I was really excited about flying out of PVD for the first time nearly a year because so much has changed due to recent renovations. The terminal had a great renovation done in 1996, but unfortunately the post-9/11 security environment made the terminal feel a bit cramped, and some changes of the changes address that issue. First, the security checkpoint wasn’t too big, and it has since been expanded (this has been open for awhile). But perhaps the most annoying thing was the fact that passengers had to wait and watch TSA scan their checked luggage with new explosive detection machines. The floor space taken up by the machines combined with the extra passengers waiting could lead to a busy check-in area. Now, that scanning has been moved out to a new area and passengers don’t have to watch the TSA do its thing.
One obvious thing that is very noticeable when driving into PVD is the construction of the prominent bridge that will go from the terminal to the airport’s intermodal station, which will hopefully be open for business in late 2010. When it is completed, the airport will have a direct train link to both Providence and Boston. The station will also house a new rental car facility.
I was quite pleased to see the new check-in area, but it was also kind of sad. First, American has abandoned its ticket counter. Second, part of the renovation process involved expanding the ticket counter space, and it just pains me to see empty space.
What’s up with the missing “C”?
Check-in was quick and painless, and I think it took less than ten minutes, including checking bags thanks to the fact we were flying at a pretty quiet time. I also think Southwest redid its space at PVD, and it looks pretty nice. Instead of going through the whole process with an agent, one enters his/her confirmation number into the kiosk and can check in, print a boarding pass, and also request to check bags. If that last option is used, then an agent will come and apply tags.
Next, it was time to go through security, which took no more than 5-10 minutes. What was nice it that I was able to use my TSA-compatible laptop bag for the first time, and that did make the process a bit easier.
I was really impressed with the changes in the terminal itself, as a lot of the retail and food options have been completely redone. One of the most noticeable changes is the addition of a small food court that includes Johnny Rockets, Quiznos, Famous Famiglia, and Starbucks.
About midway through my little tour of the terminal I met with a friend who works at the airport, and we were able to discuss a bunch of things relating to PVD and the industry in general. It was a nice way to start a vacation!
Meanwhile, some interesting liveries came in. I was lucky – the usual Northwest DC-9 had been changed to an Airbus in the new Delta livery! The US Airways A319 in the Philadelphia Eagles livery came in. Finally, I saw an Air Georgian B1900 in the new Air Canada colors for the first time.
I also encountered one of the advertisements produced by the city of Warwick (where the airport resides). The city and the airport don’t always get along too well, though I think things have improved a great deal ever since Green’s new director has come in.
As the flight time approached, I decided to go to Dunkin Donuts to get a breakfast sandwich since I hadn’t eaten breakfast that morning and Southwest doesn’t have meals on flights. Soon enough, our 737-700 came in from Tampa and those passengers deplaned, and it was time to board (more on the flight in the next installment).
Overall, I’m very pleased with the changes at PVD, especially with the new baggage scanning system. The new retail and food options are great as well. While it is certainly a shame that these improvements have opened during an economic slump, hopefully these improvements will help the airport in the coming years.
One of the very nice changes, though, is the placement of speakers around the bar that are hooked up to a radio scanner. It is great to hear the radio chatter, but it’s also a good way to know when to get the camera ready!
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