You may think at this point that your complaints would do no good, but I am giving you a personal invitation to send us these complaints when you receive poor service at the airport.Certainly will in the future. Good to know you will pass that along. But more than that, that airport management pays attention. I'm not flying as much as I was before the baby was born, but still several times a year. Hopefully, however, I just don't have bad experiences! WRWA is overall a great airport that is run well.

This looks like it will be a pretty cool project, and nice writeup from the HOK website:

http://www.hok.com/about/news/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Will-Rogers-Airport-640.jpg


Our project at Will Rogers Airport is bringing back a cool feature from the airports of the 1960s: a public observation deck (below). This will be a pre-security, suspended viewing deck that floats above the terminal’s new town square. It will have aviation exhibits and offer views of the concourses and airfield. The viewing deck will be open to visitors and allow meeters and greeters to make visual contact with friends and family members as they pass into secure departure areas and gates. This idea was driven by Airport Director Mark Kranenburg, who is passionate about engaging his airport with the Oklahoma City community.

The architectural design for the expansion at Will Rogers Airport respects the existing terminal while reinterpreting the design in a contemporary way. Fifteen years ago, for example, people didn’t walk through airports with roller bags. But tiles in concourses clatter when people roll bags over the floors. For the new wing, we kept the color palette of the original floor tile but recreated it with durable terrazzo that isn’t prone to cracking and will be wonderfully quiet!

The airport is paving the way to offer direct international service from Oklahoma City in the future. New planes like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a mid-sized aircraft that can fly long-haul point-to-point from smaller airports, are making this possible. The client asked us to design an international arrivals facility under the new concourse that can handle two simultaneous arriving aircraft. This facility is being built as a shell. At some point in the future, after they sign an airline for international service, they will be able to easily fit out the space and have it operating within months instead of years. So the leaders at Will Rogers Airport have sidestepped a future headache by planning ahead and future proofing their operations and growth.

http://www.hok.com/about/news/2018/05/10/hoks-william-jenkinson-works-to-challenge-the-status-quo-and-design-better-airports/

All three are very cool features, noticed in various airports the noisiness of rolling bags, but never really thought through how to fix it, glad they did!

If there were a restaurant/bar on that observation deck, I'd spend money there just to eat and watch the airplanes.....

That's really cool.

If there were a restaurant/bar on that observation deck, I'd spend money there just to eat and watch the airplanes.....

Man, if they did that, they'd make a nice haul (assuming it would be open decent hours :)).

It would be great for a day of plane spotting, especially if international service makes it to OKC.

Just do a mini-Postmates and have them shuttle food from the concourse to the observation deck.

If there were a restaurant/bar on that observation deck, I'd spend money there just to eat and watch the airplanes.....

I only live 6 miles from the airport, so there is already a 90% chance I will check out this observation deck when it opens. A restaurant there would make that 100% easy.

Is this the expansion to the east that is already under construction or something else entirely?

This looks like it will be a pretty cool project, and nice writeup from the HOK website:

http://www.hok.com/about/news/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Will-Rogers-Airport-640.jpg



http://www.hok.com/about/news/2018/05/10/hoks-william-jenkinson-works-to-challenge-the-status-quo-and-design-better-airports/

The comment about international travel makes me wonder if they are already talking to some airlines about international destinations. I am curious who would be the first to bite the bullet and serve OKC internationally.

The comment about international travel makes me wonder if they are already talking to some airlines about international destinations. I am curious who would be the first to bite the bullet and serve OKC internationally.

Very doubtful. If it were to happen it would be Icelandair or Norwegian.

Very doubtful. If it were to happen it would be Icelandair or Norwegian.

Why those specifically?

Why those specifically?

They are aggressively attacking the US mid tier market by routing connections through Iceland KEF.

As far as Norh american “intl” Air Canada wouldn’t be totally out of mind, but with US TSA preclearance in Canada there’s no need for an international arrivals facility here.

ya, I'd think OKC could support at least a weekly flight to Canada and Mexico already.

