I wish this were true when I had a toddler a few years back but alas - I couldn't request assistance for anything let alone walking through the terminal. However, I do believe most airports do have a service for the blind and handicapped, families/toddlers = no.
It's true that they don't provide assistance for travelers with children unless the children are traveling alone, but that's basically what you face anywhere you go with children. Nobody ever said having children was easy. LOL. But all airlines and airports provide that service for people with true physical reasons why they need help. I do think many people abuse that service but that's another story.

The longest airport walk I’ve had by a lot is Salt Lake City’s new redesigned airport. It was a 20+ minute brisk walk from gate to exit.

for me it was Dulles. Wife, kids and I landed from Athens just 3 weeks ago. and we were at E1 and our connection was D22. it felt like over a mile. especially with 2 kids (5 and 7) they were tuckered out by the time we got to our gate.

Worst airport I've been to is Charlotte. I remember it being really spread out and our connecting flight was on the other end. Even utilizing people movers it took some time to get to the other side and barely made our connecting flight.

O'Hare is massive, and my flight from Hartford to ORD landed 10 minutes early, and I still missed my flight to OKC because of construction (and its sheer size). By far the worst, for me.

O'Hare is massive, and my flight from Hartford to ORD landed 10 minutes early, and I still missed my flight to OKC because of construction (and its sheer size). By far the worst, for me.

Yeah, was going to say O'Hare, we've had to walk many times to/from a gate at the end and it takes an incredible amount of time.

Luckily O'Hare is modernizing to reduce these types of experiences.

Luckily O'Hare is modernizing to reduce these types of experiences.

Good to hear, although I'm hoping to never set foot in it again, lol...

Midway is the way in CHI

Midway is the way in CHI

Last time I was in Midway they didn't have actual lines for going through security. It was a giant herd to the gate. It was a strange experience. I think it was under construction but I couldn't tell.

Last time I was in Midway they didn't have actual lines for going through security. It was a giant herd to the gate. It was a strange experience. I think it was under construction but I couldn't tell.

Yep, agree with bombermwc, waaaaaaaaaaay better than O'Hare. And we came back through Midway in Feb and again in Aug, there weren't really enough people for lines, so it was kind of a herd until you got close to the first screening point, but it was a small herd of about 20 people. We were there on a Sun afternoon, so other times may be more hellacious and they'd have the line "ropes" up (they are there, just weren't used).

Exactly 1/4 mile from new security to the west end.
17078

That’s from one end of Quail Springs to the other, or one trip back and forth at Walmart.

Not sure I understand trying to compare an airport with a mall or store. The challenges in each and The user's needs are very different.

Fair comparison of walking distances for what many feel is acceptable. I don’t think any argued their functions are even remotely similar. No problem walking a mile at the fair for a funnel cake while carrying a bag full of cinnamon rolls and oversized stuffed animals;, but 800 feet at the airport is too much of a burden.

Fair comparison of walking distances for what many feel is acceptable. I don’t think any argued their functions are even remotely similar. No problem walking a mile at the fair for a funnel cake while carrying a bag full of cinnamon rolls and oversized stuffed animals;, but 800 feet at the airport is too much of a burden.

Pulling bags, watching the children, time constraints with hard deadlines, a diversity of ages and physical conditions, etc., all make the airport requirements much different. Would much rather you guys just call out all people as lazy than trying to equate things that aren't the same.

Airport by and large are not very convenient to traverse just due to the fact that airplane wings can only park so close together. But that doesn’t change the distances. People complain about the distances at the airport but have no qualms over similar distances in other parts of daily life. That’s not calling anyone lazy.

Handling kids at the fair, or a busy store, is similar to an airport. As is having to navigate all three places while being restricted in your mobility. I’m not trying to argue that people complaining about our airport distances are lazy, or that our distances are necessarily “good”, I’m just comparing and pointing out that, for better or worse, they are not “unusual” compared to other frequently visited places in the metro.

Sometimes it also helps to compare a number with something people can easily picture. Saying 1/4 mile might not mean much to someone, but saying “it’s a walk through Quail Springs” or “It’s a walk from one end to Walmart to the other and back” is giving most people something they have experienced to for comparison.

