Of note is that the TSA proposals would limit the elimination of screenings to airports serving planes with something like fever than 60something seats, and that people connecting to other flights would have to go through a normal screening process at the connecting airport.

I think airports complaining about having to have a new “stateside” terminal separated from all their “airside” terminals will stop this in the tracks. It would eliminate gate flexibility at those airports, and they would incur costs to build new security terminals as well.

Don’t know if it’s changed in the last couple of years, but in Tel Avi, the screening was WAY more than here. I went through scanners separate from my bags which were scanned and waiting on the other side of my screening. I then had to unpack and repack my bag in front of two agents who occasionally also picked up and inspected items. Then the bags were taken out to the tarmac by the plane. When we went out to board, we had to go identify which bags were ours and then we boarded and our bag loaded. If everyone was boarded and there was a bag or more left, we would have to de-board and start the identification over.

Yeah that sounds way worse, and nothing like what I saw. As a matter of fact I remember in the documentary them talking about not having near the scanners and whatnot that we do. Not doubting your experience at all, as I feel like what you are saying is what I'd expect, that's why I found the documentary interesting. I'll see if I can find it as I'm sure it was online somewhere.

Don’t know if it’s changed in the last couple of years, but in Tel Avi, the screening was WAY more than here. I went through scanners separate from my bags which were scanned and waiting on the other side of my screening. I then had to unpack and repack my bag in front of two agents who occasionally also picked up and inspected items. Then the bags were taken out to the tarmac by the plane. When we went out to board, we had to go identify which bags were ours and then we boarded and our bag loaded. If everyone was boarded and there was a bag or more left, we would have to de-board and start the identification over.

For what it’s worth, positive bag match is a thing here in the USA too for international flights. I’ve had to offload 145 bags on a 737 to cancun once to find a bag that the passenger didn’t show up for. After 25 minutes of unloading and reloading the passenger stumbled up to the gate drunk from the bar and they boarded and we had to load his bag.

I also work the Narita trip fairly often and it happens on occasion but it’s easier since all the bags are loaded in containers. We know exactly which container to pull and from there it only takes a few minutes to dig around in it and find the bag.

For some reason everyone that misses a flight and needs their bag pulled has a black roller bag.

WRWA should conduct a study toward long-term (10-15 year) capital improvements plan.

WRWA should conduct a study toward long-term (10-15 year) capital improvements plan.YES. But, you know, that might be a little too eye-opening. If our growth continues at 10% this year, then we average 5% growth over 15 years, that 15th year we would have over 8.6 million passengers. Would even the currently-planned, built-out terminal accommodate that? It's more than double what is traveling through the airport now.

Not to derail the conversation but is PDX really a hub? I can't think of what airline hubs there besides the mini-hub Alaska Airlines does with its Horizon unit.

PDX used to be an international gateway hub for Northwest Airlines (mainly to Japan iirc) which became Delta. This was cut and now I don't think there's ANY international out of PDX anymore. Perhaps Catch can educate us since he lived there but I think the reason PDX is so nice is because it USED to be a gateway (along with they probably just wanted a nice airport to compete) but no longer is.

I just think prospective is important, especially when we compare OKC to other airports/markets.

DL definitely still flies PDX-NRT. There are also AC and AM flights to Canada and Mexico which are also international.

YES. But, you know, that might be a little too eye-opening. If our growth continues at 10% this year, then we average 5% growth over 15 years, that 15th year we would have over 8.6 million passengers. Would even the currently-planned, built-out terminal accommodate that? It's more than double what is traveling through the airport now.

I’m afraid the terminal building itself will hit capacity before the concourses. The master plan takes WRWA through year 2050 I believe, however it was done on very conservative estimations of traffic. It does include a third concourse jetting out to the south. (Makes a large “ T “ out of all 3 concourses. While that will provide gate capacity, the terminal building will be too small to handle that I think, especially since we have little connecting volume.

since this is the airport thread, I figured I would ask here, and perhaps bring back some memories.

Back in the early 90's when I was a kid, I remember when we would go to the airport, there would be these seats with a TV built-in. I think you had to pay a quarter or something like that for them to work. Am I remembering this right?