Canada has pre-clearance at the likely destination(s) of OKC-YYZ (Toronto) and OKC-YVR (Vancouver) so we wouldn't need our own Customs/Immigration Services, but for flights to Mexico (and elsewhere) we would need our own for arrivals.

I remember when OKC used to run flights (on a wide-body DC-10 mind you) to Mexico where the departure would leave OKC-Mexico non-stop but arrivals would have to stop at DFW first to clear CIS. I don't see any reason why we couldn't resume those flights in some capacity or even scheduled OKC-MEX on a 737/A320 sized plane at least once a week also. ....

-- As to the terminal and new concourse, it is stunning! Kudos to Mark and the team for this. If built it will be a world class (worthy) addition that no other facility has. And I agree, the ONLY thing that would make it better is if the SkyWalk had a nice restaurant and lounge, where the community could come and spend the day. I surely would and WILL when we visit OKC. ...

MAKE THIS HAPPEN!!!!

Very doubtful. If it were to happen it would be Icelandair or Norwegian.

Discount airline WOW Air out of Iceland seems to be aggressively expanding into US.

I think if anything the first international carrier at OKC will be the likes of Air Canada Express (operated by Jazz Aviation; formerly was Air Canada Jazz). Either that or Aeromexico Connect to Mexico City with E175s. I doubt we have enough international air traffic to fill a 757-200 even once a week (Icelandair) let alone a 787 (Norwegian) or an even larger 330 (WOW Air). Again, keep in mind that both, Icelandair and WOW Air are starting Iceland service at that airport "down there" this summer so I don't see a reason why they would add OKC. I would happily eat my words if proven wrong though.

What's the timetable on this construction project?

Very doubtful. If it were to happen it would be Icelandair or Norwegian.

Frontier or Allegiant to Mexico/Caribbean is more likely IMO. Possibly Air Canada Express to YYZ.

yep, have to start somewhere. This could be the beginning of an Austin style (but smaller) international push for WRWA once these potential initial offerings and new domestic routes (along with corporate relocation/expansion to OKC) mature.

Once the CIS opens, would OKC then change the airport's name?

Oklahoma City INTERNATIONAL airport
Will Rogers International Airport

Or keep 'World' since I suppose with international flight(s) it really could be thought of as a world airport. ...

How about simply Will Rogers Airport? I’ve always been amused by the “World Airport” moniker dreamt-up by the mental midgets who ran this city back in the 60s and 70s (you know, those who subsequently destroyed the urban core). It’s a fine modern airport but at the very least, an unintentional self-deprecating name based on its physical size of 17 gates and 65th ranking for enplanements in 2016.

^I distinctly recall reading somewhere that the "World" part was added when OKC got jet service by airlines to their respective hubs, thus connecting the airport to "pretty much anywhere in the world" or something to that extent.

The Oklahoman makes first mention of Will Rogers "WORLD" airport November 6, 1964 as it mentions the construction of the present main terminal building.

Today, there is a plaque on the east side of the terminal, north wall across from the Delta gates dedicating the original terminal and making mention of an international flight on TWA from OKC to Paris, France I believe. I'm not sure if this was regular service for a time during the 1960's, or just a one-time inaugural trip.

OKC's airport was originally going to be called "Winnie Mae" after the plane Wiley Post used from Oklahoma businessman F.C. Hall. Hall named the plane after his daughter. However, Hall asked that the Winnie Mae name not be used, so the City council settled on "Oklahoma City Municipal Airfield" in 1931.

It appears the airfield was renamed in 1941 to Will Rogers Airfield and was used exclusively by the military during World War II. Around the same time the Mayor's office was receiving name proposals for Airport No 2, north of Bethany, which eventually became Wiley Post Airport.

Winnie Mae World Airport! :wink:

How realistic would a bar/restaurant with an observation deck be?

If there were a restaurant/bar on that observation deck, I'd spend money there just to eat and watch the airplanes.....

I have done exactly that at HND (Tokyo-Haneda) several years ago. Amazing wide open viewing deck with incredible views. I've never seen more 747s in my life.

An observation deck would be really cool. We don't have any widebody traffic but it would still be an awesome feature.

