Omaha Eppley Airfield - DISCUSSION

[Bearcat06]

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.

I actually really like this comparison. I've been to both airports as well. They have similar pax numbers and they are not connecting hubs by any means. Both also have their terminals separated at this time. I looked into their flights for today, obviously this could fluctuate, but it appears their last arrival is around 10:52 pm (they only have 2 arrivals after (8:15 pm) and their last departure is about 9:45 pm. PVR has 4 flights leaving after 8 pm, all on A320s.

It looks like most of the restaurants they have listed on their site close around 8pm, but Subway is open until 10pm. (They didn't have Bubba Gump or Johnny Rocket's listed so I don't think their site is complete). All of their shops are open until 10 pm. FlyOMA shows everything behind TSA shuts down at the latest, the last flight out, which is around 8pm. OMA has 21 arrivals after 8pm.

[Bearcat06]

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.

The new single terminal that's been initially suggested should clear up that issue.

[Mr.Nuke]

August was down 4.6% in August per KETV's noon newscast. Nothing on Eppley's site yet.

Edit: It is up now. Down 4.6% compared to last August, still barely up 0.6% YTD.
https://www.flyoma.com/wp-content/uploa ... istics.pdf

[Bearcat06]

August was down 4.6% in August per KETV's noon newscast. Nothing on Eppley's site yet.

Edit: It is up now. Down 4.6% compared to last August, still barely up 0.6% YTD.
https://www.flyoma.com/wp-content/uploa ... istics.pdf

Just saw this as well. Delta and Alaska were the only two carriers in plus territory for the month. Frontier continues to tank (-62.7%), WN at -3.9%, (down 3.9% on the year as well) and Allegiant surprisingly at -25% on the month. AA was at -2.2%, but that may be a blip. I wonder if the switch to the A319s will help. I believe they are running an A319 to LAX now, which began a couple weeks ago.

My updated projection for the year is a 1.02% increase and approximately 5,094,572 pax.

[ChadJK]

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!

I generally agree. I have no desire to be at the airport early or linger after I land. I feel the same about economy/coach-class people who rush onto the plane to be the first seated. Are they in a big hurry to sit in a cramped uncomfortable seat in that tube of pain called an airliner? I always wait for final boarding call to minimize my time in the plane. Of course, I'm 6'4" so economy is a special heII for me. I also don't do carry-ons. It's not worth lugging it around the airport and competing for space in an overhead bin. I check everything and on the very rare occasion it gets lost there's usually a Walmart wherever I'm going (and let's be honest - luggage is rarely "lost" for more than 12 hours).

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.

I concur. Land at 9 PM and it feels like you're in some post apocalyptic drama where you're the last human left on Earth.

Sacramento (SMF) is the same (or at least it was in the late 90s when I used it regularly).

[Omahacritic]

Chad .. some airports the baggage claim is 30+ minutes. But otherwise I agree, no carry-on can be so much less stress.

Sacramento airport ... lots of fancy remodeling has gone on. Pretty fancy place these days.

[Bob from Omaha]

My experience is that with the exception of a lot of hubs the majority of the restaurants at the other airports close about 1/2 hour before the last scheduled departure. You want airport food? Go to ORD, JFK, etc.
Me I'd rather eat before I leave for the airport or once i land I'd rather eat elsewhere.

[nativeomahan]

The problem is it is difficult for people in “spoke” cities like Omaha to eat someplace else before a 5:50 am flight. The last thing I want to do is dirty up my kitchen, have to wonder about food scraps hanging around the house for weeks, and having to do dishes at 4 am. And it is the same problem when arriving back in Omaha at 9 pm, or, heaven forbid, have a late day flight that is delayed, which seems to be the norm. There are no decent restaurants open at 10 pm on a weeknight in in a town like Omaha. Hard to find many choices even on a Friday or Saturday night, unless you want to deviate far from your path home, which I am guessing few tired travelers wish to do. Yes, often travelers can have dinner between flights in a hub airport, but who hasn’t had to rush to catch their second flight when your first flight arrives an hour or more late?

