The airport can be a crowded and annoying place to spend time. They can also be charming, interesting and surprising.
Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport (MKE) resumed coat check service in 2024, and Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) hosted a pop-up marriage license around Valentine’s Day. Additionally, in this presidential election year, Oregon’s Rogue Valley International Medford Airport (MFR) reminds travelers that the airport has a replica of the Oval Office available for rent.
As we start planning our 2025 travel adventures, here’s a roundup of some of the best new facilities and events airports launching in 2024 across the country.
IND Surprises and fun events in the Town Square
While most airports place key services and amenities behind security, Indianapolis International Airport (IND) retains an active and attractive pre-security concourse called Civic Plaza. It features 35-foot ceilings and five floors of windows, as well as plenty of dining options, shops and art.
Airports take advantage of this cleverly.
In January, when Indianapolis hosted the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, a full-size (94 feet by 50 feet) basketball court replica made of vinyl adhesive appeared in Civic Plaza. Penalties and catch plays were not allowed, but it caused quite a stir.
When Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” comes to town in November, the airport transforms Civic Plaza into Swift City. Activities include Girl Scouts making and distributing friendship bracelets, 30-foot-tall Taylor Swift portraits, live music, concert-themed menus and limited-time souvenirs.
In December, Santa performed a practice session at the airport, driving a fire truck down a taxiway and into the Civic Plaza on an airport-themed carpet.
Silent Disco at SFO
In an effort to maintain its status as a “quiet” airport, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) launched a silent disco in February. It was aptly called the “San Francisco Disco.”
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For a month, passengers were invited to let their hair down and dance to San Francisco-themed music using their own headphones in a specially decorated post-security area at Harvey Milk Terminal 1.
Meteorites land with PWM
In March, airports in and around the total solar eclipse on April 8 are preparing for an influx of travelers.
Following the excitement, Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Maine has opened its first exhibition of 18 meteorites. The exhibit, titled “Fly Me to the Moon,” includes meteorites on a five-year loan from the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum’s world-class meteorite collection. The specimens include the second-largest lunar fragment on Earth, a fragment of Mars and an iconic Gibbin meteorite that looks a lot like Edvard Munch’s “The Scream.”
Airports cheer for April Fools’ Day
Many airports across the country are celebrating April Fools’ Day.
This year, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) shared a photo of a plane completely covered in sticky notes.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) has introduced the Travel Tube – a “human pneumatic tube system that allows you to pre-check in at the ticket hall and proceed directly to your departure gate.”
Virginia’s Norfolk International Airport (ORF) has partnered with its neighbor, the Norfolk Botanical Garden, to offer guests a unique way to travel between the gardens and the airport: an aerial tramway with views of the airport and 175-acre Great view of the garden.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) teased the opening of an underground tunnel with a large-scale art installation called “River Tunnel,” claiming that the tunnel will be filled with water. “Disney-style boats will replace the moving walkways and will provide paddles for passengers who want to row their own boats,” SLC claims.
SFO terminal now connected after security
Last year, we celebrated the completion of the final post-security connections between all terminals at the massive Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
This year, SFO did the same thing.
In June, the final portion of SFO Harvey Milk Terminal 1 was completed. It features a new museum gallery, a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint accessible from the airport train station, additional aircraft gates, a third airport yoga room and new concessions space. Even better, there is now a connecting channel connecting all SFO terminals after security.
More access control programs
An increasing number of airports are offering gate pass programs that allow non-ticketed travelers to greet arriving passengers through TSA security checkpoints, spend more time with friends or family, or simply enjoy the terminal’s art, shops and Dining room. You can apply for a gate pass at airports in Seattle, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Orlando, and Palm Springs, California, in addition to a handful of other cities.
In July, Nashville International Airport (BNA) became the latest airport to adopt its gate pass program. BNA Passport allows unticketed travelers to enjoy the airport’s powerful live music on multiple stages. Visitors can also take advantage of a “beverage-to-go” policy, allowing them to hang out in the security area with a cocktail or beer.
ORF’s “My First Flight” button
Whether you’re a kid or an adult, flying on a plane for the first time is a special moment.
The ORF team understands this. This year, the airport purchased a button-making kit so it could create commemorative buttons to help passengers commemorate that dazzling special day.
ORF’s “My First Flight” button can be found at airport information kiosks; airport volunteer ambassadors also have collections.
PDX opens tree-lined main terminal
In August, Oregon’s Portland International Airport (PDX) opened a spacious, redesigned main terminal designed by ZGF Architecture. Part of a $2.15 billion renovation, this impressive forest-like security space features a soaring wooden roof; the latest check-in and checkpoint technology; more than 70 live trees; more than 5,000 live plants; and an abundance of Art, shops and restaurants.
Stadium seating within the main terminal is perfect for hanging out with friends and family or listening to live music before your flight. There is a gourmet meal in the seating area above each row of seats. PDX faithfully recreates the beloved teal and purple carpet pattern that inspired thousands of shoe selfies.
SLC brings back its world map
In 2024, the SLC completed the third phase of reconstruction, opening a new underground tunnel. It also welcomed a new art installation and surprised passengers by announcing that the airport’s iconic terrazzo world map – first installed in 1960 – had been preserved.
When the new airport terminal was built, engineers announced they couldn’t save the map – but they did anyway. The map is now redisplayed in Plaza B Square.
LGB wraps up its centenary celebrations with pickleball
California’s Long Beach Airport (LGB) is celebrating its centennial with a year-long event in 2024. It reopened the historic terminal, released a series of collectible posters in the style of Works Projects Administration national park posters, installed a time capsule and got into the pickleball craze with pop-up pickleball courts— Just in time for holiday travel.
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