Omaha Eppley Airfield - DISCUSSION

Omahacritic · Post by **Omahacritic** » Mon Sep 02, 2019 1:29 am

No way. That flight was consistently near full.

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Mon Sep 02, 2019 1:41 am

There was a lot of Regional Jet flying from San Diego cut at the same time, not just OMA. There is a rumor that Alaska will announce an increase in mainline to replace the RJ, but I haven't seen anything concrete. This 737MAX bullstuff is really messing up traffic planning.

Ryan Air · Post by **Ryan Air** » Mon Sep 02, 2019 2:55 am

damonhynes wrote: Mon Sep 02, 2019 1:41 am There was a lot of Regional Jet flying from San Diego cut at the same time, not just OMA. There is a rumor that Alaska will announce an increase in mainline to replace the RJ, but I haven't seen anything concrete. This 737MAX bullstuff is really messing up traffic planning.

This is really surprising to me... shocking, in fact. I was hearing rumors of Alaska mainlining the flight. Now it's canceled? I was expecting an announcement of the opposite.

Iowafan8 · Post by **Iowafan8** » Mon Sep 02, 2019 3:46 am

https://www.google.com/amp/s/thepointsg ... akeup/amp/

It was also Kansas City, St. Louis, and Minneapolis from the Midwest.

Omahacritic · Post by **Omahacritic** » Mon Sep 02, 2019 5:35 pm

I know Southwest had also started OMA-SAN .

What to do with my Alaska Miles !

Bearcat06 · Post by **Bearcat06** » Tue Sep 03, 2019 3:09 pm

damonhynes wrote: Sun Sep 01, 2019 5:01 pm Alaska is dropping OMA-SAN this October.

Alaska will only be flying to the Pacific Northwest then...July numbers were actually up 7.5% over last year, but they are down almost 6% on the year over year.

OMA to California losing two non-stop routes (LAX with WN and SAN with Alaska) this year. Frost and Co. aren't recruiting CA as hard as the previous administration, just a coincidence maybe? Milwaukee is within a 500-mile radius though...

I don't know that the Milwaukee route will pick up the whole difference from the SAN loss. Could be a couple years that OMA will be absorbing that crazy growth from the past two years if they keep losing routes.

ScrattyB · Post by **ScrattyB** » Tue Sep 03, 2019 3:11 pm

Omahacritic wrote: Mon Sep 02, 2019 5:35 pm What to do with my Alaska Miles !

Well, they don’t expire, so you could wait.

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Tue Sep 03, 2019 3:49 pm

In the latest issue of The Kansas City Business Journal there is an update on the new KCI terminal, complete with pictures. Natural wood, big windows, a fountain, lots more. It will be nice, efficient and in my opinion a lot nicer than the current KCI terminal.

I await plans and renderings of the new Omaha terminal. Here's my question. Will the new remodeled Eppley have larger public spaces, natural wood, maybe a fountain, and large windows? Local flavor in decor, food, etc.? Will it actually give visitors to the airport that Omaha is a forward thinking city with lots to offer?
Or will the remodeled terminal be a very efficient, cost effective, this-is-as-good-as-Omaha-deserves-and-citizens-don't-care-what-the-airport-looks-like-as-long-as-it-gets-me-to-where-I-want-to-go terminal?

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Tue Sep 03, 2019 6:00 pm

Sounds lazy but a moving walkway from one terminal to the other would be nice.

Ryan Air · Post by **Ryan Air** » Tue Sep 03, 2019 6:11 pm

Bob from Omaha wrote: Tue Sep 03, 2019 3:49 pm In the latest issue of The Kansas City Business Journal there is an update on the new KCI terminal, complete with pictures. Natural wood, big windows, a fountain, lots more. It will be nice, efficient and in my opinion a lot nicer than the current KCI terminal.

I await plans and renderings of the new Omaha terminal. Here's my question. Will the new remodeled Eppley have larger public spaces, natural wood, maybe a fountain, and large windows? Local flavor in decor, food, etc.? Will it actually give visitors to the airport that Omaha is a forward thinking city with lots to offer?
Or will the remodeled terminal be a very efficient, cost effective, this-is-as-good-as-Omaha-deserves-and-citizens-don't-care-what-the-airport-looks-like-as-long-as-it-gets-me-to-where-I-want-to-go terminal?

