Nashville International Airport

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

Food, Fun Stuff, , ,

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.