Would you eat at an airport even if you aren't flying? New Orleans is betting yes
Would you go out of your way to visit an airport just to eat, drink or shop ... even if you aren't about to catch a flight?
Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) in New Orleans is betting on it.
Starting after Thanksgiving, the airport will launch a program called "MSY Guest Pass." While an exact date has yet to be announced, the airport will follow in the footsteps of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Tampa International Airport (TPA). They're all part of an exclusive group of airports that allow non-ticketed visitors into the airport to enjoy airside shops and restaurants.
Even Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has been considering a similar initiative.
New Orleans' airport opened up a — dare we say, jazzy — new airport terminal earlier this month, and officials are trying to capitalize on all of the fanfare with the MSY Guest Pass program. Access will be limited to 50 people per day on weekdays and 100 per day on weekends, and entry will only be permitted from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. According to NOLA.com, you'll only be able to take advantage of the so-called guest pass once a month, so it sounds like MSY won't be your new favorite spot for an after-work drink.
You'll also have to apply for a guest pass at least 24 hours in advance through the airport's website. Once you arrive, visitors must check in at a customer service station and show a valid ID. From there, you'll be issued a gate pass and directed to a TSA checkpoint. Yes, folks, you'll have to go through airport security and abide by the same screening procedures and rules as you would if you were actually getting on a plane.
That said, this will let people accompany their loved ones right up until they have to board their flight, as well as a major plus for all the AvGeeks out there.
And it's a great opportunity to check out the airport's 40-plus (!) concessions, including Café du Monde, Ye Olde College Inn and Leah's Kitchen. The later is an homage to famed chef Leah Chase, the "Queen of Creole."
But now the question is: Will people actually do it?
With so many places to eat, drink and shop in the actual city (trust me — I would know) it seems a little far-fetched that people would go out of their way to go to the airport and endure TSA screening ... unless, of course, they're accompanying a friend or family member who is actually traveling.
Couple that with the major traffic issues the airport is expected to face throughout the next few years, and you're looking at a pretty significant traffic jam, not to mention potential congestion in the actual airport itself.
So who better to turn to than some of the most frequent travelers around? We asked readers in the TPG Lounge Facebook group if they would go out of their way to eat, drink or shop at an airport, and the responses were surprisingly varied.
Reader Jenny S. said, "Next time I travel through Heathrow, I plan to do a lot of shopping for prestige makeup, designer perfume [and] luxury handbags. Duty-free prices are significantly less than in the U.S. even with the exchange rate." We like your style, Jenny.
Then, of course, you have travelers familiar with the airports that already partake in a similar program. Take Tampa, for example; Mustafa D. said he wouldn't go out of his way "because most of the food options at TPA are available outside of the airport, too."
But as for New Orleans? Take it from Will A. He "made a point to get to MSY a couple of hours early the day after the grand opening last month to check out the restaurants." The verdict? "It was absolutely worthwhile," he said.
If there's one thing that's for sure, it seems like this is something you'll have to test out for yourself. Word to the wise, though: Bring your stretchy pants.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.