really it is close to time to build a 3rd garage

really it is close to time to build a 3rd garage
True, but they really should have made the new(-ish) one several stories taller.

A long term solution, especially given explosive growth would be to demolish the 2-story garage and replace it with 5-7 story garage that has a story or two for short term parking and the airport's new "premium parking".

In my proposal I think "straightening" out the departure and arrival roadways into a linear design would ease congestion; I have also modeled removing the current transportation plaza and replacing it with a tall superstructure that could be covered with glass. Oklahoma has fierce winters and blazing summers; not to mention the constant threat of severe weather. The current overhead pavilion structures do not protect you while waiting for a bus.

An advantage to the linear roadway would be the ability to expand the terminal northwards as the turn is straightened out.

I understand this will 100% not happen, but it's an idea I've had for a while but never posted on. I had some time today so I made a rendering in SketchUp.

https://i.gyazo.com/c8e3b2fd9b7306af442fa84ccf49e6f0.png
https://i.gyazo.com/7bf0801b3c2a75b58b04f89029311690.png
https://i.gyazo.com/6429d701c9404a39ed58dfb1e7612ee5.png

Here is a real life example:

https://www.pdxrelocate.com/city-images/portland-oregon-airport/l-pdx-5.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CGoQC_MUgAE96U3.png

A long term solution, especially given explosive growth would be to demolish the 2-story garage and replace it with 5-7 story garage that has a story or two for short term parking and the airport's new "premium parking".

In my proposal I think "straightening" out the departure and arrival roadways into a linear design would ease congestion; I have also modeled removing the current transportation plaza and replacing it with a tall superstructure that could be covered with glass. Oklahoma has fierce winters and blazing summers; not to mention the constant threat of severe weather. The current overhead pavilion structures do not protect you while waiting for a bus.

An advantage to the linear roadway would be the ability to expand the terminal northwards as the turn is straightened out.

I understand this will 100% not happen, but it's an idea I've had for a while but never posted on. I had some time today so I made a rendering in SketchUp.

https://i.gyazo.com/c8e3b2fd9b7306af442fa84ccf49e6f0.png
https://i.gyazo.com/7bf0801b3c2a75b58b04f89029311690.png
https://i.gyazo.com/6429d701c9404a39ed58dfb1e7612ee5.png

Here is a real life example:

https://www.pdxrelocate.com/city-images/portland-oregon-airport/l-pdx-5.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CGoQC_MUgAE96U3.pngSuch a good idea, and perfectly feasible.

Catch - great idea and renderings.

It should have been done originally with the added benefit of having rental car center right up front. But I think with the new expansion design, the curbed dropoff is here to stay.

Any updates or pictures on the expansion project? Josh?

https://twitter.com/davidfholt/status/1151887751031209986

Catch - great idea and renderings.

It should have been done originally with the added benefit of having rental car center right up front. But I think with the new expansion design, the curbed dropoff is here to stay.

I recently flew into Little Rock and really liked that they had the rental car operation at the base of the adjacent parking garage. It made getting a car and returning it super easy.

that's how OKC used to do it but they had to change with the TSA regs. SEA also used to have it like that but had to move to an offsite. LIT must have it far enough away from the terminal that they don't need a separate center.

that's how OKC used to do it but they had to change with the TSA regs. SEA also used to have it like that but had to move to an offsite. LIT must have it far enough away from the terminal that they don't need a separate center.

i don't think the move had anything to do with TSA

They added a tab on their website to a different site which take periodic snapshots of construction areas, plus also can get to a time laps if click on one of the camera views

https://app.oxblue.com/open/WRWATerminalExpansion

Is KOKC being affected by the B-737MAX problems? I just read that Southwest will stop flying at Newark because of the extended grounding (WSJ 7/26, page B1). Just curious.

Is KOKC being affected by the B-737MAX problems? I just read that Southwest will stop flying at Newark because of the extended grounding (WSJ 7/26, page B1). Just curious.

I’ve made A list preferred 2 years in a row and am a flight away from making again this year. Haven’t seen a max in okc or flown on one. I saw an article that said they sometimes use it for the okc-Vegas flight.

The real strain is the lack of capacity growth. Every flight is sold out and we basically don’t have a prayer for a new SW route till mid 2020

I’ve made A list preferred 2 years in a row and am a flight away from making again this year. Haven’t seen a max in okc or flown on one. I saw an article that said they sometimes use it for the okc-Vegas flight.

