I’ve never been to an airport club. What is that?

Membership lounges or day pass. Amenities will vary but usually free alcohol, food and nice place to sit and relax. Clean bathrooms. Some are airline specific like the Delta Skyclub or AA Admirals club. Some are connected o credit cards like the AMEX Centurion Club, Chase Saphirre Club or the Capital One Clubs. Some are private like "the Club".

I primarily use Delta Skyclubs and Amex Lounge. If you have a platinum AMEX, it gives you access. (Have to be on Delta flight for Delta Skyclub though but Amex gets you in)

https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/overview

We are losing service left and right, and you think airlines will put lounges here?

Membership lounges or day pass. Amenities will vary but usually free alcohol, food and nice place to sit and relax. Clean bathrooms. Some are airline specific like the Delta Skyclub or AA Admirals club. Some are connected o credit cards like the AMEX Centurion Club, Chase Saphirre Club or the Capital One Clubs. Some are private like "the Club".

I primarily use Delta Skyclubs and Amex Lounge. If you have a platinum AMEX, it gives you access. (Have to be on Delta flight for Delta Skyclub though but Amex gets you in)

https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/overview

We were considering upgrading our AmEx to get Skyclub access. This year is a bit abnormal as we have already taken 6 flights and still have at least 4 more scheduled. But most years, we just have about 4 flights. Do you think it would even be worth it to upgrade?

It does not need to be an airline-branded lounge. All we would need is a Priority Pass network lounge similar to the one going in Tulsa. This would be a great place to grab a bite to eat before a flight or a drink.

https://flytulsa.com/news/tulsa-international-airport-announces-plans-for-new-terminal-lounge/

We are losing service left and right, and you think airlines will put lounges here?

Enplanement/Deplanements continue to raise so the service we are losing is being more than made up with other routes.


It does not need to be an airline-branded lounge. All we would need is a Priority Pass network lounge similar to the one going in Tulsa. This would be a great place to grab a bite to eat before a flight or a drink.

https://flytulsa.com/news/tulsa-international-airport-announces-plans-for-new-terminal-lounge/

I wouldn't hold my breath. Some of the biggest airports in the US like DEN and LAX don't even have a priority pass lounge. Honestly it's pretty shocking Tulsa would get one given it's size.

Press release:

***********


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-psBPTAU09g

OKC Airport Trust reveals new name and brand for Will Rogers World Airport, honoring community input and its namesake
08/27/2024

The Oklahoma City Airport Trust is proud to reveal the new name for the busiest commercial airport in Oklahoma: OKC Will Rogers International Airport. The name was approved by the Oklahoma City Council this morning.

The brand launch can be viewed in this video. It was influenced by research on nearly 100 airports, 14 peer airport site visits and, most importantly, valuable community input that recommended adding OKC to the name and continuing the legacy of Will Rogers as its namesake.

Modified from Will Rogers World Airport, OKC Will Rogers International Airport retains the connection to Will Rogers’ aviation legacy, but also adds the international airport code by featuring the city’s most internationally prevalent moniker - OKC - and addresses an increasingly global audience with the addition of “International.”

The new name will become visible across the airport in the coming months, in an identity rollout that complements destination and terminal enhancements.

“Promotion of the Airport and the community drove the name and logo change,” Airports Director Jeff Mulder said. “Adding OKC and International to the name helps us identify and market the airport and community to airlines and businesses around the world.”

Multiple interviews with local community leadership and more than 5,500 respondents from a public survey supported adding an Oklahoma City identity, keeping the “Will Rogers” namesake and adding International to the airport's name.

“The refreshed brand identity comes at a time when Oklahoma City, as a home base and destination, is actively investing in infrastructure citywide, and this gateway brand serves as a welcoming beacon for visitors and residents alike,” Mulder added.

I wouldn't hold my breath. Some of the biggest airports in the US like DEN and LAX don't even have a priority pass lounge. Honestly it's pretty shocking Tulsa would get one given it's size.

Priority Pass lounges are geared toward smaller airports. Quebec City airport, for example, has a simple small lounge with simple food service throughout the day. DEN and LAX do not have Priority Pass lounges because they have Capital One, AMEX, and airline-branded lounges. Airports are obviously going to give priority to airlines and credit cards when leasing out lounge space.

https://www.aeroportdequebec.com/en/airport-services/vip-lounge

https://www.belfastcityairport.com/Lounge

That's a pretty solid video for the airport. Also I like the logo/animation.

Got it... so I will just continue calling it the OKC airport, as will about every single person I know...