I believe the new terminal will be of the same quality and design as the new rental car terminal... and if that's the case, it will be beautiful, with big windows and plenty of space. Corgan is the design/ build firm. I tried to attach a link to a PDF that firm has on aviation. Google "corgan aviation" and take a look at their portfolio. Very impressive.

We won't know for sure what the plans are until renderings and design ideas are released... potentially this fall.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Tue Sep 03, 2019 6:30 pm

If we get anything like those first dozen or so images I saw through a google image search, we would be very fortunate.

Bearcat06 · Post by **Bearcat06** » Wed Sep 04, 2019 9:23 pm

Bob from Omaha wrote: Tue Sep 03, 2019 3:49 pm In the latest issue of The Kansas City Business Journal there is an update on the new KCI terminal, complete with pictures. Natural wood, big windows, a fountain, lots more. It will be nice, efficient and in my opinion a lot nicer than the current KCI terminal.

I await plans and renderings of the new Omaha terminal. Here's my question. Will the new remodeled Eppley have larger public spaces, natural wood, maybe a fountain, and large windows? Local flavor in decor, food, etc.? Will it actually give visitors to the airport that Omaha is a forward thinking city with lots to offer?
Or will the remodeled terminal be a very efficient, cost effective, this-is-as-good-as-Omaha-deserves-and-citizens-don't-care-what-the-airport-looks-like-as-long-as-it-gets-me-to-where-I-want-to-go terminal?

I am in favor of a modern design, big windows, spacious, local food/drinks ( I know I've mentioned this before ). Eppley is the gateway to Omaha/Nebraska for 5 million travelers a year. I know many are from the area, but let's show some pride. Omaha in general rides the line, you see some extravagant designs and forward-thinking, but you also see some minimalist, "let's tighten the purse strings" mentality. I'm really hoping for the former, but with the estimated costs/budget around $500 million ( I believe that may be the latest figure I heard) it could be the latter. KCI is sinking $1.5 billion into a 39-gate terminal, OMA is looking at a third of that for a 28-gate terminal, a difference of $38.4 million to $17.8 million per gate. Now KCI serves twice as many passengers as OMA, but if you want to try to play with the bigger boys and attract new routes/more passengers, you might have take a leap of faith and build to future proof. "Functional" is good enough for Burlington, VT, but for continued population growth and big business potential for Omaha and surrounding areas, I don't know that "functional" is adequate.

Ryan Air · Post by **Ryan Air** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 3:15 am

Bearcat06 wrote: Wed Sep 04, 2019 9:23 pm
Bob from Omaha wrote: Tue Sep 03, 2019 3:49 pm In the latest issue of The Kansas City Business Journal there is an update on the new KCI terminal, complete with pictures. Natural wood, big windows, a fountain, lots more. It will be nice, efficient and in my opinion a lot nicer than the current KCI terminal.

I await plans and renderings of the new Omaha terminal. Here's my question. Will the new remodeled Eppley have larger public spaces, natural wood, maybe a fountain, and large windows? Local flavor in decor, food, etc.? Will it actually give visitors to the airport that Omaha is a forward thinking city with lots to offer?
Or will the remodeled terminal be a very efficient, cost effective, this-is-as-good-as-Omaha-deserves-and-citizens-don't-care-what-the-airport-looks-like-as-long-as-it-gets-me-to-where-I-want-to-go terminal?
I am in favor of a modern design, big windows, spacious, local food/drinks ( I know I've mentioned this before ). Eppley is the gateway to Omaha/Nebraska for 5 million travelers a year. I know many are from the area, but let's show some pride. Omaha in general rides the line, you see some extravagant designs and forward-thinking, but you also see some minimalist, "let's tighten the purse strings" mentality. I'm really hoping for the former, but with the estimated costs/budget around $500 million ( I believe that may be the latest figure I heard) it could be the latter. KCI is sinking $1.5 billion into a 39-gate terminal, OMA is looking at a third of that for a 28-gate terminal, a difference of $38.4 million to $17.8 million per gate. Now KCI serves twice as many passengers as OMA, but if you want to try to play with the bigger boys and attract new routes/more passengers, you might have take a leap of faith and build to future proof. "Functional" is good enough for Burlington, VT, but for continued population growth and big business potential for Omaha and surrounding areas, I don't know that "functional" is adequate.

