Will Rogers World Airport

[catch22]

My point is, we should try to blend function and form. Our terminal building is very attractive, and so should the rest of the airport that our visitors see.

Just because you don't live in your garage, doesn't mean you should let it look like crap while the rest of your house looks wonderful.

[bradh]

I don't care how the garage looks, but it's function is crap. Its extremely too tight making the turns on the east end. It was not designed well at all.

[Just the facts]

Public buildings should reflect the collective civic pride of the population that they represent. Sadly, WRWA appears to nail it.

[SOONER8693]

Public buildings should reflect the collective civic pride of the population that they represent. Sadly, WRWA appears to nail it.

You are a real "piece" of work.

[HangryHippo]

Public buildings should reflect the collective civic pride of the population that they represent. Sadly, WRWA appears to nail it.

Agreed.

[Just the facts]

You are a real "piece" of work.

Are you saying WRWA isn't a good representation of the City at large? If so, then you should be agreeing with me. If not, then you should be agreeing with me.

[ljbab728]

Are you saying WRWA isn't a good representation of the City at large? If so, then you should be agreeing with me. If not, then you should be agreeing with me.

Kerry, I would absolutely say that. I think WRWA outshines the city at large.

[Just the facts]

Kerry, I would absolutely say that. I think WRWA outshines the city at large.

That is what I was afraid of.

[bradh]

That is what I was afraid of.

Just start your own message board if all you are here to do is thrown shade on everyone. Considering the terminal redo was done in 2007 (I think), which was before OKC really started to take off, I don't really see the complaints as valid (except for the ones from catch22, who had to deal with the backend of the terminal, which sounds like was definitely not designed by someone in the industry).

[Just the facts]

I guess I don't get it. I said WRWA was the airport OKC citizens deserve (and really I think the people of OKC deserve a better airport) and ljbab728 said it was a better airport than the people of OKC deserve - and you are directing your comment to me?

[bradh]

Your comment below:

Public buildings should reflect the collective civic pride of the population that they represent. Sadly, WRWA appears to nail it.

Takes a shot at the citizens of OKC, and I take offense to it. I personally don't see the huge hang up with WRWA's appearance, and you basically say it's mediocre and that matches OKC's citizen's civic pride.

[Just the facts]

I think WRWA is a poorly designed and unattractive airport. I think the people of OKC deserve better, much better. However, you and others seem to think it accurately reflects the collective values of the citizenry, and some even think it is better than the people deserve. Then when I finally acquiesce I am called out on it. If the shoe fits wear it. If not, build a better airport or at least admit the current one is substandard.

[adaniel]

Jesus, aren't you just a ray of sunshine this fine Monday Morning....

For what its worth, OKC is one of the higher rated airports in this part of the country, at least on Google. I'm not sure what you expect out of an airport, although if you find WR to be unattractive, I question how much you've really traveled. I think you just like to complain.

And yes, your response at #478 was quite rude.

[bradh]

I think WRWA is a poorly designed and unattractive airport. I think the people of OKC deserve better, much better. However, you and others seem to think it accurately reflects the collective values of the citizenry, and some even think it is better than the people deserve. Then when I finally acquiesce I am called out on it. If the shoe fits wear it. If not, build a better airport or at least admit the current one is substandard.

I'm not going to admit that it's substandard for my needs, because it's not. I also don't pretend to know everything and shoot down everything in OKC that doesn't fit some New Urbanist utopia. Compared to similar cities, I think WRWA's terminal is pretty nice. Large windows, clean, bright...I really don't know what else your average traveler needs. People like to compare OKC to Omaha, WRWA is way better than Eppley Airfield IMO.

[Just the facts]

So like I said, if you think WRWA is sufficient- great, you have the aiport you want and deserve. My personal standards are a little higher. Alas, there are far more of you than there are of me so you win. Since I am not lowering my standards I'll just lower my opinion. That should make everyone happy.

[Urbanized]

Now that you have managed to (again) belittle pretty much everyone who lives in Oklahoma City, what solutions do you offer short of demolishing and starting over? Which, by the way, is a ridiculous notion; the money bucket is not bottomless and there are roughly 1,000 more worthy public expenditures in this city that should come before razing and rebuilding from scratch what is today a serviceable (and recently remodeled) airport.