We were considering upgrading our AmEx to get Skyclub access. This year is a bit abnormal as we have already taken 6 flights and still have at least 4 more scheduled. But most years, we just have about 4 flights. Do you think it would even be worth it to upgrade?

If you travel, it is worth it as alot of the benefits are geared towards travel. The fee for business plat is $695. This article explains how the benefits add up. Just last week I went to 3 Delta skyclubs and one AMEX lounge. That is approx $200 in entry fees in addition to the alcohol and food I consumed. This last year I got a $450 warranty claim on a dishwasher that went out 6 months after the factory warranty expired (AMEX extends warranty by 1 year), a $150 savings on fixing a cell phone and a $300 travel insurance claim for a delayed flight requiring a uber ride to another airport and hotel room for night. This is an addition to the other credits and benefits the card gives me. I average a $1000-$2000 return per year on my card.

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/is-the-platinum-card-from-american-express-worth-its-annual-fee

Got it... so I will just continue calling it the OKC airport, as will about every single person I know...
It’s probably not about what OKCitians call it, but about what everyone outside of here thinking or planning to travel to here call it and think about it. Positioning by branding can be powerful.

It’s probably not about what OKCitians call it, but about what everyone outside of here thinking or planning to travel to here call it and think about it. Positioning by branding can be powerful.

this is exactly right ..

because people in the metro don't even say OKC airport they just say i am going to the airport ..

this is exactly right ..

because people in the metro don't even say OKC airport they just say i am going to the airport ..

:iagree::yeahthat::iagree::yeahthat:

I think I usually say Will Rogers if I am talking to someone about it, so I am glad they kept that. I have certainly never included the World Airport part.

The issue is most people here say Will Rogers, but outside of Oklahoma, no one refers to it as Will Rogers. They say the OKC airport. I understand that the Airport Trust is trying to expand its brand and make it more brand friendly.

We were considering upgrading our AmEx to get Skyclub access. This year is a bit abnormal as we have already taken 6 flights and still have at least 4 more scheduled. But most years, we just have about 4 flights. Do you think it would even be worth it to upgrade?

Lounge access is the single biggest perk of a premium travel card. Amex Plat, Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Cap One VentureX all include it. Makes flying so much better. A bit of quiet, a glass of wine and comfortable seating make long layovers so much more bearable.

Am I in the minority that I feel like we spent all this money to create this buzz about a new name and all we did was replace one word with a synonym?

I mean we could have changed from Will Rogers to some other name. Maybe pick someone that didn't die in a plane crash this time for one of our airports. Just saying. It's an ongoing joke about the OKC airports among anyone that flies regularly. Do you really want that to be why people remember your airport?

I mean on one hand I get it, other than calling it OKC, what do you do that makes people tie the name to OKC and not a person. Just seems like an awful lot of effort to "rebrand" was sort of overblown. And until we consistently have international flights, does this even mean anything? We can call ourselves the OKC International Aviation Hub Crossroads of America....but it doesn't mean much if there isn't actual activity. We don't have the square footage but dont over sell yourself like Pittsburgh. The has-been hub that sits mostly empty now. And that's how it's remembered, for what it USED to be. I'd prefer OKC be remembered and thought of for what it is in reality. It does a very good job of that reality too. Just with we had fewer regional jets and actual real Boeing or Airbus planes making our flights.

Am I in the minority that I feel like we spent all this money to create this buzz about a new name and all we did was replace one word with a synonym?

I mean we could have changed from Will Rogers to some other name. Maybe pick someone that didn't die in a plane crash this time for one of our airports. Just saying. It's an ongoing joke about the OKC airports among anyone that flies regularly. Do you really want that to be why people remember your airport?

I mean on one hand I get it, other than calling it OKC, what do you do that makes people tie the name to OKC and not a person. Just seems like an awful lot of effort to "rebrand" was sort of overblown. And until we consistently have international flights, does this even mean anything? We can call ourselves the OKC International Aviation Hub Crossroads of America....but it doesn't mean much if there isn't actual activity. We don't have the square footage but dont over sell yourself like Pittsburgh. The has-been hub that sits mostly empty now. And that's how it's remembered, for what it USED to be. I'd prefer OKC be remembered and thought of for what it is in reality. It does a very good job of that reality too. Just with we had fewer regional jets and actual real Boeing or Airbus planes making our flights.

It's not just about the name. They also changed the imagery and logos, I believe.

It's not just about the name. They also changed the imagery and logos, I believe.