That’s all.

Lol at people complaining about walking distance in airports. I guess when I get older it’ll bother me more but now I couldn’t care less and I actually enjoy it.

After having to take subways between terminals in Sea-Tac and Denver and Atlanta and walking entirely too far between terminals in Detroit and Minneapolis, these complaints about OKC's airport being too big fall a bit flat. As an aviation nerd with family in the Pacific NW, I love that OKC is growing and the airport is growing along with it. Hopefully Alaska adds a PDX route, and OKC even snags an international route in the future.

Exactly 1/4 mile from new security to the west end.
17078

thank you!

add in the E extension and we're probably to 1/3 mile. fully build out the extension concourse and we're at 1/2 mile. Not bad!

one point - SeaTac has only one terminal with 4 pier concourses and 2 satellites. SeaTac's subway connects the satellites with the piers and main terminal.

Agree with all your other points. :)

Plutonic - it's more of an issue for the older or those with non-stroller small children that its really a bummer trying to get between terminals for the connectors. Places like DFW figured it out (eventually). Some others, not so much.

PoliSci - sorry but i have to laugh at someone calling OKC's airport too big. That's just amusing with its little dinky size. We're like what 1/8 of DFW. Not even one full ATL terminal. I mean people walk more at Penn Square than they do at Will Rogers.

Talk about small terminals, try flying in or out of Sioux Falls SD. They dont ask you what air line, just where are you going. Yah that small. LOL. They have 4 gates. Last time a few years ago that I flew in, they still had just a parking lot across the street (drop of, pick up) from the terminal. No parking garage. The place felt very homey.

https://twitter.com/davidfholt/status/1436364720785743875


begins ops next week (new terminal)

The Mayor just tweeted that the new terminal will begin operation next week. Not sure what that entails, because the pic he included doesn't show any TSA equipment in place yet...

https://twitter.com/davidfholt/status/1436364720785743875

"Another huge milestone for OKC! Today, we unveiled the new expanded terminal @fly_okc, which begins ops next week. This allows us to capitalize on opportunities for more nonstop flights & it improves the visitor experience w/new dining & retail options coming in the next year."

I was there today and will be posting photos and moe info later.

The Mayor just tweeted that the new terminal will begin operation next week. Not sure what that entails, because the pic he included doesn't show any TSA equipment in place yet...

https://twitter.com/davidfholt/status/1436364720785743875

"Another huge milestone for OKC! Today, we unveiled the new expanded terminal @fly_okc, which begins ops next week. This allows us to capitalize on opportunities for more nonstop flights & it improves the visitor experience w/new dining & retail options coming in the next year."

moving TSA to the new area ..doesn't have to happen at the same time as the new area opening .. (not saying it won't .. )

There was a big press conference then I talked with airport personnel directly.

Here is the way it will break down:

Sept. 15th they open the new security checkpoint with 2 lanes while keeping the other two security areas open.
Sept. 22nd they should have 6 TSA lanes at the new security checkpoint and the other two will permanently close and become meeter/greeter lounges.
End of Sep. Delta will move to their gates in the new section of the terminal.
Oct. 18th the new Starbucks will open (this is just beyond the new checkpoint).
Early Nov. Vino Volo will open in the new section of the terminal

The rest of the new food, beverage and retail services will open throughout 2022.

At some point, if traffic warrants, they will have up to 8 TSA lanes at the new security location and could accommodate as many as 10 if need be.


I took a bunch of photos and will post them later.

A couple of quick photos:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/airport091021a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/airport091021b.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/airport091021c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/airport091021d.jpg

Looks great.

Plenty of space for Delta’s measly 12 flights a day.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/airport091021e.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/airport091021f.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/airport091021g.jpg

It's all very stunning in person. A great gateway into our city.