[Uffda]

When I would fly out of Omaha early, I usually threw a couple of snack/protein bars and a water bottle in my backpack to have while I waited or on the plane. If I have time at a connecting airport -- I might grab something.

Now depending on what time I was heading back - I might grab something in the airport I was leaving from since I usually was there early -- or a couple more protein bars. And then of course the connecting routine.

Once back in Omaha, I just wanted to get home so might look for something in the freezer to quickly thaw out or a PBJ -- or wait until morning. ;-)

[ScrattyB]

The problem is it is difficult for people in “spoke” cities like Omaha to eat someplace else before a 5:50 am flight.

Banana or protein bar. Then when I land at ORD/DEN/SFO (I'm a United person) I eat my breakfast before my next flight.

[Cermak]

I never eat at Eppley. I might get a pack of gum or something to drink but that’s it. If I’m stuck at a major hub airport waiting for a connection then I might have a meal , but Eppley’s strictly in and out.

[GrowUpFrances]

You want airport food? Go to ORD, JFK, etc.

Having recently visited JFK, I'd recommend NOT going for food. $10 bottles of average beer. $14 for a sliced-bread sandwich. International terminal, but still...

[Bearcat06]

Looks like KCI will be the airport in the 3-hour radius with direct flights to Mexico (PVR and CAN).

https://amp-kansascity-com.cdn.ampproje ... 15842.html

[Uffda]

I've also been on the arrival end after 8 pm and it is a ghost town.

I was thinking about this thread when I arrived in Tampa International last night at about 11pm. Everything in my concourse was shut down and locked up. Nothing open. Took the short shuttle to the main terminal -- down the escalator - grabbed my luggage and out the door I was.

So it isn't just Eppley that is dead.

[damonhynes]

I was at DTW last week; Mickey D's was still open at 10PM but the boutiques were rolling their gates down. I was surprised that DTW got so quiet so quickly.

[Bearcat06]

September numbers are out. Overall, down 3.8% from 2018.

Frontier down 61%, WN down 3.8%, United down 3.2%.

Air Canada made a push (+4.1%), though they are gonzo in the near future. Alaska up 10%, AA up 8.6% and Delta up 6.4%.

With these numbers my current projection is .74% increase for the year with a 5,080,458 pax load.

https://www.flyoma.com/omaha-airport-au ... cts-stats/

[Bob from Omaha]

September numbers are out. Overall, down 3.8% from 2018.

Frontier down 61%, WN down 3.8%, United down 3.2%.

Air Canada made a push (+4.1%), though they are gonzo in the near future. Alaska up 10%, AA up 8.6% and Delta up 6.4%.

With these numbers my current projection is .74% increase for the year with a 5,080,458 pax load.

https://www.flyoma.com/omaha-airport-au ... cts-stats/

Did Allegiant quit flying out of OMA? If not, what's up with no entry in September? I'm going to contact Eppley.

Edit. I have some more info.
Allegiant didn't have any OMA flights between August 12 and October 3. Evidently they do this in other markets as well.

Also I understand that the team at Eppley has been working through the preliminary design process for the terminal project and at some point they will post updates on the Flyoma web site.

[joleo]

September numbers are out. Overall, down 3.8% from 2018.

Frontier down 61%, WN down 3.8%, United down 3.2%.

Air Canada made a push (+4.1%), though they are gonzo in the near future. Alaska up 10%, AA up 8.6% and Delta up 6.4%.

With these numbers my current projection is .74% increase for the year with a 5,080,458 pax load.

https://www.flyoma.com/omaha-airport-au ... cts-stats/

Did Allegiant quit flying out of OMA? If not, what's up with no entry in September? I'm going to contact Eppley.

Edit. I have some more info.
Allegiant didn't have any OMA flights between August 12 and October 3. Evidently they do this in other markets as well.

Also I understand that the team at Eppley has been working through the preliminary design process for the terminal project and at some point they will post updates on the Flyoma web site.