The real strain is the lack of capacity growth. Every flight is sold out and we basically don’t have a prayer for a new SW route till mid 2020

There wasn't really that many maxes in the airlines fleet, thank goodness. The grounding doesn't really help capacity growth. Airlines are sitting around waiting for a fix or they will finally just give up and go with Airbus which of course there is a huge amount of lead time required even if they did go this route. They are obviously hoping for a 737max fix.

There wasn't really that many maxes in the airlines fleet, thank goodness. The grounding doesn't really help capacity growth. Airlines are sitting around waiting for a fix or they will finally just give up and go with Airbus which of course there is a huge amount of lead time required even if they did go this route. They are obviously hoping for a 737max fix.This might be a dumb question, but is the MAX the only 737 still in production, or does Boeing still make a non-MAX 737?

This might be a dumb question, but is the MAX the only 737 still in production, or does Boeing still make a non-MAX 737?

Max is the only 737 to my understanding. Boeing put bigger more fuel efficient engines on the existing fuselage of a 737. There was not enough room in the wheel well for a bigger front landing gear so they moved the engines forward on the wings. This changed the flight profile of the 737 which changes training procedures and would cause a whole new round of re-certification for the FAA. To get around this, Boeing uses Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) to make MAX fly like a regular 737 which of course isn't working properly.

But I'm starting to stray off topic so I should probably stop.

Max is the only 737 to my understanding. Boeing put bigger more fuel efficient engines on the existing fuselage of a 737. There was not enough room in the wheel well for a bigger front landing gear so they moved the engines forward on the wings. This changed the flight profile of the 737 which changes training procedures and would cause a whole new round of re-certification for the FAA. To get around this, Boeing uses Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) to make MAX fly like a regular 737 which of course isn't working properly.

But I'm starting to stray off topic so I should probably stop.

Boeing is actually still producing the 737NG. It has been a slow, multi-year process to move the line over. I believe there are still several hundred orders for the non-MAX 737NG, including many for Delta.

Boeing is actually still producing the 737NG. It has been a slow, multi-year process to move the line over. I believe there are still several hundred orders for the non-MAX 737NG, including many for Delta.

Boeing has some very last deliveries to make of the 737-800 in commercial and more cargo but boeing is very much done with the NG.

Delta is expecting more than 250 new planes. All Airbus.

The 737max is aerodynamically flawed. The MCAS band aid did not work. It will be second semester 2020 before we see one again..
The Airbus 3200 family could take new motors without big modification and jeopardized the integrity of the frame, not the 737. I do know how they can fix that without going back to the drawing board.

Does anyone know if the OKC Airport Trust has any influence or control on the Meridian Ave corridor into and through the Will Rogers World Airportproperty? If there is one stretch of roadway that should be pristine and take care of...it's that one. As it is now, the road condition is less than ideal, right of ways look pretty shabby...not the best first impression of our fine city.

Does anyone know if the OKC Airport Trust has any influence or control on the Meridian Ave corridor into and through the Will Rogers World Airportproperty? If there is one stretch of roadway that should be pristine and take care of...it's that one. As it is now, the road condition is less than ideal, right of ways look pretty shabby...not the best first impression of our fine city.

Don't take family or friends down MacArthur to get to airport. That has to be one of the worst roads in the city. You would think that road would be taken care of better considering it goes to the FAA center.

I-44 between Airport Road and the river is also right up there for the ugliest stretch of highway in the city.

15575

One of the things that annoy me the most when I’m flying anywhere is the abundance of giant oversized vehicles sticking out of the parking spots at the ends of the parking garage. It just always feels like I’m trying to squeeze through a needle when I make turns. I always see people turning through the sections that are marked off rather than trying to turn between vehicles and columns.

It would be nice if those spots could be reserved for compact cars,
But that would likely make most those spots sit empty and unused.

15574

Go to the right of the pillar.....I know that cause well.....I drive a big suv

I was picking up a loved one up from a late flight earlier this week at WRWA and was noticing how dark the transportation plaza (where the shuttles arrive) on the lower level was...it was extremely dim and dingy. Why was it so dark...well, many, if not most, of the lightbulbs were burned out in the upward facing fixtures. As a prominent gateway for visitors...it definitely is not a good first impression...looked a little run down and uncared for. Not sure why the facility is not better maintained.

OGE will get right on that.

Not related : I thought it weird that uber/lyft pickups are designated to meet on the 2nd floor. There's no signs for it or anything.

Not related : I thought it weird that uber/lyft pickups are designated to meet on the 2nd floor. There's no signs for it or anything.

Yea the no signs thing is a bit lame, but the apps both tell you exactly where to go when opening the app from the terminal.

Not related : I thought it weird that uber/lyft pickups are designated to meet on the 2nd floor. There's no signs for it or anything.