The OMA project and MCI project are apples and oranges.
The layout of the OMA project is far less complicated with a significant portion of ramp space already complete- not to mention proper planning for years with infrastructure being added over the last 5 years in anticipation of this project. Also, about 1/10 of demo. You need to remember that 110 million had already been spent on new garage and upgrade of other parking. That's not included in OMA $500 million estimate. New parking structures and completely new access roads spanning over a mile are needed for MCI. The building of a massive new apron/ramp with new taxi access will cost a TON of money. Demo of terminal A isn't cheap either.

My point: I'd crudely estimate $300 million of MCI work to be new parking, new access, new ramp and taxi. Maybe more. Our new garage alone was over $80 million- with a new structure nearly 3 times that, I'd expect it ain't cheap.

Don't get me wrong, MCI will be bigger... considerably bigger, with a larger footprint. But their project has much more cost than OMA. That massive apron has got to be close to $150 million?? Look at former Hawkins bids for new ramps. They are expensive.

Lots of things to consider in these two very different projects.

Omababe · Post by **Omababe** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:13 am

Bearcat06 wrote: Wed Sep 04, 2019 9:23 pmI am in favor of a modern design, big windows, spacious, local food/drinks ( I know I've mentioned this before ).

Am I the only one who really doesn't give a rat about so-called "amenities" at airports?

When I go to an airport, whether it's Eppley or O'Hare or Grand Junction or whatever, I want to get on or off of a plane, get quickly to/from my local transportation, and get out of there!

What I care about are things like parking, quick check-in/bag drop, tolerable security lines, good signage for an airport I'm not familiar with, prompt bag claim, tolerable rental car lines, semi-comfortable non-mobbed seating at the gate, things like that.

I really don't care about dining and imbibing at an airport. I want things like being able to get something like a roll without a mile-long coffee line, getting a soda that's actually cold instead of luke-cool, a convenience shop which is only somewhat-overpriced for things I forget, etc.

(Yeah I know, b*tch b*tch b*tch!)

guy4omaha · Post by **guy4omaha** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:27 am

Omababe wrote: Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:13 am
Bearcat06 wrote: Wed Sep 04, 2019 9:23 pmI am in favor of a modern design, big windows, spacious, local food/drinks ( I know I've mentioned this before ).
Am I the only one who really doesn't give a rat about so-called "amenities" at airports?

When I go to an airport, whether it's Eppley or O'Hare or Grand Junction or whatever, I want to get on or off of a plane, get quickly to/from my local transportation, and get out of there!

What I care about are things like parking, quick check-in/bag drop, tolerable security lines, good signage for an airport I'm not familiar with, prompt bag claim, tolerable rental car lines, semi-comfortable non-mobbed seating at the gate, things like that.

I really don't care about dining and imbibing at an airport. I want things like being able to get something like a roll without a mile-long coffee line, getting a soda that's actually cold instead of luke-cool, a convenience shop which is only somewhat-overpriced for things I forget, etc.

(Yeah I know, b*tch b*tch b*tch!)

You're not the only one. There might be two of us. I can't comment on whether you b*tch but I find I become more grumpy with each passing day. Having admitted this fault, it seems to me like a good portion of us here are afflicted with some sort of "pecker envy" on all these issues. "Oh if only we weren't more like ... "

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:38 am

guy4omaha wrote: Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:27 am
Omababe wrote: Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:13 am
Bearcat06 wrote: Wed Sep 04, 2019 9:23 pmI am in favor of a modern design, big windows, spacious, local food/drinks ( I know I've mentioned this before ).
Am I the only one who really doesn't give a rat about so-called "amenities" at airports?

When I go to an airport, whether it's Eppley or O'Hare or Grand Junction or whatever, I want to get on or off of a plane, get quickly to/from my local transportation, and get out of there!

What I care about are things like parking, quick check-in/bag drop, tolerable security lines, good signage for an airport I'm not familiar with, prompt bag claim, tolerable rental car lines, semi-comfortable non-mobbed seating at the gate, things like that.

I really don't care about dining and imbibing at an airport. I want things like being able to get something like a roll without a mile-long coffee line, getting a soda that's actually cold instead of luke-cool, a convenience shop which is only somewhat-overpriced for things I forget, etc.

(Yeah I know, b*tch b*tch b*tch!)