Yes. You are right. TVs to pass the time.

Loved Hot Rod's thoughts on the old observation tower. I, too, remember putting the dime in the turnstile to visit the observation deck. Good memories and wish it was still there. As for the terminal outgrowing itself, are we talking about the same airport? Everytime I go to the airport everybody comes out of the gate areas at the same small area and feels more like a big city bus station than a big city airport. A lot of neat things at WRWA, but a crowded terminal doesn't seem to be of any concern in the near future. In fact, coming home to Will Rogers I've heard many whispers of surprise at how quiet the airport is. A huge positive that I'm always impressed with is the cleanliness and general upkeep of the facility. Folks at the airport, no offence meant, it just is what it is, which honestly is kind of refreshing after a day at O'Hare or any number of truly busy chaotic airports.

it does get really cramped when several flights arrive at the same time or even moreso, when there are several departures in a row. ...

Hey Josh,

How does this program with Priority Pass work? (If you know) Is it the vendor who signs up to be in it or the airport and reimburses the vendor? This would be an awesome thing for Cross Grain Brewhouse.

https://thepointsguy.com/news/priority-pass-adds-new-restaurant-us/?utm_source=TWITTER&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=100000283516778&utm_term=editorial

Hey Josh,

How does this program with Priority Pass work? (If you know) Is it the vendor who signs up to be in it or the airport and reimburses the vendor? This would be an awesome thing for Cross Grain Brewhouse.

https://thepointsguy.com/news/priority-pass-adds-new-restaurant-us/?utm_source=TWITTER&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=100000283516778&utm_term=editorial

Looking into it. I noticed that a February story references "free-standing" restaurants as their partners. I was looking at the list to see if any of the restaurants belonged to a master concessionaire (Delaware North, HMSHost, etc.). How it would work is Priority Pass would have a contract with the airport, likely because they manage a lounge there. They would then work out a reimbursement system with the partner restaurant. The two questions I will try to get answered: 1) Do they partner in airports that do not have a lounge yet (GSP's common use lounge was set to open this fall, SYR doesn't look like it has one)? 2) Would/Do they partner with restaurants that are a part of a master concessionaire contract (all the restaurants in OKC)?

Looking into it. I noticed that a February story references "free-standing" restaurants as their partners. I was looking at the list to see if any of the restaurants belonged to a master concessionaire (Delaware North, HMSHost, etc.). How it would work is Priority Pass would have a contract with the airport, likely because they manage a lounge there. They would then work out a reimbursement system with the partner restaurant. The two questions I will try to get answered: 1) Do they partner in airports that do not have a lounge yet (GSP's common use lounge was set to open this fall, SYR doesn't look like it has one)? 2) Would/Do they partner with restaurants that are a part of a master concessionaire contract (all the restaurants in OKC)?

Just as a reference, IIRC, PP had no lounge in Denver and then one day Timberline Bar and Grill popped up.

https://newsok.com/article/5605696/airport-authority-gives-final-approval-to-plans-for-will-rogers-terminal-expansion.?

Final approach: $65 million OK’d for renovation of Will Rogers terminal

By: Brian Brus The Journal Record August 23, 2018

OKLAHOMA CITY – The city Airport Trust approved the final construction plans Thursday for $65.3 million in renovations and expansion of Will Rogers World Airport’s terminal building and related facilities.

Airports Director Mark Kranenburg said the primary goal of the project is to increase gate capacity because Will Rogers has only one leasable gate now, which limits marketability to other airlines.

The city also needs to stay on pace with the federal Transportation Security Administration’s passenger-checking processes, officials said. To more efficiently accommodate travelers, the airport will build a new security checkpoint with more space on both sides of the scanning equipment.

The Oklahoma City office of Frankfurt-Short-Bruza Associates has been contracted to design and oversee the project, which includes a new concourse, four new gates, more concessions and larger reception lobbies. As the space is designed now, passenger greeting takes place in a narrow lobby immediately adjacent to the TSA checkpoint and is split by escalators to the baggage claim area.

