Philadelphia International Airport

Airport amenities we’re loving this week

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Here’s a quick round-up of some of the fun airport amenities we’ve spotted this week – so far.

Abraham Lincoln photo op at DCA Airport

At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – the gateway to the National Cherry Blossom Festival – a new installation invites passengers to get a cherry blossom-framed photo while sitting in a replica of Abraham Lincoln’s giant chair at the Lincoln Memorial.

Vacay-bound in Ohio?

Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) has a fun vacation-themed photo op spot set up too.

How DID PHL install that 10 foot-tall ‘Rocky’ statue?

And remember back in November when a 10-foot tall bronze “Rocky” statue showed up at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)?

This week the airport shared a video of how the statue was installed.

And for the lounge set

Swanky new and upgraded airport lounges seem to be popping up everywhere.

And if you have the right credit card, airline status or plane ticket, or can purchase a single visit pass, these lounges are great places to hang out.

Two in the news this week: Delta Air Lines’ newly renovated Sky Club at Denver International Airport (DEN) and, from American Express, the Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas.

Delta Air Lines’ renovated Sky Club at DEN

The renovated Delta Sky Club in Concourse A at DEN officially opened on March 4 and is about three times the size of the previous club.

The 13,000 square foot space currently has seating for more than 200 travelers and will expand later in the year to more than 19,330 sq. ft., with seating for 400.

So – big!

(Courtesy Delta Air Lines)

In addition to a space that draws design inspiration from Colorado’s natural wonders, lounge guests will find double sided buffet tables serving dishes highlighting local ingredients, two new bars and Colorado-thenmed artwork.

(Courtesy Delta Air Lines)

A speakeasy-inspired Amex Centurion Lounge at LAS Airport

(Courtesy American Express)

On March 4, American Express officially opened Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas.

Located in Concourse D by Gate D1, not far from the main, larger Centurion Lounge at LAS, Sidecar is a speakeasy-inspired space with about 40 seats, restaurant-style service (order via QR codes) and an upscale, Vegas cocktail-culture vibe.

Open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, American Express has designed Sidecar as an elevated and efficient quick stop experience for eligible card members, who will be able to access this new lounge within 90 minutes before their flight departs.

Card members can also still access the main Centurion Lounge at LAS up to 3 hours before their flight departs.

(Credit: American Express)

The StuckatTheAirport lounge review team will be visiting both new lounges soon…

See fresh art at PHL and MIA Airports

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The newest exhibition at Philadephila International Airport (PHL) includes work by Mauricio Pérez, a local artist who hails from Columbia and creates fantastical paper maché sculptures. 

Pérez takes inspiration from the Mexican Surrealism movement and traditional Latin American aesthetics. And for this exhibition, titled All Imperfect Things, he’s created a magical batch of figures that are all about travel and migration.

We love the the multi-legged figure with the bird head, but our favorite is the animal-filled airplane. Of course.

Look for the exhibit at PHL Terminal D.

(Images from All Imperfect Things courtesy of Philadelphia International Airport and Mauricio Pérez)

New mural at MIA Airport honors aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss

A new mural at Miami International Airport (MIA) honors Glenn Curtiss.

The pioneering aviator raced bicycles and motorcycles before turning his attention to airplanes. He somehow also made time to found three South Florida cities: Hialeah, Miami Springs, and Opa-locka. And each of these cities is celebrating a centennial anniversary this year. 

The city of Hialeah, which was envisioned as “The City of Progress,” has grown into a dynamic, multi-cultural center of industry and culture.

Opa-locka was created with a Moorish Revival style and has an Arabian Nights–inspired identity, making it one of the most distinctively planned cities in the nation.

And, the mural notes tell us, Miami Springs has become “a carefully designed residential oasis, known for its Pueblo Revival architecture and human-scale charm.”

Titled “From Wings to Cities: The Vision of Glenn Curtiss,” the mural features historical images and milestones for each of the three cities and tells the story of Glenn Curtiss and his vision for innovative communities and aviation-fueled mobility.

The mural is on display through April 1, 2026, at MIA’s Connecting Communities Wall on the arrivals level near door 11.

Airport statues: Rocky at PHL + Franco at PIT

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Yo, Adrian. And everyone else.

Next time you find yourself at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), be sure to stop by Terminal A -West to snap a selflie with the Rocky Balboa statue that is now a permanent fixture.

The 10-foot-tall bronze scultpure is one of three original Rocky casts created in 1980 for the Rocky III film by A. Thomas Schomberg in collaboration with Sylvester Stallone.

To mark the installation, PHL held a Rocky look-alike contest.

Contest registrants were encouraged to access the terminal using a PHL Wingmate Pass and were reminded that “raw eggs are subject to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids and raw meat must be completely frozen and packaged.”

PIT Airport’s Immaculate Reception statue – relocated & fixed

Pretty much everyone in Pittsburgh is delighted with the new $1.7 billion landside terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), which features plenty of space, lots of light, oodles of art and a new (probably temporary) spot for the selfie-friendly statue depicting the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Franco Harris making the famous Immaculate Reception.

But fans quickly pointed out that some of the details in the background collage were a bit off.

No worries, airport officials say, they’ll fix that.

Tidbits for Travelers

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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at PHL Airport

Now through October 15, 2024, watch for events at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) celebrating Hispanic and Latino culture.

The lineup includes craft workshops, salsa dance lessons, heritage talks and samplings of churros and other foods from around the world. See the full schedule here.