You're not the only one. There might be two of us. I can't comment on whether you b*tch but I find I become more grumpy with each passing day. Having admitted this fault, it seems to me like a good portion of us here are afflicted with some sort of "pecker envy" on all these issues. "Oh if only we weren't more like ... "

I like amenities if I am traveling through an airport catching another flight but have never considered Eppley that, so then I like the simpler things like you mentioned.

Bearcat06 · Post by **Bearcat06** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 1:42 pm

Omababe wrote: Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:13 am
Bearcat06 wrote: Wed Sep 04, 2019 9:23 pmI am in favor of a modern design, big windows, spacious, local food/drinks ( I know I've mentioned this before ).
Am I the only one who really doesn't give a rat about so-called "amenities" at airports?

When I go to an airport, whether it's Eppley or O'Hare or Grand Junction or whatever, I want to get on or off of a plane, get quickly to/from my local transportation, and get out of there!

What I care about are things like parking, quick check-in/bag drop, tolerable security lines, good signage for an airport I'm not familiar with, prompt bag claim, tolerable rental car lines, semi-comfortable non-mobbed seating at the gate, things like that.

I really don't care about dining and imbibing at an airport. I want things like being able to get something like a roll without a mile-long coffee line, getting a soda that's actually cold instead of luke-cool, a convenience shop which is only somewhat-overpriced for things I forget, etc.

(Yeah I know, b*tch b*tch b*tch!)

I don't know that a modern design is as much an amenity, as I'd rather not be stuck in a 1970's dungeon while waiting for a flight to leave. A moving walkway would certainly be a bit much in my opinion, with TSA likely to be in the center of the terminal in the new design, I couldn't imagine it taking much more than 5-10 minutes to walk to any of the gates. The seating at the gates seems to be problematic for most airports, especially when they have flights at adjacent gates getting ready to board around the same time.

I'm also not suggesting they put in multiple, full-service, sit-down restaurants or bars, but there can be better options beyond security. I'm thinking more fast casual or food truck style options (I'm sure some of the local ones could adapt to a stall at an airport). Food/drink before TSA does me no good; maybe for those people waiting for arrivals. I just want to get through TSA, find my gate and then look for options for food/drink. That being said, I'm fairly certain there are better options than Godfather's pizza and Cracky McCracken's out there. Surely it's not too crazy to ask for better dining options than what the Bucky's gas station has down the street?

Bearcat06 · Post by **Bearcat06** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 2:00 pm

You're not the only one. There might be two of us. I can't comment on whether you b*tch but I find I become more grumpy with each passing day. Having admitted this fault, it seems to me like a good portion of us here are afflicted with some sort of "pecker envy" on all these issues. "Oh if only we weren't more like ... "
[/quote]

Keeping up with the Joneses....yeah, it's a societal thing. Has been since humans grouped together. It's a catch 22, we're stronger together, but then we get envious of others...nobody wants to in last place or be the weakest link.

ita · Post by **ita** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 2:15 pm

Uffda wrote: Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:38 am
guy4omaha wrote: Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:27 am
Omababe wrote: Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:13 am
Bearcat06 wrote: Wed Sep 04, 2019 9:23 pmI am in favor of a modern design, big windows, spacious, local food/drinks ( I know I've mentioned this before ).
Am I the only one who really doesn't give a rat about so-called "amenities" at airports?

When I go to an airport, whether it's Eppley or O'Hare or Grand Junction or whatever, I want to get on or off of a plane, get quickly to/from my local transportation, and get out of there!

What I care about are things like parking, quick check-in/bag drop, tolerable security lines, good signage for an airport I'm not familiar with, prompt bag claim, tolerable rental car lines, semi-comfortable non-mobbed seating at the gate, things like that.

I really don't care about dining and imbibing at an airport. I want things like being able to get something like a roll without a mile-long coffee line, getting a soda that's actually cold instead of luke-cool, a convenience shop which is only somewhat-overpriced for things I forget, etc.

(Yeah I know, b*tch b*tch b*tch!)

You're not the only one. There might be two of us. I can't comment on whether you b*tch but I find I become more grumpy with each passing day. Having admitted this fault, it seems to me like a good portion of us here are afflicted with some sort of "pecker envy" on all these issues. "Oh if only we weren't more like ... "
I like amenities if I am traveling through an airport catching another flight but have never considered Eppley that, so then I like the simpler things like you mentioned.