Rick Johnson, FSB’s chief operating officer, described the new design as something more akin to a “town square.” The design will also provide visitors with upstairs, panoramic views of the airfield with more seating space on the pre-check side of TSA.

Johnson said he felt good about the budget so far.

“As good as we can,” Johnson replied to trust members. “The tariffs and things – there are some issues we are trying to mitigate. We hired a second estimator and went through another estimating process to be sure we were comfortable with the numbers we were putting forward.

“There was a lot of discussion about the impact of tariffs,” he said of President Donald Trump’s realignment of international trade. “There’s some unknowns we have done our best to predict.”

Construction will be funded by general airport revenue bonds paid by passenger facility charges and revenue.

The trust expects to receive bids for the construction by the end of October with work beginning in the first quarter of 2019. It is the third and final phase of a plan that developed out of a long-range study conducted about 25 years ago.

Airports spokeswoman Karen Carney said the expansion plan speaks well of city leaders’ foresight decades earlier when the trust acquired plenty of land on the southwest part of the metro for future expansion.

That space is needed now, according to airport data. In June, about 208,000 passengers got on planes at the city-owned airport, an increase of 20,000, or 10.6 percent, from the same month in 2017. For the calendar year to date, Will Rogers reported an 11.7-percent increase.

surprised there's no actual comments yet from anyone. I for one am elated with this, they can't build this soon enough.

Here's a direct link to the film https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=ZlayuVpgeiM
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=ZlayuVpgeiM)

surprised there's no actual comments yet from anyone. I for one am elated with this, they can't build this soon enough.

Here's a direct link to the film https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=ZlayuVpgeiM
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=ZlayuVpgeiM)I think It's very important they are building it now too. They might even be a little behind the curve actually. American might actually want another gate now. If Delta tries to add JFK or LAX they might want another gate gate. Southwest, if they increase MCO and try to add any CA routes to connect us to their Hawaii flights they may also want a fourth gate. That's just existing carriers that I can see possibly wanting 3/4 new gates.

You'd think the airlines would be communicative enough with the airport that they'd know if they should do something drastic like go ahead and get started on the east terminal while they were at it...

I think It's very important they are building it now too. They might even be a little behind the curve actually. American might actually want another gate now. If Delta tries to add JFK or LAX they might want another gate gate. Southwest, if they increase MCO and try to add any CA routes to connect us to their Hawaii flights they may also want a fourth gate. That's just existing carriers that I can see possibly wanting 3/4 new gates.

Delta was just fine with 3 gates when they had about 20 flights a day. They’ve really consolidated everything through Atlanta with larger equipment and fewer frequencies (and closing MEM/CVG). I think they are down to 12 or 13 flights a day. They actually probably utilize their gates the least of the big 4. American is probably the only one close to needing extra gates. Southwest used to have 23 flights a day and they’ve piled back over the past 5 years to about 17.

Hopefully we see some actual usable F&B options. Coolgreens is such a waste of space it's insane.

Hopefully we see some actual usable F&B options. Coolgreens is such a waste of space it's insane.

Why? I truly don't know. Hours of operation? I love having the option of good, healthy food at the airport from one of my favorite local restaurants.

Why? I truly don't know. Hours of operation? I love having the option of good, healthy food at the airport from one of my favorite local restaurants.

Yeah that was my thought as well. I thought cool greens was a nice addition.

Yeah that was my thought as well. I thought cool greens was a nice addition.I agree. I love having cool greens at the airport. I wish it was more centrally located, though.

I agree. I love having cool greens at the airport. I wish it was more centrally located, though.

True. It seems like most of the F&B complaints, other than operating hours and general operating issues, are from those who want a specific option that we don't have or want our F&B options to be a carbon copy of other airports. With the new restaurants that have been added over the last few years, we really have a solid variety of food options available now. Having more would be great, but I feel like the selection is pretty good now especially for a small, non-hub airport.

As a compliment to the airport staff, Josh or someone else must be listening to the complaints because the operating hours of a few of the restaurants seem to have improved. I flew out late on Friday night (around 9 PM) and both Cross Grain and Schlotzsky's were still open and serving people when I boarded my plane at 8:30. I was able to grab a great burger and beer from Cross Grain when on previous trips, everything was closed around 8:00.

