With 63 airports in the Southwest system, I have the opportunity to view some very diverse architecture and decorating ideas as I pass through the various terminals. Some terminal and gate areas seem quite sterile and commercial, while others are very warm, airy, and inviting. During my last trip, I had an overnight in Sacramento, CA (SMF), one of ten cities I flew into in three days. When the Sacramento baggage claim area was designed, something very whimsical was added by a decorator who obviously had a great sense of humor. H
iding two of the ceiling support columns are old baggage carts which were used to transfer luggage from the terminal to the aircraft. These baggage carts have been distressed to make them look like they are swelled out as if crammed full of Passengers' luggage, obviously not the way we would do it at SWA!!!. Then piled from the top of the cart, all the way to the ceiling are numerous pieces of luggage in all shapes and sizes. In addition to being quite a conversation starter, it makes it extremely easy to find the baggage claim area in Sacramento.
Blog
Baggage Claim
By: David Evans Jr.
Feb 19
2007
Comments
Captain Evans,
Thanks for sharing this photo! Even though it is not the way the SWA guys and gals try to stack your baggage carts, the humor and irreverence seem to go hand-in-hand with the Southwest concept of a "fun-loving attitude"!
If we can't laugh at ourselves, we're in bad shape -- and it looks like someone in Sacramento is able to chuckle about the mountain of baggage that they handle!
Kim :-)
That is tacky.......... THE BEST AIRPORT BY FAR IS ABQ...... YOU SHOULD CHECK IT OUT SOMETIME...
I see my missing suitcase in that stack!!
(Not really, of course, but that is a clever idea!)
Thanks for sharing!
as always Kim is the positive one.......................
ABQ is my home airport and I love. I forget how spolied I am when I travel and see these other airports that lack style and character. How many other airports are built in Pueblo Style, have Southwestern decor with brick floors and wood viga ceilings? Its more like being in an art gallery then an airport.
Plus ABQ has free wifi, how can you beat that? Now only if other airports could offer free wifi.
Kevin,
I agree with you! ABQ is a beautiful airport and the remodeling done there a few years ago really "spiffed" up the place. A good indicator of how "flyer-friendly" an airport might be is when they offer an observation area like ABQ does. Any of us plane nuts (sorta like the SWA ad slogan from a few years ago, I'm "just plane nuts") get all excited by an airport that gives us a designated, comfortable place with a great view to watch the runways and to enjoy the comings and goings of aircraft!
But, as much as you like ABQ, we're all partial to our "home" airports. My family lived two blocks from DAL when I was born, and I've always had a fond spot in my heart for the hometown headquarters of Southwest. It is a great place with a lot of wonderful memories for me, and they obviously embody the spirit of Southwest Airlines, since it is the only Field in the country with LUV, errr, "Love" in its name!
Kim :-)
I JUST WANT TO THANK SOUTHWEST!!!
BECAUSE OF THEIR LOW INTERNET FARES, MY BOYFRIEND AND I CAN STAY TOGETHER!!! SINCE WE ARE BOTH POOR COLLEGE STUDENTS IT IS HARD TO FLY AND SEE EACH OTHER...
BUT SINCE IT ONLY COSTS US $100 ROUND TRIP.... WE CAN!!!
THANK YOU FOR SAVING MY RELATIONSHIP!!!!!!
:=)
That's great! I LUV it! That's a good idea. :)
KEVIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU ARE SO LUCKY.... I MISS HOME..... I WILL BE IN ABQ SOON AND YOU ARE RIGHT, IT DOES FEEL LIKE YOU ARE WALKING THROUGH AN ART GALLERY. THERE ARE NO FAST FOOD CHAINS, INSTEAD WE HAVE HOME COOKED FOOD.. IN ADDITION TO THAT WE DO NOT HAVE A BUNCH OF LUGGAGE STACKED UP... I THINK LAS VEGAS TERMINAL IS BY FAR THE WORSE... NEEDS A FACE LIFT..
USS BLOG BOY
Maybe I'm biased because I'm fromt here but personally I'm particular to PDX as a gorgeous airport. Especially D & C terminals. C is the newer of the two and incorporated some design elements but it really is an amazingly beautiful concourse and airport. :)
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