Correct, the Will Roger's World name and accompanying logo of "Will" on top of the world were due for a branding upgrade. With the momentum of "OKC" being the identifier thanks to things like Thunder Basketball and generally accepted abbreviation on maps, addresses, and everyone with a checked bag tag who travels to Oklahoma City, etc, this seemed like an easy transition as the Will Rogers namesake probably showed declined knowledge of his status within the airport's research.

Great video! Good to see solid marketing for an airport we should be proud of.

https://thepointsguy.com/news/airport-name-change-oklahoma/

While the new name isn't bad, I wish we weren't changing it. We definitely needed some modernization of the logo, but I didn't see anything wrong with the Will Rogers World Airport name... and in fact I liked that it was rather unique. Just like how we were once unique in having the only state capital building without a dome. Eh, it is what it is though, and we could've done a lot worse!

While the new name isn't bad, I wish we weren't changing it. We definitely needed some modernization of the logo, but I didn't see anything wrong with the Will Rogers World Airport name... and in fact I liked that it was rather unique. Just like how we were once unique in having the only state capital building without a dome. Eh, it is what it is though, and we could've done a lot worse!

I thought I was the only one that liked the word "World" in the name and thought it was unique. You know, it really encompasses the whole international concept lol

A new OKC website is scheduled to roll out in November with "the new brand colors, the new wordmark of the name and other brand elements," Hamm said.

Thank god

I thought I was the only one that liked the word "World" in the name and thought it was unique. You know, it really encompasses the whole international concept lol

yeah same. Changing it to international was pretty unnecessary and took away any uniqueness to it.

I thought World Airport was really unique and cool. I think International is a downgrade.

I like the word World too but I think international is better since most airports are branded international it would people from other countries similar to how the word taxi is universally used around the world.

I like the word World too but I think international is better since most airports are branded international it would people from other countries similar to how the word taxi is universally used around the world.

That’s what everyone else is saying. They like “World” because it’s unique, versus international which is slapped on every commercial airport. Also, if someone from another country picks Oklahoma City to travel to because the airport is marketed as an international airport instead of a world airport, they’re going to be in for quite a culture shock.

? Im not following.

If most airports are called International, then why would someone from another country be shocked just at OKC being called Int'l.? And, unlike most "International" branded airports in this country - OKC will soon have international nonstop flights. So, Im not following why someone would have a shock that OKC is named International. To me, World is the shocker - especially since at least the late 1970s OKC had no scheduled flights outside of the US.

Really, World should apply to the world hubs, International just means literally to other countries (which could just be Mexico and/or Canada). How many airports branded as International, have regularly scheduled flights to other countries? Not many, but OKC will be one of them soon.

This is the second or third time I have read someone definitively writing that there "will be international flights soon." I am very curious about this, and what the poster might know that others might not. The only thing I have read is that the airport is working on these flights, that it is a goal to have them, but if something has been confirmed, that would certainly be great information.

all speculation at this point. If I had to bet my money it would be a seasonal 2x weekly to Cancun with either Frontier, Southwest, or AA.

That's still scheduled international flights, whether it's daily, twice or more daily, or a few times weekly, seasonal.

And, it is reported the airport is courting 2 airlines for Cancun and other Mexico routes.

all speculation at this point. If I had to bet my money it would be a seasonal 2x weekly to Cancun with either Frontier, Southwest, or AA.

I don't see Southwest or AA doing P2P international flights from OKC. When was the last time Southwest even added a domestic route from OKC?? Frontier is probably the highest likelihood but the only city smaller than OKC that they currently serve from Cancun is MFE (McAllen TX). The only cities smaller than OKC currently served from Cancun are Harlingen (Sun Country) and New Orleans (Spirit). I just don't see it happening anytime soon.

I don't see Southwest or AA doing P2P international flights from OKC. When was the last time Southwest even added a domestic route from OKC?? Frontier is probably the highest likelihood but the only city smaller than OKC that they currently serve from Cancun is MFE (McAllen TX). The only cities smaller than OKC currently served from Cancun are Harlingen (Sun Country) and New Orleans (Spirit). I just don't see it happening anytime soon.

Southwest has a lot of flights to that area of Mexico. I think they could easily make one work a couple days a week.

I don't see Southwest or AA doing P2P international flights from OKC. When was the last time Southwest even added a domestic route from OKC?? Frontier is probably the highest likelihood but the only city smaller than OKC that they currently serve from Cancun is MFE (McAllen TX). The only cities smaller than OKC currently served from Cancun are Harlingen (Sun Country) and New Orleans (Spirit). I just don't see it happening anytime soon.

