Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Souvenir Sunday: cactus candy and lucky pigs

Shopping, Souvenir Sunday, Souvenirs, , ,

Each Sunday here at Stuck at The Airport we take a look at some of the fun, ideally offbeat, items for sale at airports for about $10.  This week, Claire Stern sent along some items from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). My favorites include some of the candies made by the Phoenix-based Cactus Candy Company which makes saguaro-shaped lollipops and this sweet, chewy Prickly Pear Cactus Candy.

And these three-legged chonchitos, which hail from from the village of Pomaire, Chile. They are supposed to bring good luck and are traditionally given to friends as a token of goodwill and love, but since they’re only $5.99 a piece, I’d probably buy a few for my friends and make sure to keep one for myself.

Have you had the good fortune to find a great souvenir while you were stuck at the airport? If so, please take a photo and send it along. It may end up featured on a future edition of Souvenir Sunday.

Tidbits for travelers: art in AUS & PHX

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“Travel/Places,” a new exhibit at Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) combines hand-scripted, journey-related quotes with illustrations of places traveled.  10 members of Austin’s Capital City Scribes contributed 12 works to this exhibit, which includes a piece by Abigail Hutchison incorporating the travel quote attributed to Saint Augustine: “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page,” and this piece by Dee Day titled “Gone to Texas.”

You can see – and read – the entire “Travel/Places” exhibit in the Austin airport’s Airside West Gallery,  post-security, on the concourse behind the BookPeople bookstore, across from Gate 11.

Also, if you missed it at the Albuquerque, Pittsburgh or Atlanta airports, you can now see Nancy Judd’s Recycle Runway exhibit at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The exhibit includes dresses and accessories made from items such as aluminum cans, water bottles and junk mail. Highlights include a Rusty Nail dress made of, yes, rusty nails, a Red Glass Gown made of crushed glass, and this Faux Fur coat made of videotape.

Look for the Recycle Runway exhibit in Phoenix Sky Harbor’s Terminal 3 through August 8th.

Tidbits for travelers: Free trips and free flu shots

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Doesn’t Paris sound good right about now?

Then sign up to win a pair of tickets (from Pittsburgh) to Paris – courtesy of Pittsburgh’s WHIRL Magazine, Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Delta Air Lines, Entries will be accepted through May 7, 2010. But why wait?

Lufthansa Airlines isn’t giving away tickets to Paris, but if you suggest the winning name of the airline’s new A380 airplane, you’ll win a million miles and can go where you want.

The names I entered? Spot. Pookie. Stripe.

Think you can do better?  Then enter Lufthansa’s contest here.

[And keep in mind: Lufthsansa pilots are planning  a strike from February 22-25, 2010. So if you already have a trip scheduled during those days, be sure to check with the airline on the status of your flight.]

It’s still flu season and there are still lots of airports where you can get a seasonal or H1N1 flu vaccine.

If you’re heading to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) you can get an H1N1 flu shot (or mist ) for free.

For the fourth year in a row the airport is partnering with local health organizations to offer free flu vaccines to passengers.  The vaccines will be available Monday, February 22 through Friday, February 26 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – at Sky Harbor’s Terminal 4 on level 3 before the security checkpoints on both the east and west ends

And, when you’re shopping at an airport in the next few weeks, consider dropping some bills into one of the collection boxes  the Hudson Group has placed in each of its airport stores, including Hudson News, Hudson Booksellers, cafes and specialty retail shops.  The company is matching customer donations and will forward all contributions to the American Red Cross for the relief efforts in Haiti.

Tidbits for travelers: holiday news from airports around the country

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Christmas week is always a big deal for airports and air travel.

This year, as usual, lines are long, people are cranky, and there’s a storm wreaking havoc with schedules and everyone’s best laid plans.

So, it’s a good bet that if you’re traveling by air this week, you’re going to spend some time being stuck at an airport. Remember to bring supplies such as books, snacks, a charged cell phone, and some extra cash to buy a few last minute gifts.

And remember to look around: some airports are hosting complimentary gift wrapping stations and many airports have scheduled holiday events and entertainment.

Here are just a few examples:

The Chicago Airport System’s schedule of “Holiday Delights” continues at both O’Hare Airport and Midway through Wednesday, December 23rd with performances by local blues, jazz, international, R&B performers, barbershop quartets and carolers. There will also be children’s workshops and a visit from Santa Claus.

