Nashville International Airport

Nashville Airport unveils new large scale art work

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On Wednesday, November 16th, 2011, Nashville International Airport officially dedicates a new large-scale piece of public art titled: ‘Wind Reeds.’

The piece was created for the airport’s new rental car facility by Ned Kahn and features hundreds of hinged aluminum elements that sway in the wind, mimicking a grass-like effect.

Here’s a bit of Kahn’s artist statement about the work:
“…Even from a great distance, the proposed sculpture functions as a dynamic beacon for the airport. Similar to watching the wind blow through a field of tall grass or the wind playing on the surface of water, the artwork fosters a welcoming mood of contemplation and wonder. My hope is that the artwork will function as a register for the ever-changing wind and create a unique kinetic portal for Nashville that will remind people of the magic and mystery of the world that we live in.”

Nashville International Airport has lots of other permanent and temporary art work, art exhibits and live music year-round. If you’re heading that way, be sure to check the schedule so you don’t miss something really great.

Fresh airport art at Nashville, Port Columbus and San Francisco Airports

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Nashville International Airport  (BNA) has kicked off the winter season of its Flying Solo art series and through mid-March you’ll be able to see work by  Virginia Derryberry

Nashville Airport Virginia Derryberry

Olen Bryant  (below) and others.

Nashville Airport, Oen Bryant

In Ohio, Port Columbus International Airport has an exhibit featuring three painted aerials of the airport by Ryan Orewiler.

Port Columbus_ Orewiler

And, through May 2011, head for the International Terminal at San Francisco International Airport to see a selection of 19th century miniature buildings from the collection of Ace Architects.

SFO miniature buildings exhibit Pantheon, Rome

Pantheon, Rome (double inkwell) c. 1870, courtesy Ace Architects

SFO_Arc de Triomphe miniature buidling

Arc de Triomphe, Paris c. 1870, courtesy Ace Architects

Tibits for travelers: Free Wi-Fi at Nashville Airport; new exhibits at John Wayne and Atlanta airports

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Free Wi-Fi at Nashville International Airport

Free Wi-FI at airport


Someday there will be free Wi-Fi at all airports.

In the meantime, we keep score and take what we can get.

Here’s one to add to the list: “Soon,” says the October 2010 newsletter from Nashville International Airport, passengers will be able to get 20 minutes of free Wi-Fi access in the food courts, meeter-greeter waiting areas and in some restaurants.  The airport is also planning to add charging stations for electronic devices.  If you’re a member of BNA’s Frequent Parker Program or a valet parking customer, however, you can get free Wi-Fi anywhere in the terminal – for 15 minutes.

Add that to the 20 minutes of free Wi-Fi everyone gets and you’re getting somewhere…

New photography exhibits at Hartsfield Atlanta and John Wayne airports

JWA exhibit Witches House built by Vernon Baker

A new exhibit at John Wayne airport on display through January 2011 features images of classic architecture around Orange County, California.  The images are taken from architect Richard Dodd’s book “Architectural Styles – Orange County”, and display historical homes and buildings from Mission San Juan Capistrano to the famed Witches House in Laguna Beach, which is pictured above.

For more photos from the exhibit, see the slide show on the John Wayne Airport‘s website.

The Airport Show at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

In honor of Atlanta Celebrates Photography Month, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s Art Program has teamed up with the Atlanta Photography Group for The Airport Art Show, an exhibit of traditional, documentary-style and modern photographs in the airport atrium.

ATL ART Show

Want to see more photos? In addition to the exhibit at the airport, there are more than 150 photographic exhibitions and events showcasing the work of more than 400 photographers taking place this October throughout metro Atlanta.

“The Airport Show” is in the Hartsfield-Jackson Atrium Gallery through November 17.

See airport guides for these airports and 47 others on StuckatTheAirport.com.

Tidbits for travelers: Free Wi-Fi in Nashville; haiku contest on EL AL

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Free Wi-Fi coming to Nashville International Airport (BNA). Sort of.

Free Wi-FI

Sometime before the end of the year, Nashville International Airport (BNA) will install two of what will eventually be 14 complimentary charging stations.

The airport will also begin offering travelers free wireless internet access in the food courts, the meeter/greeter waiting areas and in some restaurants.

But only the first twenty minutes will be free.

Airport spokesperson Emily Richard says 20 minutes is based on “expert assessment of actual usage reports.” Meaning, I suppose, that most people log on, send a few emails and are on their way. For everyone else: “The pay model remains,” says Richard, for those needing more time or “requiring the security features of a virtual private network.”

But here’s an interesting twist: according to a memo sent out by the airport, members of BNA’s Frequent Parker Program and valet parking customers will get 15 minutes of free Wi-Fi to use access anywhere in the terminal.

Not sure if that’s instead of the complimentary 20 minutes or in addition to it, but it’s all a step in the right direction.

Want to go to Israel?