The lights for parking in the garage are nice but not knowing the garage only has roof top parking until you're pulling into the garage is annoying. Wichita has an electronic sign showing the number of spots available in each parking lot before you get to said parking lots. Anything like that in the works for OKC?

The lights for parking in the garage are nice but not knowing the garage only has roof top parking until you're pulling into the garage is annoying. Wichita has an electronic sign showing the number of spots available in each parking lot before you get to said parking lots. Anything like that in the works for OKC?

They should install a metal roof on the top floor of the parking garage. Problem solved.

They should install a metal roof on the top floor of the parking garage. Problem solved.Like.

Anyone have any idea what the garage situation will look like on Tuesday morning about 8:00 to 9:00? It's the day after Memorial Day.

They should install a metal roof on the top floor of the parking garage. Problem solved.

How about Solar while we're at it?

I had this same earlier-warning thought Monday morning when I pulled in and had to take a roof spot. Josh, I should I have mentioned this to you when I ran into you!

Like.

Anyone have any idea what the garage situation will look like on Tuesday morning about 8:00 to 9:00? It's the day after Memorial Day.

I pulled in at 7:40 am on Monday and took one of the last few roof spots... so you'll be likely getting one of a few spots if any are available.

I pulled in at 7:40 am on Monday and took one of the last few roof spots... so you'll be likely getting one of a few spots if any are available.

I usually have really good luck when you are heading down towards exit. People don't go that far alot of times

Definitely agree with some sort of notice needing to be placed ahead of the garage if there is only rooftop parking available. The only real reason I pay more to park in the garage is for the full coverage of my vehicle this time of year -- rooftop really defeats that purpose.

Garage is going to be full all day everyday till Labor Day. The garage and security line the past few 530am flights I've been on has been insane. Business traffic + summer vacation.

How about Solar while we're at it?

I had this same earlier-warning thought Monday morning when I pulled in and had to take a roof spot. Josh, I should I have mentioned this to you when I ran into you!

Very interesting.

The lights for parking in the garage are nice but not knowing the garage only has roof top parking until you're pulling into the garage is annoying. Wichita has an electronic sign showing the number of spots available in each parking lot before you get to said parking lots. Anything like that in the works for OKC?

That is a functionality we have included in our new parking access control system and it is included in our signage package, as well. I don't have a timeline on construction of the signage package though.

Definitely agree with some sort of notice needing to be placed ahead of the garage if there is only rooftop parking available. The only real reason I pay more to park in the garage is for the full coverage of my vehicle this time of year -- rooftop really defeats that purpose.

ABM does put out roadway signage when this happens, but it can be easy to miss. The plan now is that the new roadway signage package will have digital messaging capability to inform garage parkers about availability.

Like.

Anyone have any idea what the garage situation will look like on Tuesday morning about 8:00 to 9:00? It's the day after Memorial Day.

Garage parking is going to be hit and miss throughout the summer. We also have some construction coming up that will impact the number spaces available. Sorry, can't give you a definitive answer.

Garage is going to be full all day everyday till Labor Day. The garage and security line the past few 530am flights I've been on has been insane. Business traffic + summer vacation.

We have seen a huge rush to start summer travel. This is my fourth summer here and I don't remember it being so well defined when the past three summers started.

ABM does put out roadway signage when this happens, but it can be easy to miss. The plan now is that the new roadway signage package will have digital messaging capability to inform garage parkers about availability.

Thanks Josh! Makes it easier than having to go back around to park in the general lot.

We have seen a huge rush to start summer travel. This is my fourth summer here and I don't remember it being so well defined when the past three summers started.Good problem to have. Time to add another garage or raise the price. Simple supply and demand.

Or maybe even peak and off-peak pricing. Summer and holidays more expensive-- a couple dollars more per day. Something like that.

Good problem to have. Time to add another garage or raise the price. Simple supply and demand.

Or maybe even peak and off-peak pricing. Summer and holidays more expensive-- a couple dollars more per day. Something like that.

they should absolutely app on another garage section of the same size ..

Like.

Anyone have any idea what the garage situation will look like on Tuesday morning about 8:00 to 9:00? It's the day after Memorial Day.

