MSY as well.
3. The MSY Treewall
The Treewall at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is an impressive three-story artwork portraying an oak tree that sits right in the middle of the airport’s main terminal area. It not only offers a great sense of place; it’s a great meeting place and, of course, a great photo opp spot.
4. MSY’s “Meet an Alligator” program
Every Friday the Audubon Nature Institute brings a few juvenile alligators to MSY airport so passengers can learn about these creatures and get a souvenir photo.
5. MSY’s K9 Krewe
Alligators aren’t the only animals that visit MSY on a regular basis.
The airport has a therapy animal program called MSY K9 KREWE.
13 dogs and their owners make visits to MSY to help decrease travel anxiety and hang out with travelers.
Did we miss something you love about MSY?
If we missed your favorite feature or amenity at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), please leave a note in the comment section below.
Want to nominate an airport for the series or sponsor one of the episodes? Get in touch.
Airports in the “5 Things We Love About …” series. So far:
