New Orleans Airport Introduces Emotional Support ... Gators?
Alligators are on the loose at New Orleans International Airport (MSY). But don't worry, these alligators are part of a new partnership between the airport and the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans. According to USA Today, passengers who find themselves pre-security will have the opportunity to experience the new gators first-hand.
New Orleans/Louis Armstrong International Airport sees more than 12 million passengers annually and offers flights throughout North America and Europe. The airport, which has seen a substantial amount of growth in recent years thanks to the return of tourism to the area, has been working to improve the passenger experience. While a brand new $1 billion terminal will certainly improve the experience when it opens, the new emotional support alligators will have to suffice for now.
The Audubon Nature Institute, located in New Orleans, offers passengers the chance to pet and even hold baby alligators at the airport. Passengers looking to calm their nerves during the busy holiday travel season can make their way to baggage belt number 6 on Fridays in the afternoon from 1:30 - 3:30pm. While therapy dogs are far more common than therapy gators, New Orleans International Airport appears to have made the decision to embrace its Mississippi Delta roots with the new reptiles.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.