West United States

The first of five fully automated “DoubleDocker” jet bridges is now in operation at United’s Gate B15 at Denver International. As first disclosed by Frequent Flyer Magazine earlier this year, the bridge has conventional access to an aircraft’s forward door but also an over-the-wing bridge to the rear door. The unique design permits passengers to deplane out of either door, the aircraft serviced, and the way cleared for emplaning pax to load up via either door. For UAL, the bridges cut in half the time needed to turn an aircraft around, permitting more flights per day with the same aircraft. Current use is restricted to narrow-bodied aircraft operated by Ted. Another feature of the dual-end system is that it uses sensors to connect to the aircraft doors without the need for an operator, thus freeing the customer service representative to stay at the podium.

Midwest United States

Heads up. If you’re flying in or out of the Humphrey Terminal at Minneapolis/St. Paul International know that light-rail service will be suspended for the next year while construction on a parking ramp takes place. Light-rail to the far larger Lindbergh Terminal continues. A free shuttle will take you between the two. It runs every 10 minutes…Sniff, sniff. TSA has deployed explosives-detection trace portal gear at Chicago Midway…Frontier now operates out of neat new digs at Akron-Canton. You’ll find the airplanes with the western wildlife on tier tails departing from Gate 11 of CAK’s sunlit, airy new south concourse.

South United States

Finally, some sit-down restaurants post-security at Louisville. It happens later this fall when the Waterfront Bar and Grill, and Quiznos open on Concourse B, in front of Gate B9…Before long, there will be no need to perpetually circle Orlando International in your car, waiting for colleague, spouse or kid to appear at baggage claim. The airport has OKed a cell phone waiting lot now. The location: South Airport Boulevard. MCO wants to open the lot by Thanksgiving.

Southwest United States

Will Rogers is now wireless. Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers World Airport now offers Wi-Fi through the concourse, ticketing and baggage claim areas. Unlike some airports, however, it’s going to cost you at OKC: $6.95 per day…A cell phone lot has landed at San Antonio International. Instead of endlessly circling the roadway system waiting for spouse, kid or colleague, park for free in one of 28 spaces—and wait for them to give you a call. A survey at SAT found that almost half the vehicles driving in front of the terminals had already passed by once…At most airports, covered parking is merely nice. In others, it’s a necessity. Take Tucson International. To the credit of the people who run the place, TUS just opened a new 300-space covered Economy Park ‘N Save lot. The cost: $8 per day. A shuttle takes you to the terminal…Those Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDS) make a difference. They’ve already saved 15 lives at Phoenix Sky Harbor International. The latest person who owes his life to the device: a 71-year-old man who collapsed in Terminal 3.

Northeast United States

Major news, the kind that saves you time and angst. British Airways is launching a Registered Traveler fast track at New York JFK’s terminal 7. Pay a fee, get cleared by TSA, and move through security at a decent clip. Verified Identity Pass’ “Clear” program is the conduit here. Interested? Punch up www.flyclear.com …Heads up. The Red Parking Lot at American Airlines Terminals 8 & 9 at JFK is closed while a new parking garage is being built. When the dust clears, there will be triple the parking space…Low-fare Sun Country Airlines now flies out of Terminal 4 at New York Kennedy…Another switch, this time in Philadelphia. Lufthansa now files out of Terminal A-West…Further shuffles. Air Canada now flies out of Gate 16 at Reagan Washington National. The ticket counter is in Terminal B.

Worldwide

There’s a new way to travel between Terminal 1, Terminal 3 and the Reduced rate Parking lot at Toronto Pearson International. It’s the Airport LINK, an elevated train.