All articles tagged with #airports
Hurricane Isaias has weakened to a post-tropical cyclone but continues to disrupt travel across the Southeast. While major hubs like Atlanta and Charlotte saw only minor delays on Saturday, Gulf Coast airports remain closed. Amtrak suspended key routes, and airlines are offering free changes for passengers affected by the storm.
Yemen's Houthis claimed a second missile strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday, causing explosions and shrapnel damage. Saudi authorities confirmed interceptions but reported no casualties, while the coalition vowed retaliation. This escalation follows deadly drone attacks on Saudi airports earlier this week that killed three people.
Explosions were heard in Riyadh on Thursday as the Saudi-led coalition retaliated against Houthi attacks on two major airports. Three people were killed and 36 wounded in strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport. The coalition destroyed 82 military targets in Yemen, while Yemeni government forces claimed to have neutralized 1,860 Houthi fighters in a counter-offensive.
JD Power's 2026 North America airport satisfaction study shows scores rising across mega, large and medium airports, with MSP top among megas (684), TPA leading large airports (715), and CHS leading medium airports (712). The gains come from extensive terminal improvements and better food/retail options, based on surveys of about 24,700 travelers conducted July 2025–July 2026.
The JD Power 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study places MSP (Minneapolis-Saint Paul) at No. 1 among mega airports for the third year in a row, with Detroit and Phoenix close behind; Tampa International leads large airports, and Charleston International leads medium-sized ones. The study credits ongoing multiyear, billion-dollar improvements, clearer signage, and a mix of local and national brands for higher satisfaction, noting mega airports’ overall score rose as traveler flow and facilities improved.
JD Power’s 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study surveyed 24,710 travelers to rank U.S. airports by satisfaction across size categories, with Canadian airports excluded this year due to a changed sampling method; the study finds investments in terminal renovations—often over $1 billion—are raising scores, and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International topped the list for the third year in a row.
A 67-year-old American Airlines passenger, Layne Lundeen, was duct-taped and restrained after allegedly hurling racist and homophobic slurs on a Newark-bound flight, which forced an emergency landing in Baltimore. In a Maryland court the next day, Lundeen said he did not remember what happened and disputed the charges, but he faces two counts of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct and was released on his own recognizance with orders to abstain from drugs and alcohol; his next court date is Oct. 19 in Anne Arundel County.
JD Power’s 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study finds airport satisfaction rising across mega (+14), large (+13), and medium (+16) airports despite high passenger volume, thanks to capital upgrades that improve flow and terminal amenities. In the mega airport category, MSP leads, followed by DTW, PHX, LGA, and LAS. Among large airports, TPA tops the list, with PDX, DAL, MCI, and RDU ranking behind. For medium airports, CHS is first, then ONT, IND, MKE, and BUR. The study draws on about 25,000 surveys across seven evaluation areas, highlighting how design and passenger experience drive satisfaction.
J.D. Power’s North America Airport Satisfaction Study shows overall traveler satisfaction at U.S. airports rose again this year, helped by newer gates and terminals. The third straight year of higher scores comes as airports large and small have invested billions in facilities; Minneapolis–St. Paul International led the largest airports, Tampa International topped mid-sized airports, and Charleston International led medium airports, underscoring improving experiences amid high travel volumes.
A traveler reviews The Salon at PS LAX, included with his Starlux first class ticket, which otherwise costs $1,295 per person. The experience features a private lounge with high-end food and cocktails, a private TSA checkpoint, and a chauffeured drive across the airfield to the plane, delivering a seamless, high-end preflight experience rather than significant time savings. He argues the value is fair for special occasions or for those who prioritise hassle-free travel, but wouldn’t pay the fee for every trip.
The TSA is reportedly considering letting some PreCheck travelers keep full water bottles during security checks thanks to new 3-D CT scanners that can detect liquids; the change isn’t confirmed yet and would likely apply only to PreCheck passengers through the Gateside program at about 13 airports, while the standard 3-1-1 rule would still apply to others. Changes would be announced through official channels, and PreCheck membership (up to $85 for five years) would expedite the screening process.
The TSA is piloting gate access beyond security for trusted travelers (PreCheck members and Known Traveler Numbers) at 13 airports, including LAX and Dallas/Fort Worth; applicants must apply online 1–3 days before travel, passes are valid for one day with ID required, and reentries are allowed for that day, making airport send-offs and layovers easier while spontaneous gate arrivals remain unlikely.
Britain’s air-traffic-control system suffered a technical fault that led to the cancellation of more than 1,000 flights and widespread delays at major airports like Heathrow and Gatwick; engineers fixed the glitch, but airlines warned the disruption would ripple through the aviation network as schedules are adjusted.
The TSA is reviving gate access for eligible TSA PreCheck members who don’t hold tickets, allowing them to pass security and enter gate areas to welcome travelers and use airport services. The program, called Gateside by TSA PreCheck, is free but requires online application 1–3 days before travel and TSA approval; passes are valid for one calendar day with allowed reentries. It currently operates at 13 airports, including LAX, Dallas/Fort Worth, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City, with plans to expand, and also permits members of other trusted-traveler programs with a Known Traveler Number to apply.
The Transportation Security Administration reportedly allowed a limited number of people without plane tickets to pass through security gates at select airports, prompting questions about eligibility and security implications while details remain unclear.