Although I tend to agree with you two, I like to just go in and out from Eppley, if there are times where there are delays, food options, then it becomes more of a bigger deal. Also, if you are not from here and flying home from business/conventions/vacation in Omaha or something, it helps to have food options or convenience store services at the airport, particularly if you are staying at a hotel not close to those options, such as those closest to the airport, or your schedule or route doesn't allow to get food before getting to the airport.

Omahacritic · Post by **Omahacritic** » Fri Sep 06, 2019 4:00 am

Your associates don’t always have same flight times, but you car share to airport. Someone has a longer wait.
Ditto, flying into airport.

You drive to airport from 60 miles out ... arriving at “terminal” with extra time.

Your business meeting went long, you didn’t have time to gas up the rental and get lunch.

So, lots of reasons to have quality food options.

Who besides me remembers when they had the outdoor observation deck at the airport?

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Fri Sep 06, 2019 4:32 am

Well, as someone who travels in or out of Eppley about 20 times a year, and picks people up a few additional times, I think the airport pretty much sux when it comes to customer friendly amenities. I often leave on flights departing before sunup, having gotten out of bed at 3:30 am or some other ungodly hour, and try to arrive at Eppley at least 1:45 prior to scheduled departure (I never drive myself). I’m typically not eating anything before I leave my house, but providing that TSA lines aren’t 30 minutes long (on occasion that happens early in the morning) I have a good 30-45 minutes to kill before boarding time, and I wish we had several choices of decent sit down restaurants in both the north and south terminals. School cafeterias show more seasonal and fresh food variety!
I often return to Eppley after 8 or 9 pm, and I have lost count of how many deplaning passengers I have overheard exclaiming “jeez, they really roll up the sidewalks in Omaha early, don’t they? Everything is closed!” I frankly feel the same way. Even the news stands and pre TSA eateries are closed. Anyone who travels much has surely been stuck at Eppley for hours and hours due to flight delays. There simply is nothing interesting to do or see or eat or drink beyond TSA at Eppley. A microwaved egg McMuffin or dried out club sandwich really is a slap in the face of Omaha’s supposed reputation for having great home grown restaurants.
When I travel I typically must change planes at a hub city to get to my destination. And typically that also involves a trip through customs and immigration. I can absolutely tell you that I choose my flights based upon what options I have in terms of connecting airports as much as I do ticket prices. I have my favorite restaurants at each of my connecting airports, and since often I have 3 or 4 hour layovers waiting for the next flight to Omaha, I enjoy the opportunity to unwind from dealing with Immigration and TSA by dining at a good restaurant with a good beer selection and great food. I find plenty of options in MSP, Dallas, Houston Hobby, Denver and Phoenix. Not so LAX or O’Hare. (I highly recommend Timberline at Denver’s Terminal C for breakfast and dinner, and Pappadeaux’s at DFW and HOU)
The Phoenix airport resembles a shopping mall, and every one of the full service restaurants is locally based, which shows that the city cares for the people who use their airport. Denver exhibits tons of local artwork, which helps soothe the frazzled nerves of people in transit. To a lesser extent so does Phoenix. DFW and Hobby are more functional, but at least they have nice restaurants.
My point is, that small things can create lasting impressions. A nice restaurant meal with a local brew or two can create a positive impression about an entire airport, and that rubs off to include a positive impression of the city it is sited in. And the converse is also true. The lack of full service restaurants in either of Omaha’s terminals is a glaring shortcoming.

ScrattyB · Post by **ScrattyB** » Fri Sep 06, 2019 1:52 pm

nativeomahan wrote: Fri Sep 06, 2019 4:32 am I find plenty of options in MSP, Dallas, Houston Hobby, Denver and Phoenix. Not so LAX or O’Hare.

It's not a sit-down restaurant, but I ALWAYS eat at Billy Goat Tavern in O'Hare before heading overseas. Good breakfast before a 12 hour flight.