True. It seems like most of the F&B complaints, other than operating hours and general operating issues, are from those who want a specific option that we don't have or want our F&B options to be a carbon copy of other airports. With the new restaurants that have been added over the last few years, we really have a solid variety of food options available now. Having more would be great, but I feel like the selection is pretty good now especially for a small, non-hub airport.

As a compliment to the airport staff, Josh or someone else must be listening to the complaints because the operating hours of a few of the restaurants seem to have improved. I flew out late on Friday night (around 9 PM) and both Cross Grain and Schlotzsky's were still open and serving people when I boarded my plane at 8:30. I was able to grab a great burger and beer from Cross Grain when on previous trips, everything was closed around 8:00.

This is good to hear. We continue to address complaints with the Delaware North manager, especially regarding early closures. The more you send us specific info, the more it helps us. Email us at wrwa@okc.gov to contact us directly.

Why? I truly don't know. Hours of operation? I love having the option of good, healthy food at the airport from one of my favorite local restaurants.

No doubt it's a healthy option and their food isn't bad at all. But they're not open for breakfast, and they're not open for dinner. There is literally no place to get breakfast on that side of the airport if you have an early flight. And I'm not taking 5 AM, I'm talking at 7 AM. My wife and i would've loved to have a breakfast option at 6 AM on that side of the airport. Literally every other airport we transit has at least one option (even my hometown AZO). In my opinion an airport with limited F&B options like OKC deserves better.

Not sure if they've extended their evening hours but I find it insane that they've never been open past 6 PM at least in my experience. Maybe OKC's airport management aren't aware that there are many flights that depart after 6 PM.

No doubt it's a healthy option and their food isn't bad at all. But they're not open for breakfast, and they're not open for dinner. There is literally no place to get breakfast on that side of the airport if you have an early flight. And I'm not taking 5 AM, I'm talking at 7 AM. My wife and i would've loved to have a breakfast option at 6 AM on that side of the airport. Literally every other airport we transit has at least one option (even my hometown AZO). In my opinion an airport with limited F&B options like OKC deserves better.

Not sure if they've extended their evening hours but I find it insane that they've never been open past 6 PM at least in my experience. Maybe OKC's airport management aren't aware that there are many flights that depart after 6 PM.

no1cub17, this is exactly the type of information that we need, but with specifics. Give me a date/time when Rt. 66 was not open by 7AM. We look into these complaints immediately and try to get a handle on whether it was an anomaly (personnel shortage) or if it is an operational decision by Delaware North management. Looking through security footage of the past 7 days (8/20-8/26), Rt. 66 was open for breakfast before 5:15AM each day except Sunday, when they opened at 6:30AM.

As for Coolgreens not being open after 6PM, it is very difficult for them to remain open when they would see only a handful of customers after that hour. As the total number of customers slims in the evening, Delaware North focuses their evening staff on keeping the more frequented food options open for a longer period of time. Rt. 66 Bar and Grill is going to be the choice of more passengers in that situation.

No doubt it's a healthy option and their food isn't bad at all. But they're not open for breakfast, and they're not open for dinner. There is literally no place to get breakfast on that side of the airport if you have an early flight. And I'm not taking 5 AM, I'm talking at 7 AM. My wife and i would've loved to have a breakfast option at 6 AM on that side of the airport. Literally every other airport we transit has at least one option (even my hometown AZO). In my opinion an airport with limited F&B options like OKC deserves better.

Not sure if they've extended their evening hours but I find it insane that they've never been open past 6 PM at least in my experience. Maybe OKC's airport management aren't aware that there are many flights that depart after 6 PM.

Got it. Yeah, those hours don't seem very diner-friendly. They should develop a simple breakfast menu--Tucker's did for their airport location. Delicious!

If cool greens can't stay open downtown for dinner then I don't see that happening for the airport. Personally, I'd like to see BOTH happen.

