Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) has ranked as the top among the best US airports for business travelers. This status recognizes the airport’s exceptional services and facilities, exceeding major hubs. Midway International redefines business travel by prioritizing efficiency and satisfaction.

Midway International airport has the highest average rating in the country, with 4.37 out of 10. This rating shows the airport’s commitment to providing an excellent travel experience, amid the challenges that have affected air travel in recent years.

Development of Midway Airport

Midway’s success can be due to its partnerships with low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers, which have made it an important hub for business travel while maintaining quality and service.

If you’re planning a trip to the United States soon, book Indian Eagle cheap flights. With affordable travel, whether for business or pleasure, you can fly more without exceeding your budget.

The airports serve business travelers, who, although comprising only 12% of airline passengers, generate up to 75% of revenue on specific routes. The airport’s efficient operations, in addition to a strong fleet of carriers like Southwest Airlines, Delta, and Frontier Airlines, provide a smooth travel experience. 

Also, its international connections with Porter Airlines and Volaris extend its reach, making it a better option for international business travelers. The move not only increases Midway’s market share, but it also aligns with the budgetary realities of modern corporate travel.

As the travel industry grows, Chicago Midway International Airport’s ranking as the top US airport for business travelers is an important achievement. This success highlights the changing realities of airline travel, where comfort, efficiency, and affordability are key. With businesses spending more than $300 billion annually on corporate travel, airports like Midway that adapt and prioritize their passengers’ requirements will surely pave the way for the future of air travel.

So, why wait? If you’re traveling for either business or pleasure, book cheap international flight tickets for a wonderful and budget-friendly vacation experience.

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Airports are not just gateways for travelers; they are bustling hubs of activity, with numerous services and amenities catering to passengers’ needs. However, have you ever wondered if it’s possible for non-passengers to access certain areas of the airport, such as the gates and boarding areas? While strict security measures are in place to ensure passenger safety, there are some instances where non-passengers can access airside areas in US airports. 

No matter if you want to see off your parents when they are flying from USA to India, or want to meet friends before they board a flight. You can get airside access at some airports. In this article, we will explore the concept of airside access for non-passengers and highlight some US airports that allow such access.

Understanding Airside Access for Non-Passengers

Airports are divided into two main areas, which are landside and airside. The landside area includes public spaces such as the check-in counters, baggage claim, and public waiting areas. On the other hand, the airside area is restricted to passengers who have cleared security screening and have a valid boarding pass. This area comprises the gates, boarding areas, and other facilities related to air travel.

Airside access for non-passengers refers to the ability of individuals who are not traveling to enter and remain in the airside area of the airport. This access is typically granted for specific purposes, such as accompanying a passenger, meeting or seeing off someone, or accessing airport services and amenities available airside.

Here are a few of the US airports that allow airside access to non-passengers:

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

SEA Airport allows non-passengers to access the airside terminal under certain circumstances. Known as the SEA Visitor Pass program, it allows individuals who are not flying to pass through security and enter the airside area. This program enables non-passengers to accompany someone to the gate or enjoy the airport’s amenities and services before bidding farewell to a departing traveler.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) 

MSY is located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Non-passengers can access the airside at MSY by obtaining a visitor pass. To get a visitor pass, you will need to show a valid photo ID and provide a reason for needing access. Visitor passes are free and can be obtained at the MSY information desk.

Tulsa International Airport (TUL) 

TUL offers a visitor pass program that allows non-passengers to access the secure area of the airport. Visitors must apply for a pass online and provide a valid photo ID. Once approved, visitors will receive a pass via email that they can use to proceed through security.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

DTW Airport offers the DTW Destination Pass, allowing non-passengers to access the airside terminal. This pass permits individuals to accompany a passenger, shop, dine, or explore the airport’s facilities airside. Non-passengers must apply for the pass online and undergo the security screening process.

It’s important to note that the airside access policies and programs may vary among airports and are subject to change. It’s advisable to check with the specific airport authorities or airline for the most up-to-date information on airside access for non-passengers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which US airports allow airside access to non-passengers?

Some of the US airports that allow airside access are: 

1. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
2. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
3. Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
4. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

How do I get airside access at a US airport?

The process for getting airside access at a US airport varies from airport to airport. However, in general, you will need to:

• Show a valid photo ID
• Provide a reason for needing access
• Go through security

What are the benefits of airside access at US airports?

There are a number of benefits to airside access at US airports. Some of the most common benefits include:

• The ability to drop off or pick up passengers more quickly and easily
• The ability to visit a sick or injured passenger
• The ability to work at the airport
• The ability to attend a meeting or event at the airport

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Do you have plans of traveling to/from USA during spring break 2023? If yes, then you’ll have to prepare for crowded airports or flights and maybe even flight delays or cancellations. 

