I flew through JAX this past week. As good as WRWA is, JAX is great for not that many more passengers. If we have 4 million passengers, they have 5.5 million. That's not a HUGE difference. They were at 5.2 in 2012, so their growth doesn't seem as fast as ours right now. We could get close to them in a few years, BUT here is what that extra 1.5 million gets you in terms of service:

6 TSA lanes open in the middle of the day, including 2 for TSA pre-check
Valet parking
3 Starbucks
A Brooks Brothers store
A PGA Tour store
A PGA Tour restaurant
A Chili's
At least a couple other local sit down restaurants
A food court with multiple options
Vino Volo

When I flew out Saturday morning the airport was packed. I think our concourses and gate lounges might not be adequate for another million passengers per year.

When I flew out Saturday morning the airport was packed. I think our concourses and gate lounges might not be adequate for another million passengers per year.

Even with the expansion?

When I flew out Saturday morning the airport was packed. I think our concourses and gate lounges might not be adequate for another million passengers per year.

Flew in at about 11:00 p.m. Saturday night and the airport was pretty crowded (for this time of night). Four baggage claim belts were all still full of incoming passengers.

Even with the expansion?

When is the expansion supposed to start? By the time it does, it won't be enough.

Even with the expansion?

I mean the number of gates will be enough, but imagine if United and American upgauge to even more mainline flights, a reasonable assumption with another 25% increase in pax. The west concourse is narrow, only has one set of small bathrooms, dining options limited, and the gate lounges barely hold enough space for the 76 seaters.

What are the future plans to expand the security area?

Oklahoma City needs to address the concerns of a WRWA with plans for future expansion, renovation & upgrades. We have the space (8,100 acres) to expand with plans for parking, gates & terminals--nothing less than $2 billion in future growth over the next 10 years.


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Right now, OKC barely touches the growth need for WRWA; OKC should be in a position to draw passengers via auto or air from Tulsa & Wichita. We should be the mini-hub for our 2 peer cities.


Wichita to WRWA 153 miles
Wichita to Kansas City Airport 173 miles

Tulsa to WRWA 101 miles
Tulsa to Kansas City Airport 216 miles

We need to invest in WRWA much like Raleigh-Durham & Salt Lake City:

Raleigh-Durham FAA approves $3 billion expansion and upgrades to RDU: http://www.cbs17.com/news/faa-approves-3-billion-expansion-and-upgrades-to-rdu_20180313070219326/1036244679

Salt Lake airport's 'once-in-a-lifetime' redesign now approaching $3.6 billion: https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900012102/salt-lake-airports-once-in-a-lifetime-redesign-now-approaching-dollar36-billion.html

When is the expansion supposed to start? By the time it does, it won't be enough.

It has started.

Oklahoma City needs to address the concerns of a WRWA with plans for future expansion, renovation & upgrades. We have the space (8,100 acres) to expand with plans for parking, gates & terminals--nothing less than $2 billion in future growth over the next 10 years.


https://www.airport-technology.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2017/10/3-will-rogers-statue.jpg https://www.airport-technology.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2017/10/7-will-rogers-airport.jpg https://www.airport-technology.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2017/10/4-will-rogers-airport.jpg

Right now, OKC barely touches the growth need for WRWA; OKC should be in a position to draw passengers via auto or air from Tulsa & Wichita. We should be the mini-hub for our 2 peer cities.


Wichita to WRWA 153 miles
Wichita to Kansas City Airport 173 miles

Tulsa to WRWA 101 miles
Tulsa to Kansas City Airport 216 miles

We need to invest in WRWA much like Raleigh-Durham & Salt Lake City:

Raleigh-Durham FAA approves $3 billion expansion and upgrades to RDU: http://www.cbs17.com/news/faa-approves-3-billion-expansion-and-upgrades-to-rdu_20180313070219326/1036244679

Salt Lake airport's 'once-in-a-lifetime' redesign now approaching $3.6 billion: https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900012102/salt-lake-airports-once-in-a-lifetime-redesign-now-approaching-dollar36-billion.html

Are you really wanting a semi-poor state to spend $2 billion on an "if you build it, they will come" hunch?

Are you really wanting a semi-poor state to spend $2 billion on an "if you build it, they will come" hunch?

