The best airport amenities of 2024

27.12.2024 - 14:25 / thepointsguy.com / Edvard Munch

Airports can be crowded and vexing places to spend your time. They can also be charming, fun and surprising.

In 2024, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) brought back its coat check service, and Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) hosted another pop-up marriage license bureau around Valentine's Day. Plus, during this presidential election year, Oregon's Rogue Valley International Medford Airport (MFR) reminded travelers that there's a replica of the Oval Office for rent at the airport.

As we start plotting out 2025 travel adventures, here's a roundup of some of the best new amenities and events airports around the country rolled out in 2024.

While most airports put key services and amenities behind security, Indianapolis International Airport (IND) maintains an active and inviting presecurity central hall called the Civic Plaza. It has a 35-foot-high ceiling and a five-story window wall, as well as plenty of dining venues, shops and art.

And the airport puts it to clever use.

In January, when Indianapolis hosted NBA All-Star Weekend 2024, a full-size (94-foot by 50-foot) replica of a basketball court made with vinyl adhesive appeared in the Civic Plaza. Free throws and pickup games were not allowed, but it was a big hit.

When Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" came to town in November, the airport turned Civic Plaza into Swift City. It was complete with Girl Scouts making and handing out friendship bracelets, a 30-foot-tall image of Taylor Swift, live music, a concert-themed menu and limited-time souvenirs.

And in December, Santa Claus did a practice run at the airport, racing across the taxiway in a fire truck and entering Civic Plaza on an airport-themed carpet.

In keeping with its status as a "quiet" airport with minimal overhead announcements, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) introduced a silent disco in February. It was appropriately dubbed the "San Fran-disco."

For a month, passengers were invited to let their hair down and dance along to San Francisco-themed music using their own headphones in a specially decorated postsecurity area of Harvey Milk Terminal 1.

In March, airports in and around the path of totality for the April 8 total solar eclipse were gearing up for an influx of passenger traffic.

Building on the excitement, Maine's Portland International Jetport (PWM) debuted an exhibit of 18 meteorites. Titled "Fly Me to the Moon," the exhibit included meteorites on loan for five years from the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum's world-class meteorite collection. The specimens include the second-largest piece of moon on Earth, pieces of Mars and an iconic Gibeon meteorite that looks a lot like Edvard Munch's "The Scream."

Many airports around the country lean into