Who wants a salad for dinner tho

1) They have more than just salads
2) You can get a pretty hardy salad
3) Have you tried Salata? GIANT salads and wraps, more than enough to fill anyone up for any meal

Perhaps a concept that has a wider range of selections should be in the coolgreens location? A concept that can survive off breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Schlotzsky's added the self order kiosk, that helped speed up my purchase the other day. Good addition there

Perhaps a concept that has a wider range of selections should be in the coolgreens location? A concept that can survive off breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

I agree with this. I think Coolgreens isn't the type of place that can stand by itself. If it were the same kiosk type restaurant in the food court area, I bet business would be booming as people would have CHOICE between it and other options. By itself, Meh.

I'd advocate for WRWA to relocate Coolgreens to the central concourse area near Sonic/Schlotsky's etc and put something like McD/Burger King at the current Coolgreen's spot. Not that I like or want McD/BK there but THEY would bring the crowds as a single tenant and would cover breakfast/lunch/dinner and late night.

It just tickles me to death this thread has now come full circle. We should get rid of the chains and go local all the way back to we should get a McDonald’s!

in the one available kiosk slot in the West Concourse, yes. A national draw. Full spectrum food options. Yes, McDonalds or the like to the West Concourse.

Local belongs where it will feed off others, the Central Concourse - particularly Cool Greens which is a niche restaurant to begin with.

I think once the East Terminal expansion is built there will be more concession space and probably more choice of food options.

As much as I don’t like them, at least keep it local and put a Braums in there.

I think Braums would be a great addition as long as they staffed it properly and kept it clean. They seem to have problems with this at their stores

Braums, McDonalds, Jack In the Box, Whataburger whoever - that serves mainstream breakfast and lunch/dinner who passing traffic would recognize in a single kiosk and patronize. That's my point.

I'd LOVE for Whataburger to be there but I suspect they would need more room than just kiosk size, ditto that for JITB and Braums. McD uses concourse kiosks in other airports and they are very well patronized and offer the full meal spectrum in very reasonable hours; hence why I used them as an example.

Braums, McDonalds, Jack In the Box, Whataburger whoever - that serves mainstream breakfast and lunch/dinner who passing traffic would recognize in a single kiosk and patronize. That's my point.

I'd LOVE for Whataburger to be there but I suspect they would need more room than just kiosk size, ditto that for JITB and Braums. McD uses concourse kiosks in other airports and they are very well patronized and offer the full meal spectrum in very reasonable hours; hence why I used them as an example.

I would kill for a Whataburger, honey butter chicken biscuit for my morning flights and then a BBQ chicken sandwhich when I return home in the evening!! I also think a Dunkin' Donuts would be a good get

I would kill for a Whataburger, honey butter chicken biscuit for my morning flights and then a BBQ chicken sandwhich when I return home in the evening!! I also think a Dunkin' Donuts would be a good get
A Dunkin' would be awesome for morning flights!

It just tickles me to death this thread has now come full circle. We should get rid of the chains and go local all the way back to we should get a McDonald’s!

Why can't we have both? I posted this earlier in this thread - but we literally never set foot in McDonalds or Starbucks... except for at airports. There's something about a quick and predictable option (that's normally actually open all day) that makes both of them a perfect fit for airports IMO. Yes coolgreens is good and healthy but it is absolutely zero use to me if they're never open. Plus Starbucks reliably carries Fiji water!

yes, those were my points.

Plans are out to bid to General Contractors on the expansion project. Current bid date is set for early October so they might get this work underway before the end of the year.

Some more images / plans:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa090318a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa090318b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa090318c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa090318d.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa090318e.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa090318f.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa090318g.jpg

it's not very big from a size standpoint compared to the rest of the terminal complex, but this new addition will truly modernize Will Rogers and bring us out of the third world as far as competing with other major cities. With the expansion we will finally have an airport that can accommodate multiple flights to a single destination via multiple airlines; notice right now airlines serve basically one or two cities, not many serve the same city via multiple airlines (Dallas and Denver excluded). Yet at other major cities this is the case and provides a bit of competition. With the new gates this allows OKC to enter that mix, which is crucial for conventions and large scale events where airlines may want to offer flights - even if they are charter. Not to mention the potential International, beyond canada which has US CIS already.

