Port Columbus International Airport in Columbus, Ohio has followed the lead of other large airports around the world that have implemented the “cell phone lot”. The lot is an effort to improve safety, efficiencies and perhaps most significantly, improve the culture of frustration that surrounds the airport experience. Rather than log-jamming the area right outside the airport, cars can wait in a more distant lot and await a call from their arriving passenger.
I’m certain that the single happiest people in the midst of the cell phone lot evolution have to be the outside security guards. You know their previous role – they were the unfortunate few who had the task of pacing the 100 yard drop-off zone outside the baggage claim area for hours on end. Their sharp whistle, poignant stare and finely honed hand gesture were the constant reminder to the hundreds of cars inching along; circling the baggage claim area for their arriving passenger. With the creation of the cell phone lot, more of their time, energy and spirit can now be allocated for more serious safety precautions.
Kudos to airports for implementing small innovations that improve the overall passenger experience and airport environment. I hope the next areas for attention are:
• The Baggage Claim – There are better ways for us all to approach the baggage claim!
• Seating – Look at the Seattle airport for any inspiration for thoughtful seating arrangements outside of the normal institutionalized rows in the terminal.
• Going Green – Watching airports function in the middle of the night screams of opportunity to conserve energy.
We’re making progress. In the meantime, we all share in the creation of the airport culture by the spirit we choose to bring with us to the airport. I’ll meet you at the baggage claim!
Jason Barger is author of Step Back from the Baggage Claim: Change the World, Start at the Airport.
Jason Barger spent seven straight days flying 6,458 miles to seven different cities – without leaving the airports the entire time. He studied 10,000 minutes of observations at all four corners of the U.S. and reflected on how our airport experiences can teach us about our lives TODAY. The funny and inspiring stories remind us how to change our daily world in our personal lives, businesses, schools, and faith communities! Join the movement. All four editions of Step Back from the Baggage Claim are motivational books perfect for anyone looking to impact change in their life and work.