Specifics please; comments like "unattractive" are completely subjective and unhelpful. I don't doubt that there are a number of functional enhancements that could improve WRWA, but personally think the recent remodel did a fine job of touching all of the surfaces and giving the airport a clean and modern APPEARANCE.

And before you go too crazy wishing for amenities behind the security checkpoint, please recall that this airport functions completely differently than a hub in that there is very little time spend behind the checkpoints other than early arrival before a departure. WRWA doesn't have to entertain and feed layover and transfer passengers in the same way that a hub does.

Here, I'll start: I'd like to see improved dining/coffee/bar options on the public side of the security checkpoint so that people dropping off or greeting passengers could wait there, so that someone flying in/out could conduct a quick meeting, or so that people seeing off loved ones could spend a little time with them before they head through security. Another suggestion: since the remodel was planned pre-9/11, the TSA checkpoint(s) were a late addition and feel that way. I'd like to see them tied into the building a little less awkwardly (I believe this is in the current plans).

Do you have any CONSTRUCTIVE suggestions? Any at all?

[Just the facts]

Come on Urbanized - you know I have ideas on how to improve it. So lets start with this one. The airport is looking to build a retail and commercial area on the east side. Why not build a new terminal as part of that development and connect it to airside gates much the same way Tampa and Orlando do except underground the way Atlanta does? Money for it could come from rent charged to retailers that would now have 3,000,000 more customers than they would otherwise have.

[Urbanized]

Tampa, Orlando and especially Atlanta have many times over the number of passengers that OKC does, and many, many passengers waiting in the terminal during layovers and transfers. You simply don't have the volume OR the waiting required at WRWA to make this practical. Of the 3 million you mention the vast majority would bypass the retail you mention, no matter how awesome it might be. They aren't looking to fill their time; most of them have either arrived just in time to make their plane or they are headed to ground transportation of some sort.

Reality-based ideas, please.

[Just the facts]

You're right. What was I thinking? OKC will never have the passenger load those airports do so why even bother using their model to create synergy between all the different passengers, employees, and visitors we do have.

[Laramie]

You're right. What was I thinking? OKC will never have the passenger load those airports do so why even bother using their model to create synergy between all the different passengers, employees, and visitors we do have.

DFW is just a 182 mile drive south (3.5 hours); a mega airport which annually handles 62.9 million passengers vs. WRWA which handled 3.8 Million passengers (17 times larger in passenger count).

There will be moderate growth for an airport the size of WRWA which fits the needs for a city the size of OKC.

[Just the facts]

Do you think with nicer amenities, more comfortable surroundings, and better flow WRWA might be able to capture some of the leakage to DFW? If so, wouldn't that lead to better service. Competition is supposed to improve service but not if one chooses to surrender first.

I have lived in a state for the last 20 years that has more airports than one can shake a stick at - and every one of them fights for each and every passenger. Top to bottom Florida probably has the nicest airports in the world. It doesn't matter if it is Orlando International, Jax, or Daytona Beach they all step up their game. St. Petetsburg International doen't give an inch to TIA eventhough it is a fraction of the size and located just across the bay.

[PhiAlpha]

Now that you have managed to (again) belittle pretty much everyone who lives in Oklahoma City, what solutions do you offer short of demolishing and starting over? Which, by the way, is a ridiculous notion; the money bucket is not bottomless and there are roughly 1,000 more worthy public expenditures in this city that should come before razing and rebuilding from scratch what is today a serviceable (and recently remodeled) airport.

Specifics please; comments like "unattractive" are completely subjective and unhelpful. I don't doubt that there are a number of functional enhancements that could improve WRWA, but personally think the recent remodel did a fine job of touching all of the surfaces and giving the airport a clean and modern APPEARANCE.

And before you go too crazy wishing for amenities behind the security checkpoint, please recall that this airport functions completely differently than a hub in that there is very little time spend behind the checkpoints other than early arrival before a departure. WRWA doesn't have to entertain and feed layover and transfer passengers in the same way that a hub does.