I need not mention the modern amenities the expansion will bring - which will truly bring an identity to Will Rogers unlike any other airport. Now this is what will set OKC apart the most and will give the city a much needed boost for all the things being built downtown and elsewhere.

^ “third world” is a touch hyperbolic, no? I’ve landed at a “third world” airport, Stillwater’s would have been world class

Outside of the morning rush, gate space is not an issue for any airline. OKC just isn’t a strong enough market to support multiple flights to some of these destinations.

sorry, should ahve said 'tier' which is what I meant, third tier.

I've been a big fan of our little airport because of its ease. Not having to mess with the crap of parking/etc at a place like DFW for me originating flight, i'm very happy with WWRA. It's east in/out, fast lines (even on the busy days, the security line really isnt that bad compared to other places).

You want to see how NOT to run an airport, look at places like Houston Bush. So to call it tier 3, i just dont buy it. The purpose of WRWA airport is VERY different than the tier 1 city airports (which we are not tier 1). No international flights (and do we really need them?). Not a major hub for anything else (and no thank you to be honest). So i just ask that people keep the purpose of our airport in mind when they do comparisons. Since there are no captive audiences at our airport, the food options are also not something to compare. You're not going to be changing planes in OKC, so we dont really need to entertain you while you're here. Most of the people in our airport are there for 2 hours at most, including security check.

I've been a big fan of our little airport because of its ease. Not having to mess with the crap of parking/etc at a place like DFW for me originating flight, i'm very happy with WWRA. It's east in/out, fast lines (even on the busy days, the security line really isnt that bad compared to other places).

You want to see how NOT to run an airport, look at places like Houston Bush. So to call it tier 3, i just dont buy it. The purpose of WRWA airport is VERY different than the tier 1 city airports (which we are not tier 1). No international flights (and do we really need them?). Not a major hub for anything else (and no thank you to be honest). So i just ask that people keep the purpose of our airport in mind when they do comparisons. Since there are no captive audiences at our airport, the food options are also not something to compare. You're not going to be changing planes in OKC, so we dont really need to entertain you while you're here. Most of the people in our airport are there for 2 hours at most, including security check.

^^^^^^Agree 100%. Count me a big, grateful fan of WRWA. Most of the people I know, too, who travel a lot love how easy it is. Would it be nice to have more non-stop options, sure, more airport amenities, sure, but understanding what our market can sustain, I think our airline service and amenities are pretty nice. And I like that the admin out there is pretty proactive at continual improvement.

Hey Josh. Have you guys ever considered adding call buttons to the parking shuttle canopies? Today was the third straight afternoon flight I've had to walk to the terminal from daily parking due to lack of shuttle service.

On my last travel to OKC, the rental car confirm booked thru SW Air was emailed to me. It clearly said the Avis Rental counter and the rental car were both at the WRWA Terminal.

I am aware the off-property rental car facility has been there over a year but the ticket was so explicit, I spent a few minutes looking for it before heading to the facility. After renting the car, l asked the rep about the misprint as to would be responsible, she said it was not her company, try the airline since I rented through their portal. SW claims it is the airport. l will call them but l thought l would see if anyone on here knew who is responsible for completely wrong info about the rental car counter location?

On my last travel to OKC, the rental car confirm booked thru SW Air was emailed to me. It clearly said the Avis Rental counter and the rental car were both at the WRWA Terminal.

I am aware the off-property rental car facility has been there over a year but the ticket was so explicit, I spent a few minutes looking for it before heading to the facility. After renting the car, l asked the rep about the misprint as to would be responsible, she said it was not her company, try the airline since I rented through their portal. SW claims it is the airport. l will call them but l thought l would see if anyone on here knew who is responsible for completely wrong info about the rental car counter location?

I wonder if the airport owns the land the rental car facility sits on. So it’s technically “still at the terminal”? More than likely SW hasn’t updated their system

It’s likely a database hasn’t been updated. When you think of how many destinations an airline serves and the amount of detail they have to keep up with at each one, it is very understandable for things to get lost.

Not that it makes it right, but it’s an easy mistake.