I don't disagree with you. I think Frontier is probaby the most likely since their operations costs are lower than the others, it might be easier for OKC to throw them a subsidy.

That being said, if you look at AA and SWA from Cancun, they serve a handful of cities that I wouldn't call hubs or ever focus cities within their network. Just interesting and not totally crazy it wouldn't be either one of those.

AA
19155

SWA
19156

I think a better chance would've been if Allegiant were allowed to merge with VivaAerobus. That could've opened up a lot more routes from secondary U.S. airports to places like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas. Flight times from OKC to CUN and SJD would be around 2.45 hours

Frontier is probably the highest likelihood but the only city smaller than OKC that they currently serve from Cancun is MFE (McAllen TX).

Frontier doesn't actually fly that route. They are partnered with Volaris and they are the ones operating that flight. All of Frontier's international flights go through a relatively large hub so I don't see it happening at all regardless of the subsidy they try to give them. They only fly to DEN and LAS from OKC so I would be shocked if they would add an international route before another domestic one.

That's still scheduled international flights, whether it's daily, twice or more daily, or a few times weekly, seasonal.

And, it is reported the airport is courting 2 airlines for Cancun and other Mexico routes.

what’s been scheduled? There aren’t even planned international flights here yet.

what’s been scheduled? There aren’t even planned international flights here yet.

Honestly, if we are looking to subsidy someone to go international, why not bring an entierly new airline! Avelo would be a great fit! They are expanding at a breakneck pace, prefer servicing small and mid-size airports like us and they fly to Cancun as well! Would also love to have another non stop to Florida and California. I still find it amazing the only non stop we have to California, THE biggest state in the nation is a little plane on American!

Can someone please contact the airport authority and throw the idea at them, I think it would stick! They don’t have a big presence in our region and are headquartered in Houston.

nothing's been scheduled yet. It's all planning. (my post you're referring to was in response to someone, not that OKC has scheduled Int'l service yet, hence my second sentence).

I'd bet the city would get at least one international airline, maybe two, considering the routes would be more than just tourist. We'll have to see how it all shakes out in the next few months, anything now is speculation.

Oklahoma City airport, AAA baseball and USL soccer teams have decided to rebrand.

https://journalrecord.com/files/2024/08/km-airport-name-page-1-e1724787890863-875x548.png

OKC Will Rogers International Airport

One down and two to go . . .

Oklahoma City airport, AAA baseball and USL soccer teams have decided to rebrand.


One down and two to go . . .

to be clear USL team has not decided to rebrand .... they are looking into that possibility ..

Hopefully we get a least a couple of international flights.

With World Airport, it was a funny joke that we somehow still have a 'World' airport that doesn't go anywhere outside the US.

Its just sad when our airport is an international, but doesn't has international flights. The joke is somehow less funny.

Hopefully we get a least a couple of international flights.

With World Airport, it was a funny joke that we somehow still have a 'World' airport that doesn't go anywhere outside the US.

Its just sad when our airport is an international, but doesn't has international flights. The joke is somehow less funny.

I mean, there are probably 20 international airports in the US that don't have them. Not as uncommon as you think. Lol

Any shot Allegiant comes back after they get all their problems worked out and they start flights to Cancun.

I mean, there are probably 20 international airports in the US that don't have them. Not as uncommon as you think. Lol

Including one we already ahve in this state.

Any shot Allegiant comes back after they get all their problems worked out and they start flights to Cancun.

Allegiant doesn't have international flights

Hopefully we get a least a couple of international flights.

With World Airport, it was a funny joke that we somehow still have a 'World' airport that doesn't go anywhere outside the US.

Its just sad when our airport is an international, but doesn't has international flights. The joke is somehow less funny.

It just means there is a CBP facility which enables the airport to handle international flights. It doesn't mean there are scheduled international flights.

Allegiant doesn't have international flights

Oh I thought they did or they have been looking into it for years.

Oh I thought they did or they have been looking into it for years.

Yeah unfortunately the DOT has blocked a potential JV between Allegiant and VivaAerobus that would've opened up a ton of new flights between secondary U.S. cities and beach destinations in Mexico.

https://simpleflying.com/allegiant-viva-aerobus-dot-request-reconsider-joint-venture/

to be clear USL team has not decided to rebrand .... they are looking into that possibility ..

We'll see how this plays out, I stand corrected--one down and one to go :D

Pete - should we now change the title of this thread to 'OKC - Will Rogers International Airport'?