Both airports are also offering free gift wrapping, past security, on December 21 and 23 with wrapping paper and gift bags created by students from the After School Matters program.

On Monday December 21st, Southwest Airlines and The Container Store join forces to offer free gift wrapping at Dallas Love Field, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Denver International, Saint Louis Lambert International, and Baltimore-Washington International airports. Here are some details about locations and times.

Free gift wrapping continues in various spots around Phoenix Sky Harbor airport through December 24th and through Wednesday at San Diego International Airport. Check your airport’s Web site to see if free gift wrapping is being offer there as well. Keep in mind that many airport shops also offer fee gift wrapping and many will have piles of pre-wrapped items ready to grab-n’- go.

If you find yourself hanging around Detroit Metroplitan Airport (DTW) Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday (Dec 21 – 23rd), head on over to the stage next the water feature in the center of Concourse A (near Gate A40). The airport is partnering with local Delta Air Lines folks to host a holiday karaoke event called “Sing Because you Care” between 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day.

Anyone, or any group, that sings is being asked to donate $5 to support the local Salvation Army.

And here’s a great gift for anyone flying to or from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): the airport light rail station opened, as promised, on Saturday, December 19th. Just in time to save a lot of holiday travelers a lot of hassle and money.

It’s now possible to ride between the airport and downtown Seattle for $2.50.

Thanks, Santa!


Holiday entertainment & freebies at ATL, SEA, and other airports

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SNOWFLAKE PAGE

If you’re traveling anytime during the next two weeks, it’s a fair bet you’ll find long lines and plenty of hassled travelers at the airport. But this time of year many airports are also serving up fun, freebies, and plenty of entertainment.

SANTA fruit label

A few examples:

From December 16 – 24, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) has an entertainment program that includes live music performances, guest appearances by Santa, and a roving game team that will be rewarding winners with discount coupons for shops, services and restaurants at the airport.

XMAS girlHartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) also kicks off its annual Holiday Music series today, with a performance in the Atrium from 5 to 7pm by a group called Twisted Royalty. You can see the full series schedule here.

And on Monday, December 21st, 2009, from 10 am until 5 pm, the Container Store is partnering with Southwest Airlines to offer complimentary gift-wrapping at some airports, including:

Dallas Love Field   –  Gate 5
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport   –   D Gates
Denver International Airport   –   Gate C41
Saint Louis-Lambert International Airport   –   Gates 14 and 16
Baltimore-Washington International Airport   –   Gates B1, B2, and B3

Airports offer contests, coupons and karaoke

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Austin - Judy Lee Tap Dancers

The number of people buying plane tickets may be down, but that’s not stopping the nation’s airports from getting all gussied up in their holiday best. And while everyone’s budget is tighter than usual, travelers will still find plenty of airports hosting contests, carolers, karaoke and opportunities for a last-minute heart-to-heart with Kris Kringle.  In my most recent “At the Airport” column on USATODAY.com, I offered a round-up of what’s in store.

Petting zoos, popcorn, and performances

This Saturday, December 12th, 2009, the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) will host Pups, Popcorn & Perfect Pitch in the pre-security Civic Plaza. There will be free treats from Just Pop In! and two “petting” zoos: one with instruments from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) and another with adoptable animals from the Humane Society of Indianapolis.  On December 14th at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), listen for the US Airways Chorus. And on December 16h, look for JJ Jones, the Human Snow Globe, at Nashville International Airport (BNA): he’ll be the one inside a giant inflatable bubble singing wacky Christmas songs.

JJ Jones - Human Snow Globe

On December 21st, the Judy Lee Dancers (dancers are all 60 years old and up) will perform at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), And on December 23rd, a choir made up of local Austin-based TSA employees will present a medley of traditional Christmas carols.

Contests and Coupon Books

Like many other airports, there’s a full schedule of holiday entertainment at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), where you can also pick up a coupon book filled with 80 coupons that can be used at MSP’s stores and restaurants.  The booklets are available at information booths throughout the airport and on-line at ShopsatMSP.com.

Throughout December, you’ll also be able to find coupon booklets at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and in the Central Terminal Building at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA), where The Food & Shops at LGA will also be raffling off one pair of diamond earrings from Taxco Sterling (value $2,000.)