Correct, September is very weak for Allegiant so they decided this year to just do no flights in many markets and very limited flights in others. They used to ramp September way down but never completely eliminate a market. Change of strategy this year. I'm assuming they have a station manger in Omaha, probably just cheaper to pay their salary vs having them work a flight that isn't full.

Southwest next March is up several flights from last year as a FYI but we have to wait until March. That assumes the 737 Max is flying. If max isn't flying, flights will be cut. Also, Frontier and Allegiant will also be up this coming winter season with more flights than last year.

That will help to offset the loss of Air Canada, the loss of LAX on southwest and the loss of San Diego on Alaska.

Note San Diego was 86% full on Alaska this past September! That is going to hurt when dropped this November. The San Diego times on Southwest are terrible next march. Flight leaves at 8pm from Omaha. That is really going to hurt this flight. Southwest made Omaha to Orlando have terrible flight times, when they did that, they dropped it the next year. Then they made the Omaha to LAX have terrible times, loads dropped and the flight was dropped. I hate this about southwest, the are constantly making big changes to flight times vs Alaska, they really don't change their times, they know what times work best and stick with it within an hour or so.

[Uffda]

Did Allegiant quit flying out of OMA? If not, what's up with no entry in September? I'm going to contact Eppley.

I flew out of Sioux Falls on allegiant to Clearwater/St Pete at the end of June and at that time there were flights out of Omaha also. Later I noticed there were no flights to St Pete from Omaha or Sioux Falls toward the end of July and then they arent adding them back in until mid November.

[Bob from Omaha]

I've been thinking about something the past couple of days.

The past few years Eppley has seen some pretty impressive increases and planning a possible major expansion. This year has been a hopefully temporary bump in the road. What occurs to me is that Eppley needs to find a way to get to a next level with regard to service frequency and destinations. It's nice to have seasonal flights and a couple of times a week service. The next level is non stop, year round service to Florida, California, etc. Also, demand-driven new service to Boston, JFK, BWI, Dulles, and a couple of others. And somehow service to Mexico and the Caribbean. That is the next level.
To get to the next level, which in my opinion is closing in on 6-7 million, Eppley needs to pull out all the stops to create demand, which includes regional advertising in its catchment area, a 200 mile circle around Omaha. It includes working with the airlines to keep fares low and competing with the rest of the airports in Nebraska, western Iowa, southern South Dakota and northern Kansas and Missouri. It will take a complete marketing plan and a very aggressive one.

[Omahacritic]

Bob ... its the “vision” thing that is lacking.

What would be really interesting concept is these Buffet millionaires stepping up to the plate and sponsor some of your ideas.

For example ... really cheap Express Bus service from Columbus, Fremont, Lincoln parts of Iowa and more.

Airline ... get an airline to offer better flights to East/west coasts. Nonstops. Why don’t companies locate here? Lack of Airlines is one reason. Why don’t we get more airlines/routes .. not enough business flights.

Someone has to break the circle ...and then they also find answer to Lanoha lot thread.

[Bearcat06]

September numbers are out. Overall, down 3.8% from 2018.

Frontier down 61%, WN down 3.8%, United down 3.2%.

Air Canada made a push (+4.1%), though they are gonzo in the near future. Alaska up 10%, AA up 8.6% and Delta up 6.4%.

With these numbers my current projection is .74% increase for the year with a 5,080,458 pax load.

https://www.flyoma.com/omaha-airport-au ... cts-stats/

Did Allegiant quit flying out of OMA? If not, what's up with no entry in September? I'm going to contact Eppley.

Edit. I have some more info.
Allegiant didn't have any OMA flights between August 12 and October 3. Evidently they do this in other markets as well.

Also I understand that the team at Eppley has been working through the preliminary design process for the terminal project and at some point they will post updates on the Flyoma web site.

Correct, September is very weak for Allegiant so they decided this year to just do no flights in many markets and very limited flights in others. They used to ramp September way down but never completely eliminate a market. Change of strategy this year. I'm assuming they have a station manger in Omaha, probably just cheaper to pay their salary vs having them work a flight that isn't full.