Semi-poor state--save that for another argument. Lately, OKC has made substantial investments thru MAPS that have increased tourism. If we had built the Chesapeake Energy Arena in 1984, the NFR might still be in OKC's portfolio. Instead we built the 15,000-seat Myriad in 1973 which we out grew the year it opened--too bad we didn't have the vision to build something larger.

Poor thinking mentality doesn't allow us to exercise our potential. A substantial and well planned investment in WRWA may be the great obstacle to the future of our growth. You want growth; air travel (passenger & cargo) will be on the radar of many corporate giants.

There's no comparison between a $2 billion airport expansion vs. a $200 million arena. My point, we need to build for the future--they will come.

Semi-poor state--save that for another argument. Lately, OKC has made substantial investments thru MAPS that have increased tourism. If we had built the Chesapeake Energy Arena in 1984, the NFR might still be in OKC's portfolio. Instead we built the 15,000-seat Myriad in 1973 which we out grew the year it opened--too bad we didn't have the vision to build something larger.

Poor thinking mentality doesn't allow us to exercise our potential. A substantial and well planned investment in WRWA may be the great obstacle to the future of our growth. You want growth; air travel (passenger & cargo) will be on the radar of many corporate giants.

There's no comparison between a $2 billion airport expansion vs. a $200 million arena. My point, we need to build for the future--they will come.

I agree with you that OKC needs to build out its airport. I just want them to be smart about it. I would, ideally, love for OKC to have a commitment from a "corporate giant" before building airport space we may never grow in to.

Didn't someone post a "beating a dead horse" meme up on this page somewhere? Yeah...

Semi-poor state--save that for another argument. Lately, OKC has made substantial investments thru MAPS that have increased tourism. If we had built the Chesapeake Energy Arena in 1984, the NFR might still be in OKC's portfolio. Instead we built the 15,000-seat Myriad in 1973 which we out grew the year it opened--too bad we didn't have the vision to build something larger.

Poor thinking mentality doesn't allow us to exercise our potential. A substantial and well planned investment in WRWA may be the great obstacle to the future of our growth. You want growth; air travel (passenger & cargo) will be on the radar of many corporate giants.

There's no comparison between a $2 billion airport expansion vs. a $200 million arena. My point, we need to build for the future--they will come.


From the posts the past few days, looks like They're already coming!!!

To me, looks like OKC might have waited too long for this 'expansion' and other common sense services mentioned countless on this thread that are not available here. Dallas took a chance years ago and look at it's growth; OKC can now capitalize on overgrowth but relative proximity to DFW, along with OKC being naturally, centrally located and having a burgeoning renaissance in many corporate sectors to become the Charlotte of the plains!

and don't we already have a major commitment from a major international financial processor that will open it's North American hq in Auto Alley adding 500+ corporate jobs? That's a huge start.

Didn't someone post a "beating a dead horse" meme up on this page somewhere? Yeah...

More like beating a dead horse thread

Other things factor in to JAX than just more passengers. Beach and golf destination, NFL team, etc.

I believe their current airport was totally redone before the hosted a Super Bowl.

In addition they have one of the top military presences in the country, largest city in Florida in land and 4th in population and a deep water port that impacts cargo and passengers. JAX is not in the same conversation as OKC.

In addition they have one of the top military presences in the country, largest city in Florida in land and population( pop. is greater than the entire state of Oklahoma) and a deep water port that impacts cargo and passengers. JAX is not in the same conversation as OKC.

A city with the metro population of 1.5 million is certainly in the same conversation as OKC, a city with 1.3 million.

A city with the metro population of 1.5 million is certainly in the same conversation as OKC, a city with 1.3 million.

Population matters very little in tourist areas. I won't go too far off topic, but there are times when Jacksonville's population will be a LOT higher than OKC (summer, especially). Just a fact not a lot of people want to mention or understand. OKC doesn't have an ocean, so that changes the game immensely.

A city with the metro population of 1.5 million is certainly in the same conversation as OKC, a city with 1.3 million.

Population is close, but again JAX offers many more draws for tourists. JAX also as well as a deep water port that OKC does not have that that contributes to cargo traffic.

Population matters very little in tourist areas. I won't go too far off topic, but there are times when Jacksonville's population will be a LOT higher than OKC (summer, especially). Just a fact not a lot of people want to mention or understand. OKC doesn't have an ocean, so that changes the game immensely.