With most travel restrictions removed, the passenger numbers have been increasing since last year. It is predicted that these numbers will cross the 2019 levels during spring break 2023. According to sources, spring 2023 will likely be the busiest travel period in the history of US aviation. Around 2.6 million passengers are expected to travel through the US airports in March and April. This shows a 1% increase in passenger numbers when compared to the pre-pandemic year 2019.

How is US preparing to offer passengers a seamless travel experience during spring break?

After the chaos at the airports in summer last year, the US aviation industry is bracing for a busy spring break. And to avoid such chaotic situations, steps are being taken to modernize the country’s airport infrastructure. The use of biometric technology is also recommended to streamline the security process. This has already been implemented by United Airlines at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Spirit Airlines at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Use of biometric data will be adopted by more US airports in 2023.

Apparently, 96,000 people have also been employed in the US aviation industry to maintain staffing levels. This is likely to deal with the high volume of passengers both in spring and summer. 

Tips for Traveling During Spring Break

If you want to avoid the chaos at the airport and travel hassle-free during spring break, follow these tips. 

• Wear a mask when traveling. 
• Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure.
• Follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule. 
• Carefully listen to the instructions from TSA officers.
• Make sure that you enroll in TSA PreCheck. 
• Try to travel with just a carry-on bag. 

If you are looking forward to traveling from USA to India during spring break 2023, you can avail Indian Eagle deals and get your flight tickets at discounted prices. So, why wait? Book your itinerary now and avoid any last minute hassles.

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Sunday, i.e, 27th November was the busiest day at US airports after the COVID-19 pandemic. Yes, a record 2.56 million passengers were screened at various airports across the country. Although this number is less compared to 2.88 million people screened on the same day in the year 2019. 

Airlines have carried approximately 22.2 million passengers across US between November 18 and 27. This is also around 5.5% less than 23.5 million during the same period three years back. 

This Sunday, more than 7,000 flights were delayed across majority of the airports in USA. The delays were due to storms and unfavorable weather conditions across different regions in the country. Although things were chaotic, there was no cancellation mayhem like last year and only 177 flights were canceled as opposed to thousands of flights in 2021. Since people were returning after Thanksgiving, these delays caused dissatisfaction among fliers and drew a lot of criticism. 

There has been an increase in travel during the holiday season and this also includes work and leisure trips. Airlines such as Delta, American, United, and Southwest also pointed out that holiday travel is now more spread out with people’s travel habits changing. 

Book cheap international flights via Indian Eagle for a seamless and budget-friendly travel experience. So, why wait? Plan your itinerary with us today!

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There is more than one way to land in the San Francisco Bay Area, which boasts three major international airports – San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC). The largest airport in the Bay Area, San Francisco International Airport serves nearly 57 million passengers annually (pre-COVID numbers). It is among the busiest airports in the US.

SFO airport is a major hub for United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, besides being the main base of operations for Virgin America. SFO operates nonstop flights to more than 50 international cities and 86 domestic cities. Starting with the quick facts, here’s a detailed San Francisco International Airport terminal guide for you.

Fast Facts:

• Airport Code: SFO
• Address: Highway 101, San Francisco
• Year of Establishment: 1927
• Area covered: 5,207 acres
• Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 13 miles
• Terminals: 4
• Concourses: 7 (A through G)
• Runways: 4

Airport Layout:

SFO airport is laid out in the shape of a circle with four terminals and seven concourses protruding out. International flights are handled by the International Terminal (Boarding areas A and G) whereas Terminals 1, 2, and 3 (Boarding Areas B through F) handle domestic flights. Pedestrian walkways interconnect the terminals and the 24-hour complimentary AirTrain facilitates inter-terminal transportation. Further, AirTrain’s stops include the airport’s BART metro rail station, car rental center, and parking garages.

San Francisco International Airport Terminal Guide:

International Terminal:

• SFO Airport International Terminal serves many popular airlines, including United, Air Canada, Air China, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines among others.
• It has 2 concourses — A & G (gates A1-A15 and G1-G14). The International Main Hall on Level 3 (Departures) comprises check-in and boarding areas, with Boarding A areas located east of the main hall and Boarding G areas toward the west.
• The exit point for connected flights is located on Level 2 (Arrivals), which also has baggage claim as well as customs and passport check areas.
• Level 5 has International Parking Garages. AirTrian stations for both Garage A and G and the SFO airport’s BART station can be found on Level 4.
• The services and amenities at the International Terminal of San Francisco International Airport include food courts, lounges (Emirates Lounge, Air France–KLM Lounge, United Airlines United Club, United Polaris Lounge), restrooms, free WiFi, spa facilities, showers, reflection rooms, cell phone rentals, business services, currency exchange offices, medical clinic, pet relief areas, baggage wrapping, etc.
• SFO International Terminal is also home to two of the airport’s most popular attractions — the Aviation Museum Library and the SFO Museum (the first museum to be set in an international airport).