There are signs. They are small and poorly designed, as if an intern was tasked with their creation and placement. You'd think we'd put a little more thought into helping people find their way.

I found it odd from a logistics perspective.

"Yes, I'd like to be picked up"
"Meet me in the departures"
"But I'm arriving here"
"I know"

I found it odd from a logistics perspective.

"Yes, I'd like to be picked up"
"Meet me in the departures"
"But I'm arriving here"
"I know"

Agree. Really need a proper, "big league city" transportation plaza. I made a rendering in post 1683

https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=32325&page=68&p=1080019#post1080019

I was picking up a loved one up from a late flight earlier this week at WRWA and was noticing how dark the transportation plaza (where the shuttles arrive) on the lower level was...it was extremely dim and dingy. Why was it so dark...well, many, if not most, of the lightbulbs were burned out in the upward facing fixtures. As a prominent gateway for visitors...it definitely is not a good first impression...looked a little run down and uncared for. Not sure why the facility is not better maintained.

I've noticed the same thing. It's an eerie feeling being down there when it's so dark. Ridiculous.

Pretty much the entire airport could use a face lift IMO. The garage elevators are always either broken or disgusting. OKC has come such a long way but in many ways our airport is utterly embarrassing.

I've noticed the same thing. It's an eerie feeling being down there when it's so dark. Ridiculous.

Pretty much the entire airport could use a face lift IMO. The garage elevators are always either broken or disgusting. OKC has come such a long way but in many ways our airport is utterly embarrassing.

okc has one of the nicest small/medium sized airports in the country

okc has one of the nicest small/medium sized airports in the country
It's easily one of the most convenient, but it's far far from being one of the nicest. It's grungy and things are consistently broken and run down.

The lights are definitely bad down there. Ive only had one (and it was recent) experience where both elevators in the garage were down...huffing it up 5 floors with my bag did totally suck.

But i would still say it's one of the nicer airports. Just from the perspective of it not being one that's pieced together from random 30 year separated add-ons helps a lot. It's EXTERMELY easy to get around and is clean and in good shape. John Wayne out in California is similar in size and it SUUUCKKKSS.

okc has one of the nicest small/medium sized airports in the country

This has been my experience as well. Maybe some of the haters can give us an example or two of some of the similar sized airports that are supposedly so much nicer than OKC.

This has been my experience as well. Maybe some of the haters can give us an example or two of some of the similar sized airports that are supposedly so much nicer than OKC.
One such example would be Raleigh. It's medium sized and is incredible.

One such example would be Raleigh. It's medium sized and is incredible.

Raleigh is a different level above OKC (like, 3 times the passengers, almost). Not really a comparable airport. Bradley in Hartford is OK, but I think OKC's is better (Bradley has about 6 million passengers). I think that is a better size-comp than RDU.

This has been my experience as well. Maybe some of the haters can give us an example or two of some of the similar sized airports that are supposedly so much nicer than OKC.
yep

This has been my experience as well. Maybe some of the haters can give us an example or two of some of the similar sized airports that are supposedly so much nicer than OKC.

Yup. People on the Omaha boards often discuss how WRWA should be the model for their airport - an airport that sees ~1 million more pax than we do.

Same here. I really love our airport. It is convenient, because small, but for a 4 millions passengers one, it has a great feeling and flow to it. Plus a good number of amenities. The extension\ renovations will make it even better.
I fly a decent amount and for this size, I am still looking for a better one.

Manchester (MHT) is similar in size, but they only see just less than 2 million per year (down from a high 15 years ago of 4.5 million pax) and it is kept up a little better than OKC--not a huge difference, but a bit better.

It's easily one of the most convenient, but it's far far from being one of the nicest. It's grungy and things are consistently broken and run down.
I travel a lot and don't find things at our airport grungy, broken or run down. I do agree though that the area just outside the terminal needs to be lit much better. There has been so much construction and remodel on the outside arrival and departure areas that it seems disheveled and dark. I'm hoping that when it is all completed it will be a much more inviting space.

I agree that the actual terminal is easier and nicer than others our size. When the new security area and new terminal space is finished it will be by far the nicest in our category and size... by a lot.

Manchester (MHT) is similar in size, but they only see just less than 2 million per year (down from a high 15 years ago of 4.5 million pax) and it is kept up a little better than OKC--not a huge difference, but a bit better.

Main plus to MHT is they have Dunkin Donuts!! I also like how their security in in the middle of the airport and not to one side like WRWA.

I think OKC has a great airport. I think there is room for improvement on the west concourse and terminal/transport plaza. It's not a bad first impression of our city though.

