Best new airport amenities of the past year
As it was in 2021, this past year was a challenging year for air travel. Airports welcomed back travelers in numbers close to, and in many cases above, 2019 levels and scrambled to get back to the business of updating terminals, refreshing amenities and introducing new services.
As we head into the new year, here’s a look back at some of the best amenities and events we spotted at airports in 2022.
In January, Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) showered passengers, airport employees and greeters with free compliments in honor of National Compliment Day.
The airport’s “Kindness Takes Flight” team dished out flattering comments such as “That color is perfect for you,” and "I bet you sweat glitter,” until the “complement of compliments” were exhausted, said an airport spokesperson.
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and several others celebrated Valentine’s Day in February with free carnations for travelers.
Others serenaded passengers with love songs and handed out chocolates. In Las Vegas, the Marriage Capital of the World, the Clark County Clerk’s Office brought back its pop-up marriage license bureau to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).
In March, a 28-pound bunny named Alex the Great joined a pig named LiLou and the dozen or so dogs in the Wag Brigade pet therapy program at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Already well known for its free movie theater and its iconic carpet, Portland International Airport (PDX) debuted a new bar, Juliett, honoring women in aviation.
Portraits of notable female aviators such as Bessie Coleman, the first African American female pilot, and Mildred “Micky” Axton, the first woman to pilot a B-29, mark the entrance. Many cocktails and specially crafted beers on the menu are inspired by themes of aviation and travel.
Airports didn’t disappoint us last year when April Fools’ Day rolled around with plenty of pranks and fake promises.
Among the best was Denver International Airport’s (DEN) debut of a candle line featuring aromas such as Jet Fuel and Mustang Musk (a nod to one of DEN’s most controversial art pieces). Canada’s Edmonton International Airport (YEG) announced that it would improve airport signage by “translating” everything into the universal language of emojis.
April also marked the 20th anniversary of the date the Transportation Security Administration first began screening passengers at U.S. airports.
On April 30, 2002, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) was the first airport to have its checkpoint federalized. The TSA now screens passengers at checkpoints across the nation. On various social media platforms, the agency also keeps the public up to date on alarming and, at times, amusing checkpoint “finds” such as a gun hidden inside a turkey or disassembled and packed inside peanut butter jars.
In May, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) installed a 33-foot-long mock aircraft cabin in one of its terminals.
Once used to train Delta Air Lines flight attendants and pilots in emergency evacuation procedures, the cabin now offers a place where people with sensory, physical or cognitive disabilities, or those with a fear of flying, can test out the airplane experience and gain confidence as a traveler. Several other airports plan to follow MSP’s lead.
Put on hold during the pandemic, events at the outdoor public space at Denver International Airport (DEN) between the Jeppesen Terminal and the Westin Hotel were “reactivated” in June.
From mid-June to mid-July, the space hosted a free miniature golf course. Also, from mid-December through Jan. 1, 2023, anyone could enjoy free ice skating, including free skate rentals.
Traveling is stressful. Life can be stressful. Sometimes it all gets to be too much.
That’s why Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) timed the launch of a long-running mental health campaign to coincide with the introduction of a nationwide suicide and crisis lifeline phone number (988) that went live in July.
Scheduled to run through December 2024, the campaign features nine digital monitors in the terminal. Each is 7 feet tall, with 55-inch screens that show diverse and inclusive messages about the importance of mental health and resources available for those seeking help.
In August, we were flushed with excitement to learn that two U.S. airports were nominated for America’s Best Restroom 2022. Each year the contest chooses 10 innovative and hygienic public restrooms as finalists and invites the public to help pick the loo that gets to sit on the winner’s throne.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) was nominated for an innovative all-gender restroom suite. In the end, it was Tampa International Airport (TPA) that cleaned up in October, winning the contest with its colorful, new, locally themed restrooms. TPA celebrated with balloons and toilet paper-shaped cookies and donated prize money to a local charity.
While it was in the running for America’s Best Restroom, Tampa International Airport also put the finishing touches on one of the best airport amenities of the year: an impossible-to-miss 21-foot-tall sculpture of a pink flamingo by Matthew Mazzotta titled "Home."
Two other great airport amenities returned to airports in November and December.
In a move we’re surprised other airports haven’t followed, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) brought back its winter coat check service.
For a very reasonable $2 per day or $10 per trip, travelers heading to warm-weather destinations can check coats, hats, gloves and other cold-weather items at the airport and pick them up on the way home.
Also, passengers at San Diego International Airport (SAN) can order one of two limited-edition beers brewed with purified water reclaimed from the drippings of air conditioning units attached to jet bridges.
It’s not as yucky as it may sound. As part of the airport’s water stewardship program, the drippings are purified using reverse osmosis and ozone disinfection and then sent off to San Diego’s East Village Brewing Company, which has brewed a Hoppy Travels IPA and a Pre-Flight Pils for the airport.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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.