It will empty out Monday and Monday night while vacationers come back but Tuesday morning business traffic could fill it up.

they should absolutely app on another garage section of the same size ..

They should tear down the short term garage, and build a 10 story garage in its place. If they keep adding 5 story garages they’ll go all the way to 54th lol.

Would the parking situation be helped if WRWA offered Valet parking at a higher price and move those cars offsite? Maybe allow the offsite parking companies to manage the valet parking and WRWA charge the companies a fixed or by car rate? Every sizable airport I travel to offers valet parking and I would definitely pay more for this option.

Would the parking situation be helped if WRWA offered Valet parking at a higher price and move those cars offsite? Maybe allow the offsite parking companies to manage the valet parking and WRWA charge the companies a fixed or by car rate? Every sizable airport I travel to offers valet parking and I would definitely pay more for this option.

How much more?

Would the parking situation be helped if WRWA offered Valet parking at a higher price and move those cars offsite? Maybe allow the offsite parking companies to manage the valet parking and WRWA charge the companies a fixed or by car rate? Every sizable airport I travel to offers valet parking and I would definitely pay more for this option.

Did you see the very at length valet discussion quite a bit above? If not that's cool, just asking. Only noting that this issue has kind of been beat to death and the answer from the airport rep (Josh) seems to be an unwavering "we'll continue to monitor this but we'll not be doing valet service any time soon in OKC"... something to that effect anyway... no matter how many times we say how great it would be or that so many other places are doing it or how much money they could make or how much we'd be willing to pay for this service. Not meaning to seem like I'm getting on your case for asking, please don't misunderstand.

no matter how many times we say how great it would be or that so many other places are doing it or how much money they could make or how much we'd be willing to pay for this service.

That's why I asked, how much? I guarantee you if the airport gets an answer that makes financial sense, they'll do it. If they keep getting people saying they'd pay, but not how much, then they won't. I'm all for moving the cars off-site. But the fact is you can't charge a premium for it because people will just say forget it, I'll just park off-site and take the shuttle. And how much planning do you want to be done? Do you want the valet service to send someone off-site when you show up and come back with your car sometime in the next half hour or so, or should they maintain a list of everyone's returning flight, and have the car waiting when your plane lands (taking up space, of course, and assuming the plane is on time, of course). These are things the airport needs to consider, and HAS considered. A small handful of people saying they would do it won't cover the nut.

Did you see the very at length valet discussion quite a bit above? If not that's cool, just asking. Only noting that this issue has kind of been beat to death and the answer from the airport rep (Josh) seems to be an unwavering "we'll continue to monitor this but we'll not be doing valet service any time soon in OKC"... something to that effect anyway... no matter how many times we say how great it would be or that so many other places are doing it or how much money they could make or how much we'd be willing to pay for this service. Not meaning to seem like I'm getting on your case for asking, please don't misunderstand.

I did not see the discussion above. Thank you for the note. I will go take a look.

That's why I asked, how much? I guarantee you if the airport gets an answer that makes financial sense, they'll do it. If they keep getting people saying they'd pay, but not how much, then they won't. I'm all for moving the cars off-site. But the fact is you can't charge a premium for it because people will just say forget it, I'll just park off-site and take the shuttle. And how much planning do you want to be done? Do you want the valet service to send someone off-site when you show up and come back with your car sometime in the next half hour or so, or should they maintain a list of everyone's returning flight, and have the car waiting when your plane lands (taking up space, of course, and assuming the plane is on time, of course). These are things the airport needs to consider, and HAS considered. A small handful of people saying they would do it won't cover the nut.

Ok, I went through the discussion and understand what has already been discussed.

___________________________________________

The simple answer is this:
1) There is enough demand with frequent business travelers for AA, United, and Delta to justify offering a service.
2) Outsource the whole thing when you start it up to test out the service, move the cars offsite, and charge your outsourcing partner a fee. WRWA is out no money and no resources (well, management, but you get it).
___________________________________________

1) There is enough demand:
- I am frequent business traveler and travel nationally. Parking is a tiny cost of my travel and hardly shows up on my expense report. The cost of parking at WRWA compared to my peers who live in other cities is very low, even half of some cities. I would easily pay $20-25/day for valet service and it wouldn't even be noticed as valet by the people who approve my expense reports. There are enough frequent business travelers filling up first class and the first 6 rows of planes that the demand is there. Keep in mind this is much higher margin business. So, 1 valet parker may count as 3 or 4 regular parkers.