I've been a big fan of our little airport because of its ease. Not having to mess with the crap of parking/etc at a place like DFW for me originating flight, i'm very happy with WWRA. It's east in/out, fast lines (even on the busy days, the security line really isnt that bad compared to other places).

You want to see how NOT to run an airport, look at places like Houston Bush. So to call it tier 3, i just dont buy it. The purpose of WRWA airport is VERY different than the tier 1 city airports (which we are not tier 1). No international flights (and do we really need them?). Not a major hub for anything else (and no thank you to be honest). So i just ask that people keep the purpose of our airport in mind when they do comparisons. Since there are no captive audiences at our airport, the food options are also not something to compare. You're not going to be changing planes in OKC, so we dont really need to entertain you while you're here. Most of the people in our airport are there for 2 hours at most, including security check.

Bomber (and others), I agree with what you're saying and didn't mean to demean our airport. But it is a tier 3 and shouldn't be. It's tier 3 due to its lack of amenities not necessarily lack of flights - look at who we compete with then compare our amenities to them. THATS what I'm talking about and it has nothing to do with non-stops to NYC because we have that and our competition doesnt; I'm talking about an engaging experience that has some sort of draw inside, I've spent many posts with my ideas on this.

However, I do disagree with you about your assessment of the OKC market or captive audience, just look at the number of posts here where people complain about the lack of food hours or options - there IS a captive market in OKC that isn't being filled OR there can build one if we put in amenities people want or recognize at the right spots. Theres nothing wrong with adding a national food vendor in the concourse - other tier 3 airports do similar and have much more success with the airport experience. In my opinion, OKC should be a tier 2 airport and therefore strive to compete with the other tier 2s, get some things they have and staff them better.

I say this in advance of the new convention center opening, in which OKC will have much more traffic coming in from other tier 2 markets. We need our airport to also be tier 2 to complete the OKC experience - we can't just have a nice downtown when the face of the city is stuck in 1960s with a 2000s makeover. What about fully free wifi (not just free but contracted via Boingo or whatever)? What about at least one national vendor that everybody recognizes, particularly in the small kiosk of the concourse (ive mentioned this a million times)? What about some of the parking and shuttle ideas being floated? What about doing something big with the space in the downstairs formerly held by the rental cars (like some restaurant/retail and OKC themed retail)? What about raising the ceiling downstairs to bring it out of the 1960s and maybe reconfigure the luggage belts to allow more space? What about adding a piano to the airport and having somebody play it? What about trying to get a Chili's Too (or the like) that you find at many tier 2 and higher airports? What about adding a real museum explaining why OKC's airport is a "World" airport? What about a children's play yard area pre and post security?

You see the theme? These ideas captivate the traveling public giving them choices to stay at the airport longer even if there are few if any connections. We wouldn't need to staff this stuff 24/7 but it should be open for some sort of stated hours that align with the flight schedules. Finally, I personally think there is way too much OU ads at WRWA - and I am one of the biggest OU fans despite not going there. Just screams small time for OKC as a city in that OU is our only option. Not saying there can't or shouldn't be any advertisements but I think it should be rethought to determine what message we're trying to send to someone not familiar with OKC.

Bomber (and others), I agree with what you're saying and didn't mean to demean our airport. But it is a tier 3 and shouldn't be. It's tier 3 due to its lack of amenities not necessarily lack of flights - look at who we compete with then compare our amenities to them. THATS what I'm talking about and it has nothing to do with non-stops to NYC because we have that and our competition doesnt; I'm talking about an engaging experience that has some sort of draw inside, I've spent many posts with my ideas on this.

However, I do disagree with you about your assessment of the OKC market or captive audience, just look at the number of posts here where people complain about the lack of food hours or options - there IS a captive market in OKC that isn't being filled OR there can build one if we put in amenities people want or recognize at the right spots. Theres nothing wrong with adding a national food vendor in the concourse - other tier 3 airports do similar and have much more success with the airport experience. In my opinion, OKC should be a tier 2 airport and therefore strive to compete with the other tier 2s, get some things they have and staff them better.