One thing I would love to see changed is removing the tile in the west concourse. It could be so much quieter if it was a smooth surface. Rolling suitcases create a loud clunk at every grout joint.

Main plus to MHT is they have Dunkin Donuts!! I also like how their security in in the middle of the airport and not to one side like WRWA.

True! Paht and pahcel for up there though, as they are on every othah street cornah.

IND is a fantastic airport, so too is BOI. OKC is still a pretty darn good airport, just some things can absolutely use some touching up.

Maybe they should take a page from Key West and have a bar in the baggage claims area. :D

One such example would be Raleigh. It's medium sized and is incredible.

RDU is quite nice. IND too. Although that was a brand new building, but still, it's impressive.


John Wayne out in California is similar in size and it SUUUCKKKSS.

Huh? For starters, SNA is WAAAAY busier than OKC will ever be. And it sucks? How? It's by far the most pleasant airport in the entire LA area IMO. It's well-lit for starters, and has decent enough food options for a busy spoke. What exactly sucks about SNA?

IND is a fantastic airport, so too is BOI. OKC is still a pretty darn good airport, just some things can absolutely use some touching up.
Indy is the 45th busiest airport at 4.415 million passengers. OKC #64 with 1.955 million.

One such example would be Raleigh. It's medium sized and is incredible.

Raleigh is 40th largest with 5.747 million passengers. OKC is 64th with 1.955 million.

I found it odd from a logistics perspective.

"Yes, I'd like to be picked up"
"Meet me in the departures"
"But I'm arriving here"
"I know"

It used to be down with the other arrivals and was a goat roping cluster @$&#. They would just loop around and hope to spot you. And you can always ask the Uber driver to pick you up wherever you want (a well known trick at SeaTac to avoid their Uber rodeo arena)
It's much easier with the dedicated parking spots on the ramp. Signage could be way better, I agree.

http://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2019/American-Airlines-Donates-Last-2-McDonnell-Douglas-MD-80-Aircraft-COMM-VOL/default.aspx

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/AAL9648/history/20191219/1500Z/KTUL/KOKC

Glad to see a staple of the skies of Oklahoma City have a home here. Hopefully MetroTech takes better care of this than the old AirTran DC-9 - that thing was rotten inside last time I was in it.

http://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2019/American-Airlines-Donates-Last-2-McDonnell-Douglas-MD-80-Aircraft-COMM-VOL/default.aspx

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/AAL9648/history/20191219/1500Z/KTUL/KOKC

Glad to see a staple of the skies of Oklahoma City have a home here. Hopefully MetroTech takes better care of this than the old AirTran DC-9 - that thing was rotten inside last time I was in it.

Very cool for CareerTech, but very sad for AA flyers in OKC either. Every time I see the S80 I'll be reminded of the good days when AA wasn't the clusterf*ck of an airline it is today, thanks to Dougie.

I find it interesting and neat that of the 8 MD-80's that AA has disposed of via donations, exactly half of them stayed within Oklahoma. From the first linked article:


2019: CareerTech in Oklahoma City
2015: Oklahoma State University School of Engineering in Stillwater, Oklahoma
2013: Tulsa Air and Space Museum in Tulsa
2011: Tulsa Tech in Tulsa

I can't remember if there's a separate thread for the terminal expansion, didn't see one in search but that's not always reliable. Scrolled back a few pages in this thread and didn't see any pics, but FYI significant steel work had been done when I flew out Friday.

I can't remember if there's a separate thread for the terminal expansion, didn't see one in search but that's not always reliable. Scrolled back a few pages in this thread and didn't see any pics, but FYI significant steel work had been done when I flew out Friday.

For pics the airport has a couple web cams up, which have both a recent snapshot and a time laps feature at https://app.oxblue.com/open/WRWATerminalExpansion

Terminal expansion progress:

https://i.imgur.com/fFt4eVt.jpg

Huh? For starters, SNA is WAAAAY busier than OKC will ever be. And it sucks? How? It's by far the most pleasant airport in the entire LA area IMO. It's well-lit for starters, and has decent enough food options for a busy spoke. What exactly sucks about SNA?

Let me tell you about my dentist, he does the most pleasant root canals.

I haven't been through all of the LA airports, and I have no problem with SNA, but LAX sucks in about every way.

Are they still planning on expanding the garage? I remember them approving it awhile ago, but haven't seen any movement, except the creation of the premium area.

Are they still planning on expanding the garage? I remember them approving it awhile ago, but haven't seen any movement, except the creation of the premium area.

i don't remember this do you know when that was approved??