U.S. airports unveil diverse amenities in 2024

Portland International Jetport presented an exhibit titled "Fly Me to the Moon," featuring meteorites from the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum's collection. This included rare pieces such as a significant moon fragment and parts of Mars.

April Fool's Day inspired various airports to create humorous announcements and installations. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport showcased a plane covered in sticky notes, while Reno-Tahoe International Airport introduced fictional Travel Tubes for swift gate access. Norfolk International Airport partnered with Norfolk Botanical Garden to offer Sky Lift rides between locations.

In June, San Francisco completed postsecurity connections between all terminals at Harvey Milk Terminal 1, adding new galleries and gates along with additional amenities like yoga rooms.

Nashville International Airport launched the BNA Passport program in July, granting nonticketed guests access through security checkpoints to enjoy live music and other facilities within the terminal.

Norfolk International Airport began offering "My First Flight" buttons as souvenirs for first-time flyers this year. Portland International Airport opened its redesigned main terminal in August featuring a forestlike space with numerous live trees and plants as part of an extensive renovation project costing $2.15 billion.

Salt Lake City International Airport reintroduced its historic terrazzo world map during its latest redevelopment phase after initially declaring it unsalvageable when building new terminals.

Finally, Long Beach Airport concluded its centennial celebrations by unveiling various initiatives including reopening its Historic Terminal and creating a temporary pickleball court for holiday travelers.