Their joke contest is over. Now EL AL is running a haiku contest on Facebook. The most creative haiku will get a pair of free roundtrip tickets to Israel.  The deadline is October 22nd.

Here’s where to find more information on EL AL’s Haiku Contest.

Good luck!

Snack Saturday: automated treats

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I still get a kick out of seeing those ZOOM vending machines (officially “automated retail stores”) at airports offering everything from iPods to products from Best Buy, Sephora and the SkyMall catalog

Airport vending machine ZOOM SKYMALL

But these aren’t the only unusual vending machines you’ll find  in airports.

Last time I passed through Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the SHOP 24 was still there. This giant vending machine fits in the space of a small retail shop and is filled with all sorts of snacks and sundries. It’s as entertaining as it is convenient.

Now comes word that Outagamie County Airport (ATW) in Appleton, WI. has one of the country’s 25 Willy Wonka Candy Machines. The machine draws attention with sounds and flashing lights and lets customers customize their own selection of candy, which is delivered in cups.

Outagamie Airport Willy Wonka candy machine

(Photo courtesy Outagamie County Airport)

Tomorrow (Sunday, July 18th) is National Ice-Cream Day, so keep in mind that you’ll find the country’s only airport-based Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream vending machine at Massachusetts’ New Bedford Regional Airport

Ice cream vending machine

And at Nashville International Airport, there’s a Dippin’ Dots machine.

Know of another fun airport vending machine? Please snap a photo and send it along.


Tidbits for travelers: SNA gets free Wi-Fi; travelers get great art

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Today the folks at John Wayne International Airport (SNA) in Orange County, California announced a partnership with FreeFi Networks to provide free wireless internet access at the airport.

You’ll need need to watch a short commercial before getting to that free Wi-Fi service, but that’s a small price to pay for a service most of us would rather not be without when we’re stuck at the airport.  Thanks, SNA!

And there are several new art exhibits at a few airports around the country:

At Miami International Airport (MIA), photos by architect and award-winning photographer James Palma are on display in the mia Central Terminal Gallery, just past the security checkpoint on Concourse E. The 20 photographs in the exhibition were winners chosen by the National American Institute of Architects over 10 years.

At Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), a new art exhibit up through August 12, 2010 explores the theme of twilight with works from the Multicultural Artists Partnership of Austin. One nice example is Kay Hughes’ “View with Song Bird.”

And the summer installment of the art showcase at Nashville International Airport (BNA) has opened, with works by more than a half dozen local artists, including Pieces from the Past by Mike Andrews

And quilts by the The Zuri Quilting Guild of Nashville, Tennesse.


Airport trend I applaud: ice-cream vending machines

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Where I live, it’s been very cold and very rainy.

But at the Nashville International Airport (BNA) they’re ready for summer and celebrating the season with the installation of a new vending machine that dispenses that popular ice-cream treat: Dippin’ Dots.

The machine is located on the C Concourse (across from Burger King and The Massage Bar) and is stocked with packages of Banana split, Chocolate, Cookies ‘n cream, Cookie dough and Rainbow ice-flavored dots.

Of course, many restaurants and take-out spots in the airport also serve ice-cream. But it’s fast – and fun – to get this sweet treat from a machine.

Not in Nashville?  Look for the only Ben & Jerry’s vending machine in an airport at the New Bedford Regional Airport in Massachusetts.

When will all airports have free Wi-Fi?

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This month, my “At the Airport” column in USATODAY.com is all about airport Wi-Fi.

And all about why more and more airports, including those in Denver, Pittsburgh, Orlando and, just recently, Seattle and Boston, offer this welcome amenity for free – and why some don’t.

Here’s an edited version of that column:

Free Wi-Fi was on Sea-Tac’s to do list for years, but the airport had to wait until its contract with AT&T ran out before making the service free. “It’s almost become a required amenity,” says Sea-Tac airport spokesperson Perry Cooper, “Passengers expect it now. Especially in places like Seattle where folks are very tech-savvy. In fact, it’s been our number one customer service request for years.”

Silicon Valley’s Mineta San José International Airport started offering the service back in May 2008, says airport spokesperson David Vossbrink, because “we serve a high proportion of business travelers and road warriors who have laptops and mobile devices surgically implanted and [they] expect to be able to always be connected.”

It’s pretty much the same story across the country. Everyone wants to stay connected and everyone wants the Wi-Fi at the airport to be free. But how can airports afford to make it free?

Advertising and sponsorship may be the way to go.

At Denver International Airport, which began offering free Wi-Fi in November 2007, between 6,000 and 8,000 travelers now sign on to the system each day and revenue from advertisers help offset the cost of the service. Sea-Tac Airport has asked Clear Channel, which already sells advertising space throughout the airport, to find additional ads to support the new, free Wi-Fi service as well. And at San Francisco International Airport, advertising is being considered as negotiations get underway to figure out how to support a free Wi-Fi program as well. If they can figure out how to fund it, representatives from Nashville International and many other airports say they’d offer travelers free Wi-Fi as well.

