Navigating airports has long been a shared experience among travelers, whether they embark on journeys for business, leisure, or adventure. While motivations for travel may differ, one common sentiment unites them: the often-exhausting treks required to navigate through sprawling airport terminals.
In the world of travel, comfort is key, and this principle extends to the choice of footwear. With each step taken past bustling duty-free shops, inviting lounges, familiar brands like Auntie Anne’s and Starbucks, and upscale boutiques like Chanel and Estée Lauder, the seemingly never-ending concourses can transform a leisurely walk into a marathon.
The aftermath of the global pandemic has ushered in a resurgence of air travel, but passengers are finding themselves grappling with the taxing distances within airports.
Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers recently aired his observations after traversing the new LaGuardia airport: “The newer the terminal, the less convenient it is to use because all the walks are longer. I wonder why?”
This phenomenon has been exacerbated by changes following the 9/11 attacks, compounded by modifications necessitated by the pandemic. Additionally, the growing prevalence of larger aircraft has further stretched the length of travelers’ airport journeys, often driven by business strategies.
Notably, some airports have made the unexpected decision to remove moving walkways in favor of expanding retail and dining establishments, inadvertently elongating the voyage for passengers.
Henry Harteveldt, an authority in the travel industry from Atmosphere Research Group, expressed, “Upon reaching the gate, fatigue sets in. Airports are increasingly structured to meet financial goals and safety priorities, often overshadowing the traveler’s experience.”
The Evolution of Modern Air Travel
Airports that were initially built in the mid-20th century have undergone significant transformations in the 21st century. Gate extensions and concourse renovations have become the norm. The implementation of security checkpoints following 9/11 has resulted in terminals being divided into two sections.
As airlines scale back in-flight meal offerings, airports have responded by enhancing their non-aeronautical amenities. Alexander Thome, who leads the design firm Stantec’s US airport projects, explains that airports generate revenue through both aeronautical and non-aeronautical sources. As such, expanding retail options has become a strategic way to bolster revenue.
In an effort to accommodate the growing popularity of mass transit and rideshare services while diversifying their offerings, airports have expanded their retail, restaurant, and bar options. However, these expansions have inadvertently led to longer distances within airport terminals.
Harteveldt humorously noted, “People joke that today airports are shopping malls that have aeroplanes parked outside. If you look at the terminal design, much of the added space is allocated to retail services.”
Embracing “Upgauging”
Airlines are increasingly adopting “upgauging” strategies, where smaller planes are replaced with larger ones to accommodate more passengers. United Airlines, for instance, plans to replace 200 regional jets with larger aircraft capable of carrying 50 passengers each. This shift to larger planes has necessitated wider spacing on tarmacs.
Wilson Rayfield, Gresham Smith’s Executive Vice President of Aviation, elucidated, “The viability of larger aircraft presents a stronger economic rationale. This dynamic is compelling airlines to transition to bigger fleets. Parking ten aircraft side by side with 75 feet between them naturally results in a lengthier walking distance.”
The Convenience of Moving Walkways
The sprawling layout of modern airports has led to challenges for both passengers and airline crews, often resulting in flight delays. Some airports have turned to electronic signs to provide travelers with estimated travel times, helping them manage their journeys more effectively.
An analysis carried out by Kuru Footwear pinpointed Dallas Fort Worth as having the lengthiest airport trek in the United States, stretching across 2.16 miles from Terminals B to E. In contrast, Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport features a “fitness trail” that allows passengers to enjoy city landmarks while moving through the concourses.
Despite these developments, some newly built airports have elicited criticism from travelers due to the absence of moving walkways.
In response to passenger feedback, Orlando International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport are addressing travel complaints about their terminals. Orlando’s new $2.8 billion terminal, which opened last year, notably omitted moving walkways. Authorities in the city are now considering their implementation.
Similarly, Salt Lake City is constructing a tunnel to shorten the 20-minute walk from security to the concourse.
While the vast distances within airports remain a significant challenge for travelers, they are not the primary cause of missed flights. Over the past year, frequent weather-related flight delays have left millions of passengers stranded at gates, underscoring the multifaceted challenges faced by today’s travelers.
