Harriet Baskas
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Covers:
Airports, Air Travel, Business Travel, Museums (offbeat especially); general travel, cool stuff.
Doesn't Cover:
Nothing is off the table ever.
Happiest in an airport or unusual museum. Work appears (or has appeared) on NBC News, CNBC, USA Today, The Points Guy, others. Contact: hbaskas (at) gmail.
Articles by Harriet Baskas
Halloween events at airports near you
Airports around the country are gearing up for Halloween with special therapy dog parades, pumpkin carving and decorating contests and trick-or-treating events. Here are few we spotted today. Let us know what we missed. Wear your Halloween costume to the Airport, we dare you 👀🎃 We'll have a therapy animal parade and trick-or-treating this Halloweekend! pic.twitter.com/N0jjJdL592 — San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) (@FlySJC) October 28, 2026 We love a gourd pumpkin contest.
TSA delays Gateside by PreCheck+ Airport Trick or Treating + New Airport Trading Cards
Stuck at the Airport is a big fan of the free airport gate pass programs that allow non-ticketed visitors to go to the secure side of the airport to walk friends and family to the gate, greet someone getting off the plane, or just hang out at the airport to shop, eat or watch planes come and go. The list of airports offering gate passes to anyone who applies and passes the TSA ID muster is listed at the end of this post.
Changi Airport’s late night terminal party
Big airports operate around the clock with red eye departures and early morning arrivals. Singapore’s Changi Airport knows all about that. Close to 8000 passenger flights are scheduled to depart Changi between midnight and 6 am in just this quarter, a 17% increase over last year at this time. Over the course of the year, almost 28,000 late night flights will take off from Changi. That’s 8% more than last year. Why so many late night departures?
Yum! “Flavor Fests” at IAH and HOU Airports
Here’s a good reason to go to an airport: to eat! And here are two great airport food events that might be worth traveling for. Houston Airports – operators of William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – is hosting a pre-security, open-to-the public Flavor Fest at each airport in November. The Flavor Fest at Hobby Airport is on November 10. The Flavor Fest at Bush Airport is on November 17.
DOT pushes back rollout of new disruption rules
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has pushed back the start date for new flight disruption rules that will limit some passenger rights. Currently DOT’s passenger protection rules require airlines to provide passengers with meal vouchers, hotel rooms and other assistance during delays due to a wide variety of situations considered to be under an airline’s control.
How to save money on food at airports
{This is a slighlty different version of our story that appeared on Fodor’s Travel} Airport food is notoriously expensive. And telling travelers with no airline status or expensive branded credit card to “just go to the lounge” doesn’t cut it. So here are some tips that will help the rest of us save some cash at the airport. You’re less likely to mindlessly spend on overpriced food or drink in the terminal if you’ve got some snacks in your carry-on.
PIT Airport’s first airside terrace helps fuel a trend
Passengers at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) now have access to a post-security outdoor terrace. The outdoor space is one of four outdoor terraces (two landside; two airside) in PIT’s new landside terminal builing that opened in November, 2025, designed Gensler and HDR in association with luis vidal + architects. This 1,000-squre-foot airside terrace is near the beginning of Concourse D and features built-in bench seating, tables and chairs, native plantings and a pet relief area.
Very old food and classic old cars
Our museum team is on assigment in Tacoma, WA this week and hit the jackpot on day one in terms of treasures that tickle our fancy. When in Tacoma, we always stop in at the Washington State History Museum to visit our buddies, Dave and Dandy, the now-taxidermied oxen that pulled the covered wagon pioneer Ezra Meeker used on his journey across the country in the early 1900s to mark and memorialize the Oregon Trail.
Ready for winter travel? BWI Airport is.
In summer, thunderstorms may delay or cancel your flight. In winter, it’s snow. And ice. And, as BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport reminds us, during a winter weather event a lot of players —airport personnel, the airlines, and the FAA — work together to keep everyone safe. “The airlines are responsible for flight operations and de-icing their aircraft.
