You might not believe your eyes the next time you pass through some of the busiest airports in the country.
The pandemic gave many of the country's busiest airports a glow-up, and now they are prepared to greet travelers.
The airport experience is significantly improving across the nation, from gleaming new terminals to opulent new lounges.
Airlines and airports cleverly used the decline in demand during the pandemic to speed up redevelopment plans, cutting years off multibillion-dollar construction projects.
We acknowledged two significant improvements at the annual Awards on December 7 despite the fact that there have been a number of amazing advancements at airports just this year.
Best Airport Improvement
The total overhaul of New York's LaGuardia Airport is the first, and it's arguably the most remarkable airport improvement we've seen thus far (LGA).
Years have passed since the beginning of this renovation project.
Since at least July 2015, there have been plans to renovate this significant New York City airport.
With the opening of the modern Terminal B at LGA in June 2020, which took the place of the venerable Central Terminal, which first opened in 1964, the transition began to take hold.
When the pandemic was at its worst, Terminal B was launched, but it took an additional two years for the project to be finished entirely.
This includes the debut of some eagerly anticipated passenger facilities, like the larger American Airlines Admirals Club, as well as the launch of a new pedestrian bridge and the dismantling of the old terminal.
The $4 billion Terminal C rehabilitation project by Delta Air Lines, which debuted in June to much fanfare, caught everyone's attention after work on Terminal B was completed earlier this year.
Terminal C has been extensively renovated by Delta and now features a central check-in room, security checkpoint, and passageways leading to each gate.
There are also numerous other enhancements to the passenger experience, such as upscale new facilities, greater snack choices, and power and USB outlets at every seat.
The largest Sky Club in the world is located in the terminal and is swiftly rising to the top of Delta's network of lounges.
The travel experience at LaGuardia Airport is no longer a "third-world country," as then-Vice President Joe Biden so infamously described it, with Terminals B and C now almost entirely finished.
As a matter of fact, it has improved and is now among the best in the nation.
The only drawback is that you'll have to put on your walking shoes.
It will no longer be possible to reliably get from curb to gate in a matter of minutes due to all the additional structures.
In light of this, congratulations are due to the key players in LaGuardia's metamorphosis.
This comprises the airline Delta as well as LaGuardia Gateway Partners, which is in charge of managing Terminal B, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which regulates the airport.
Best New Lounge
Airlines and credit card companies are increasing their investment in lounges in addition to redeveloping airports.
Even though many new airport lounges opened in 2022, none of them could compare to Delta's West Coast flagship, which won this year's Best New Lounge award and is located at the airline's hub in Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The revamped new Delta Sky Way terminal at LAX and its 30,000 square foot area opened in April, ushering in a raft of enhancements for Delta fliers traveling to or from Southern California.
In spite of the recent airport lounge overcrowding, the area can sit more than 500 passengers, making it appear to be big enough to fit everyone.
As soon as you go inside, you'll notice how beautiful the Sky Club is. The interior design exudes a feeling of extravagance, and the room is well-lit by floor-to-ceiling windows.
In addition to a self-serve sweets bar and some rotating seasonal goodies that change every few weeks, the club has two buffets, two bars, and a sweets bar.
It won't be difficult for you to catch up on work or relax before your trip, thanks to the Framery phone booths and marble-clad shower rooms.
The Sky Deck, which is open year-round, is what really distinguishes this lounge.
The terrace offers plenty of seating, a walk-up bar, and possibly the greatest airside views at LAX.
In addition, the deck has a retractable canopy and heaters, allowing it to be used all year long, no matter the weather.
On bright days, the Sky Deck provides a fantastic vantage point for watching planes take off and land on LAX's northern runways, as well as Terminals 2 and 3.
You can even make out downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills on a clear day.
More good news is on the way for Delta's LA hub, even though its new LAX Sky Club won this year's Best New Lounge award.
In the upcoming years, Delta will introduce a business-class-only club at LAX, which is anticipated to be even more opulent and private than the "regular" Sky Club.
It will undoubtedly be a candidate for the prize when it debuts.
FACEBOOK