Bearcat06 · Post by **Bearcat06** » Fri Sep 06, 2019 7:36 pm

nativeomahan wrote: Fri Sep 06, 2019 4:32 am Well, as someone who travels in or out of Eppley about 20 times a year, and picks people up a few additional times, I think the airport pretty much sux when it comes to customer friendly amenities. I often leave on flights departing before sunup, having gotten out of bed at 3:30 am or some other ungodly hour, and try to arrive at Eppley at least 1:45 prior to scheduled departure (I never drive myself). I’m typically not eating anything before I leave my house, but providing that TSA lines aren’t 30 minutes long (on occasion that happens early in the morning) I have a good 30-45 minutes to kill before boarding time, and I wish we had several choices of decent sit down restaurants in both the north and south terminals. School cafeterias show more seasonal and fresh food variety!
I often return to Eppley after 8 or 9 pm, and I have lost count of how many deplaning passengers I have overheard exclaiming “jeez, they really roll up the sidewalks in Omaha early, don’t they? Everything is closed!” I frankly feel the same way. Even the news stands and pre TSA eateries are closed. Anyone who travels much has surely been stuck at Eppley for hours and hours due to flight delays. There simply is nothing interesting to do or see or eat or drink beyond TSA at Eppley. A microwaved egg McMuffin or dried out club sandwich really is a slap in the face of Omaha’s supposed reputation for having great home grown restaurants.
When I travel I typically must change planes at a hub city to get to my destination. And typically that also involves a trip through customs and immigration. I can absolutely tell you that I choose my flights based upon what options I have in terms of connecting airports as much as I do ticket prices. I have my favorite restaurants at each of my connecting airports, and since often I have 3 or 4 hour layovers waiting for the next flight to Omaha, I enjoy the opportunity to unwind from dealing with Immigration and TSA by dining at a good restaurant with a good beer selection and great food. I find plenty of options in MSP, Dallas, Houston Hobby, Denver and Phoenix. Not so LAX or O’Hare. (I highly recommend Timberline at Denver’s Terminal C for breakfast and dinner, and Pappadeaux’s at DFW and HOU)
The Phoenix airport resembles a shopping mall, and every one of the full service restaurants is locally based, which shows that the city cares for the people who use their airport. Denver exhibits tons of local artwork, which helps soothe the frazzled nerves of people in transit. To a lesser extent so does Phoenix. DFW and Hobby are more functional, but at least they have nice restaurants.
My point is, that small things can create lasting impressions. A nice restaurant meal with a local brew or two can create a positive impression about an entire airport, and that rubs off to include a positive impression of the city it is sited in. And the converse is also true. The lack of full service restaurants in either of Omaha’s terminals is a glaring shortcoming.

I'm often in the same situation flying out of OMA, though not nearly 20 times a year. Most flights out to hit decent connections and get to your destination at a reasonable hour in the day are early am flights from OMA. I don't have time in the morning to stop somewhere on my way to the airport and I really just want to get bags checked (if necessary) and get through TSA so I don't have to worry about missing a flight. Once there, like you noted 30-45 mins to kill and that biscoff cookie on the plane isn't going to work for breakfast.

I've also been on the arrival end after 8 pm and it is a ghost town. I just checked, and on a Friday, it appears there are 21 flights arriving after 8pm. The last flight out is 7:55 pm. If you estimate 117 passengers per flight (just a rudimentary avg between an RJ-900, MD-88 and B737), that's approximately 2,500 pax a night that might not have access to food/beverage services upon arrival after 8 (if everything does, in fact, shut down then.) If that's every day of the week for a year that's 910,000 pax.

I'm sure it's been taken into consideration that OMA is not a connection hub and anyone coming in after 8 is in town for the night and they don't want to hang out. That being said if you've been on a plane since 4 or 5 and you haven't eaten anything but a tiny bag of pretzels on the plane, you might be a little hungry. Tough call on that one, as there really aren't too many options near the airport for a quick bite on the way home if you're heading west versus downtown. I don't know, I think it'd have to be something pretty special to attract people to stay and eat/drink after arriving.

ScrattyB · Post by **ScrattyB** » Fri Sep 06, 2019 8:09 pm

Bearcat06 wrote: Fri Sep 06, 2019 7:36 pm I don't know, I think it'd have to be something pretty special to attract people to stay and eat/drink after arriving.

