Airmall Still Thriving 15 Years Later

[Paul]

Frequent flyers are all too familiar with how flight delays cost travelers time.

For Bob Johnston, the cost he incurs is often monetary.

“Being from the local area and having a flight delay, it's nice to come to the mall and shop and buy some gifts,â€￾ Johnston said.

Fifteen years ago, the concept of the Airmall was unheard of. It’s part transportation hub, part shopper's paradise.

Now, 15 years later, it's still getting accolades. The Airport Revenue News, a trade publication, says the Airmall is tops when it comes to having everything from the best overall concessions and the best design.

“You know, we're real thrilled about that and as always, the Airmall has always stood out,â€￾ said Jeff Martinelli, of the Allegheny County Airport Authority. “We expect that to continue.â€￾

KDKA

 

[N965VJ]

About a year after the new terminal in PIT opened I was taking a girl out on a first date. We were talking about what to do, and she says “Let’s go to the airport and see the mall!’.

I never really told anybody that I worked at US, I always said sales was what I did (not really a lie, I’ve always done something on the side involving sales).

I think I talked her into to bowling at Center Lanes or something like that.

I’m really surprised that the Airmall concept survived 9/11, but I guess my experience with what’s-her-name led me to believe that locals would go there as an alternative to real malls.

 

[ClueByFour]

About a year after the new terminal in PIT opened I was taking a girl out on a first date. We were talking about what to do, and she says “Let’s go to the airport and see the mall!’.

I never really told anybody that I worked at US, I always said sales was what I did (not really a lie, I’ve always done something on the side involving sales).

I think I talked her into to bowling at Center Lanes or something like that.

I’m really surprised that the Airmall concept survived 9/11, but I guess my experience with what’s-her-name led me to believe that locals would go there as an alternative to real malls.

They did, largely because for about the first 10 years of it's existance, there was not another real mall for a 10 or 15 mile radius. That changed right around 9/11, or shortly thereafter.

 

[Walmartgreeter]

I remember when the new PIT terminal first opened. Locals were actually going to TGI Fridays (I know.."TGI" dates me!) for a good meal. That does not say much about the area around PIT, but the concept..like you are all saying..works. Just go to that mess in ATL and witness the survival of the $5 hot dog and the newspaper with tax added (ala CLT.) You can actually shop one of the stores in PIT and get the same price you would 15 miles away at one of the local malls. To a long time pilot, and newer PIT resident, I think the Pittsburgh airport is one of, if not THE finest terminals AND air operations in North America. On second thought...lets move everything to PHL! Sorry for the rant. Best. Greeter.