HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — From new bathrooms to new food and drink options, and even a more streamlined security process, a lot is in the works at Huntsville International Airport.
Airport officials tell News 19 that with summer travel in full force, it has been busy.
“We’ve seen a really busy summer here at Huntsville International,” said Mary Swanstrom, Public Relations Director for the airport.
She said the airport set a new monthly passenger record in May of this year, with just under 157,000 passengers. With all of those passengers going through security, she said a change in TSA guidelines might help speed up the process.
Earlier this month, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that passengers will no longer have to remove their shoes when going through a TSA checkpoint.
“Passengers are able to leave their shoes on,” Swanstrom said. “Maybe it’ll help them get through the line a little bit quicker.”
Swanstrom also told News 19 that so far, there haven’t been too many issues with REAL ID or STAR ID for Alabamians, compliance.
She said that if you’ve already gone to the DMV and gotten a paper copy, but are waiting on your permanent ID to arrive in the mail, not to worry.
“If you have a paper STAR ID, then make sure that you bring the hard copy of your old ID with you so you have both forms of identification,” She said.
Travelers will also notice some new changes in the terminal.
Last week, construction wrapped up on the bathroom renovation in the main concourse. It doubled the number of stalls in both the men and women’s restrooms.
The airport also added a separate room for nursing moms.
“It’s a quiet place that’s not a restroom, it’s adjacent to the ladies’ restroom mid-concourse,” Swanstrom said. “There’s a comfortable seat in there, a little rocking chair, there’s a sink in there for washing up any equipment.”
There’s also a changing table and a toddler safety seat to help if you’re traveling with more than one child.
Swanstrom said the airport is also making good progress on its food and drink upgrades.
She said they hope to get the Starbucks Coffee near Gate 10 open by the end of the summer. The master plan also includes adding grab and go food options, a bigger restaurant in the terminal, and a full revamp of flooring an seating.
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