SAN Wrapping paper

As in past years, many retail shops and volunteer organizations will be offering free, post-security gift wrapping stations at various airports. Look closely at the paper being used at the San Diego International Airport (SAN) December 18th through December 23rd: the artwork is by students in The New Children’s Museum’s After School Program.

Concourse Karaoke

Housto IAH Karaoke

Karaoke was big at George Bush International Airport (IAH) last year and it’s back again this year on Saturday, December 19th.  Karaoke is also on the schedule at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW).  Their karaoke fundraiser takes place in the McNamara/Delta Terminal from Sunday Dec. 20th through Wednesday, Dec. 23rd.  Anyone (or any group) stepping up to the microphone will be asked to make a $5 donation to a fund that will be split between two local charities. Participants will have their names entered in a drawing for a gift basket filled with items from Delta Airlines and airport vendors.

Tidbits for travelers: lost luggage, found privacy, & contests

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A little bit of this ‘n that today.

Blackpool Suitcase

(No one is walking off with this bag!)

The story out of Phoenix about a couple who managed to steal more than 1,000 pieces of luggage from the baggage claim carousels at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is alarming, for sure.

But we shouldn’t be surprised.  While many airports have some sort of security in the bag claim area, the job of making sure passengers walk off with only their bags is the responsility of each airline. And in most airports, airlines haven’t been actively monitoring bag match-ups for years.

baggage

I’m working on a story about this for my column next week on MSNBC.com, and would love to hear from you if you have any first hand experience to share.

In the meantime, here are some other travel tidbits you might find useful:

Through November, the folks at 3M are once again hosting “privacy havens” at several busy airports around the country.

This year, you’ll find these quiet spots at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and in Terminal 8 at New York’s JFK International Airport. (Exact locations here).

On the busy days right before and after Thanksgiving, these “privacy havens” will also be offering free massages and free Wi-Fi.

And two sweepstakes you may want to enter:

Up in the air

To coincide with the new movie “Up in the Air,” with George Clooney, American Airlines is having an auction and a sweepstakes.  You’ll need to use AAdvantage miles to bid on travel, movie and “experience-” related items in the auction, but entering the contest, which has prizes that include a trip to Los Angeles and 260,000 AAdvantage miles, is free. You’ll just need to watch the trailer and then enter your details.  (Auction bids and sweepstakes entries must be in by Jan 5, 2010.)

And Hilton (which seems to have a part in the Up in the Air movie) is also having an Up in the Air sweepstakes.  You can enter by booking a Hilton stay, but if you’re not heading out on the road before January 18, 2010 you can enter for free by “sending your hand-printed name, address and phone number on 3” x 5” paper to Hilton “Up In The Air” Sweepstakes Alternate Entry, P.O. Box 8600, Westport, CT 06888”

Good luck!

At PHX: Customer Appreciation Day – with a chicken

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Next Wednesday, October 7, during the first Customer Appreciation Day at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), passengers will be treated to free candy, newspapers, coffee samples and more.

CANDY
Some airport stores will be giving away free Arizona Republic newspapers. Others will hand out candy, snacks and post cards. Many airport restaurants will offer food specials and discounts. Starbucks will have beverage and pastry samples. And Travel Ex currency exchange will be waiving fees on all currency transactions.
PHX Amelia the Airplane

Sky Harbor’s mascot, Amelia the Airplane, will be flying around (and posing for pictures) and there will surely be a crowd out at the Rental Car Center when the folks at Fresh Gourmet to Go bring out the performing chicken.

CHICKEN

Now that’s appreciation!!

Fresh, fun art exhibits at Phoenix Airport

Art, Exhibits

If you’ve got some time to spend at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), be sure to spend some of that time touring the current exhibits offered by the airport museum.

PHX Javalini

(Javelini, by Wendy Timm)

In Terminal 2, and exhibit titled Laughing Matters: Arizona Humor From Tohono Chul Park, Tucson is on view in the security checkpoint entry area.

Arizona artists, in a variety of media, express what they think is funny about our region — from the whimsical to the satirical, the silly to the absurd. Artists explore the comical side of Arizona life in artwork that may lampoon the state’s landmarks, unusual animals, or the myth and reality of the Wild West.

PHX horse head

In Terminal 3,  Alysa Bennett’s drawings and sculpture of horses are on display, along with collected craft items and artwork by Southwest Native Americans,  and ceramics by contemporary Arizona artists.