Southwest next March is up several flights from last year as a FYI but we have to wait until March. That assumes the 737 Max is flying. If max isn't flying, flights will be cut. Also, Frontier and Allegiant will also be up this coming winter season with more flights than last year.

That will help to offset the loss of Air Canada, the loss of LAX on southwest and the loss of San Diego on Alaska.

Note San Diego was 86% full on Alaska this past September! That is going to hurt when dropped this November. The San Diego times on Southwest are terrible next march. Flight leaves at 8pm from Omaha. That is really going to hurt this flight. Southwest made Omaha to Orlando have terrible flight times, when they did that, they dropped it the next year. Then they made the Omaha to LAX have terrible times, loads dropped and the flight was dropped. I hate this about southwest, the are constantly making big changes to flight times vs Alaska, they really don't change their times, they know what times work best and stick with it within an hour or so.

As far as the Southwest scheduling is concerned, do you think it has anything to do with the way they run their planes? Most flights through OMA are going to at least 2 other cities that day. Other airlines, AA for example have the same plane go back and forth between OMA and DFW for example.

[Bearcat06]

Bob ... its the “vision” thing that is lacking.

What would be really interesting concept is these Buffet millionaires stepping up to the plate and sponsor some of your ideas.

For example ... really cheap Express Bus service from Columbus, Fremont, Lincoln parts of Iowa and more.

Airline ... get an airline to offer better flights to East/west coasts. Nonstops. Why don’t companies locate here? Lack of Airlines is one reason. Why don’t we get more airlines/routes .. not enough business flights.

Someone has to break the circle ...and then they also find answer to Lanoha lot thread.

It may be the "vision" along with a few other factors. It would be interesting if some big money donors/investors were in play. The question is, is that something that's been broached before and the big money in Omaha has declined or does the board want to do things on their own and not want to owe someone anything?

Part of it may be that it doesn't appear there is a "if you build it, they will come." Omaha is a bit behind the times with some things and the Nebraska/Iowa conservative nature in general probably plays a large part in that. You don't see a lot of cities in the area in debt up to their eyeballs, but they also aren't at the leading edge of innovation/advancement.

The lack of non-stop flights may be a deterrent for some companies to build. Some companies find the cost of living and wage difference from the coasts is enough to set up shop here in Omaha. Several large insurance carriers have done that. Other companies may find they need a little more incentive to bring business here and some of that could be political.

How do they keep flight costs low/competitive with better times? Do they offer airlines cheaper gate fees for a period to work something like that out or will OMA always be at the mercy of the airlines due to the connection nature of flyover country versus a destination city?

[Bob from Omaha]

Eppley has a policy and has pretty much forever that they don't subsidize airlines to bring service. Des Moines, Lincoln, etc. do. Lots of airports do.

In the case of local companies stepping up with cash I just don't see it happening.

I maintain that for Eppley to continue to grow they need to be aggressive in both advertising and with the airlines. I know they are communicating with the airlines regularly but I have my doubts about the aggressive-ness.

[Bearcat06]

Eppley has a policy and has pretty much forever that they don't subsidize airlines to bring service. Des Moines, Lincoln, etc. do. Lots of airports do.

In the case of local companies stepping up with cash I just don't see it happening.

I maintain that for Eppley to continue to grow they need to be aggressive in both advertising and with the airlines. I know they are communicating with the airlines regularly but I have my doubts about the aggressive-ness.

So what incentive do the airlines have to bring better routes/flight times to OMA then? Last I checked OMA is about the 60th busiest airport in the US. You can be aggressive all you want, but what's the bargaining power that OMA holds? Southwest holds over 1/3 of the pax load out of OMA, so would that lead one to believe that the big three are indifferent to it all. Delta, AA and UA all had profits over $40 billion last year, Southwest was the number 4 commerical carrier with $21 billion. Clearly Southwest has ground to make up to compete so they may not be afraid to spend money to make money (though cutting routes from OMA isn't going to help them there), the other three probably don't really care to offer up anything new if there is no incentive for them to do so. AA may pick up some extra pax, but that could just be a by-product of them losing the Mad Dogs.