Yes but Jacksonville doesn’t have THAT much tourist traffic. We are essentially within 20% of their numbers and we are experiencing 10-15% YOY growth. We are similar enough to be in the same conversation. It’s conpletely false to say a 1.5 million metro has more people than the entire state of OK.

Yes but Jacksonville doesn’t have THAT much tourist traffic. We are essentially within 20% of their numbers and we are experiencing 10-15% YOY growth. We are similar enough to be in the same conversation. It’s conpletely false to say a 1.5 million metro has more people than the entire state of OK.

You are totally correct about by mis statement and I edited it out. Thanks.

On another note, I am quite curious as to why there is a sudden upsurge in passengers at OKC. Up until this year, the gains were a meager 3%-5%, definitely nothing in double digits. Is it low airfares, affordability of air tickets, more business traffic, better marketing of the airport or a combination of two or more these factors? Of course F9 coming to the scene has probably helped out a bit for sure but other airlines (especially AA/Eagle) are gaining a lot more passengers this year as well). Don't get me wrong, I am pretty happy about the upsurge, but just got to wondering about that.

I think number of people in the airport is what determines services in the airport. The type of people they are play a part, I understand. But our numbers in our airport are getting close to JAX, why does their airport have so much more in types of services than WRWA? Why can't we get more in terms of stores and restaurants? Don't tell me it's because they have an NFL team and beaches nearby. We have an NBA team. There were very few tourists on my flights.

And don't say it's because of the Super Bowl. If it was then those places would have closed because of lack of business since then.

Does the JAX airport just do a better job of building space for businesses and then leasing space that works for tenants?

On another note, I am quite curious as to why there is a sudden upsurge in passengers at OKC. Up until this year, the gains were a meager 3%-5%, definitely nothing in double digits. Is it low airfares, affordability of air tickets, more business traffic, better marketing of the airport or a combination of two or more these factors? Of course F9 coming to the scene has probably helped out a bit for sure but other airlines (especially AA/Eagle) are gaining a lot more passengers this year as well). Don't get me wrong, I am pretty happy about the upsurge, but just got to wondering about that.

Business travel might be picking back up, for one thing. Economy is solid (generally) and oil prices are inching back up. And, with better business travel, you have people making more money and spending it on leisure travel. Just my guess.

A rising tide lifts all boats. The US domestic sector has been exploding the past 3-4 years. OKC is a little late to the party.

I think number of people in the airport is what determines services in the airport. The type of people they are play a part, I understand. But our numbers in our airport are getting close to JAX, why does their airport have so much more in types of services than WRWA? Why can't we get more in terms of stores and restaurants? Don't tell me it's because they have an NFL team and beaches nearby. We have an NBA team. There were very few tourists on my flights.

And don't say it's because of the Super Bowl. If it was then those places would have closed because of lack of business since then.

Does the JAX airport just do a better job of building space for businesses and then leasing space that works for tenants?
Maybe Josh can enlighten us as to why there aren't more services offered. It could be as simple as our traffic counts have sucked such that there was no need for such services. Of course, we might want to get the current operators functioning properly consistently before we push for any new ones.

Maybe Josh can enlighten us as to why there aren't more services offered. It could be as simple as our traffic counts have sucked such that there was no need for such services. Of course, we might want to get the current operators functioning properly consistently before we push for any new ones.Yes, important to note that every single store and restaurant was open and operating upon arrival and departure in JAX. That's a rarity in OKC.

and heres more food for thought, JAX likely does not have much connecting traffic to necessitate such a captive demand anymoreso than the argument that OKC does not. ...

My opinion, OKC's airport has amenities like one that only has 2m pax per year or less; totally embarrassing when you compare to airports and cities IN OUR LEAGUE and a few below. OKC and JAX have the same population at nearly and just above 1.5m respectfully. And since JAX has beaches, I'd argue that they wouldn't therefore need much amenities in their airport. ...

Then theres OMA, TUL, and LIT - all cities far smaller than OKC yet the airport experience is better in many ways. I personally challenge WRWA to think like a big city airport, get amenities and venues in the facility. Make WRWA a destination, perhaps a venue or two where folks would WANT to hang out like obvious is the case at JAX despite their having a beach scene.

