Departures and discoveries: the often overlooked wonders of the airport
December 7, 2023
Travel (Noun):
“A journey especially to a distant or unfamiliar place,” says Merriam Webster’s online dictionary.
When people think of travel, their minds often wander to exotic destinations with soft, sugar white sand complimented by the clearest shade of blue waters.
Some people may imagine the moments when they meet their family and friends from various locations. Not seeing them every day isn’t a constant reminder when you’re with them; instead, it is a reminder of your special bond.
There’s an important part of a “journey” that often goes unnoticed – the airport. We usually see airports as places that represent stress and anxiety as we pass through them on the way to our destinations. But they have their own stories, people and secrets.
In the summer of 2023, I interned with Delta Air Lines. This allowed me to become an expert in quite a few airports while non-revving. Non-revving (non-revenue) allowed me and a companion to explore numerous destinations for free or at a reduced cost.
As I ventured through a dozen airports, I witnessed the common goal of getting passengers to their desired destinations.
However, what stood out was the distinctive characteristics that set each airport apart, whether that be in terms of size, location or unique attributes.
Let’s take a closer look at four of the twelve airports I had the privilege of visiting during my non-rev travels.
To start us off, we have the world’s busiest airport – the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
Delta Air Lines’ headquarters is located in Atlanta, Georgia. This airport is one of their major hubs. It’s often referred to as the “worldport” because at some point in your life, you’re likely to have a direct or connecting flight through Atlanta during your travels.
If you are departing from ATL – brace yourself for an experience like the lively streets of Time Square. There's a constant flow of travelers and many selections of shops, dining options and hidden gems to explore throughout the concourses.
If you don’t have TSA PreCheck or Clear, expect to encounter long TSA lines which will require a bit of extra time and patience.
Once you get past TSA, you have two options. You can either take a leisurely walk to your concourse which on average takes 5 minutes or you can opt in for the plane train, which transports you to and from each concourse.
Each concourse has a diverse array of food selections ranging from juicy burgers to fresh sushi.
If you have time to kill before you board, don’t miss the opportunity to savor a delightful (possibly pricey) meal.
If you find yourself rushing to your gate after you get off the escalator, keep your fingers crossed that you’ll run into one of the golf cart transportation teams ready to offer you on a ride to your gate before you break a sweat.
Our next destination will be the Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) which serves the Triad “region” in North Carolina representing Greensboro, High Point and Winston Salem.
Many college kids from High Point University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Wake Forest, and University of North Carolina Greensboro use this airport to get home.
Unlike the ATL airport, GSO is considerably smaller. You could show up at TSA an hour or less before your departure and still have some down time before you board your flight. This airport only has regular TSA and TSA PreCheck.
Make sure not to arrive hungry. The food options at GSO are somewhat limited. If you need a caffeine pick me up, rest assured there’s a Starbucks conveniently located within the airport.
Next on the travel itinerary, we’re heading south to the vibrant Cancun International Airport (CUN).
When you arrive at the CUN airport, your first impression might be a blur of semi-long custom lines and airport pickup transportation companies begging for your attention as you exit the building. As you return to this airport, you’ll discover a completely different side to it.
Returning to CUN may make you feel some type of way. One, you may be reluctant to leave. Leaving means your vacation has come to an end. Two, you might be eager to get back to your day-to-day schedule.
If you’re checking your luggage, make sure to arrive 3-4 hours before your flight to avoid lengthy lines. Be prepared for TSA lines without the convenience of TSA PreCheck or Clear.
Once you make it through security, you’ll find yourself in something of a mini-mall featuring a variety of items such as alcohol, candies, perfume and makeup.
If you are of legal drinking age in your state or country, the alcohol is duty free. Duty free means it comes with reduced taxes. There are limits to how much you can purchase. Remember that you can’t open any alcohol until you’ve reached your destination.
Our final destination brings us to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and how fitting it is to start and end our journey with yet another Delta Hub.
This airport was recently renovated. The renovations started in 2016 and ended in the summer of 2022.
The LGA airport has a sleek and modern ambience that engulfs you from the moment you get your bags from the car. The terminals have a clean, contemporary aesthetic. As you navigate your way to the TSA area, you’ll notice the subtle yet elegant touches that define the airport’s style.
The combination of polished surfaces, expansive glass windows that bring in the natural light and well-organized signage create an efficient and welcoming travel environment.
At LGA, you’ll find a variety of TSA lanes from regular TSA to TSA PreCheck to Clear, ensuring you breeze through the security process in no time.
Once you’ve made it through TSA and taken in the modern designs, you’ll stroll past an array of restaurants.
Some may be on the pricey side reflecting the dining scene in New York (and airport prices in general). Be prepared to indulge in a feast for the senses. You may find yourself in a delightful food coma before your flight departs.
In this course of my journey, which quickly became our journey, we’ve embarked on four unique airports with four unique experiences.
Next time you find yourself in an airport, be sure to savor every moment. Embrace the beauty of the journey, from the anticipation that fills the air as you enter the airport atrium to the sense of accomplishment when you reach your destination.
Each moment spent in the airport is a part of your unique adventure. Cherish the journey, expect the unexpected and remember that the airport experience is an essential part to your adventure.