2) Outsource for a few years as a trial run. If it's easy to do, what does it matter if it's far down the list? WRWA would be providing a service to it's most frequent users. Go to USAPARK and make the offer to them. They run valet parking 100% and move the cars offsite and pay WRWA a fee. USAPARK already does this many other other airports, hotels, and office buildings. They already have the business processes, technology, and assets - http://www.usaparking.net. This would be almost no investment for USAPARK and allow them to increase high margin business. You already have existing outsourcing models. Just use the same contracts and mark them up to account for parking contingencies.

Give USAPARK a few years, and if the demand shows, take back the service for yourself and make money at it. If not, let them continue. Because they are offsite and have such low overhead, it may make more financial sense for them to do it than WRWA.

Your revenue model is a risk/reward evaluation of how many cars get moved offsite versus fees paid to WRWA by USAPARK (or a % of their margin). If you charge lower fees, they can charge a lower daily rate and more cars get moved offsite. If you charge higher fees, they have to charge a higher daily rate, and fewer cars get moved offsite. Heck, USAPARK can make more margin and add convenience by offering add-ons for car washing, detailing, oil changes, fill up the tank, etc.

This is a no brainer for WRWA and for USAPARK. It contributes to solving parking issues for WRWA, gives WRWA another revenue stream, and provides a service to the most frequent users of WRWA.

Josh, if USAPARK doesn't want to do this for some reason, let me know and I'll start the service and hire people to park the cars at USAPARK. I'm actually serious about this. Just give me a slot where people can drop off near the door and I'll have a nice stand, well dressed and trained employees, and the technology to monitor everything. I'll pay you a percent of my daily margin.

Love that response. Thanks for the details. Hope Josh chimes in soon.

14673

But you don't understand! If you just beat it harder, it's sure to wake up!

Josh’s responses appear to be from the viewpoint of WRWA doing it themselves and not outsourcing. Hoping I threw a new horse in the race.

If you just beat it harder, it's sure to wake up!

That's what she said?

Josh’s responses appear to be from the viewpoint of WRWA doing it themselves and not outsourcing. Hoping I threw a new horse in the race.
You didn’t.

Why in the world do you think a private outsourced company would want to do it? The airport at least has some other revenues they could try to carry it, and if they have some losses no big deal. A valet company assumes all risk, has a single stream of revenue on a product that hasn’t been tried, in a state that is generally pretty full of people who live cheap, and with the competition of Uber. If you really want that drop my car at the curb experience, just call an Uber.

There’s not a reputable valet company in the state that would touch that.

You didn’t.

Why in the world do you think a private outsourced company would want to do it? The airport at least has some other revenues they could try to carry it, and if they have some losses no big deal. A valet company assumes all risk, has a single stream of revenue on a product that hasn’t been tried, in a state that is generally pretty full of people who live cheap, and with the competition of Uber. If you really want that drop my car at the curb experience, just call an Uber.

There’s not a reputable valet company in the state that would touch that.

Perhaps you missed my response where I noted that USAPARK already does this for other airports, hotels, etc. And, they're right down the street.

I think WAY MORE people would use valet if available than people on here thinks and it is due to the design of the airport itself in that there really isn't a drop off point that doesn't tie up traffic behind. Most major airports have curbside loading/unloading with numerous lanes to circulate but at WRWA that's not the case. Also, other airports have valet and/or easy connect/close parking where you could park for 30-minutes to offload for a 'cheaper' price; I didn't recall that at WRWA.

I travel for business (not as often as years past) but don't really go to OKC so I wouldn't be THAT customer but I could totally see a valet benefiting OKC business residents. For me as an OKC visitor - I moreso travel with a youngster and while we no longer have the car-seat, stroller, and such just for him - you can imagine a young city like OKC having the BULK of it's customer base as vacation and family visits, that the constraints of the airport I listed would make an 'offer' of valet or 'close/fast unload not only a viable commodity but also a near requirement.