Airports offer the best impression of a city aside from its downtown; we have downtown OKC covered and are continuing improvements to the core, now the airport needs to catch up. And I think there may be significant rewards upcoming if WRWA takes on the challenge given the potential new airline entries and with OKC becoming more of a tourism destination period. I think a very KEY area is the desolate downstairs - arrivals area. Why not activate this space with a cafe and bar and/or sit down restaurant that could be enjoyed by anyone. Maybe find some sort of way to tie at least part of the lower-level up since that's were most people enter, draw them downstairs. Give arriving passengers using the arrivals that OKC is a happening area, have some nice area for them to eat/drink while waiting for the shuttle.

These are all things that can be done at other airports, should be an expectation at WRWA and I'd argue a very easy gain with huge impact.

One compliant I have is the rideshare location.

I used Lyft last month. I went downstairs to grab my bag from baggage claim, then had to go back upstairs again to the rideshare pickup area. Who’s dumb idea was that? Rideshare should pick up downstairs... in the ARRIVALS area.

One compliant I have is the rideshare location.

I used Lyft last month. I went downstairs to grab my bag from baggage claim, then had to go back upstairs again to the rideshare pickup area. Who’s dumb idea was that? Rideshare should pick up downstairs... in the ARRIVALS area.

I’ve always preferred to be picked up upstairs by rideshares and friends/family. It’s almost always much less congested and easier to spot a rideshare car and vice versa. It’s also easier for them to get in and out of the arrivals area.

I’ve always preferred to be picked up upstairs by rideshares and friends/family. It’s almost always much less congested and easier to spot a rideshare car and vice versa. It’s also easier for them to get in and out of the arrivals area.

If you only have a carry on, I can see that. But if you have luggage to be picked up from baggage claim it’s a hassle.

One compliant I have is the rideshare location.

I used Lyft last month. I went downstairs to grab my bag from baggage claim, then had to go back upstairs again to the rideshare pickup area. Who’s dumb idea was that? Rideshare should pick up downstairs... in the ARRIVALS area.

That is better than what I see in a lot of airports. Vegas....you have to hike to the short term parking. Of course you travel alot also so I am sure you have seen worse and better.

That is better than what I see in a lot of airports. Vegas....you have to hike to the short term parking. Of course you travel alot also so I am sure you have seen worse and better.

LAS, McCarran in Vegas, does have ride share on the 2nd story of the parking garage, attached to baggage claim. The reason this was probably done was similar to OKC moving it to arrivals. It helps with congestion already in the pickup/arrival area. Departure drop offs are much quicker since it is drop and go. Arrivals are dependent on a lot factors that can increase wait times and can grow car queue lines. The number of passengers using Uber/Lyft at McCarran is huge! The cab/taxi lines are already packed on one side of baggage claim, the other side has already been claimed by limos and shuttle busses.

You could always call your driver too en route and tell them to pick you up on the departure level.

I’ve always preferred to be picked up upstairs by rideshares and friends/family. It’s almost always much less congested and easier to spot a rideshare car and vice versa. It’s also easier for them to get in and out of the arrivals area.

Shhhhh...don't let the secret get out.

If you only have a carry on, I can see that. But if you have luggage to be picked up from baggage claim it’s a hassle.

Is going back up an escalator really that much of a hassle?

For the record, it’s the same in Denver. Uber/Lyft pick up and drop off on the departure level (Level 6) and the baggage claim is below on Level 5.

Is going back up an escalator really that much of a hassle?

For the record, it’s the same in Denver. Uber/Lyft pick up and drop off on the departure level (Level 6) and the baggage claim is below on Level 5.

It’s pretty inefficient. Especially when you go down to the Transportation Plaza and see how underutilized it is. Cars also don’t queue at the terminal, Uber and Lyft both require drivers to park in the cell phone lot before they can accept a ride at the airport. Just give them a spot in the Transportation Plaza for pick ups.

That's more or less a requirement set forth by the taxi unions I'd imagine. Can't have Uber where a taxi would normally sit and wait.

Maybe Josh can enlighten us as to why there aren't more services offered. It could be as simple as our traffic counts have sucked such that there was no need for such services. Of course, we might want to get the current operators functioning properly consistently before we push for any new ones.

I'm curious about this too. Our concession options are so embarrasingly bad, it's insane. It's crazy to me that we don't have simple basics like Starbucks or McDonald's. Those are places I rarely go to if given a choice but in airports I don't mind - normally they're quick, efficient, and predictable - perfect for an airport.

