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| FEATURES |
PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT |
| Curbside check-in |
The skycaps who work curbside might as well be repairmen in a Maytag commercial; they sit around a lot waiting for work. Curbside check-in is rarely busy and extremely easy to use. |
| Counter check-in |
What's really nice about PBIA: no explosives-detection machines clog up the check-in areas because the airport has baggage-security processing behind the check-in counters. Counter areas can be busy on weekends, mornings or evenings. Generally, if you fly midday on a weekday, checking in is a piece of cake. |
| Airport parking |
Short-term parking is convenient to the terminal and while lower levels are frequently full, plenty of space is available at the upper levels of the seven-floor garage. Long-term parking is frequently full, but flashing lights provide advance warning that you'll need to find the Park & Ride lot. The airport also has a premium lot for quick visits. The self-serve kiosk to pay is easy to use and has audio instructions. |
| Parking costs |
Short-term parking: $1 per half hour up to $12 per day. Long-term parking: $1 per half hour up to $10 per day. Park & Ride: $2 for the first two hours, $1 for each additional half hour up to $5 per day. Premium lot: $2 per half hour up to $30. |
| Private parking |
There is no private parking area specifically for PBIA. |
| Security |
Security checkpoints are rarely jammed. The security lines for Concourse A/B move fast now thanks to an expanded security processing area and an explosives-trace portal, or puffer machine, recently installed by the Transportation Security Administration. |
| Baggage carousels |
This area is pleasant and expansive, and finding your flight at the carousels is easy. The baggage claim also is convenient to ground transportation and parking. |
| Killing time |
A comfortable lobby area, much like that of an exclusive hotel, provides an outstanding view of the runways through giant picture windows. You also can plug in a laptop at a work cubicle or lounge in cushioned seats. In another area, a large-screen television can be seen from more cushy seats. That's not to mention the 10-hole putting green and pool table, part of Sam Snead's restaurant, and the concession mall. |
| Terminal layout |
No wonder Palm Beach International has won a ton of awards, including the U.S. Department of Transportation's Airport of the Year last year. It has a cheerful feeling with high-arched ceilings and lots of natural light. The two main levels are intelligently connected with stairways and escalators. Plants and artwork are plentiful. The airport's overall setting feels a bit like Walt Disney World, with lots of green space and lakes. |
| Restaurants |
Few airports provide quality restaurants. But PBI has Rooney's Public House, where you can order a Reuben sandwich, great burgers or honey baked ham served on a baguette with chutney. At Sam Snead's Tavern, you can order a crab cake and tenderloin dinner for $19.99. There also are the more routine joints: California Pizza Kitchen, Cinnabon, Starbucks and an ice cream shop in the main terminal and in the concourses, a Burger King, a Miami Subs and other assorted snack areas. |
| Lounges |
The main lounges belong to the two main restaurants, Sam Snead's and Rooney's. Both provide a cozy setting, with a television and high barstools. |
| Restrooms |
Restrooms are clean, but few. The ones available aren't big enough and don't have enough stalls and urinals. |
| Rental cars |
Rental car counters are near the baggage carousels and a shuttle ride is required to a central area, where you pick up your car. The good news: The shuttle is right outside the baggage carousel area. |
| Passenger drop off and pick up |
PBI has a cell phone lot, allowing those picking up an arriving passenger to wait in their cars in an out-of-the-way area, until the passenger calls in. The problem: no signs indicate where this lot is until you drive past the terminal. Road signs to get in and out of the airport are clear, and finding your airline is easy. |
Airport
transportation |
Easy to find and easy to use because it's all found on a relatively short stretch of roadway on the arrival level. To request a cab, go to one of two ground transportation desks, on either end of the baggage carousel area. |