Speaking of spending money to make money...(as you've mentioned), is there anything to believe that would happen? I have seen a billboard off I-80 heading into Omaha from Lincoln touting the new parking garage...whoo hoo. I mean it's nice, but parking garages don't bring people to the airport...good destinations/flight times and reasonable prices do. I've never thought...man I won't fly out of such and such airport because their parking is crappy. Then again, I'm not one to pay $16-$24 a day for parking either, but I digress. If that's they only thing they are willing to spend money advertising it's not a good sign. Has anyone seen anything further on the Milwaukee route other than initial release? I know it's a bit of an underwelming destination, but if you don't advertise that it's coming, nobody will know about it when it does start. As much as people do things on the internet these days, if you're leaving potential passengers to discover the destinations you offer solely through your website or Wikipedia, your not really maxing out your potential.

[ita]

Planners of $500 million makeover say Eppley could see 8 million annual passengers by 2036

There is an update concerning the terminal expansion and renovation, per the recent OWH article. The airport authority, Corgan and Ricondo and Assocs. have been tweaking the designs and plans, changing the long term assumption for passengers in 2036 from 7 million to 8 million. This change prompted some subtle details in the expansion, including the following:

» Widening and lengthening the terminal drive. People would enter the drive farther south than they do now, closer to the long-term parking entrance.

The drive would widen to 10 lanes: four for regular drivers circulating through and dropping and picking up, three lanes for commercial traffic and three lanes for ride-share vehicles. Travelers using garage parking would gain a “speed ramp” to drive directly to the third floor of the garage.

» Moving the airline and ticket counters to the terminal’s second floor. Projections call for 60% of the airport’s customers to enter the terminal on the second floor anyway. For people entering on the first floor, the airport will have more escalators and elevators in its future layout.

» Changing the alignment of the concourse and airline gates somewhat. The future concourses wouldn’t extend quite as far as originally envisioned. Instead, planners want to wrap airline gates around the end hub of the concourse, fitting double the jets into the space.

Eppley would initially increase to 22 airline gates, with room to ultimately expand to 28.

[Bearcat06]

Planners of $500 million makeover say Eppley could see 8 million annual passengers by 2036

There is an update concerning the terminal expansion and renovation, per the recent OWH article. The airport authority, Corgan and Ricondo and Assocs. have been tweaking the designs and plans, changing the long term assumption for passengers in 2036 from 7 million to 8 million. This change prompted some subtle details in the expansion, including the following:

» Widening and lengthening the terminal drive. People would enter the drive farther south than they do now, closer to the long-term parking entrance.

The drive would widen to 10 lanes: four for regular drivers circulating through and dropping and picking up, three lanes for commercial traffic and three lanes for ride-share vehicles. Travelers using garage parking would gain a “speed ramp” to drive directly to the third floor of the garage.

» Moving the airline and ticket counters to the terminal’s second floor. Projections call for 60% of the airport’s customers to enter the terminal on the second floor anyway. For people entering on the first floor, the airport will have more escalators and elevators in its future layout.

» Changing the alignment of the concourse and airline gates somewhat. The future concourses wouldn’t extend quite as far as originally envisioned. Instead, planners want to wrap airline gates around the end hub of the concourse, fitting double the jets into the space.

Eppley would initially increase to 22 airline gates, with room to ultimately expand to 28.

Interesting update. I think they currently have 6 lanes total, which means they will probably need another 30-40 feet of space for the additional lanes. The garage isn't moving so maybe the terminal will move a bit further East and/or South given the change in the entry point for the drive? I wonder how close the first release of plans will be to the original concept that was put out by the airport authority. There would appear to be significantly more room for them to work with on the North side of the existing terminal/concourses. If they do a wrap around on either side, it would appear they would have to push further East to avoid pinch points for traffic control. A quick Google maps search of PVR, OAK, DEN, BUF and ATL appear to have anywhere between 500-1000 feet between the extended jetway and a barrier or another jetway allowing for backing out and other airlines traffic to the taxiways. The south side of the current terminal at OMA has about 250-300 feet between the extended jetway and the fencing. B737s and A320s both have a wingspan about 112 feet and are about 130 to 140 feet in length, so they will either have to move the terminal to allow some extra room or limit those interior gates to smaller regional jets.