And the places we do have are barely open! Does Coolgreens still close at 6 PM? What the hell is the point of them taking up so much prime real estate if they don't even serve dinner? Why don't our airport folks solve issues like this? Quite frustrating.

It’s pretty inefficient. Especially when you go down to the Transportation Plaza and see how underutilized it is. Cars also don’t queue at the terminal, Uber and Lyft both require drivers to park in the cell phone lot before they can accept a ride at the airport. Just give them a spot in the Transportation Plaza for pick ups.

I've seen this other places too. Definitely DEN - maybe even LAX requires you to go back up to departures to catch an Uber. Hell, doesn't LGA require a bus ride to their Uber pickup? I'd rather go up the escalators than take a bus.

I've seen this other places too. Definitely DEN - maybe even LAX requires you to go back up to departures to catch an Uber. Hell, doesn't LGA require a bus ride to their Uber pickup? I'd rather go up the escalators than take a bus.

flew into LGA in February and yes. A bus ride is necessary to get to uber. 2 buses to get to car rental (bus over to car rental buses)

I'm curious about this too. Our concession options are so embarrasingly bad, it's insane. It's crazy to me that we don't have simple basics like Starbucks or McDonald's. Those are places I rarely go to if given a choice but in airports I don't mind - normally they're quick, efficient, and predictable - perfect for an airport.

And the places we do have are barely open! Does Coolgreens still close at 6 PM? What the hell is the point of them taking up so much prime real estate if they don't even serve dinner? Why don't our airport folks solve issues like this? Quite frustrating.THIS.

Although I do frequent Starbucks outside of airports.

In September, I am flying out for work on a Tuesday at 7am and coming back the next day at 11:30pm. I will be interested to see what is open at both times...

in september, i am flying out for work on a tuesday at 7am and coming back the next day at 11:30pm. I will be disappointed to see what is open at both times...

fify. :)

I'm curious about this too. Our concession options are so embarrasingly bad, it's insane. It's crazy to me that we don't have simple basics like Starbucks or McDonald's. Those are places I rarely go to if given a choice but in airports I don't mind - normally they're quick, efficient, and predictable - perfect for an airport.

And the places we do have are barely open! Does Coolgreens still close at 6 PM? What the hell is the point of them taking up so much prime real estate if they don't even serve dinner? Why don't our airport folks solve issues like this? Quite frustrating.

Lol. Just lol.

25 pages back everyone is complaining about the lack of local options and we need local options to showcase okc.

And now you’re complaining about the lack of big huge chains.

I think the airport doesn’t really care because there is no pleasing

I guess people haven’t figured out that when we don’t support what we have, the stores/restaurants keep cutting back. When I’m at the airport there is rarely any kind of line at any of them. I’ve never had a problem getting coffee, pastry, grab and go breakfast, etc. But, admittedly, when I arrive at the airport here I rarely look for somewhere to go for a sit down dinner there and then go home to my wife.

Lol. Just lol.

25 pages back everyone is complaining about the lack of local options and we need local options to showcase okc.

And now you’re complaining about the lack of big huge chains.

I think the airport doesn’t really care because there is no pleasing

No kidding...file that under complaining just to complain. Why the hell would we want McDonald’s or other chain fastfood in the airport over something local like Tucker’s? Maybe Starbucks would be a good add, but I’d much rather have something like Elemental or slingers open an additional location there. I fly to airports of similar size very often and we match up fairly well with variety. We could just use more restaurants, maybe an additional sit down restaurant or two and better hours.

Lol. Just lol.

25 pages back everyone is complaining about the lack of local options and we need local options to showcase okc.

And now you’re complaining about the lack of big huge chains.

I think the airport doesn’t really care because there is no pleasing

No kidding...file that under complaining just to complain. Why the hell would we want McDonald’s or other chain fastfood in the airport over something local like Tucker’s? Maybe Starbucks would be a good add, but I’d much rather have something like Elemental or slingers open an additional location there. I fly to airports of similar size very often and we match up fairly well with variety. We could just use more restaurants, maybe an additional sit down restaurant or two and better hours.

Why the hell would we want McDonald’s or other chain fastfood in the airport over something local like Tucker’s?

