Airport Upgrades on the Way

With 815.7 million passengers traveling the friendly skies in 2018, airports are under greater pressure than ever. They are tasked with providing a venue for massive amounts of people to come through daily and are expected to be efficient, clean, safe, convenient, simple, and relaxing to the millions of people stressed about their flights. Anyone who spends time traveling knows that no airport really accomplishes all of these goals, but with increasing demand, some airports are upgrading with the hopes of becoming your new favorite.

1. Denver International Airport (https://www.denverpost.com/2018/07/07/dia-terminal-construction-impacts/; https://www.flydenver.com/greathall). America's newest major airport was built in 1995 and is working on several projects. Among them are a $1.5 billion gate expansion that will add a total of 39 gates to its 3 concourses and be completed in spring 2021 as well as a $1.8 billion improvement project in the main terminal due to finish by the end of 2021.

2. Salt Lake City (https://www.slcairport.com/thenewslc/). SLC is well on its way to a essentially brand new airport with the goal of making the growing hub simpler for travelers, more efficient, and more sustainable. The first phase is scheduled for completion in fall 2020 with a new terminal and the second phase including demolition of the old facilities is scheduled to be completed in 2024.

3. Orlando International Airport (https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-cfb-orlando-airport-expand-south-terminal-20180122-story.html; https://orlandoairports.net/getting-around-mco/south-terminal-complex/). Orlando is one of the most visited cities in the U.S. and with its one airport competing with areas like New York and Los Angeles which boast 3 and 4 available airports, MCO is embarking on a $2.1 billion expansion. The brand new South Terminal will add 19 gates and a technology corridor as well as additional food options, decor, and upgraded baggage handling systems. The South Terminal is scheduled to open in 2021.

Which new airport experience are you most looking forward to?