Total gates appears to remain the same...I believe they were initially projecting for 20-22 to be done to start with expansion to 28 being long term.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Interesting that the initial expansion only calls for two more gates. I know the reconstruction isn't all for expansion but I would have expected a few more gates on the first go around.

[Bearcat06]

KETV story from last night that Omaha had 13.1 million tourists in 2018. Of note, the convention and visitor's bureau executive director mentions offhand that travel from the airport to downtown needs to be more convenient.

http://ketv.com/article/tourism-boss-wa ... 56?src=app

[ita]

KETV story from last night that Omaha had 13.1 million tourists in 2018. Of note, the convention and visitor's bureau executive director mentions offhand that travel from the airport to downtown needs to be more convenient.

http://ketv.com/article/tourism-boss-wa ... 56?src=app

Maybe one of the three lanes for ride share vehicles in their 10 lane expansion plan will be for public transit of some sort.

Also, this is demonstrative of the rhetoric of business and civil leaders in the last several months; they are acknowledging and making known the need for greater public transit connectivity. I just posted an update for southside terrace, and right at the end of the news story, there is a quick quip about a call for better public transportation for that area.

[Bearcat06]

Planners of $500 million makeover say Eppley could see 8 million annual passengers by 2036

There is an update concerning the terminal expansion and renovation, per the recent OWH article. The airport authority, Corgan and Ricondo and Assocs. have been tweaking the designs and plans, changing the long term assumption for passengers in 2036 from 7 million to 8 million. This change prompted some subtle details in the expansion, including the following:

» Widening and lengthening the terminal drive. People would enter the drive farther south than they do now, closer to the long-term parking entrance.

The drive would widen to 10 lanes: four for regular drivers circulating through and dropping and picking up, three lanes for commercial traffic and three lanes for ride-share vehicles. Travelers using garage parking would gain a “speed ramp” to drive directly to the third floor of the garage.

» Moving the airline and ticket counters to the terminal’s second floor. Projections call for 60% of the airport’s customers to enter the terminal on the second floor anyway. For people entering on the first floor, the airport will have more escalators and elevators in its future layout.

» Changing the alignment of the concourse and airline gates somewhat. The future concourses wouldn’t extend quite as far as originally envisioned. Instead, planners want to wrap airline gates around the end hub of the concourse, fitting double the jets into the space.

Eppley would initially increase to 22 airline gates, with room to ultimately expand to 28.

Paywall is down.

Other interesting points... restaurants and retail shops will be beyond security...I know we've discussed this ad nauseum, but this is promising.

Also this quote: “You get once every 35 or 40 years to be able to build something for a community that’s like this,” said Dave Roth, executive director of the Omaha Airport Authority. “I think Omaha’s ready for it.”

https://www.omaha.com/money/omaha-airpo ... e04.html#3

[Bob from Omaha]

Interesting about widening and lengthening the terminal drive. If they can do that why not bite the bullet and have upper and lower drives?

When Eppley first talked about a new terminal there was a story in the owh showing a new terminal close to Abbott & Locust. It also showed 75 gates so grain of salt. Still while it would cost a ton more there is a lot more space south of the current terminal than the current configuration.

[Bearcat06]

Interesting about widening and lengthening the terminal drive. If they can do that why not bite the bullet and have upper and lower drives?

When Eppley first talked about a new terminal there was a story in the owh showing a new terminal close to Abbott & Locust. It also showed 75 gates so grain of salt. Still while it would cost a ton more there is a lot more space south of the current terminal than the current configuration.