Speaking from experience, the last time we were in OKC with the little one (he was 3 then), we had his car seat and two luggage. Departure out of WRWA, I dropped them off and while I was unloading the big items - a police officer told me I couldn't unload and had to move on. MY WIFE HAD TO MOVE EVERYTHING INTO THE AIRPORT BY HERSELF AND!!!! watch the toddler!!! ... Either he was mistated or I think WRWA is not constructed to have a proper drop off, more like a kiss-n-go operation. Our only other option was to return the rental car and haul everything into and out of the shuttle and then over into the terminal (also not a good option!!). It would have been very nice to have a valet or 'premium/families quick park area' I could have gone to 'store' my rental car for a few minutes while I brought everything inside the terminal. .....

As you can see, this does not work with families (with infant/toddler equipment especially) nor business travelers who would/could pay for the premium. I strongly support cjohnson's idea for USAPARK if WRWA doesn't want to take on another line of business; again - the way the airport is designed and considering it's core business clientele this should be a no brainer and might even create a new revenue stream. ....

OKC to DC Reagan is a Big Deal! Thank you SWA, Much easier than Dulles or Baltimore

I think WAY MORE people would use valet if available than people on here thinks and it is due to the design of the airport itself in that there really isn't a drop off point that doesn't tie up traffic behind. Most major airports have curbside loading/unloading with numerous lanes to circulate but at WRWA that's not the case. Also, other airports have valet and/or easy connect/close parking where you could park for 30-minutes to offload for a 'cheaper' price; I didn't recall that at WRWA.

I travel for business (not as often as years past) but don't really go to OKC so I wouldn't be THAT customer but I could totally see a valet benefiting OKC business residents. For me as an OKC visitor - I moreso travel with a youngster and while we no longer have the car-seat, stroller, and such just for him - you can imagine a young city like OKC having the BULK of it's customer base as vacation and family visits, that the constraints of the airport I listed would make an 'offer' of valet or 'close/fast unload not only a viable commodity but also a near requirement.

Speaking from experience, the last time we were in OKC with the little one (he was 3 then), we had his car seat and two luggage. Departure out of WRWA, I dropped them off and while I was unloading the big items - a police officer told me I couldn't unload and had to move on. MY WIFE HAD TO MOVE EVERYTHING INTO THE AIRPORT BY HERSELF AND!!!! watch the toddler!!! ... Either he was mistated or I think WRWA is not constructed to have a proper drop off, more like a kiss-n-go operation. Our only other option was to return the rental car and haul everything into and out of the shuttle and then over into the terminal (also not a good option!!). It would have been very nice to have a valet or 'premium/families quick park area' I could have gone to 'store' my rental car for a few minutes while I brought everything inside the terminal. .....

As you can see, this does not work with families (with infant/toddler equipment especially) nor business travelers who would/could pay for the premium. I strongly support cjohnson's idea for USAPARK if WRWA doesn't want to take on another line of business; again - the way the airport is designed and considering it's core business clientele this should be a no brainer and might even create a new revenue stream. ....

Where would the Valet booth be though, the upper deck is not very long and add in the barrage of vehicles that attack each airlines booth for peak flight times, it gets messy up there. I wouldn't think it all that easier if the valet booth was mixed in with the shuttles, one still would have to walk from basically the garage and up stairs to the ticket counter. Might as well yourself if that was the case.

P.S. I am not against Valet service, just wondering where it could be located and not hurt or block normal traffic patterns in place.

Where would the Valet booth be though, the upper deck is not very long and add in the barrage of vehicles that attack each airlines booth for peak flight times, it gets messy up there. I wouldn't think it all that easier if the valet booth was mixed in with the shuttles, one still would have to walk from basically the garage and up stairs to the ticket counter. Might as well yourself if that was the case.

P.S. I am not against Valet service, just wondering where it could be located and not hurt or block normal traffic patterns in place.

I was thinking at the very beginning of the drop off space. That area is usually free even in the morning rush.