I say this in advance of the new convention center opening, in which OKC will have much more traffic coming in from other tier 2 markets. We need our airport to also be tier 2 to complete the OKC experience - we can't just have a nice downtown when the face of the city is stuck in 1960s with a 2000s makeover. What about fully free wifi (not just free but contracted via Boingo or whatever)? What about at least one national vendor that everybody recognizes, particularly in the small kiosk of the concourse (ive mentioned this a million times)? What about some of the parking and shuttle ideas being floated? What about doing something big with the space in the downstairs formerly held by the rental cars (like some restaurant/retail and OKC themed retail)? What about raising the ceiling downstairs to bring it out of the 1960s and maybe reconfigure the luggage belts to allow more space? What about adding a piano to the airport and having somebody play it? What about trying to get a Chili's Too (or the like) that you find at many tier 2 and higher airports? What about adding a real museum explaining why OKC's airport is a "World" airport? What about a children's play yard area pre and post security?

You see the theme? These ideas captivate the traveling public giving them choices to stay at the airport longer even if there are few if any connections. We wouldn't need to staff this stuff 24/7 but it should be open for some sort of stated hours that align with the flight schedules. Finally, I personally think there is way too much OU ads at WRWA - and I am one of the biggest OU fans despite not going there. Just screams small time for OKC as a city in that OU is our only option. Not saying there can't or shouldn't be any advertisements but I think it should be rethought to determine what message we're trying to send to someone not familiar with OKC.

As the airport is currently laid out, where would you put any new restaurants? There is not any space for one. Let's see who the airport gets for the expansion, in terms of retail and dining establishments. The terminal is not designed well in terms of getting more dining present. I do not think putting those types of establishments at the area where you are leaving the airport will do any good. I agree that our airport could improve. It might be that they need a new dining contract (Delaware north may have run their course, and a new voice may need to be heard). But there is little they can do with no space available.

Bomber (and others), I agree with what you're saying and didn't mean to demean our airport. But it is a tier 3 and shouldn't be. It's tier 3 due to its lack of amenities not necessarily lack of flights - look at who we compete with then compare our amenities to them. THATS what I'm talking about and it has nothing to do with non-stops to NYC because we have that and our competition doesnt; I'm talking about an engaging experience that has some sort of draw inside, I've spent many posts with my ideas on this.

However, I do disagree with you about your assessment of the OKC market or captive audience, just look at the number of posts here where people complain about the lack of food hours or options - there IS a captive market in OKC that isn't being filled OR there can build one if we put in amenities people want or recognize at the right spots. Theres nothing wrong with adding a national food vendor in the concourse - other tier 3 airports do similar and have much more success with the airport experience. In my opinion, OKC should be a tier 2 airport and therefore strive to compete with the other tier 2s, get some things they have and staff them better.

I say this in advance of the new convention center opening, in which OKC will have much more traffic coming in from other tier 2 markets. We need our airport to also be tier 2 to complete the OKC experience - we can't just have a nice downtown when the face of the city is stuck in 1960s with a 2000s makeover. What about fully free wifi (not just free but contracted via Boingo or whatever)? What about at least one national vendor that everybody recognizes, particularly in the small kiosk of the concourse (ive mentioned this a million times)? What about some of the parking and shuttle ideas being floated? What about doing something big with the space in the downstairs formerly held by the rental cars (like some restaurant/retail and OKC themed retail)? What about raising the ceiling downstairs to bring it out of the 1960s and maybe reconfigure the luggage belts to allow more space? What about adding a piano to the airport and having somebody play it? What about trying to get a Chili's Too (or the like) that you find at many tier 2 and higher airports? What about adding a real museum explaining why OKC's airport is a "World" airport? What about a children's play yard area pre and post security?

You see the theme? These ideas captivate the traveling public giving them choices to stay at the airport longer even if there are few if any connections. We wouldn't need to staff this stuff 24/7 but it should be open for some sort of stated hours that align with the flight schedules. Finally, I personally think there is way too much OU ads at WRWA - and I am one of the biggest OU fans despite not going there. Just screams small time for OKC as a city in that OU is our only option. Not saying there can't or shouldn't be any advertisements but I think it should be rethought to determine what message we're trying to send to someone not familiar with OKC.

.....do you want an airport or a one stop entertainment destination?