Beginning December 4, there will be activities taking place both pre- and post-security in both terminals. Passengers will have the opportunity to win prizes, take their photos with the Airport’s mascot, Amelia the Airplane and with the Navigator Buddies, participate in art activities, write notes of gratitude, and show off their airport trivia knowledge for prizes.
Keep an eye out for the PHX Polar Prize Patrol. They’ll be handing out PHX travel items and goodies to lucky passengers. And, throughout the 12-day event, airport staff and the PHX Navigators will be handing out chocolate coins and thank you cards to passengers.
The shopping team at Stuck at The Airport does a lot of its holiday gift buying at airports.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is doing its part this year by offering complimentary professional gift-wrapping service through December 24 and by offering a free pair of Philly skyline socks to anyone who presents same-day shopping receipts totalling $75 or more. Take advantage of both offers at the gift wrapping botoh in the connector between Terminals B and C.
Personal Collection – Private Obsessions features an assortment of private collections that are borrowed from residents of the Greater Philadelphia area and from employees at Philadelphia International Airport.
Passengers traveling through PHL between now and May 2024 will see some collections representing nostalgic objects, such as handbags, sewing thimbles, antique glass, airline silverware, and John F. Kennedy ephemera.
Other collections feature more familiar objects from popular culture—ice cream scoops, bobbleheads, bottle caps, Funko Pop! figures, travel magnets, and Philadelphia Eagles hats.
The exhibit notes point out that while the activity of collecting is a universal experience, each collection is as personal and unique as each object and often represents a specific remembrance or story.
“This is the 4th exhibition of collections that we have presented over the past 25 years of the exhibitions program,” said Leah Douglas, PHL’s Director of Guest Experience. “The current installation is by far the most extensive one to date and it is proving to be a big hit with our guests and employees,” she said.
Personal Collections – Private Obsessions is on view at Philadelphia International Airport through May 2024 and is located between Terminals C and D accessible to ticketed passengers.
What do you collect?
It seems everyone collects something. Or many things. Please share a note about your collections in the comments section below.
Fort Wayne Int’l Airport celebrates passengers with food treats
Year-round, Hospitality Hosts at Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) welcome passengers with a (wrapped) cookie from a nearby bakery. But this week, during Customer Appreciation Week, the airport has been going above and beyond by treating passengers to a different free, fun food each day.
So far, they’ve hosted a popcorn bar, a caramel apple bar, a hot dog bar, and a walking taco bar- with all manner of toppings.
What’s on the menu for Friday?
A coffee and hot chocolate bar with all the creamers, syrups, and toppings that passengers might want to mix and match with their drinks.
If you’re heading to PHL, be sure to study the wide range of menu offerings before you arrive at the terminal. While tax is not included in this offer, a Pepsi beverage is.
Just in time for Halloween – Gargoyles back at DEN Airport
Since 1995, two bronze gargoyles sitting inside suitcases have been on guard in the east and west bag claim areas at Denver International Airport (DEN) trying their best to help baggage arrive safely.
The gargoyles make up an art piece by Terry Allen called “Notre Denver.”
And due to construction in the airport’s Great Hall, one of the gargoyles has been in storage.
Now both gargoyles are back on duty. And we’re hoping that someday the chatty gargoyle (see video below) will return to the airport as well.
Planning 2024 Travel? This Lonely Planet’s list may help.
The world is a big place and it can be overwhelming choosing your next adventure. That’s why the “where to go” lists put out by all sorts of publications and groups can be helpful.
Lonely Planet is early out of the gates for 2024 with its “Best in Travel 2024” list of suggestions across five key categories: top countries, regions, cities, sustainable travel destinations, and best-value locations.
Each category features 10 destinations chosen for their topicality, unique experiences, ‘wow’ factor, and ongoing commitment to sustainability and community. Below is a summary chart of the ‘winners.’
Where have you been? And where would you like to go?
COUNTRY
REGION
CITY
SUSTAINABLE
VALUE
Mongolia
Western Balkans’ Trans Dinarica Cycling Route
Nairobi, Kenya
Spain
The Midwest, USA
India
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Paris, France
Patagonia, Argentina & Chile
Poland
Morocco
Tuscany, Italy
Montreal, Canada
Greenland
Nicaragua
Chile
Donegal, Ireland
Mostar, Bosnia
Wales’ trails
Danube Limes, Bulgaria
Benin
País Vasco, Spain
Philadelphia, USA
The Portuguese Way / Caminho Português de Santiago
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.
The BWI branch opened in 2017 next to Gate D1 and offers cardio equipment, dumbells, and other workout equipment as well power equipped lockers (for charging your gear), reservable showers, and rental gear. Current hours are Sunday to Friday, 6 am to 6 pm.
This location has all the amenities offered by the BWI location, plus a reservable single-occupant infrared sauna with red light therapy.
Day passes, which are good at both locations, are $25. You can also get 3 passes for $65, 5 for $100, or pay $35/month for an annual membership.
A visit includes access to the gym and all the equipment, a reservable 15-minute shower slot, and complimentary workout gear rental. You can buy workout gear or use your own and ROAM Fitness will vacuum-seal your sweaty clothes so they don’t stink up the clean clothes in your suitcase.