The One Thing That Might Get You to the Airport Earlier

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

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Across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, airports have become entertainment hubs rather than boring waiting stations. We recently rounded up the world’s most extravagant airports, which feature everything from real surfing to gourmet dining. None of our top picks are in the U.S.; however, an increasing number of domestic airports are upping their entertainment game with in-airport movie theaters.

Currently there are three U.S. airports that have or are planning airport cinemas—Miami International, Portland International, and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International. These aren’t the same luxe blockbuster-style theaters you’ll find in Singapore or Hong Kong; rather, they’re places where passengers can watch shorter, cultural films that offer an inside look at the city and region.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul was the first U.S. airport to open a cinema in 2014, running a 24/7 theatre called See 18 Film Screening Room (located near gate C18), that showcases films from the region’s top filmmakers. And, last summer Miami hosted a pop-up cinema, screening silent comedy films in a vintage 16 mm format.

Now, Portland International Airport is slated to open an 800-square-foot space screening 15-minute films showcasing Portland-based filmmakers. The theater will be the latest addition to the airport’s impressive list of cultural installations that includes food truck pods, a bike assembly station, and an arts and music program.

You Tell Us: Would you get to the airport earlier if there were entertainment options like movie theaters?

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Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for more advice on travel hacks and destination ideas.

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