PHX Oro Ranch

And in Terminal 4, you’ll find an exhibition of  photography by Jay Dusard of cowboys from the American West.

There’s more. Lots more.  So here’s a link to a complete list of what’s on view.

Airports offer sweet treats for Valentine’s Day

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mia-all-we-need-is-love-exhibit-cce-13

This month, my “At the Airport” column in USAToday.com is all about Valentine’s Day specials at the nation’s airport.  Here’s a link to the column and, below, some highlights.

dia-postcard

Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, so frequent travelers have a good chance of working out those plans to touch down in the same town as their sweeties. And while just showing up may get you a few extra points, arriving empty-handed just won’t cut it. Even if you have flown through three zones just to be there.

Romantic road warriors needn’t worry about making an extra stop at the mall. Many airports and airport shops around the country are rolling out love-themed art exhibits, giveaways, and special deals on romantic gifts you can grab-n-go in a heartbeat.

Hearts and art

To set the mood, a new exhibit titled Sweetheart Town – Loveland, Colorado at Denver International Airport is filled with items on loan from the Loveland Museum/Gallery, including Victorian-era valentines, historical photographs, memorabilia and new work by Loveland-area artists. Address one of the free exhibit-themed valentine postcards to your sweetie and the airport will take it to Loveland, 60 miles away, so it can be canceled with the town’s sweetheart postmark and then mailed for free. The exhibit is located pre-security in the walkway between the Jeppesen Terminal and the A gates.

mia-2-all-we-need-is-love-exhibit-cce-4

At Miami International Airport, the newly renovated mia Central Gallery (Concourse E, second level, post-security) is home to a 120-foot-long art installation that uses 10,500 brightly-colored silk flowers to spell out the words “All we need is love, love” in six-foot-tall letters. The oversized artwork is by Miami architect/artist team Rosario Marquardt and Roberto Behar, who call themselves R&R Studios. “People walking by start singing that Beatles song All You Need Is Love all the time,” says Yolanda Sanchez, the airport’s director of Fine Arts and Cultural Affairs. “So the artwork makes its own soundtrack.”

Sweets for you and your sweetie

On Feb. 13 and 14, the Food & Shops in the Central Terminal at LaGuardia Airport in New York will be distributing free chocolate kisses to all travelers. And through Monday, Feb. 16, the shops in the Central Terminal will be offering special prices on gifts displayed on tables marked “Gifts for Your Sweetie.”

On Valentine’s Day, folks from Boingo, the new Wi-Fi provider at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, will be handing out free one-hour service cards to 100 travelers on their way into the terminal from the parking area. (Think e-valentines.) And on Feb. 13, 14 and 15, local favorite Amy’s Ice Cream will be setting up a temporary shop in the baggage claim area so travelers can grab their luggage and some chocolate-covered strawberries on their way home.

auschoco-plate-blue

At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the Brighton stores in Terminal 4 will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with balloons and free cookies. The Paradise Bakery, which has locations in all three terminals, is baking up small and large heart-shaped cookies for sale. The large cookies weigh in at 30 ounces and need to be ordered at least two hours in advance (602-681-0909). Fresh Gourmet to Go, located in Sky Harbor’s Rental Car Center, will be stocking fresh long-stem roses and chocolates “for travelers coming to Phoenix to surprise their Valentines!”

phx-bix-cookie

More sweets – and some relaxation

The Natalie’s Candy Bar shops at San Antonio International Airport, Indianapolis International Airport, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport will be giving a free quarter-pound of red and white Gummi bears to all women who make purchases at a Natalie’s shop on Valentine’s Day.

At the AIRMALL at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Zona Mexicana is featuring Love Potion Margaritas until Feb. 14, and anyone who shows up with a heart-shaped anything (including a drawing of a heart on a piece of paper) will get a 10% discount on services at Destination Relax.

Finally, though Feb. 15, T.G.I. Friday’s, which has 18 airport branches (including 6 at DFW) is offering members of its Give Me More Stripes guest recognition program free Spiced Up Cupcakes with a side of ice cream when they purchase two entrees. Guests who visit Friday’s on Valentine’s Day will also receive a coupon for $5 off when they spend $15. (Coupons are redeemable between Feb. 15 and March 1. Joining the guest recognition program is free.)

For the complete article, see Airports Sweeten the Deal for Valentine’s Day here.