A great history exhibit at Albuquerque Int’l Sunport
The Stuck at the Airport team recently traveled to and from Alburquerque International Sunport (ABQ) for our recent trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico. On the way home, we made sure to arrive at the terminal extra early so that we could spend time in the pre-security Great Hall studying the more than 900 scale aircraft models on display courtesy of Calvacade of Wings, and exploring the exhibit titled, Spirit of the Sunport: ABQ’s Aviation Heritage.
A Breath of Fresh Air: Pittsburgh International Airport Opens Airside Terrace
By Harriet Baskas Published October 20, 2026 Print/Download Travelers who have already passed through security at Pittsburgh International Airport now have access to outdoor space and fresh air. PIT unveiled its latest outdoor terrace Tuesday, made possible by local philanthropy support. The outdoor space is one of four outdoor terraces (two landside; two airside) in PIT’s award winning new terminal designed by Gensler and HDR in association with luis vidal + architects.
10 Types of Flight Delays That Your Airline Will No Longer Be Responsible for—and the Perks You Will Lose
In a 2024 law that reauthorized the Federal Aviation Administration, Congress directed the Department of Transportation to stop counting 10 types of flight disruptions as airlines’ fault. The DOT is now carrying out that law in a rule that takes effect February 1, 2027. It means fewer meal vouchers and hotel rooms for stranded passengers. The rule was originally set to launch on October 19, 2026.
10 Types of Flight Delays That Your Airline Will No Longer Be Responsible for—and the Perks You Will Lose
Flying 3 hours ago Cause and Manner of Death for Flight Attendant Mom Found in Hawaii During Layover Revealed People - Maria Pasquini, Charlotte Phillipp • 3h The cause and manner of death for Southwest Airlines flight attendant Jenny Lupton has been revealed. On Thursday, Oct. 15, the Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner confirmed to PEOPLE that Lupton, 50, died of multiple injuries and that her manner of death was suicide.
First look: Inside the new $1.3 billion Hollywood Burbank Airport replacement terminal
Sign up for the TPG Daily for breaking news, game-changing tips and exclusive deals from TPG partners Loading... Check your inbox for your first email and get ready for the latest in award travel from our team of experts The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.
United Status Match for Delta, American Elites
United Airlines is trying to lure elite fliers away from Delta Air Lines and American Airlines with a limited time, fast-track status match offer and a pointed promotional campaign that plays up United's decision to equip its fleet with Wi-Fi from industry leader Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX (of which Elon Musk is the largest shareholder).
United Will Match Your Delta or American Status As It Takes a Swipe at Rivals’ Wi-Fi
United Airlines is trying to lure elite fliers away from Delta Air Lines and American Airlines with a limited time, fast-track status match offer and a pointed promotional campaign that plays up United’s decision to equip its fleet with Wi-Fi from industry leader Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX (of which Elon Musk is the largest shareholder).
Delta is the latest airline to let you check wine for free
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The 10 Spookiest Museums to Visit for Halloween in the U.S.—With Haunted Dolls, Ouija Boards, and Vampire Lore Original
Here are the 10 best museums to visit for Halloween in the United States. Ghost tours, haunted houses, corn mazes, and scream parks may fill your calendar during the Halloween season. While there’s no reason to limit your deep, dark dives into the scary and spooky to just one month of the year, Halloween is naturally an ideal time to learn about all the things that go bump in the night.
Airport Food Is Ridiculously Expensive. Here’s How to Pay Much Less
You can spend a small fortune at the airport on food, drinks, and snacks—or not. These tips and hacks should help you eat well at the airport for less. We’ll just grab something to eat at the airport.” Given notoriously sky-high prices for food and drink at airports, inflation, and the “I’m on vacation” factor, that plan can put a dent in your travel budget before you even get on the plane.