So, a cheese Runza and a Fairy Nectar. This could be done with a vending machine.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Sat Sep 07, 2019 11:53 pm

Yes, often on our way home at 9:30 or 10 pm almost every restaurant along Dodge or Saddle Creek are darkened (I don’t eat “fast food” and even if I did most of those places seemed closed by 9:30 or 10 pm). Often my choices boil down to stopping at Baker’s supermarket to get a bag of lettuce or something else ready to eat, or going to bed without. We try to clean out our fridge before our trips, so there won’t be anything turning into a science experiment while we are away.
It’s not the end of the world, but it would be nice to have SOME PLACE open at Eppley that sells food after 9 pm.
While I am rambling, is Eppley the ONLY airport in all of North America or western Europe lacking even one Starbuck’s?

ProgKingHughesker · Post by **ProgKingHughesker** » Sun Sep 08, 2019 1:09 am

nativeomahan wrote: Sat Sep 07, 2019 11:53 pm Yes, often on our way home at 9:30 or 10 pm almost every restaurant along Dodge or Saddle Creek are darkened (I don’t eat “fast food” and even if I did most of those places seemed closed by 9:30 or 10 pm). Often my choices boil down to stopping at Baker’s supermarket to get a bag of lettuce or something else ready to eat, or going to bed without. We try to clean out our fridge before our trips, so there won’t be anything turning into a science experiment while we are away.
It’s not the end of the world, but it would be nice to have SOME PLACE open at Eppley that sells food after 9 pm.
While I am rambling, is Eppley the ONLY airport in all of North America or western Europe lacking even one Starbuck’s?

That's partly on you if you refuse to eat anything that's open at that time.

And Scooter's, Starbucks, there's not a big enough difference to have both of them and I'd rather the airport support the local company.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Sun Sep 08, 2019 1:44 am

Why can’t Scooters compete with Starbucks at Eppley? I could be wrong but I don’t believe that either operates past TSA security at Eppley. Obviously Starbucks doesn’t.

Bearcat06 · Post by **Bearcat06** » Sun Sep 08, 2019 8:29 pm

nativeomahan wrote: Sun Sep 08, 2019 1:44 am Why can’t Scooters compete with Starbucks at Eppley? I could be wrong but I don’t believe that either operates past TSA security at Eppley. Obviously Starbucks doesn’t.

I believe Scooter's is beyond TSA in terminal B. The terminal A side it's across the hall from A&W. Your choice after TSA in terminal A is Kracky McGee's.

Also, per the FlyOMA website, the terminal concourse options on both sides are open until the last flight, which I'm assuming is the last flight out, usually around 8pm, from what I can tell. The pre-TSA options on the south side are pretty all closed by 7pm on the weekdays and 6pm on Saturday? The north side is shut down by 8pm weekdays and 7pm on Saturdays, other than the Scooter's in the north food court, which is apparently open 24 hours a day.

Omahacritic · Post by **Omahacritic** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 2:38 am

It’s the incoming flights that need to be served.

guy4omaha · Post by **guy4omaha** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 3:29 am

Omahacritic wrote: Mon Sep 09, 2019 2:38 am It’s the incoming flights that need to be served.

I don't know how a restaurant would make it pencil out to stay open past 8 or so at Eppley. Not enough volume and what little there is will mostly be walking right past the food service heading to baggage claim or the exits. How would they pay a staff to stay open late?

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 11:25 am

guy4omaha wrote: Mon Sep 09, 2019 3:29 am
Omahacritic wrote: Mon Sep 09, 2019 2:38 am It’s the incoming flights that need to be served.
Not enough volume and what little there is will mostly be walking right past the food service heading to baggage claim or the exits. How would they pay a staff to stay open late?

Very true. The vol7me of customers wouldn’t be great and it would be hard to have a lot of food available because hard to judge how many would actually stop. And you didn’t want to throw a lot of food out.

TitosBuritoBarn · Post by **TitosBuritoBarn** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 3:35 pm

I agree with the points made about restaurants. If I'm heading somewhere immediately after work or sometimes early in the morning, I like to stop somewhere at the airport for a bite. Eppley's options are, for the most part, gross - at least in how they're presented. I'm not beyond fast food or anything, but the stuff there seems a little iffy.