Like LAX and the airports in the New York and Washington, D.C. areas, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport still charges passengers for Wi-Fi access. “We know many travelers would love to see free Wi-Fi,” says airport spokesperson Patrick Hogan, “The bottom line is that airports like MSP must generate the funds to cover all airport operating costs…There is no such thing as free airport Wi-Fi. It’s really just a question of who pays to cover the cost of providing the service.”

For the full posted version of this column, read Free airport Wi-Fi takes off in USATODAY.com. And if you’re want to know which airports currently offer free Wi-Fi, the folks at Jaunted.com have been keeping a good tally on their free airport Wi-Fi map.

And if you do use a free Wi-Fi service at an airport, a hotel, a coffee shop or somewhere else, the Wi-Fi Alliance encourages you to use a personal firewall, make sure you have anti-virus software, and keep these other safety tips in mind:

  • Make sure that you are connecting to a legitimate hotspot – those that require a password have more protection than those that do not.
  • Use a virtual private network or VPN, which establishes a private connection across the public network. This may be supplied by your employer, or you can purchase one.
  • Surfing the web and sending e-mail is fine, but doing your banking for example in a public hotspot is not advised.
  • Configure for approved connections: Many devices sense and automatically connect to any available wireless signal. To regain control, simply configure your device to not automatically connect to an open network without your approval.
  • Disable sharing: Your Wi-Fi enabled devices may automatically open themselves to sharing / connecting with other devices. File and printer sharing may be common in business and home networks, but you can avoid this in public networks.

Got that?

Airports offer contests, coupons and karaoke

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Austin - Judy Lee Tap Dancers

The number of people buying plane tickets may be down, but that’s not stopping the nation’s airports from getting all gussied up in their holiday best. And while everyone’s budget is tighter than usual, travelers will still find plenty of airports hosting contests, carolers, karaoke and opportunities for a last-minute heart-to-heart with Kris Kringle.  In my most recent “At the Airport” column on USATODAY.com, I offered a round-up of what’s in store.

Petting zoos, popcorn, and performances

This Saturday, December 12th, 2009, the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) will host Pups, Popcorn & Perfect Pitch in the pre-security Civic Plaza. There will be free treats from Just Pop In! and two “petting” zoos: one with instruments from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) and another with adoptable animals from the Humane Society of Indianapolis.  On December 14th at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), listen for the US Airways Chorus. And on December 16h, look for JJ Jones, the Human Snow Globe, at Nashville International Airport (BNA): he’ll be the one inside a giant inflatable bubble singing wacky Christmas songs.

JJ Jones - Human Snow Globe

On December 21st, the Judy Lee Dancers (dancers are all 60 years old and up) will perform at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), And on December 23rd, a choir made up of local Austin-based TSA employees will present a medley of traditional Christmas carols.

Contests and Coupon Books

Like many other airports, there’s a full schedule of holiday entertainment at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), where you can also pick up a coupon book filled with 80 coupons that can be used at MSP’s stores and restaurants.  The booklets are available at information booths throughout the airport and on-line at ShopsatMSP.com.

Throughout December, you’ll also be able to find coupon booklets at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and in the Central Terminal Building at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA), where The Food & Shops at LGA will also be raffling off one pair of diamond earrings from Taxco Sterling (value $2,000.)

SAN Wrapping paper

As in past years, many retail shops and volunteer organizations will be offering free, post-security gift wrapping stations at various airports. Look closely at the paper being used at the San Diego International Airport (SAN) December 18th through December 23rd: the artwork is by students in The New Children’s Museum’s After School Program.

Concourse Karaoke

Housto IAH Karaoke

Karaoke was big at George Bush International Airport (IAH) last year and it’s back again this year on Saturday, December 19th.  Karaoke is also on the schedule at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW).  Their karaoke fundraiser takes place in the McNamara/Delta Terminal from Sunday Dec. 20th through Wednesday, Dec. 23rd.  Anyone (or any group) stepping up to the microphone will be asked to make a $5 donation to a fund that will be split between two local charities. Participants will have their names entered in a drawing for a gift basket filled with items from Delta Airlines and airport vendors.

Music line-up at Nashville Int’l Airport (BNA)

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Yesterday I wrote about the Memphis Symphony Orchestra ensembles scheduled to play at Memphis International Airport.

animated-notes

Keeping the beat, today I want to draw your attention to the music line-up at Nashville International Airport (BNA).  Free live music performances are offered year-round on stages near the A/B meeter-greeter area, in the Concourse C food court (beyond security), and on the Baggage Claim Level.

BNA Carissia and Tom Photo


Carrissia & Company peforms today at noon.  Here’s a link to the the two dozen other live performances scheduled during November, ranging from solo singer/songwriters to groups performing jazz, Big Band, country, and Rhythm & Blues.