Have you ever passed through an airport and thought, “Wasn’t this terminal filmed in that movie?” With airports being prime spots for shooting iconic movie scenes throughout the decades, filmmakers have relied on their unique spaces to create timeless classics. Below are some iconic airports to see on the big screen today from all over the world, perfect for av-geeks and film buffs alike to enjoy.
John F. Kennedy International Airport
The TWA Hotel preserves famed architect Eero Saarinen’s iconic TWA Flight Center at JFK International Airport in NYC, restoring the 1962 architectural landmark to its “Jet Age” condition for city locals and travelers alike to enjoy. Opened in 2019 and recently named the leading airport hotel in the US and the leading airport hotel in New York by the World Travel awards, it’s the only hotel of its kind. The terminal acts as the perfect backdrop for vintage movies, and was notably featured in Steven Spielberg’s film Catch Me If You Can, as well as Ocean’s 8. Television shows filmed there include season five of the hit series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and the season 18 premiere of Project Runway (2019-2020). Besides its lengthy film resume, the hotel also has plenty of celebrities who visit simply to take in the gorgeous design.
Newark International Airport
One of the busiest airports in the US, Newark International Airport is known for its classic design with recent updates to embrace a more spacious approach with its Terminal A having just reopened this year. Its focus on lighting, soaring architecture, and muted tones have made it the setting for many notable films such as Scent of a Woman, Serendipity, and You Don’t Mess With the Zohan. The airport has also been featured on multiple seasons of the Amazing Race, showing contestants traveling around the world passing through the facilities and airplanes.
LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia Airport is the primary airport for domestic and civil travel in the tri-state area, and is the oldest commercial airport in New York City. In tandem with Newark International Airport and JFK International, the three make up the country’s largest airport system and total flight operations worldwide. Laguardia’s sleek and clean design focused on flowing lines, bright natural light, and open spaces set the stage for scenes in movies like Coming to America and Die Hard with a Vengeance. The airport also has short features in Sully, The Big Short, and The Terminal – an aviation-themed romantic favorite with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Tom Hanks.
O’Hare International Airport
O’Hare International Airport’s central location in the Midwest makes it a hub for connecting flights across the country and the globe. Named after American war hero Edward O’Hare, the airport has always emphasized showcasing its historical and cultural roots, often taking the shape of public art collections across mediums on display across terminals. The culturally driven space has been seen in movies such as Sleepless in Seattle, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, and everyone’s favorite holiday classic, Home Alone.
Los Angeles International Airport
Commonly referred to as LAX, the Los Angeles International Airport is known as a primary airport for the West Coast and is classified as one of the busiest airports in the United States. Its futuristic design, iconic observation deck, and carefully crafted lighting make it a notable spot for cinema. Its notable design and close location to Hollywood have allowed the airport a lengthy resume credited to over 170 productions to date, such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Fight Club, Charlie’s Angels, and more.
Heathrow International Airport
Known as the biggest airport in the United Kingdom, Heathrow Airport is a hub for aviation and travel lovers alike. With over 89 airlines to choose from and 84 countries, the airport is known not only for its massive size but the influx of international passengers. With a focus on natural lighting, sustainability, and a mix of modern renovation and historical preservation, Heathrow creates a unique backdrop for cinematic classics. Movies such as Love Actually, Bend It Like Beckham, and Dr. Strangelove are just a few of the classics featuring Heathrow as its setting.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Paris’ personal charter destination for domestic and international travel, Charles de Gaulle Airport is the largest French airport located just twenty minutes from the city’s center. One of the leading innovators in customer experience, the airport has changed how people fly by instituting self-check-in kiosks, a mobile for navigating to terminals, and even AI customer service solutions to expedite simple issues for flyers and employees. The airport’s iconic standing since its opening in 1974 has landed it features in films like Taken, Inception, and The Devil Wears Prada.
Other airports across the world that are featured in various blockbusters include Changi Airport Singapore (SIN) in Crazy Rich Asians, Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) in Ocean’s Thirteen, and San Francisco International Airport in the popular movie, Rise of the Planet of the Apes.
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