Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Travelers used to focus on finding cheap airplane tickets or cheap vacation packages and then would simply twiddle their thumbs once they got to the airport until time to board their planes. Now many airports are offering new services and special programs.
The following are examples of what some airports have started doing to engage their customers:
• The Philadelphia International Airport recently made its wireless Internet access free all the time vs. its previous policy of only being free on weekends. It has opened a “Passenger Chillin’ Zone” that includes sofas, tables, chairs, ottomans and plants. For the summer the airport ran a “Just Plane Fun” program that included music, mascot appearances from local sports teams, contests, and other activities.
• Miami International Airport is sponsored weekend (Friday through Sunday) parties through the end of August with a different theme each week.
• The Los Angeles International Airport is allowing passengers to check out the outdoor observation deck on top of the space age landmark “Theme Building” in the center of the port. Free telescopes afford great views of arriving and departing planes.
• On Fridays this summer Vancouver International Airport sponsored day long festivals in its domestic terminal that include face painting, DJs spinning music, prize drawings, meal specials and free samples.
• San Francisco International Airport used Fridays this summer to sponsor “You are Hear” live music series at three different stages in the airport.
• Many airports are offering new art displays. The Mineta San Jose International Airport is showing over a dozen pieces of interactive, high tech art, including a fish tank that watches the passengers and a 26 foot tall “Space Observer” with propellers on its arms and cameras in its antennae.
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