A phased overhaul to the Salt Lake City International Airport incorporates a massive amount of upgrades for travelers, but more importantly for skiers and Snowboarders, an improved baggage system that optimizes handling of oversized baggage.Breaking ground in 2014, upgrades to the existing Salt Lake City International Airport intend to better serve fliers, replacing the five existing concourses with two streamlined, linear concourses, connected via tunnel. Phase one of this $4-billion-dollar mega project is open for travelers starting September 15, 2020 and will feature a new terminal, updated baggage and TSA screening infrastructure, a new parking garage, and portions of the two new concourses.
Focused on sustainability, the LEED Gold-certified terminal complex features Utah-inspired art installations and passenger amenities like enhanced Wi-Fi, charging terminals at each seat, and larger restroom stalls. Improvements of note for skiers, Snowboarders, and other sports enthusiasts relate to the handling of oversized luggage and upgrades to the baggage systems. With a goal to make travel easier, fun, and more inspiring, The New SLC is ready to streamline the journey of adventurous travelers.
Over seven miles of conveyor belts have been built or upgraded to whisk checked luggage from multiple areas like the parking garage, curbside drop-off, and the ticketing counters. This simply means less lugging for those with oversize bags, which is always the first concern upon airport arrival. These improvements streamline travel for those with skis, bikes, boards, or other sporting equipment. Read on for a few highlights below!
· The new baggage system can handle ski and board bags in addition to bike boxes or bags versus the traditional setup where travelers would need to visit the oversized baggage claim to fetch their luggage. The new oversize baggage claim technology employs state-of-the art tech which can present approximately 100 ski bags vertically, offering better visibility to travelers.
· The check-in process for those returning rental cars has also been streamlined, allowing them to park and easily transport gear to Gateway Ticketing and check-in in close proximity to the TSA security checkpoint and airline gates.
· Those arriving in Salt Lake City won’t have to wrestle their ski and snowboard bags down sets of stairs, escalators, or elevators, as the baggage claim area occupies the same level as ground transportation and the parking structure.