Press Release:

************

Will Rogers World Airport Welcomes First Visitors to Explore Terminal Expansion
Renovation brings observation gallery, streamlined security checkpoints and more

OKLAHOMA CITY, September 10, 2021 – Will Rogers World Airport hosted a sneak peak of the completed terminal expansion projects in the east concourse today, Friday, Sept. 10 at 10:30 a.m. The expansion, designed by FSB Architects + Engineers, an Oklahoma City-based, nationally recognized AE firm, adds 133,022 square feet to the existing 410,000 square-foot airport terminal. Timberlake Construction, also an Oklahoma-City based, company served as the General Contractor for this next generation terminal expansion.

"This terminal expansion is a tremendous step to elevating our city and meeting the growing demand for additional capacity at the airport, as it creates a new east concourse and adds four new gates," said Acting Airports Director for the City of Oklahoma City, Scott Keith. "This project will improve efficiency with a new security checkpoint, public circulation, large double volume space in the post security area, and a new wider concourse, with a focus on the customer experience. Moving forward, our visitors will encounter a beautiful viewing gallery in the heart of the terminal, featuring artwork in both the flooring and glass, with views not only over the airfield, but within the terminal as well.” Retiring Airports Director Mark Kranenburg stated, “It’s been exciting to watch this project evolve. We started conceptualizing this project in 2013 and I’m proud to have been involved with it. We appreciate FSB's thoughtful, modern design, which has anticipated the continued growth of our city and will serve residents and visitors well for years to come."

This $87 million project boosts Will Rogers World Airport as a top tier travel facility, attracting worldwide visitors and positioning Oklahoma City as a world-class travel destination. The expansion features four additional gates, new security checkpoint lanes and a non-ticketed area where friends and family of travelers can watch aviation activity. The variety of seating options, high-tech improvements, expanded shopping and dining amenities, and the commissioned artwork by Matt Goad viewable from the public mezzanine all provide visitors with a brand-new, elevated travel experience.

"The airport expansion represents a seminal milestone in Oklahoma City's continued growth," said FSB Principal John Semtner. "We have appreciated the experience working with City leaders, HOK, and Timberlake Construction to bring this vision to life. Today represents years of planning, research, and collaboration for the purpose of improving the overall Oklahoma City travel experience. It is an answer to the continually rising profile of this region and we are proud that it will represent the first impression visitors have of our city.”

“Timberlake Construction is proud to be part of one of Oklahoma City’s most important and iconic expansion projects. We are thankful for the opportunity to partner with our great team of local subcontractors who helped make this project a success,” said Bryan Timberlake, President and CEO of Timberlake Construction. “Without the teamwork of FSB, Matt Goad, Will Rogers World Airport staff, the OKC Airport Trust and many others, this project would not be possible. We look forward to many future projects with this great team!”

Timberlake and FSB's terminal expansion team also includes HOK as design architect, Jacobsen-Daniels Associates as airport programmer and planner, Duit Construction as the apron contractor and MacArthur Associated Consultants as civil engineer.

This terminal expansion also unveils a new assortment of retail shops and restaurants. Leading airport retailer and restaurateur Paradies Lagardère devised a concessions program featuring local favorites such as Plenty Mercantile, Tin Lizzie’s, Elemental Coffee, Hatch and Osteria; leading national brands including Starbucks, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Tripadvisor; and recognizable airport concepts like the award-winning Vino Volo.

“Will Rogers World Airport has been an outstanding partner and we’re absolutely thrilled to expand our offerings by introducing this world-class concessions program,” said Gregg Paradies, President and CEO of Paradies Lagardère. “With a balanced combination of iconic brands from the local and regional areas, complemented by leading national brands, we are delivering a unique lineup that will fully engage and excite travelers. We thank the airport, the OKC Airport Trust and the City for this opportunity and look forward to growing this program together.”



About Will Rogers World Airport
Will Rogers World Airport is the city's commercial airport and accommodates over three and a half million travelers each year. The airport now serves 22 nonstop airports with an average of 75 daily departures. Will Rogers World Airport is owned by the City of Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City Airport Trust oversees the management and operation of the airport.

It's all very stunning in person. A great gateway into our city.

Won't the new gate(s) allow for larger planes to facilitate future international flights? if so, how many?

Won't the new gate(s) allow for larger planes to facilitate future international flights? if so, how many?