Airport Food Is Ridiculously Expensive. Here’s How to Pay Much Less
travel news Now Barcelona-Amsterdam: Europe's most stressful air route for nervous flyers Euronews - By Rafael Salido • 11m The route between Barcelona El Prat and Amsterdam Schiphol tops a ranking that also lists Madrid-London Heathrow in 10th place, according to … World News Now ‘This is nothing short of a miracle,’ CNN aviation analyst says CNN • 11m CNN's National Security Analyst describes the flydubai incident: "They had to get everything right to basically make sure that everyone...
You can now go through TSA without a plane ticket at these airports
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This tiny airline lets you skip TSA and fly between small airports for less
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5 Things We Love About: SCP Redmond Hotel
The Stuck at TheAirport adventure team recently tested out SeaPort Airlines and flew from Portland to Redmond, Oregon to spend three days exploring Central Oregon. We hiked, we visited the High Desert Museum, the Petersen Rock Garden in Redmond and a variety of other area attactions. And at the end of each day, we returned to our basecamp at the 48-room SCP Redmond Hotel, a lovingly revived historic hotel that opened in 2019 in the heart of downtown Redmond as part of SCP Hotels family.
I toured the 'Miracle on the Hudson' plane — here’s what surprised me
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I’ve Lived in the PNW for 40 Years and This Is My Favorite City—With 400+ Parks, Incredible Dining, and Mountain Views Original
A view of the Seattle Space Needle during sunset. Credit: Tommy/Adobe Stock Find the bookcase that opens the door to a hidden speakeasy at Seattle’s “Grand Dame.” Ride a glass elevator 605 feet up to the top of the Space Needle and (if you’re brave) look down from the world’s only rotating glass floor. Snack your way through the historic Pike Place Market, buy local crafts, then go “DownUnder” to the Giant Shoe Museum.
I’ve Lived in the PNW for 40 Years and This Is My Favorite City—With 400+ Parks, Incredible Dining, and Mountain Views
A reason for Chief Shon Barnes’ resignation wasn’t disclosed. There have been questions this week over the release of information about the shooting Sunday, which killed two bystanders. Seattle’s police chief resigned Thursday after days of questions about the release of information following a …
Pittsburgh International Airport debuts the first of four outdoor terraces
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. When it debuted Nov.
Denver airport to add underground passenger walkways between concourses Original
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This historic LA-area airport is getting a much-needed new terminal
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Seattle-Tacoma International Airport debuts a major Concourse C expansion in time to welcome FIFA World Cup fans
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How US airports are preparing for the 2026 World Cup
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Soccer fan or not, get ready to enter "World Cup World" at many airports.
Guide to the major airports serving New York City.
Travelers flying to New York City rely on three primary commercial airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Each has strengths (and weaknesses) regarding location, airlines, destinations served, amenities, services and ground transportation options. This guide will help you decide which airport works best for you when planning your New York City flights. • Best New York Airport to fly into.
How you can book a hotel room with an airplane factory view
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SEA airport hopes to open Concourse C expansion in time for FIFA World Cup fans
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Portland, Oregon: A City Packed With Discoveries
A vibrant, sprawling Pacific Northwest city is home to almost 100 neighborhoods, the country’s smallest park, the world’s largest independent bookstore, a soapbox derby for adults and a dozen downtown bridges.
See KLM’s new limited-edition miniature Delft Blue House
Fans of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines who fly as Business Class passengers on an intercontinental flight look forward to choosing a miniature Delft Blue house from a cart rolled down the aisle towards the end of the flight. KLM has been gifting these miniature gin-filled houses representing special buildings in the Netherlands and beyond to business class passengers since the 1950s. And the carrier releases a new Delft Blue miniature house each year on its birthday, October 7th.
A Spring Weekend in Washington’s Yakima Valley
The Yakima Valley is just a tad over two hours from Seattle and three from Portland by car and offers visitors easy access to unique Washington wine and craft beer tasting experiences, outdoor adventures and cultural attractions. Head here for a spring weekend and sample it all. There are more than a dozen well priced hotels in and around downtown Yakima that can serve as a convenient base camp for your Yakima Valley adventure.
How to skip airport security lines for free.