From the airport FB page:

"Parking Made Easier with Mobile Pay at Will Rogers International Airport!

Say goodbye to parking hassles! Will Rogers International Airport has introduced Mobile Pay—a faster, easier way to pay right from your mobile device, with no app download or registration needed. Whether you're in a hurry or just looking for a convenient option, Mobile Pay gets you in and out faster! Traditional payment methods with a cashier are still available for current ticket holders, making the transition seamless for all. "

The issued parking ticket stub, when entering the lot, will have a QR Code on it. When leaving, scan the Code with your phone, select preferred payment method and pay. When leaving the lot, insert the paid parking ticket into the machine.

New airport website is up and operational.

https://flyokc.com/

Press release:

***********

2024 marks all-time high for passenger traffic at OKC Airport
01/15/2025

Over 4.6 million travelers flew in and out of OKC Will Rogers International Airport in 2024, setting another passenger traffic record.

For the 2024 calendar year, 4,602,573 passengers passed through the airport, surpassing 2023 numbers by 4.60% or 202,524 travelers.

“Our growing community and strong economy continue to be reflected in our airline passenger numbers,” Director of Airports Jeff Mulder said.

Air service enhancements played a key role this year, with United Airlines increasing service to Chicago and Houston, Frontier Airlines adding more departures to Las Vegas and Denver, Southwest adding more frequency to Nashville, Orlando, and Las Vegas, and American Airlines increasing service to Charlotte, Dallas, and seasonal service to Miami.

What kind of work are they doing at the airport along Meridian? I drive on SW 54th Street every day, and I can see where they've been doing some excavating on the west side of Meridian, north of 54th.

Shall we change the name of the thread to match the airport?

Great presentation from the airport director in the last trust meeting on the revised terminal expansion. Shows a very expanded terminal building with a Y expansion for the East Concourse and a further expansion of the West Concourse; giving 40 gates if fully built.

https://www.youtube.com/live/q0XPCYajzMI?si=ZVJHGOkErARNJBQ4&t=684

Airport director mentions this is around 20-30 years away, to be built at airport capacity milestones (first is to meet 6 million, last is 20 million); but it is very nice to see they're not resting on their laurels and that the old East Concourse linear expansion to 9 gates total has been abandoned and that they plan to modernize the terminal itself with a significant expansion making it larger and therefore more capable for additional attractions and amenities.

I honestly feel they should do the terminal headhouse expansion first, maybe within 5 years (?), which also removes the inner parking garages building new ones (already started) and the roadway to a much better initial linear configuration. He mentions that they will be getting started immediately to further prepare the airport for the 6 million milestone; citing Austin as an example peer airport/city that saw tremendous growth and the desire of OKC to stay ahead of it.

Great presentation from the airport director in the last trust meeting on the revised terminal expansion. Shows a very expanded terminal building with a Y expansion for the East Concourse and a further expansion of the West Concourse; giving 40 gates if fully built.

https://www.youtube.com/live/q0XPCYajzMI?si=ZVJHGOkErARNJBQ4&t=684

Airport director mentions this is around 20-30 years away, to be built at airport capacity milestones (first is to meet 6 million, last is 20 million); but it is very nice to see they're not resting on their laurels and that the old East Concourse linear expansion to 9 gates total has been abandoned and that they plan to modernize the terminal itself with a significant expansion making it larger and therefore more capable for additional attractions and amenities.

I honestly feel they should do the terminal headhouse expansion first, maybe within 5 years (?), which also removes the inner parking garages building new ones (already started) and the roadway to a much better initial linear configuration. He mentions that they will be getting started immediately to further prepare the airport for the 6 million milestone; citing Austin as an example peer airport/city that saw tremendous growth and the desire of OKC to stay ahead of it.

Let's focus on getting each hub covered! But I love that they have plans for growth!

if you read between the lines, I think there may very well be a direct correlation between a new airport master plan with expansion and easier/increased ingress/egress 'and' an increased flight route map (which likely may include all hubs to start). I totally agree that we need to focus on getting the hubs fully reestablished but this effort does not have to be mutually exclusive, and in-fact, may help the cause of flight restoration by showing airlines we're serious about expanding and enhancing the facility.

Airport Director seems extremely bullish on preparing OKC to meet the 6 million mark, since we've exceeded 4.6 million; only 1.3+ million to meet the next milestone. If the AD thinks we should adopt the plan and begin focus on it now; then he probably also has plans for adding additional service now as well.