Here, I'll start: I'd like to see improved dining/coffee/bar options on the public side of the security checkpoint so that people dropping off or greeting passengers could wait there, so that someone flying in/out could conduct a quick meeting, or so that people seeing off loved ones could spend a little time with them before they head through security. Another suggestion: since the remodel was planned pre-9/11, the TSA checkpoint(s) were a late addition and feel that way. I'd like to see them tied into the building a little less awkwardly (I believe this is in the current plans).

Do you have any CONSTRUCTIVE suggestions? Any at all?

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but you are correct about the current renovation plans. I believe that in the near term, in addition to expanding the terminal by 3 gates, they are making both current check points function as exit only and adding a new centralized checkpoint with 6 or so security lanes which will take up the seating area to the right of Sonic and part of the current Southwest ticket counter.

I agree on your first point though it wouldn't have much impact on me personally. Love Field just added 2 small restaurants and a Dunkin Donuts outside of the secure area. If anything, they are a nice place to grab a bite to eat or coffee on the way out of the airport.

One new addition that I saw uncovered for the first time last night is the newly renovated bar and restaurant across from the food court in the main part of the terminal. Cross Grain Brewhouse looks really sharp and has a much better menu and drink selection than it's predecessor. Below is the menu, a link to Fly OKC's twitter that has a few pictures, and a rendering:

EXCLUSIVE: The Cross Grains Menu at Airports - Fly&Dine
https://twitter.com/fly_okc

[Urbanized]

Do you think with nicer amenities, more comfortable surroundings, and better flow WRWA might be able to capture some of the leakage to DFW? If so, wouldn't that lead to better service. Competition is supposed to improve service but not if one chooses to surrender first.

I have lived in a state for the last 20 years that has more airports than one can shake a stick at - and every one of them fights for each and every passenger. Top to bottom Florida probably has the nicest airports in the world. It doesn't matter if it is Orlando International, Jax, or Daytona Beach they all step up their game. St. Petetsburg International doen't give an inch to TIA eventhough it is a fraction of the size and located just across the bay.

Wait...we're going to spend a crapton of cash for a "build it and they will come" airport scenario? That is exactly the type of thing you usually rail against. The only things that will cause passengers to choose it over other airports would be increased number of flights and cheaper flights by comparison. We of course want the facility to be nice for arrivals,. The City should always thrive to put its best foot forward. You also don't want to be dingy or inconvenient to the point that people actively avoid flying in or out of there.

But a better retail selection near the gates isn't going to cause a single passenger to choose to fly out of OKC instead of another airport. Not one.

[PhiAlpha]

Do you think with nicer amenities, more comfortable surroundings, and better flow WRWA might be able to capture some of the leakage to DFW? If so, wouldn't that lead to better service. Competition is supposed to improve service but not if one chooses to surrender first.

I have lived in a state for the last 20 years that has more airports than one can shake a stick at - and every one of them fights for each and every passenger. Top to bottom Florida probably has the nicest airports in the world. It doesn't matter if it is Orlando International, Jax, or Daytona Beach they all step up their game. St. Petetsburg International doen't give an inch to TIA eventhough it is a fraction of the size and located just across the bay.

What reasons do you think cause our leakage to DFW? I have only heard two and they are completely out of our control.

1. Lower fares that are still drastically lower at times after factoring in gas costs
2. International flights.

No one is driving from OKC to DFW because the prefer nicer airport amenities (and DFW is a dump outside of it's newest terminal anyway). If there are people doing that, I would like to meet the person that fed them paint chips and dropped them headfirst on the concrete when they were younger.

[Just the facts]

People living in Enid, Stillwater, and Ardmore have a choice - but you're right, most people in OKC don't so in my opinion WRWA treats the people as a captive market - essentially running a monoply with what I consider inadequate facilities. If there was real market competition WRWA would be way better, but there isn't so we have to ask for better.

BTW , I agree that DFW sucks also. I unloaded on them via facebook 3 months ago. Maybe that's one of the issues in this thread; comparing our airport to nearby piles of crap isn't how one improves. If the airport in Omaha sucks how is it helpful to use it as a measuring stick? If being better than Omaha is good enough for some then so be it, but I'm not an Omaha +1 type person.