Yes. One gate, 32, has been designed to accommodate international flights. Passengers will leave the jet bridge and be directed downstairs to clear customs. That space will be built-out with FSI when that time comes. I don't know, tho, if Gate 32 will be utilized for domestic flights in the interim.

It's all very stunning in person. A great gateway into our city.

That is just an unbelievable upgrade. Reminds me a bit of Love Field after the renovation. Will Rogers has always felt like an airport without an entryway/lobby compared to similar airports, this is such an improvement.

Yes. One gate, 32, has been designed to accommodate international flights. Passengers will leave the jet bridge and be directed downstairs to clear customs. That space will be built-out with FSI when that time comes. I don't know, tho, if Gate 32 will be utilized for domestic flights in the interim.

If the set up is similar to Houston Hobby's new terminal, I'm sure they'll use it for both domestic and international flights.

Press release:

***********

New Terminal and Checkpoint Opens This Week!
Allow for more time to find the right checkpoint for your ticket as we make this transition

OKLAHOMA CITY, September 13, 2021 –Travelers will start seeing some changes this week when they arrive to check-in for their flight. The long-awaited new terminal checkpoint will start processing passengers beginning Wednesday, September 15.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint will be moving to their new location on the East side of the terminal from the current position in the West terminal, but it will take a few days to fully transition. TSA is asking the public to allow for ample time to check-in and to navigate their way to the new terminal checkpoint area as they make this change from the old to the new.

The new checkpoint will allow for three (3) standard lanes and one (1) Precheck lane. By September 22, passengers will see two precheck lanes and four standard lanes to further expedite the screening process.

The checkpoint movement will begin Tuesday, below is the transition schedule and outlines where passengers will need to go.

Tuesday, (9/14) - The Annex checkpoint (overflow) will be closed for good.
Wednesday (9/15) – Precheck and standard passengers will use the current (old) checkpoint. All Delta, Frontier and Southwest Airlines passengers will use the new checkpoint.
Thursday (9/16) – All standard passengers will use the new checkpoint and all precheck passengers will use the current (West) checkpoint.
Friday (9/17) – All standard and precheck passengers will use the new checkpoint. The current checkpoint (old) will be closed for renovation to make way for a new meter greeter lobby.

Passengers can ask for directions at the Traveler’s Aide information booths and ticket counter agents are available to help. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and flyokc.com for updates.

I may have missed it somewhere, but I didn't see a date listed for the opening of the public observation deck. When is that supposed to be happening?

I may have missed it somewhere, but I didn't see a date listed for the opening of the public observation deck. When is that supposed to be happening?

I believe it will open tomorrow along with the first lanes of the new security area.

VeloCity article on the expansion:

https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/inside-okc/will-rogers-world-airport-welcomes-first-visitors-to-new-terminal-expansion/

Perhaps it is in the thread already. Now that the additional gates will be opening, is there any sort of timeline on the horizon for remodeling the older parts of the terminal in waves?

Perhaps it is in the thread already. Now that the additional gates will be opening, is there any sort of timeline on the horizon for remodeling the older parts of the terminal in waves?

I know one of the old security checkpoints will be converted to a greeter lounge.

And the new restaurants and retail will start opening this year and those changes will continue to roll out through 2022.

They are still working on the tunnel between the parking structures and the terminal.

I am flying out today and looking forward to seeing the expansion.

I went through the new security checkpoint yesterday. So much better than the old ones. Overall a great addition to the airport. I really liked the work desks, this is something all airports should have that have seatbacks, outlets and a wide work area for setting up a laptop. Looking forward to Starbucks, Vino Volo and Freddy’s opening

My initial thoughts are that the space looks great!

My only complaint was the wall between the ticket counters and the new area. That’s a very strange transition because the rest of the airport feels sectioned off from the new area.

This image shows what I am talking about.

https://i.ibb.co/rtRjshM/8-B897-BE7-14-C1-4734-8762-89745-B7262-ED.jpg (https://ibb.co/GJ46TDk)


I agree with the above poster about retrofitting the rest of the airport to match, going to the terrazzo floor would be a pretty quick and easy way to make it happen. The tile has always been very noisy, visually and acoustically.