Also Read: Travel Guide to San Francisco

Terminal – 1:

• Also known as Harvey Milk Terminal 1 in honor of San Francisco politician Harvel Bernard Milk, it is the world’s first airport terminal to be named after a leader of the LGBTQ community.
• This domestic terminal has 1 concourse (Boarding Area B with 18 gates) and operates flights from Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines.

Terminal -2:

• Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines operate flights from SFO airport’s Terminal 2, formerly known as Central Terminal. This terminal hosts 2 concourses with gates C2 to C11 and D1 to D18.
• Interestingly, this oldest terminal building of San Francisco International Airport is the first US airport to achieve LEED Gold status.
• Terminal 2 features permanent art installations, shops, restaurants, cafes, restrooms, yoga rooms, spa, and Delta Sky Club in Concourse C.

Terminal-3:

• San Francisco International Airport’s Terminal 3, formerly known as the North Terminal, is the hub for United Airlines. It consists of 36 gates across 2 concourses — E (E1 to E13) and F (F1 to F22).
• Terminal 3 is an eco-friendly facility powered by a solar roof. There are lounge-style seating areas, children’s play areas, yoga rooms, power outlets, and USB outlets, restrooms, etc. at this terminal building.
• Terminal 3 also houses United Club lounges and an American Express Centurion Lounge.

Transportation Options to Downtown:

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) serves San Francisco International Airport with direct connectivity to downtown San Francisco, providing travelers de-boarding San Francisco flights with an easy option to reach the city. Other than BART, taxi and public bus services are also available from SFO airport. While the pick-up and drop-off point for shared-ride vans is located on the departures/ ticketing levels of all terminals, passengers can find taxis near the arrivals/ baggage claim level.

Also Read: One day in San Francisco

San Francisco International Airport Terminal Guide: Additional Information

• AirTrain operates on two lines — Red Line serves all terminals, their associated (short-term) parking garages, and the BART rail station, and the Blue Line connects car rental facilities with the airport’s terminals, garages, and BART rail station.
• Information booths and ATMs can be found in all terminals before and after the security area.
• There are workstations and power outlets in all 4 terminals.
• The AirTrain Station is located on Level 4 and the Parking Garage on Level 5 of all the San Francisco International Airport terminals.
• San Francisco Airport offers facilities for short-term and long-term parking. Domestic/hourly parking is available at the Domestic garage located at the heart of the airport. The International/hourly parking area is spread across International Terminal Garage A and International Terminal Garage G, located on both sides of the International Terminal, one toward the north and the other toward the south of the airport. For long-term parking, you need to head to 794 South Airport Boulevard. The long-term parking facility is connected to all terminals by AirTrain. San Francisco Airport parking costs $2 for 15 minutes.  
• Each terminal at SFO has 2 security checkpoints, except for Terminal 1. Passengers transferring between international and domestic flights need to pass the airport security checkpoints again unless already checked in for their connecting flight.

Also Read: Road Trips from San Francisco

The post San Francisco International Airport Terminal Guide appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

The Polaris Lounge – one of United Airlines’ most recent innovation drives -has redefined the airline’s on-ground services for its premium or business class passengers. With its remarkable United Polaris lounges at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), the airline has already set a benchmark for other airlines’ business class airport lounges. United Airlines is now all set to open its next United Polaris lounge at Houston George Bush Intercontinental
Airport (IAH).

With posh interiors, immaculate services, and a tranquil ambiance, the Polaris lounges allow customers of United Polaris, the airline’s premium cabin travel class to unwind, freshen up, and dine before their trip.  The United Polaris Lounge at Houston (IAH) is the latest one to be opened and will be followed by a United Polaris Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) sometime this fall. Here’s a closer look at a few of the United Polaris lounges at US airports.

United Polaris Lounge at San Francisco:

Travelers booking United Airlines’ business class tickets to San Francisco International Airport aren’t the only ones to have access to the Polaris lounge at SFO Airport. Even those departing or arriving on long-haul First and Business Class flights operated by Star Alliance partners such as Eva Air, Lufthansa, ANA, and Singapore Airlines can access the lounge. The lounge is located a couple of steps away from security checkpoint near Gate G92 in International Terminal G. Offering the finest Business Class Lounge experience ever, this is one of the poshest Premium lounges in the world! Done up with marble partitions, soothing color tones of gray, blue, and white, ‘meteor shower’ lights above the escalator, and high-end finishes, the United Polaris lounge at SFO is elegance personified.

