Philadelphia International Airport

DEN’s ELF, PHL’s Pottery Bike & More Airport Fun

Holidays, , , ,

Some airports around the country are going all out to celebrate the holidays this year and entertain travelers. Here are some of the fun celebrations we’ve spotted.

More to come. Let us know what we missed.

Denver Int’l Airport’s Purple Elf

Pottery Bike Landing at Philadelphia Int’l Airport

If you’re at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) on Friday, December 16, between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm make your way to the spot between Terminals B and C across from the food court.

PHL Airport will be teaming up with The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, for the second visit of Pottery Unplugged–a people-powered pottery bike.

Passengers and employees will be able to try to throw their own clay vessel or just watch and see how it’s done. The twist here is that the pottery wheel is powered by a bicycle.

“At PHL, we always strive to represent what Philly has to offer artistically and culturally,” says Leah Douglas, PHL’s Director of Guest Experience. “Pottery Unplugged certainly accomplishes that through its creative ingenuity.”

Festive Decor at Chicago O’Hare Airport

Christmas Miracle at SEA Airport

The pandemic put the renovations in the Central Terminal at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) years behind schedule. But just in time for the holidays, the airport has finally opened Salty’s – a welcome sit-down restaurant with great airfield views – and a beer & wine garden.

Now if only the reindeer would return to the airport light rail station…

Happy Thanksgiving. Safe Travels

Holidays, , , , , ,

Here are some Thanksgiving items we spotted at airports this week. If you’re on the road or in the air, please travel safely.

Reno-Tahoe Airport’s Gratitude Wall is Back

LaGuardia Terminal B has its own Turkey Mascot

Gobble Down a Thanksgiving Dinner at O’Hare & Denver Airports

There’s a New Pop-Up Lounge at Philadelphia Int’l Airport

Cat Let Out of Checked Bag at JFK Airport

United Airlines’ Tasty Travel Tip

Airports have Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals Too

Museum Monday: PHL celebrates The Sound of Philadelphia

Music, , ,

PHL exhibit honors Philadelphia International Records (PIR)

An exhibit celebrating and highlighting the 50th anniversary of Philadelphia International Records (PIR), a record label dubbed “The Sound of Philadelphia,” is now on view at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), near Terminal A-East.

The label created by songwriting duo Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, along with collaborator Thom Bell, released hits by artists such as Teddy Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle, Lou Rawls, The O’Jays, and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes.

Chuck Gamble, the nephew of PIR co-founder Kenny Gamble (first photo), was on hand for the ribbon-cutting, as was co-founder Leon Huff (below, in the checked shirt).

ROAM Fitness Beefing up with PHL Branch

Exercise, ,

Passengers at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) with extra time on their hands will soon be able to work out at the newest branch of ROAM Fitness.

The airport gym and shower facility concept currently has a branch at Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) post-security by Gate D1.

The new branch at PHL aipport will feature 1,500 square feet of state-of-the-art cardio equipment, free weights and a cable system, and connected fitness machines with on-demand and live classes.

Stretching space with yoga mats and props, an infrared sauna, and private shower rooms with towel service and Malin+Goetz products are also planned.

Travelers will be able to access the gym with a day pass ($25/day) or via an annual membership ($35/month). Day passes can also be purchased in packets of 3 and 5 for $65 and $100, respectively.

Workout gear to borrow or buy

For those who aren’t traveling with workout gear, ROAM Fitness has complimentary loaner gear that includes Lululemon technical athletic apparel and Brooks running shoes. Travelers may also purchase new gear including Lululemon, Girlfriend Collective and Rhone apparel.

And for those who prefer to exercise in their own gear, ROAM will vacuum seal sweaty clothes so odors don’t permeate carry-on items.

Showers

At the BWI outlet, ROAM Fitness offers guests private shower rooms, bookable for 15-minute slots.

Private showers are planned for the PHL branch as well, along with an infrared sauna that uses light to create heat. Those visiting on day passes may book shower time at check-in. Annual members can reserve a shower or sauna 24 hours in advance.

As with its BWI location, flight information display boards at the PHL facility will help travelers can keep an eye flight schedules and changes.

Art scavenger hunt at PHL Airport

Art, ,

This summer, passengers at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) have a fun way to spend their dwell time, engage with art, and maybe win a prize.

In PHL’s Art Puzzle Challenge guests seated at the airport’s large B-C food court will find tabletop decals with a scannable QR code. The code is also on B and C info counters and on 4 art exhibition locations.

The code first gives directions to puzzle 1, which is Kiki Aranita’s exhibition of re-created yarned snacks and sauces based on her Korean/Hawaiian heritage. 

In that first stop, players will be asked to find an object named after a Hawaiian island. (Hints are provided).

When that piece of the puzzle is completed, passengers are directed to the other three exhibitions and asked to locate an element of the art. When all 4 pieces of the puzzle are solved, passengers may submit their information online and receive a prize from PHL’s exhibition program: 6 artist-made pins that feature PHL and a selection of international destinations.



The art scavenger hunt kicks off Tuesday, May 31, and is designed by Eric Dale, who creates puzzle challenges for Philly street art. As the art exhibitions at PHL change, the puzzle challenge will be updated. (Photos courtesy PHL Airport).