LOCAL FAMILY FUN
THE AIRPORT'S NEW SECURITY CHECKPOINT DOUBLED THE NUMBER OF LANES FOR PASSENGERS.
Coming soon! Both the airport itself and the number of passengers it services have grown substantially in the past 10 years. A master plan to enhance parking options is in the works, with a focus on adding more parking garages, expanding current lots and offering more partially covered parking. The plan will be complete by 2024 with parking enhancements expected to be completed over the next 10 years. Set to open by the end of this year, local retailer Plenty Mercantile will offer sustainable gifts. New concept The Apartment, which will feel like travelers are stepping into a chic apartment setting complete with virtual cityscapes viewed through the windows, will have apparel, books, beauty products, furnishings and fixtures for sale. Then, in 2024, Hatch Early Mood Food, serving sweet and savory breakfast options, will replace The Grill at OKC and complete the eatery upgrades. Will Rogers is set to join the international travel scene by 2025. The airport’s leadership team is working to recruit international air service directly out of Oklahoma City, instead of locals having to travel first to Denver or Dallas-Fort Worth. One gate in the new east terminal will be dedicated to international flights. The build-out has already begun for the Federal Inspections Services space, where international travelers will be processed through customs and access a separate baggage claim.
Did you know? Even frequent flyers may not be aware of these 3 unique offerings at Will Rogers World Airport: 1. Parking reservations are available in Garage A, which is on the lower level with the closest proximity to the terminal. Making a reservation costs a one-time fee of $5, plus you’ll pay the daily or hourly parking fee when you leave the airport. Especially if you’re toting kids and all their gear, this could be a great time (and sanity) saver! Capacity is reached quickly during holidays and school breaks, and reservations are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit flyokc.com/parking-rates and click on Premium Parking Reservations to reserve your spot. 2. If you have a child who loves airplanes, you can visit the airport to watch planes land and take off without going through security. Located in the east wing, the mezzanine/public observation area can be accessed past the ticket counters and the entrance to the security checkpoint. Take the stairs up to the second level and follow the long walkway through a set of double doors until you see the wall of glass with views of the runways. Take a seat in the comfy armchairs and consult the monitors to see when the next plane is due to arrive. The public observation area is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is free to enjoy. 3. Field trips for school and community groups are available free of charge. The airport regularly hosts children’s groups as well as high school and college aviation students and adult community groups. Tour groups can see behind the scenes of baggage claim, watch how TSA agents screen luggage, work with agents to understand the equipment used at the security checkpoint and even visit the airport fire station and meet the fire crew. Contact stacey. hamm@okc.gov to schedule.
16 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JULY-AUGUST 2023
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