I believe this was answered in the post that mentioned it. Speed. "Those are places I rarely go to if given a choice but in airports I don't mind - normally they're quick, efficient, and predictable - perfect for an airport. " The airport isn't the place to have the "elevated fast food experience, with grass-fed angus beef, shaved locally-grown mushrooms, bun cooked in a wood-fired oven" bullcrap. It's the place where people want (and often need) service NOW. Is the burger that takes 8 minutes to cook and is made with real ingredients better than a McBurger? Hell yes, that's not even a question. Is taking 8 minutes per customer even during a slow period, let alone a busy one, an option? Nope. Not at the airport it isn't.

Time and a place for everything. Airport is the time and place for fast food. If you hate McDonald's, then fine. It can be Burger King or Wendy's. Braums and Whataburger are really pressing it. Anything past that, feel free to leave the airport, there's a crapton of options right up Meridian.

I believe this was answered in the post that mentioned it. Speed. "Those are places I rarely go to if given a choice but in airports I don't mind - normally they're quick, efficient, and predictable - perfect for an airport. " The airport isn't the place to have the "elevated fast food experience, with grass-fed angus beef, shaved locally-grown mushrooms, bun cooked in a wood-fired oven" bullcrap. It's the place where people want (and often need) service NOW. Is the burger that takes 8 minutes to cook and is made with real ingredients better than a McBurger? Hell yes, that's not even a question. Is taking 8 minutes per customer even during a slow period, let alone a busy one, an option? Nope. Not at the airport it isn't.

Time and a place for everything. Airport is the time and place for fast food. If you hate McDonald's, then fine. It can be Burger King or Wendy's. Braums and Whataburger are really pressing it. Anything past that, feel free to leave the airport, there's a crapton of options right up Meridian.

Ok and that’s exactly what fast food places like Tucker’s, Schlotsky’s, Salt Lick, Moe’s and Cool Greens are for. They are all fast food type restaurants. I’ve never waited more than 5-10 minutes (usually no more than about 3) for my food at any of them unless there was a long line. I get the complaints about hours, but saying we don’t have quick food options that are as good or better or as quick as McDonalds is just wrong. Even Cross Grain usually doesn’t take much more than 10 minutes to get your food to you. I probably fly out of the airport 3-4 times a month and have and have no complaints other than hours. Maybe I’m just not that picky. More options would be great but the current ones aren’t bad.

Just curious about the idea of sit down restaurants at the airport. How many here would go early to eat a sit down meal before a flight or stay after a flight to eat at the airport vs. leaving the airport and finding a restaurant?

I think our selection of restaurants is fine. I think the vendor needs to step up their staffing and adjust their hours though. Delaware North has been awful for many years.

If the service were better and hours more consistent I think we’d be okay. I do agree that a McDonald’s would be good, if it were staffed right.

I think for a non-hub airport we have a good selection of vendors. Hours and staffing could use some improvement, I agree with that.

The one area where I think we could improve is having a nice food option for everyone in the unsecure side of the airport. We frequently travel and have friends or family drop us off, or we will drop of friends and family that is returning home from visiting us. We will make it to the airport pretty early to make sure there are no issues with checking luggage, last minute change, long TSA lines, etc. When I’m flying by myself I’ll just go through security and call it good and hang out airside. But with family I might not see again for a year or more it’s often nice to spend that last hour hanging out and visiting for the long goodbyes before separating to go through TSA. There really aren’t any good “social” spots or food options for situations like that.

So I really really hope that with the new visitor platform we might see some sort of casual sit-down food option. Between plane spotters, people waiting and seeing people off, and groups saying their last goodbyes, it feels like there should be some demand for a service like that.

Ok and that’s exactly what fast food places like Tucker’s, Schlotsky’s, Salt Lick, Moe’s and Cool Greens are for. They are all fast food type restaurants. I’ve never waited more than 5-10 minutes (usually no more than about 3) for my food at any of them unless there was a long line. I get the complaints about hours, but saying we don’t have quick food options that are as good or better or as quick as McDonalds is just wrong. Even Cross Grain usually doesn’t take much more than 10 minutes to get your food to you. I probably fly out of the airport 3-4 times a month and have and have no complaints other than hours. Maybe I’m just not that picky. More options would be great but the current ones aren’t bad.

That would be fine - if all those places you mentioned actually had reasonable hours and were located. Coolgreens angers me more than anything - they're slow and close early yet occupy some seriously prime real estate IMO. Coffee Bean is an objectively terrible experience as well. Early morning flight? Forget about it - they're either closed or the line is insane. Not to mention it's just not that good.

