The sweetest airport wants to be the most accessible airport too
As far as sweet airport amenities go, Indiana’s Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) has others beat. For about 25 years now, volunteers have been welcoming passengers to Indiana with big smiles and free, fresh-baked cookies.
When no volunteers are on duty, a self-serve cookie kiosk is set out so that no traveler must go without a welcome-home snack.
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“We’re a proud member of the Fort Wayne community and want to be a good neighbor for the airport,” David Richhart, Ellison’s director of national accounts, said. “We know people love and have come to expect free cookies when they get off the airplane here. And we won’t allow the airport to be without cookies."
This passenger-first approach extends to the terminal renovation and expansion project underway at FWA.
Beyond cookies and curb cuts
The cookies are still there, of course. They come from Ellison, a wholesale bakery across the street from the airport. For many years, Fort Wayne’s Chamber of Commerce bought the cookies wholesale and branded the packages with the airport’s name. Not long after the airport handed out its 3 millionth cookie, the bakery offered to supply them for free.
The Ellison bakery now sends over about 7,000 one-ounce packets of assorted bite-size cookies each month.
In addition to providing sweet treats, the airport is determined to make its updated terminal as accessible and inclusive as possible because, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four adults in the U.S. has some type of disability.
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Like many airports, FWA already has a host of accessible features in place, such as a sensory room and family restrooms. Additionally, its Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program signals to airport and airline staff that a traveler may need some extra care, patience and assistance.
The airport is adding and upgrading an extensive list of other features, thanks to grants and federal funding as well as its architectural and construction firm, Mead & Hunt. Many local and regional groups representing disabled populations gave input for the improvements.
Below are just a few of the universal design features that technically fall under the "accessibility" label but can be quite helpful to every traveler.
Rolled curbs
Most of us are familiar with curb cuts — those ramp-like features cut into sidewalks so wheelchair users can more easily maneuver. They also make life easier for walkers, bikers, kids, people pushing baby carriages and anyone rolling a suitcase.
FWA has extended the curb cut concept so the entire curb is a "rolled curb." This makes it easier to load and unload passengers using wheelchairs. It also means no one has to lift a suitcase, a baby stroller or anything heavy from the curb onto the sidewalk.
Low-profile baggage scales
In the ticket lobby, the baggage scales at the check-in counter are just an inch off the floor. This thoughtful and accessible design feature ensures that no one, especially those with limited upper body strength, has to lift heavy luggage.
Lounge-style seating
The couch-like seating in the ticket lobby and out by the gates isn’t just there to look pretty. It was chosen because it doesn’t have armrests at the ends or in the middle.
The lack of armrests makes seating more comfortable for larger people, for those who want (or need) to sit close to someone else and for travelers with mobility issues who may need help sitting down, standing up or moving from a wheelchair.
Wayfinding tools
Ever get lost at an airport or have a tough time finding your gate number?
That won't happen at FWA.
There aren't many gates anyway, but regardless, all signage is brightly colored to make it easy for everyone to find their way through FWA. The gate numbers are notably large, and the terrazzo flooring has a contrasting pattern that flows in the direction of travel.
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For travelers with low or no vision, there is also a tactile cane trail with ribbed tiles set into the terrazzo; it runs through the entire terminal building, from the check-in counters through the security checkpoint and to the gates.
Reasons for extra accessible features
FWA has upgraded and/or added glass jet bridges in its new terminal. It also features a family restroom with an adult changing table, a hearing loop system, mothers' rooms, adjustable-height countertops with power points, a service animal relief area and a kids play area.
It is all part of the airport’s goal “to be the best front door possible for the Fort Wayne and the Northeast Indiana community,” airport spokesperson Katie Robinson said. "We’ve worked with local agencies to go beyond what is necessary and compliant to create an environment that takes away some of the stresses of travel for those of different abilities."
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- 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.
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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. |
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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.