I think airport design and amenities should function similar to fashion. When presenting yourself, particularly to strangers you may be interested in trying to impress, like on a date or a potential client, it's better to create the impression that you have your |expletive| together, have a level of culture, etc. Similarly with airports, particularly for visitors -- or even for residents coming home from an exciting vacation -- something with thought towards design and accommodation is going to be much more inviting and welcoming, creating a better impression. With regard to coming home from an exciting vacation, I got back from a trip to the Alps yesterday and flew in through JFK. Not particularly wanting to come back, the full customs experience at JFK, and especially connecting through Terminal 2, just made the lack of desire to come back worse (though the new TWA hotel is awesome!). If I fly to a place that I'm unfamiliar with and they have an outdated and/or thoughtless airport, it tends to help develop my first impression of the place.

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 4:33 pm

The food post security is not bad, but it is difficult to find. The Kracky McGee's brand also leaves much to be desired. I see something like that elsewhere and I don't stop. When I fly in the AM, I often want to get some fruit or a beverage to take onto the plane. I feel that the news kiosks are trying, but not succeeding. The restaurants are not open early or late and this develops the sense that you can't rely on them.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 10:35 pm

The only sounds I am greeted with when I return home to Eppley after 8 pm are the sounds of vacuum cleaners and floor buffers. It makes you feel like you don’t belong in the building.

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 12:38 am

Did I see two WN 737MAX parked near air cargo? Too dark to see the engines.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 3:20 am

guy4omaha wrote: Mon Sep 09, 2019 3:29 am
Omahacritic wrote: Mon Sep 09, 2019 2:38 am It’s the incoming flights that need to be served.
I don't know how a restaurant would make it pencil out to stay open past 8 or so at Eppley. Not enough volume and what little there is will mostly be walking right past the food service heading to baggage claim or the exits. How would they pay a staff to stay open late?

I agree. It’s about demand for the supply. I’d suspect, if and when OMA nears the 7 million annual passenger threshold, more and diverse food options would be available at Eppley...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Mr.Nuke · Post by **Mr.Nuke** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 3:25 am

damonhynes wrote: Tue Sep 10, 2019 12:38 am Did I see two WN 737MAX parked near air cargo?

I highly doubt it... Their fleet was ferried to Victorville California for storage.

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 1:24 pm

Mr.Nuke wrote: Tue Sep 10, 2019 3:25 am
damonhynes wrote: Tue Sep 10, 2019 12:38 am Did I see two WN 737MAX parked near air cargo?
I highly doubt it... Their fleet was ferried to Victorville California for storage.

Thanx! Desert makes more sense.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 8:40 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Sep 10, 2019 3:20 am
guy4omaha wrote: Mon Sep 09, 2019 3:29 am
Omahacritic wrote: Mon Sep 09, 2019 2:38 am It’s the incoming flights that need to be served.
I don't know how a restaurant would make it pencil out to stay open past 8 or so at Eppley. Not enough volume and what little there is will mostly be walking right past the food service heading to baggage claim or the exits. How would they pay a staff to stay open late?
I agree. It’s about demand for the supply. I’d suspect, if and when OMA nears the 7 million annual passenger threshold, more and diverse food options would be available at Eppley...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

PVR handled but 4.6 million passengers last year, from 15 gates. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licenci ... al_Airport

They have at least 12 restaurants of one sort or another, including multiple Starbucks, Carl’s Jr., Bubba Gump, Famous Famiglia, Wings (full service restaurant with an airplane theme), several Sbarros, several Subways as well as competing coffee places and three or four bars. I believe I saw signs for an Asian ramen bar going in when I flew through there last month.
In addition there is a wildly popular fish taco restaurant across the parking lot, and a full service OXXO (identical to a 7-Eleven) outside the arrivals doors.

Omahacritic · Post by **Omahacritic** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 3:58 am

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Sep 10, 2019 3:20 am
guy4omaha wrote: Mon Sep 09, 2019 3:29 am
Omahacritic wrote: Mon Sep 09, 2019 2:38 am It’s the incoming flights that need to be served.
I don't know how a restaurant would make it pencil out to stay open past 8 or so at Eppley. Not enough volume and what little there is will mostly be walking right past the food service heading to baggage claim or the exits. How would they pay a staff to stay open late?
I agree. It’s about demand for the supply. I’d suspect, if and when OMA nears the 7 million annual passenger threshold, more and diverse food options would be available at Eppley...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

No doubt. Part of too is the way Eppley splits the incoming no between the two terminals then funnels them downstairs. That splits the volume in two. If they redesign so all passengers funnel through one bigger hallway it will help the shops.