Those of you who want to say I'm complaining just to complain - you can think what you want. To me these are glaring shortcomings at our airport. If someone disagrees, so be it. I used McDonald's and Starbucks as an example, not to say I'd rather have them as opposed to local options.

^^^^^^^
Agree the hours of operation need serious extending. If just the coffee place was open......

I think for a non-hub airport we have a good selection of vendors. Hours and staffing could use some improvement, I agree with that.

The one area where I think we could improve is having a nice food option for everyone in the unsecure side of the airport. We frequently travel and have friends or family drop us off, or we will drop of friends and family that is returning home from visiting us. We will make it to the airport pretty early to make sure there are no issues with checking luggage, last minute change, long TSA lines, etc. When I’m flying by myself I’ll just go through security and call it good and hang out airside. But with family I might not see again for a year or more it’s often nice to spend that last hour hanging out and visiting for the long goodbyes before separating to go through TSA. There really aren’t any good “social” spots or food options for situations like that.

So I really really hope that with the new visitor platform we might see some sort of casual sit-down food option. Between plane spotters, people waiting and seeing people off, and groups saying their last goodbyes, it feels like there should be some demand for a service like that.

I agree with all of this. One airport that is similar in size as OKC although with fewer passengers per year (~2,000,000) is Manchester, NH (https://www.flymanchester.com/at-the-airport/terminal-map/) (MHT). They have pre-security food options with Dunkin' Donuts and a local pub upstairs near security, and downstairs at baggage claim they have a freestanding kiosk-style Starbucks and a nice lounge/seating area where you can hang out with high top tables, vinyl bench seating and club chairs with ottomans with convenient electrical outlets. They also have an indoor observation area on the top floor that is accessible pre-security with a panoramic view of the apron and the main runway and wooden rocking chairs...pretty great. Overall they do a terrific job with these passenger and guest amenities. If they can do it, we can.

I guess people haven’t figured out that when we don’t support what we have, the stores/restaurants keep cutting back. When I’m at the airport there is rarely any kind of line at any of them. I’ve never had a problem getting coffee, pastry, grab and go breakfast, etc. But, admittedly, when I arrive at the airport here I rarely look for somewhere to go for a sit down dinner there and then go home to my wife.
A sit down restaurant works better in a hub than it does at the end of a spoke. The only times that I have had that kind of meal When traveling has been on a flight connection. When working out at DIA there have been a few times that I have eaten at a sit down place there, usually for all day work day. I know they have added quite a few new places, my firm did the Brother's BBQ and Breckenridge Brew Pub locations there. I worked on the original design and renderings for the space bid before I went on medical leave.

A sit down restaurant works better in a hub than it does at the end of a spoke. The only times that I have had that kind of meal When traveling has been on a flight connection. When working out at DIA there have been a few times that I have eaten at a sit down place there, usually for all day work day. I know they have added quite a few new places, my firm did the Brother's BBQ and Breckenridge Brew Pub locations there. I worked on the original design and renderings for the space bid before I went on medical leave.

Root Down in Concourse C is my favorite airport restaurant, especially their breakfast.

I think for a non-hub airport we have a good selection of vendors. Hours and staffing could use some improvement, I agree with that.

The one area where I think we could improve is having a nice food option for everyone in the unsecure side of the airport. We frequently travel and have friends or family drop us off, or we will drop of friends and family that is returning home from visiting us. We will make it to the airport pretty early to make sure there are no issues with checking luggage, last minute change, long TSA lines, etc. When I’m flying by myself I’ll just go through security and call it good and hang out airside. But with family I might not see again for a year or more it’s often nice to spend that last hour hanging out and visiting for the long goodbyes before separating to go through TSA. There really aren’t any good “social” spots or food options for situations like that.

So I really really hope that with the new visitor platform we might see some sort of casual sit-down food option. Between plane spotters, people waiting and seeing people off, and groups saying their last goodbyes, it feels like there should be some demand for a service like that.

Absolutely this.

IMO two places I would never seek out for food options: Hospitals & Airports. The food is usually overpriced and bland.

Now, it would be nice if you had some options like local teputable food restaurants & fast food. Hours of operation would favor a fast food establishment that could avail itself 24/7.