The best airport amenities of 2024
Airports can be crowded and vexing places to spend your time. They can also be charming, fun and surprising.
In 2024, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) brought back its coat check service, and Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) hosted another pop-up marriage license bureau around Valentine’s Day. Plus, during this presidential election year, Oregon’s Rogue Valley International Medford Airport (MFR) reminded travelers that there’s a replica of the Oval Office for rent at the airport.
As we start plotting out 2025 travel adventures, here’s a roundup of some of the best new amenities and events airports around the country rolled out in 2024.
Surprise and delight events at IND’s Civic Plaza
While most airports put key services and amenities behind security, Indianapolis International Airport (IND) maintains an active and inviting presecurity central hall called the Civic Plaza. It has a 35-foot-high ceiling and a five-story window wall, as well as plenty of dining venues, shops and art.
And the airport puts it to clever use.
In January, when Indianapolis hosted NBA All-Star Weekend 2024, a full-size (94-foot by 50-foot) replica of a basketball court made with vinyl adhesive appeared in the Civic Plaza. Free throws and pickup games were not allowed, but it was a big hit.
When Taylor Swift’s "The Eras Tour" came to town in November, the airport turned Civic Plaza into Swift City. It was complete with Girl Scouts making and handing out friendship bracelets, a 30-foot-tall image of Taylor Swift, live music, a concert-themed menu and limited-time souvenirs.
And in December, Santa Claus did a practice run at the airport, racing across the taxiway in a fire truck and entering Civic Plaza on an airport-themed carpet.
SFO’s silent disco
In keeping with its status as a “quiet” airport with minimal overhead announcements, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) introduced a silent disco in February. It was appropriately dubbed the “San Fran-disco.”
For a month, passengers were invited to let their hair down and dance along to San Francisco-themed music using their own headphones in a specially decorated postsecurity area of Harvey Milk Terminal 1.
Meteorites land at PWM
In March, airports in and around the path of totality for the April 8 total solar eclipse were gearing up for an influx of passenger traffic.
Building on the excitement, Maine’s Portland International Jetport (PWM) debuted an exhibit of 18 meteorites. Titled "Fly Me to the Moon," the exhibit included meteorites on loan for five years from the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum’s world-class meteorite collection. The specimens include the second-largest piece of moon on Earth, pieces of Mars and an iconic Gibeon meteorite that looks a lot like Edvard Munch’s “The Scream.”
Airports yuck it up for April Fool’s Day
Many airports around the country lean into April Fool’s Day.
This year, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) shared a photo of a plane entirely covered in sticky notes.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) introduced Travel Tubes — a “human pneumatic tube system allowing you to pre-check in the Ticketing Hall and then whiz straight to the gate.”
Virginia's Norfolk International Airport (ORF) partnered up with its neighbor, Norfolk Botanical Garden, to give guests a unique way to travel between the garden and the airport: a Sky Lift offering great views of both the airfield and the garden’s 175 acres.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) teased the opening of an underground tunnel with a major art installation titled “River Tunnel” by claiming that the tunnel would be filled with water. “Disneyesque-type boats will replace moving walkways and paddles will be provided for passengers who want to row their own boats,” SLC claimed.
SFO terminals now connected postsecurity
Last year, we celebrated the fact that sprawling Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) completed the final postsecurity connection between all its terminals.
This year, SFO did the same.
In June, the last section of Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at SFO was completed. It features new museum galleries, a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint accessible from the AirTrain station, additional aircraft gates, a third airport yoga room and new concessions. Better yet, there’s now a connecting walkway that links all SFO terminals postsecurity.
More gate pass programs
A growing list of airports offers gate pass programs that allow nonticketed guests to go through the TSA security checkpoint to greet an arriving passenger, spend more time with a friend or family member, or just enjoy the terminal's art, shops and restaurants. 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 version of the gate pass program. The BNA Passport allows nonticketed passengers to enjoy the airport’s robust live music on multiple stages. Visitors can also enjoy its "drinks to-go" policy, which allows them to mosey around the postsecurity area with a cocktail or beer.
'My First Flight' buttons at ORF
No matter if you’re a kid or an adult, your first flight on an airplane is a special occasion.
The team at ORF gets that. This year, the airport bought a button-making kit so it could create souvenir buttons to help passengers mark that giddy special day feeling.
ORF’s “My First Flight" buttons are available at the airport information booth; the airport’s Volunteer Ambassadors have a stash as well.
PDX opens a tree-lined main terminal
In August, Oregon's Portland International Airport (PDX) opened its expansive and reimagined main terminal designed by architecture firm ZGF. Part of a $2.15 billion makeover, the impressive forestlike presecurity space has a soaring timber roof; the latest in check-in and checkpoint technology; more than 70 live trees; 5,000-plus live plants; and plenty of art, shops and restaurants.
Stadium seating in the main terminal is perfect for hanging out before a flight with friends and family or listening to live music. And there’s a treat in the lounge area atop each bank of seating. PDX has faithfully recreated the much-loved teal-and-purple carpet pattern that inspired thousands of shoe selfies.
SLC brings back its world map
In 2024, SLC completed the third phase of its redevelopment by opening a new underground tunnel. It also welcomed new art installations and surprised the traveling public by announcing that the airport’s iconic terrazzo world map (first installed in 1960) had been saved.
When the new airport terminal was being built, engineers announced that they couldn’t save the map — but they did. The map is now back on view in the Concourse B Plaza.
LGB caps off its centennial year with pickleball
California's Long Beach Airport (LGB) celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2024 with a yearlong campaign. It reopened its Historic Terminal, issued a collectible series of posters in the style of the Work Projects Administration’s national park posters, installed a time capsule and jumped into the pickleball craze with a pop-up pickleball court — just in time for holiday travels.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.