Top highlights and facts about the United Polaris lounge at SFO:

• Almost 3 times the size of the former United Club it has replaced and with a total area of 28, 120 square feet, the lounge is a massive one that spans across two storeys.
• The Polaris lounge has a total number of 440 seats and 19 different kinds of seating.
• There are 5 Quiet Suites which have been equipped with daybeds.
• Premium passengers will have access to a total of 492 USB ports.
• Travelers who wish to freshen up can use any of the super-posh 8 shower suites.
• Valet services are offered at the United Polaris lounge at SFO.
• There is a 40-seat a la carte Dining Room.
• The Studio is a unique room which offers a blend of buffet items and Sushi. It is also occasionally used for special events.
• Food and drink options are absolutely fabulous and give out the distinct San Francisco Bay area vibe. The signature United Polaris Burger is a top favorite and always on offer.
• Cocktail choices at the bar include regional-inspired ones such a Pisco Punch and Mai Tai among other delicious options.

United Polaris Lounge at Newark

After the one at SFO, a United Polaris Lounge was opened in June 2018 at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) as well. The lounge can be found right after security check and between Gates C102 and C120 in Terminal C. United Polaris premium flyers holding business class tickets to Newark Liberty International Airport will have access to this spectacular lounge. Exhibiting throughout an unmistakable local flair, the United Polaris lounge at EWR greets visitors with a bright and dynamic lighting adornment when they first enter into it. Designed to replicate the zodiac sign constellations, this innovative fixture has been created by Richard Clarkson Studio, an art laboratory based out of Brooklyn. Business class passengers of United Airlines’ Newark to Mumbai flights are buoyant about the lounge at Liberty International Airport.

Top highlights and facts about the United Polaris lounge at EWR:

• The Polaris lounge is sprawled across a massive area of 27,000 sq. feet.
• There are 455 seats and 15 different kinds of seating
• There are 4 personal phone rooms
• Premium travelers have easy access to 450 USB ports along with 570 power outlets.
• The lounge is equipped with 10 daybeds where tired travelers can take a quick nap between flights.
• For travelers who’d like to freshen up, there are 10 swanky shower suites.
• The United Polaris lounge offers valet services.
• A dining area has been set up which offers service for approximately 48 diners at a time. To say the menu is elite and extensive would be an understatement.
• Considering the choices and size of cocktails served, one can easily say that the bar at United Polaris lounge at EWR is an absolute stand-out.
• You will also find a buffet at the Polaris lounge which sort of like a bistro and incorporates a bagel bar.

United Polaris Lounge at Houston

Located next to Gate E12 in Terminal E at Houston Airport, this is United Airlines’ newest Polaris Business Class lounge to be unveiled. Travelers booking business class flight deals to George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston (IAH) will have access to this stunning lounge. According to Mark Krolick, United Airlines’ Vice President of Marketing, the Polaris lounge has been designed to “feel like a boutique” and is replete with committed spaces for dining, relaxation, and refreshing. The United Polaris lounge at IAH goes all out to showcase the distinct Houston flair and features throughout a unique artwork by skilled Houstonian artists Terrell James and Shane Tolbert.

Top highlights and facts about the United Polaris lounge at IAH:

• The lounge has a total of 191 seats.
• Premium travelers have access to 324 power outlets in addition to 264 USB ports.
• There are 2 private daybeds at the United Polaris lounge at IAH.
• The United Polaris lounge is equipped with 6 luxurious shower suites.
• Like in the other United Polaris lounges, personal valet service is offered at this one as well.
• The dining area at the Polaris lounge at EWR provides table service for approximately 28 guests.
• Visitors can enjoy 11 pieces of stunning contemporary art exhibited at the lounge.
• The menu is exceptional with highlight dishes including a Texas breakfast skillet, Argentinian roasted chimichurri chicken, chicken étouffée, and the signature United Polaris Burger among several other things.
• There is also a comprehensive cocktail menu serving some of the finest beverages ever. Highlights include oolong tea-steeped bourbon and vodka infused with star anise.

Says a travel agent associated with Indian Eagle, a US-based flight booking agency, “Luxurious services on board and on-ground, faster check-in, and an unmitigated flight journey are some of the main reasons why people book Business Class travel. The perks are quite impressive right from takeoff to touchdown. Several of our customers book United Airlines business class flight deals from San Francisco to New Delhi regularly. Now, with this posh United Polaris lounge at SFO, we expect the demand for our SFO to DEL business class flights to go up. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if the demands for our business class flights from Newark to New Delhi or business class flights from Houston to New Delhi go up as well!”

Further stepping up its Polaris game, United Airlines is all set to roll out at least one refurbished or new airline equipped with new business class seats every once in 10 days starting now and going all the way through to the year 2020. Also, having achieved tremendous success with its United Polaris lounges, it is to be seen what fantastic new ideas United Airlines comes up with next to take its in-flight and on-ground services even further.

–Travel Diary 

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