JetBlue plans to open lounges in NY and Boston

JetBlue is (finally) joining the airport lounge world with newly-announced plans to open a lounge at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 5 in late 2025 and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Terminal C soon after.

Who will be able to use the JetBlue lounges?

JetBlue says complimentary access to the lounges will be available to holders of a new premium JetBlue credit card, TrueBlue Mosaic 4 members and passengers flying in Mint on transatlantic flights.

TrueBlue Mosaic 4 members and premium JetBlue credit card holders will be able to bring in a guest for free. Annual passes will be available. Day passes and guest passes will be available for purchase by “eligible customers” based on space availability, according to JetBlue. More details to come.

Places we’d go: National Comic Book Day

National Comic Book Day is coming up on September 25 and that makes it a good time to visit the Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa, CA, where we encountered fun statues of Lucy and Snoopy.

The Charles M. Schulz Museum is nearby, with 3 changing gallery spaces and permanent exhibitions that include Schulz’s recreated studio, a Christo-wrapped Snoop dog house The Peanuts Tile Mural by Japanese artist Yoshiteru Otani featuring an image of Lucy holding the football for Charlie Brown composed of 3,588 Peanuts comic strip images printed on individual 2 x 8-inch ceramic tiles.

The museum also has a skating pavilion open to the public.

12 Days of Gratitude at PHX Airport + PHL’s Socks

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Phoenix Sky Harbor Interational Airport (PHX) is bringing back its 12 Days of Gratitude campaign.

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.

Here’s a link to the day-by-day rundown of scheduled events for the 12 Days of Gratitude at PHX Airport.

PHL Airport has a Treat for Your Feet

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.


 

At PHL Airport: a collection of collections

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The exhibition program at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is offering an exhibition featuring a wonderful collection of collections.

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.

Travel tidbits from airports near you + go here.

Airports, ,

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.

Definitely the Airport Amenity of the Week!

Restaurant Week at PHL Airport

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is hosting its Restaurant Week through October 29, offering multi-course lunches for $20 and dinners for $30.

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?

COUNTRYREGIONCITYSUSTAINABLEVALUE
MongoliaWestern Balkans’ Trans Dinarica Cycling RouteNairobi, KenyaSpainThe Midwest, USA
IndiaKangaroo Island, South AustraliaParis, FrancePatagonia, Argentina & ChilePoland
MoroccoTuscany, ItalyMontreal, CanadaGreenlandNicaragua
ChileDonegal, IrelandMostar, BosniaWales’ trailsDanube Limes, Bulgaria
BeninPaís Vasco, SpainPhiladelphia, USAThe Portuguese Way / Caminho Português de SantiagoNormandy, France
MexicoSouthern ThailandManaus, BrazilPalauEgypt
UzbekistanSwahili Coast, TanzaniaJakarta, IndonesiaHokkaido, JapanIkaria, Greece
PakistanMontana, USAPrague, The Czech RepublicEcuadorAlgeria
CroatiaSaalfelden Leogang, AustriaIzmir, TurkeyBaltic Trails of Estonia, Latvia, LithuaniaSouthern Lakes & Central Otago, New  Zealand
St LuciaFar North ScotlandKansas City, MissouriEco-lodges in South AfricaNight trains, Europe

PHL Airport will soon offer a gate pass program

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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 list includes:

Visitor Pass program at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA),

Experience MCO Visitor Pass program for the new Terminal C at Orlando International Airport (MCO),

The MSY Guest Pass Program at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY),

The DTW Destination Pass at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW),

Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in Lansing, MI: the LAN Visitor Pass,

the OC Air Pass at John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, CA,

the ONT+ Visitor Pass Program at California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT),

and the PSC Pass at Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco, WA.

Are we missing any? Let us know.

Stuck at the Airport? Work out at the gym.

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Want a workout space at the airport?

Yoga rooms and mileage-measured walking paths at a handful of US airports offer travelers a way to get some exercise before or between flights.

But for those who want to squeeze in a workout in a gym without leaving the secure side of the airport, ROAM Fitness’s gym at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) has been the only option.

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.

Now ROAM Fitness has opened a second location. This one is located post-security in Terminal F at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Hours are 7 am to 7 pm, daily.

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.

Happy 25th Anniversary to PHL’s Art Program

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 Congratulations to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), and Director of Guest Experience/art program curator Leah Douglas, on the 25th anniversary of the airport’s award-winning Airport Exhibitions Program.

Since 1998, local artists and arts organizations have filled PHL’s terminals with more than 500 unique exhibitions.

“PHL has a unique opportunity with its global audience to promote Philadelphia’s unique treasures to the world – its arts, culture, and history,” said Douglas. During the 25 years of the program, Douglas has drawn on the talents of local artists, the region’s cultural and creative organizations, and the holdings of the city’s museums to keep the art exhibits at PHL airport fresh, inviting, and inspiring.

Some of our favorite exhibitions include the Bottle Clock and the time PHL invited local people to display their special collections.

Beer Bottle Clock

PHL offers 32 exhibitions annually in 16 locations throughout the airport and has four locations where the artwork remains on view long-term. There are also live artist demonstrations.

So if you’re passing through PHL airport, don’t just sit at your gate, go see some art.

For a bit of encouragement, check out the “PHL HeART Scavenger Hunt Challenge” developed by Eric Dale. Twenty-five hearts made by local street artist Amberella are hidden throughout Terminals A-East and A-West. Guests finding 10 or more by following clues on QR codes can win prizes.