December 28 was National Card Playing Day, so the Stuck at the Airport games department asked the teams from the Phoenix Airport Museum at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to share pictures of some of their favorite airline playing cards from the more than 300 decks in their Aviation History Collection. Here’s what they sent.
PHX wasn’t the only airport shuffling the decks on National Playing Card Day. Orlando International Airport (MCO) gave away some of their MCO-branded card decks to some lucky travelers.
Ready to deal out some serious fun? Meet us at the Hyatt Atrium (near the Holiday Tree) to score a deck of our airport-themed playing cards (while supplies last). You don't want to miss out! 🃏#NationalCardPlayingDay ⏰ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm pic.twitter.com/pHfoMICKMC
The Stuck at the Airport team was in Geneva, Switzerland this week for an education day with officials at the International Air Transport Association, IATA.
Topics ranged from passenger rights and travel accessibility issues to earnings, sustainability, biometrics, safety, security, air cargo, and more. We’ll be folding what we learned into many of our stories going forward, but we are glad that the odd holiday ‘decoration’ we spotted a few years ago at Geneva Airport was nowhere to be seen this time through.
Airports and airlines elsewhere approach the holidays with a more festive outlook.
Munich Airport (currently recovering from the fallout of a snow closure) transforms each winter into a holiday destination complete with ice skating and curling rinks.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) and many other airports also go all out with holiday decorations throughout their terminals.
Feeling jolly, looking festive! 🎄 Our airport is officially in the holiday spirit with these tree-mendous seasonal decorations. pic.twitter.com/AyRiBsmTtp
In November, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) will join the list of airports that offer post-security access to non-ticketed airport visitors.
With the Wingmate Pass, anyone will be able to accompany a friend or family member to their gate, welcome an arriving passenger as they leave the plane, or visit the airport’s restaurants, bars, shops, art exhibits, pop-up installations, and activities.
The airport also plans to offer dining and shopping deals just for Wingmate guests.
Wingmate Pass wanna-bees will need to apply for a pass online, at the PHL.org website. Requests can be entered on the day of your planned visit or up to 7 days in advance. And, if the Transportation Security Administration approves your application, you’ll get a digital Wingmate Pass via email to show at the D/E or A-East security checkpoint, along with your government ID.
What other airports offer day passes?
We’re happy to report that PHL’s Wingmate Pass program joins a growing list of other airport gate pass programs.
That dog that escaped at ATL airport has been found
If you’ve been following the story of Maia, the dog who escaped from her carrier at Hartsfield-Jackon Atlanta International Airport (ATL) three weeks ago, you’ll be glad to know that the dog has been found.
AMAZING NEWS 😭💗
Maia, a dog who escaped her carrier while at an #Atlanta airport, has been found after three long weeks! 🐾
We are thrilled no one gave up & hope PETA’s reward helped rescue this little dog. https://t.co/ojgjYNcgw5
Maia, a chihuahua mix, has been AWOL at ATL airport since the middle of August. The dog arrived on a Detla Air Lines flight from the Dominican Republic with its owner, Paula Rodriguez, who was making a connection on the way to San Francisco.
Rodriguez, who had a tourist visa, was denied entry into the United States and had to spend the night in an airport detention center. The dog wasn’t allowed in the center with Rodriguez and somehow got loose from its carrier while in Delta Air Lines’ care.
Maia, the dog who escaped onto the airfield at the world’s busiest airport, was recovered on September 9. ATL’s Operations team found her hiding near the North Cargo facilities. Tired but in apparent good health, she was transported to a vet and is expected to return home soon. pic.twitter.com/eNbM6us1BW
Orlando International Airport now has a Visitor Pass Program
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the latest airport to create a program to allow non-ticketed visitors into the terminal.
The Experience MCO Visitor Pass only gives access to Terminal C – MCO’s newest and fanciest terminal – and only permits 50 non-ticketed visitors per day.
We're excited to announce the start of 'Experience MCO'! 🥳 Starting today, approved guests may enjoy amenities post-security in our Terminal C. From shopping, to dining, to spotting planes, there’s so much to C! ✈️ Learn more & apply at: https://t.co/NrCjJTDJdX. pic.twitter.com/o6FQm4MKF6
Orlando International Airport (MCO) will officially open its new 15-gate, $2.8 billion Terminal 3 later this month. The first flights are set to take off beginning on September 20.
The Stuck at the Airport new terminal team will make its way to MCO soon. But in the meantime, here are some photos and information about what’s in store.
Airlines flying out of the new Terminal 3 at Orlando Int’l Airport
Confirmed airlines that will operate out of the new terminal include Aer Lingus, Azul, British Airways, Caribbean, Emirates, Gol, Icelandair, JetBlue, Lufthansa, and Norse.
What’s inside the new Terminal 3 at Orlando Int’l Airport
The Terminal features a skylight-capped Boulevard that connects ticketing, security, concessions, gates, and baggage claim.
Public art in the new Terminal C and Orlando International Airport will include a variety of giant digital canvases by Gentilhomme Studio.
Windows on Orlando, above, is a triptych of 32-feet-tall displays spanning 110 feet. Content includes a rocket launch sequence filmed in the NASA Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center and an afternoon ride under open skies with cowhands rounding up cattle.
The Moment Vaultis an interactive 360-degree digital experience located in the Palm Court section of the terminal. The installation uses digital technology that allows travelers to interact with 23 different scenes that range from schools of bioluminescent fish to a trip to the surface of Mars.
The Portal, still to be completed in the arrivals hall, will be three stories high, with 32 custom curved screens suspended in a helical frame. 26 scenes will tell the story of the transformation of Central Florida from natural springs and ranchlands to the dawn of Disney and the launch into space exploration.
Shops and dining at the new Terminal 3 at Orlando Int’l Airport
Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld will be represented among the dozen retail locations. And among the two dozen food and beverage outlets will be Shake Shack and Orange County Brewers.
Stay tuned for more photos and details about what the new Terminal 3 at Orlando International Airport (MCO) has in store.