Is there an entrance into this area from outside? Not having to check a bag is always nice because you don't have to deal with walking through all the congestion at airline ticket counters.

Can't remember if this has been mentioned, but Tropical Smoothie is opening in the airport.

They filed building permits a couple of days ago.

That would be awesome. Love that place.

I hate that TSA is so far from Gate 1. And with the remodel at the old TSA you got to walk really far to leave the airport, I would have left the aux TSA as an exit until the finished the TSA remodel. And barrel back to the bagged claims, delta and southwest are getting too much love and the other flyers are getting **** on


My initial thoughts are that the space looks great!

My only complaint was the wall between the ticket counters and the new area. That’s a very strange transition because the rest of the airport feels sectioned off from the new area.

This image shows what I am talking about.

https://i.ibb.co/rtRjshM/8-B897-BE7-14-C1-4734-8762-89745-B7262-ED.jpg (https://ibb.co/GJ46TDk)


I agree with the above poster about retrofitting the rest of the airport to match, going to the terrazzo floor would be a pretty quick and easy way to make it happen. The tile has always been very noisy, visually and acoustically.

I finally used the airport since the end of the remodeling. As much as I like the look of it, I agree with JDSonners on the TSA entrance and the fact it is at the end of the building.

Very weird layout.

I flew Breeze so dropped my luggage all the way to the west counter then walked all the way to the east, through TSA then all the way back to the west to Gate 1. I think it is approximately the same if you fly Alaska or United.

A more central entrance would make more sense.

The long-term plan is to add more gates to the east end so that would make it a bit more centralized.

But of course, the reason it's on the far east end now is that that's where they could build a big new addition without disrupting the rest of the airport.

This mural was approved at today's Art's Commission meeting for the big blank wall in baggage claim underneath the arrivals/departures/baggage carousel TVs. I really, really like it.

(I am assuming "Welcome to Oklahoma" won't literally be in Arial ;) ).

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FB_JOuUX0AMyv9m?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

I noticed last night that they are installing updated signage throughout the airport to match the signage of the new expansion. It looks really sharp. That translucent green was looking dated. If they would take the tile out and put in terrazzo floor it would dramatically update the rest of the airport.

Also, no Lyft or Uber rides around midnight. There were about 8-9 people trying to get a ride. I waited for 20 mins or so and went downstairs and got the only taxi cab available. That was a bit worrying especially since there is no public transportation. (Not that it would be running that late anyway)

This mural was approved at today's Art's Commission meeting for the big blank wall in baggage claim underneath the arrivals/departures/baggage carousel TVs. I really, really like it.

(I am assuming "Welcome to Oklahoma" won't literally be in Arial ;) ).

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FB_JOuUX0AMyv9m?format=jpg&name=4096x4096
This is awesome!

so I went to flyokc.com and it still has the old map. the new portion isn't on there. security isn't moved. the gates aren't added. As a flyer I almost always check out the website of where I'm flying to so I know what to expect and if there's anything of note near my expected gate. I also like to know for the flight back. I would understand if it was just a few days into the expansion being open but it's been over a month and they have been aware of it for months before.

https://flyokc.com/map#el-level-upper

so I went to flyokc.com and it still has the old map. the new portion isn't on there. security isn't moved. the gates aren't added. As a flyer I almost always check out the website of where I'm flying to so I know what to expect and if there's anything of note near my expected gate. I also like to know for the flight back. I would understand if it was just a few days into the expansion being open but it's been over a month and they have been aware of it for months before.

https://flyokc.com/map#el-level-upper

Interactive maps are great...until you have to make a change...then they can become a problem. I wouldn't expect an update any time soon, as the map will likely have to be rebuilt from scratch.

Wonder when the September numbers will get posted??

Interactive maps are great...until you have to make a change...then they can become a problem. I wouldn't expect an update any time soon, as the map will likely have to be rebuilt from scratch.

Wonder when the September numbers will get posted??

I totally get that but why leave the wrong one up. Make one that isn't interactive until you have the interactive one ready. Also they've know roughly what it would look like for 6 months. They should have been able to have an updated map in that time frame.

Looks great.