San Antonio International Airport

More robots to help keep travelers safe and sanitized

Technology, , , , , , ,

We adore the rolling little “Ask me!” robots some airports have hired to answer questions and help passengers find their way around.

But they seem more entertainment than essential.

But thanks to the pandemic, robots are getting a promotion at many airports – as super cleaners.

Robots clean up before we fly

Airports and airlines are scrambling to get the latest technology in place to keep terminal spaces and airline cabins disinfected and sanitized.

And robots are doing their part.

In May, Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Pittsburgh-based Carnegie Robotics put a pair of self-driving, robot floor scrubbers on duty.

In July, JetBlue kicked off a 90-day pilot program at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to evaluate Honeywell’s UV Cabin System.

These robots use ultraviolet light to clean an aircraft cabin in about 10 minutes.

Other airports and airlines have deployed robot-like tools as well.

And now San Antonio International Airport (SAT) enters the picture with its shiny new purchase: the Xenex LightStrike robot.

This robot is billed as “the only ultraviolet (UV) room disinfection technology proven to deactivate SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes COVID-19.”

SAT says the LightStrike uses environmentally-friendly pulsed xenon and can disinfect an area in less than 10-15 minutes without warm-up or cool-down time. They plan to use it pretty much everywhere in the airport, including jet bridges, gate areas, ticketing counters, baggage claim, concessions, elevators, and restrooms.

And it looks like the LightStrike robot is here to stay. SAT airport plans to have a contest to give the robot a name.

SAT: 5 Things We Love About San Antonio International Airport

Airport guides, , , ,

Our “5 Things We Love About...” series celebrates features and amenities at airports around the country and the world.

Today we’re landing at San Antonio International Airport (SAT).

Keep in mind that some of the amenities we love at the San Antonio International Airport may be temporarily unavailable due to health concerns. We’re confident they’ll be back.

Roy Rogers and Dale Evans stopped by San Antonio International way back when

1. Art and music at San Antonio International Airport

“¡Adelante San Antonio!” by Dos Mestizx, Suzy González and Michael Menchaca

SAT presents live concerts and events and is home to a wide variety of temporary art exhibitions and permanent public art.

2. Kids play area at SAT

This new play area at SAT is located in Terminal A.

3. The Pet Relief Areas at SAT Airport

SAT has three service animal and pet relief areas. The two indoor areas feature red ornamental water hydrants, turf grass with multiple drains, waste bags, benches, and mirrors.

4. The Pups & Planes program at SAT Airport

The Pups & Planes dog therapy program at SAT Airport is part of the airport’s Ambassador Program. Volunteers and their pups visit the terminals on rotating schedules.

5. SAT’s Travel Safety Campaign

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and other airports in Texas have a new campaign to restore consumer confidence in air travel and to inform travelers of new safety protocols and enhanced health procedures.

One piece of the campaign is a free downloadable coloring and activity book. San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is featured in the book, along with Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL), El Paso International Airport (EL), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB), and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).

Did we miss any of your favorite features or amenities at San Antonio International Airport (SAT)?

If so, please leave a note in the comments section below.

And take a moment too to visit some of the airports in our “5 Things We Love About...” series.

Travel Tidbits from U.S. airports

Entertainment, ,

Live-streamed concerts, courtesy of San Antonio International Airport

Not many passengers are making their way to and through airports these days.

But that doesn’t mean airports aren’t engaging with their communities.

The San Antonio Airport System, which operates San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is offering the ambitious “SAT Live-Stream Concert Series” of live streaming musical performances by local artists.

The SAT Live Stream Concert Series features both well-known and new San Antonio artists and a wide variety of music styles including Texas Blues, Rock, Jazz, Country, Soul and Acoustic Pop.

The concerts are being streamed during both afternoon and evening spots to target all audiences.

“This is an opportunity to introduce some of the musicians to an entirely new audience. We already have 80 performances on the lineup and we anticipate adding even more,” said Matt Evans, Arts & Culture Manager. 

Check the SAT airport website for concert schedules and links.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is offering streamed concerts too:

Flight of Lights at Dane County Airport

In Madison, Wisconsin, Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) kicks off its first annual “Flight of Lights” drive-through light display this weekend.  

“Flight of Lights” will feature six different light displays, including tributes to first responders; Wisconsin sports; animals and nature; tropical and nautical; and popular non-stop destinations from the airport.

The drive-through event is free and social-distancing approved for households to visit altogether, with a route right by the airport.

“Flight of Lights” starts Saturday evening April 18th and will run daily from 7:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. through May 10, 2020.

We’ll get photos as soon as they turn on the lights.

Travel Tidbits from an airport near you 

Events, , ,

Multi-sensory room at Miami International Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and several others have them.

Now Miami International Airport has one too.

Miami International Airport now has a multi-sensory room just beyond the Concourse D TSA security checkpoint. The room provides a quiet area for young passengers with cognitive or developmental disabilities such as autism.

The dimly lit space includes sensory-soothing fixtures, including an aquatic bubble tub, wall puzzles, cushioned seats and a light projector. Hours: seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Party at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Amy’s Ice Cream is back at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and a good time to indulge is today during the kick-off party for the refreshed Asleep at the Wheel Stage in the center of the Barbara Jordan Terminal.

Located near Gate 19, there’s a 9-foot neon lighted guitar spinning above the area and seating for 190 patrons.

The party runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes a ribbon cutting ceremony and performances by Ray Benson, Heybale Band, and Love & Chaos.

NFL Hall of Famer Earl Campbell will be on hand to help celebrate the Heart of Austin area of the airport that includes the Saxon Pub Bar, Joe’s Coffee and Earl Campbell taco-themed food truck.

Fresh art at John Wayne Airport


A new photographic exhibit at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, CA by Jane Szabo’s is titled “Family Matters” and uses childhood posessions and simple objects to tell a complicated story of family dynamics.

After moving her 86-year-old father and 91-year-old mother into assisted living, Szabo began to organize the contents of their home of 36 years. “Family Matters” is a result of the final selection of treasures she kept before placing her parent’s home for sale.

Fiesta at San Antonio International Airport

San Antonio International Airport held its Second Annual Fiesta San Jacinto Day Parade recently, with mariachi music, parade floats, mascots and festive colors through both terminals of the airport.

Old plane gets new home at San Antonio Int’l Airport

Art, Aviation history, , ,

Courtesy San Antonio Int’l Airport

This ‘”Jenny”-  a 1918 Curtiss JN-4D biplane – has just been installed in Terminal B at San Antonio International Airport (SAT).

The historic aircraft, one of only 2,800 made, comes from San Antonio’s Witte Museum.

The “Jenny” was used as a military trainer for pilots in the U.S. Air Service during World War I and as a mail-carrying airplane during the 1920s. The namesake of San Antonio’s Stinson Municipal Airport’s, Katherine Stinson, flew this type of plane for fundraising tours on behalf of the American Red Cross during World War I.

The plane can be seen from anywhere in the terminal – including through the airport’s Suitcase Wheel, created by the Art Guys.


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