Long airport security lines waste time and add stress. Programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR help you skip ahead – but they come at a cost. There’s also a lesser-known option: free security reservations at select airports. Book a time slot, show up and spend less time in line. Here’s how it works and where you can use it. In this article What is an airport security reservation? What happened to CLEAR Reserve – and what replaced it? Airports with free security reservations.
AvGeek alert: There's a 747-fuselage suspended between 2 Seattle high rises
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The history of classic airline meals in 7 courses
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Was the golden age of air travel really that tasty?
Stuck at the Airport
If visiting wineries and tasting rooms in the wine regions of Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California is on your agenda, you’ll likely want to bring home a few bottles or an entire case of wine. You can’t put those bottles in your carry-on bags, of course. So you’ll have to check them as baggage. And, given the rising cost of checked bags, that can get pricey.
Skip TSA Lines for Free at These Airports Using a Secret Virtual Queue Hack
Hate waiting on long TSA lines? Six major U.S. airports provide a time-saving reservation system for security screening—and it’s free. Long airport security lines can put a damper on your next big travel adventure, and while paid programs such as TSA PreCheck and Clear can often expedite the checkpoint process, even those lines can still be lengthy. At six major U.S. airports across the country, virtual queuing systems allow any traveler to skip the long lines for free.
Southwest Airlines joins Alaska Airlines in letting wine fly free
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Stuck at the Airport
While the volume of airline passengers – and the bags they check – is soaring, the rate of mishandled baggage is declining, according to a 2025 SITA Baggage IT Insights report. New technology, including compact Bluetooth trackers such as Apple AirTags, is helping airlines reunited passengers with mishandled bags. But bags still end up lost. In the United States, the folks at Unclaimed Baggage, a retail center in Scottsboro, Alabama, end up with a lot those lost bags.
7 courses of classic airline meals - at an airport
Airline food. These days it’s not something many people would make a special trip to eat. And, unless you’re lucky enough to be flying in the upfront cabins on the best airlines on their most competitive routes, it’s a good chance that you won’t even be offered anything more than a cookie and soft drink during your flight. But in the decades before airline deregulation, during the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, airlines could only offer similar flights at similar prices.
Fun new flights to Dollywood and Roswell, N.M
The theories about lizard people, secret underground bunkers and resident extraterrestials at Denver International Airport (DEN) have been swirling for years. Now we may have proof. This week DEN and United Airlines celebrated the inaugural flight of United’s year round nonstop service between DEN and Roswell Air Center (ROW). The Roswell site is linked to a UFO incident that may or may not have occured in 1947. Back then, a “flying disk” allegedly crashed about 70 miles northwest of Roswell.
Stuck at the Airport
A lot of events are taking place to mark the country’s 250th birthday and this tour offers visitor in multiple cities a chance to see a bundle of rare and historic Founding-era documents all in one place. A Boeing 737 with a special Freedom Plane livery and a cargo that includes a half dozen historic documents linked to founding of the United States will take off from Washington, D.C. next month and make stops in 8 cities.
Raise a glass of milk to the flying cow
February 18th is “Elm Farm Ollie Day,” which pays tribute to the day in 1930 when a gentle Guernsey cow was flown 72 miles from Bismarck, Missouri to the International Air Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri aboard a Ford Trimotor plane. As if a flying cow isn’t unusual enough, the cow, also known as Nellie Jay, was milked during the flight as part of the promotional event.
Airport amenity of the week: strolling cannoli
We’ve been gathering up and sharing all the sweet treats airports are offering for Valentine’s Day. But we are declaring the Valentine’s Day strolling cannoli event at Connecticut’s Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) as the Airport Amenity of the Week. Hosted by the folks at Petonitos Pastry and Cupcake Shoppe in East Haven, CT, this is surely a big hit for travelers flying on Valentine’s Day. Thanks for visiting Stuck at the Airport. to get daily travel tidbits.
Stuck at the Airport
Here at Stuck at the Airport, we’ve been highlighting Valentine’s Day-themed activities at various airports all week.
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