Many travelers are spending more time in U.S. airports than planned this year as weather problems, technical glitches and government-mandated reductions in flight schedules have led to significant flight delays and cancellations.
However, at many airports, travelers can also check out brand new terminals and a host of cool activities and new facilities.
Here are some of the best stories we’ve found across the country in 2025.
Eye-catching canopies at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) kicks off 18 months of festivities on New Year’s Eve by turning LED lighting on its 900-foot-long north and south canopies into a countdown to the new year. When the clock strikes midnight, they light up and read “ATL 100.”
Canopies, which provide shelter for passengers from the elements, are an iconic design element of the airport, and like the iconic Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) towers, they emit different lighting schemes throughout the year. They are impressive when viewed from the air and from adjacent roads.
ATL’s current canopy lighting policy has 24 approved lighting options for occasions ranging from Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day to Independence Day and Christmas. This year, whenever the canopies are unlit on special days, the default design is “ATL 100.”
Elvis Presley appears at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas
Elvis Presley spent a lot of time in Las Vegas during his lifetime, spending seven years from 1969 to 1976 at what was then the International Hotel. He passed away on August 16, 1977, but the “King of Rock and Roll” still has a strong presence in Las Vegas.
On January 8, 2025, what would have been Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) hosted a celebration that included Elvis impersonators and free cookies in some of Elvis’ favorite flavors, including peanut butter, banana and bacon.
And, following a tradition dating back to 2018, the Clark County Clerk’s Office once again set up a pop-up marriage license kiosk in the LAS T1 baggage claim area this year to give travelers heading to Las Vegas to get married around Valentine’s Day a head start.
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Dinosaur sightings at Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Some airports across the country, including Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), have giant dinosaur fossil replicas in their terminals.
From March to May 2025, Indianapolis International Airport (IND) also joins the list.
To impress visitors and help the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis celebrate its 100th birthday, IND placed a 33-foot-long fossil model of the museum’s famous Tyrannosaurus rex, known as “Bucky the Rex,” into a secure front gathering space called the Civic Plaza.
Bucky, the real Tyrannosaurus rex, was named after Bucky Derflinger, the cowboy and rancher who discovered the fossil in 1998.
Speakeasies and rap videos at Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon
Travelers and locals alike enjoy hanging out in the pre-security hall at Portland International Airport (PDX). Opening in 2024, the space features lush trees and plants, skylights, nine acres of soaring wooden roofs (the subject of a rap video produced for the airport this year), communal seating areas, selfie-worthy samples of the famous PDX carpet design and an outpost of local shops, dining options and bars.
This year, PDX’s pre-security area gets a cool new feature: the country’s first airport speakeasy. Best of all, the venue is open to everyone; no airline or credit card identification or tickets are required.
Named after the Roman goddess of the dawn, the 49-seat Aurora speakeasy features bright Art Deco interiors and windows with airport views. Additionally, it is part of the Loyal Legion, a pre-security beer hall located on the mezzanine level of the airport.
Ask the bartender for the password, then look for the words “Curiosity Opens the Door” next to the unmarked entrance.
The speakeasy is currently open Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m.
Airports across the country celebrate April Fools’ Day
Multiple airports across the country are doing their part to celebrate April Fools’ Day this year. Here are some of our favorite products for 2025.
Minneapolis-St. Sao Paulo International Airport (MSP)
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has the tallest escalators in Minnesota. So, in response to this fun fact, on April Fool’s Day, the airport announced the installation of the world’s shortest escalator, which is said to be 3 inches shorter than the current record holder in Tokyo.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), Alaska
Alaska’s Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) announced its latest passenger amenities on April Fool’s Day. The airport said that as part of the new Passenger Runway Snow Removal Program, whenever it snows at ANC, passengers will receive snow shovels to assist in clearing the runway.
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Building on the success of its therapy dog program, Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) decided to expand on April Fool’s Day by adding a therapy giraffe to the team.
Expanding ticket-free entry options at airports across the U.S.
Why should ticketed passengers have access to all the fun?
A growing number of U.S. airports are offering day pass or gate pass programs that allow non-ticketed travelers to shop, dine, view art exhibits, listen to live music, watch planes take off and land, and spend more time with loved ones through security checkpoints.
By 2024, we count 14 U.S. airports offering this option, including Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), Philadelphia International (PHL) and Nashville International (BNA).
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re happy to report that the list has grown to 17 airports with the return of the TPA All Pass at Tampa International Airport (TPA), the expansion of the SAN Pass at San Diego International Airport (SAN) to include the new Terminal 1, and the launch of the ABQ FlySide Pass at Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ) in November.
San Diego International Airport’s (SAN) new luxury terminal features outdoor terraces and cooling sinks
In September, San Diego International Airport (SAN) opened its much-needed new $2.8 billion Terminal 1 next to the old Terminal 1.
The building, built by Gensler Construction and contractor Turner-Flatiron, features a central security checkpoint, sightlines from the entry gate to the airport, and impressive artwork both inside and outside the building and on the building itself.
We loved the restaurant in Terminal 1, which has a 350-seat outdoor patio with views of San Diego Bay and downtown. But we really like the bathrooms in the new terminal (especially the sinks). Each restroom sink has three fixtures: one for soap, one for water, and one for a personal hand dryer. Gone are the days of having wet hands searching for a paper towel holder or wall-mounted hand dryer.
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) debuts new terminal
On November 18, just in time for the holiday travel season, Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) opened a new landside terminal.
Part of the airport’s $1.7 billion terminal modernization plan, the new terminal features a streamlined baggage system, a sky bridge that replaces the train journey between the landside and airside terminals, 4,000 twinkling LED lights on the soaring ceiling, 12 expanded and updated security lanes, four landscaped outdoor decks (not yet open) and lots of fresh art throughout the facility, much of it created by local artists.
The star of the PIT art collection is a 28-foot-long, equally wide powered car titled “Pittsburgh” designed by renowned artist Alexander Calder.
The sculpture has been part of the airport’s art collection since 1959, but over the years it has been repainted once or twice and placed in spaces where it is difficult to see or appreciate.
In the new landside terminal, mobile devices hang from the 80-foot-high ceiling of a large open security atrium. Departing passengers and the public can now view the sculpture from eye level or above on the pre-security departures level of the new terminal. On the next arrival level, people can look up at the sculpture and walk beneath it.
Grand birthday celebrations are held at airports across the country
ATL is not the only airport to achieve a milestone this year.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
On February 28, Denver International Airport (DEN) celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the existing 1995 facility, which came “after seven years of construction and a failing baggage system,” according to the DEN timeline.
Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI)
As part of its 75th birthday celebrations, Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI) has launched a heritage gallery in the A/B Food Court filled with photos of the airport’s history.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) also celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. Celebrations include a photography history timeline, a ball, a museum exhibit titled “From Farm to Airport” in Terminal 4 and online, and 90th anniversary trading cards.
Rocky Balboa arrives at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
In addition to hosting another Gourmet Cheesesteak Week in March, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) unveiled a Rocky Balboa statue on November 21 on the west side of Terminal A between gates A-15 and A-16.
PHL This 10-foot-tall bronze statue is one of three created by sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg to commemorate Sylvester Stallone’s Philadelphia character Rocky Balboa in the “Rocky” film series. Two other statues are located outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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