And the parking garage will have a dedicated ramp for entry...so ramps can be done.

I'm more intrigued by the 75 gates...that would be impressive. Can you imagine 75 gates at Eppley? They'd have to take out parking lots to make that happen and maybe divert the river or fill in Carter Lake. They would definitely need a light rail or direct public transport from several parts of Omaha to handle that kind of traffic. We probably have a better chance of seeing a wing of the "Space Force" before 75 gates would ever come about.

[Bob from Omaha]

Interesting about widening and lengthening the terminal drive. If they can do that why not bite the bullet and have upper and lower drives?

When Eppley first talked about a new terminal there was a story in the owh showing a new terminal close to Abbott & Locust. It also showed 75 gates so grain of salt. Still while it would cost a ton more there is a lot more space south of the current terminal than the current configuration.

And the parking garage will have a dedicated ramp for entry...so ramps can be done.

I'm more intrigued by the 75 gates...that would be impressive. Can you imagine 75 gates at Eppley? They'd have to take out parking lots to make that happen and maybe divert the river or fill in Carter Lake. They would definitely need a light rail or direct public transport from several parts of Omaha to handle that kind of traffic. We probably have a better chance of seeing a wing of the "Space Force" before 75 gates would ever come about.

Th3 75 gate terminal was just a proposal. It was in the owh around the time they bought the BestWestern Airport at the northeast corner of Abbot & Locust. The proposal was to locate the terminal way south of the current one, much closer to Locust St. No diverting the river or filling in Carter Lake. I'm sure it was just a passing thought.

[Bob from Omaha]

In the October 2019 board meeting there is an item "Allegiant Air –Supplemental Agreement No. 5". I'm wondering what that is. I suppose it could just be an annual update or it could be something entirely new.

[Ryan Air]

In the October 2019 board meeting there is an item "Allegiant Air –Supplemental Agreement No. 5". I'm wondering what that is. I suppose it could just be an annual update or it could be something entirely new.

If you go back and review others, this is not uncommon. I'd imagine any time there are changes to terms of agreements, there are addendums. I've seen this for United, Southwest, Prime Flight etc... I can't say with any certainty that there were any noticeable changes after.

[Bearcat06]

Perhaps a somewhat timely article from the Wall Street Journal about restaurant trends in airports.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/updating-t ... tXaEIpl6Tx

[Uffda]

Maybe a way to get some restaurants to Eppley -- make it an date destination

You can now go past security at three US airports without a ticket; here's how it works

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/n ... 059418002/


For date night, how about the airport? Now you can visit some without a ticket.


After consulting the Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration, the airport set up “MyPITpass,” a program that makes it possible for people who don’t have a boarding pass to visit shops, restaurants and gates past security checkpoints.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2 ... ut-ticket/

[Padre]

Maybe a way to get some restaurants to Eppley -- make it an date destination

You can now go past security at three US airports without a ticket; here's how it works

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/n ... 059418002/


For date night, how about the airport? Now you can visit some without a ticket.


After consulting the Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration, the airport set up “MyPITpass,” a program that makes it possible for people who don’t have a boarding pass to visit shops, restaurants and gates past security checkpoints.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2 ... ut-ticket/

You don’t want it at Eppley until they move security. It gets crowded enough at the gates as it is.

[ricko]

Maybe a way to get some restaurants to Eppley -- make it an date destination

You can now go past security at three US airports without a ticket; here's how it works

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/n ... 059418002/


For date night, how about the airport? Now you can visit some without a ticket.


After consulting the Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration, the airport set up “MyPITpass,” a program that makes it possible for people who don’t have a boarding pass to visit shops, restaurants and gates past security checkpoints.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2 ... ut-ticket/

Most of you are too young to remember, but one of the swankiest eateries in Omaha long ago was at Eppley. The Hayden House was a white table cloth restaurant in the 50's and it later morphed in to the Silver Lining in the 60's, but that was when air travel was a big deal, and expensive; everyone dressed up before boarding the plane. I believe it was where Godfathers is now.