The Renaissance in airline terminals

4 terminals in a month of travel that tell me we are seeing a Renaissance in airline terminals – lots of creativity going into their design

Virgin America, SFO Terminal 2

“Virgin America is known for its modern and stylish design, including its signature cabin moodlighting (which transitions based on outside light and is intended to soothe and relax guests and even gradually awaken them on red eye flights) and white kiosk check-in tables and ticket/gate counters with a concierge desk look and feel. T2 offers living room-like gate spaces, imaginative lighting and world-class art installations. In line with the airline’s touch-screen entertainment, food on-demand, power outlets and fleetwide WiFi, T2 offers high-tech amenities like free WiFi and elevated laptop work stations with power. Similar to Virgin America’s own in-flight menus (which were named best in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure), T2 offers the best in local and organic dining. Lundberg Design additionally collaborated with Virgin America on its teammate lounge, baggage offices and other T2 areas, which are designed to achieve the highest possible LEED® Platinum-certified status.”

 

Jetblue, JFK Terminal 5

“The Marketplace at T5 is the venue for a range of concerts, events and installations throughout each year. Through our signature Live from T5 program, produced in partnership with Superfly Marketing Group, JetBlue customers have the chance to see international music stars perform up close and personal. To date, Live from T5 has presented Taylor Swift, James Blunt, Robyn, Jason Derulo and Raphael Saadiq, among many others.”

Delta, Sonny Bono Concourse, Palm Springs

You get into the spirit of the desert life with outdoor bars, open air walks from security to gates, and not forego tech wi-fi and even a CNBC store

Delta International, Hartsfield Terminal F, Atlanta

“Williams describes the design of the (new terminal opened in 2012) as simple and clean, with subtle exterior and interior architectural curves to provide the feeling of flight.

Functionally, the building is all about intuitive wayfinding, specifies Hellwig. "You always have a sense of where you are and where you're going," he says. From the parking garage, passengers can see to the curbside. Inside the ticketing hall, a high, curved ceiling and angled ticketing counters direct ticketed travelers toward the security checkpoint, which features a glass wall looking onto the airfield.”

Comments

[Pedro]

As a frequent traveler, I've definitely noticed this. And I appreciate it!