Welcome to Newark International ... Shopping Mall?

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

See recent posts by Carl Unger

Anyone who’s flown in the past 10 or 15 years has no doubt noticed the “mallification” of the world’s airports, with retail stores and restaurants popping up in ever-greater abundance and sophistication. It’s no longer uncommon to see high-end designer storefronts blur by as you sprint through the terminal to your flight.

As it turns out, these various retail outlets have not only become part of the airport experience, but, along with terminal services like parking, are also essential to the airports’ bottom line.

In 2008, non-aviation operating revenue at U.S. airports was $7.5 billion, up 6.4 percent from 2007. That’s as passenger volume fell 3.6 percent.

Breaking down that $7.5 billion shows that parking services is the biggest revenue generator, at $3 billion. Rental car operations kick in another $1.5 billion, while retail brings in $639 million and food and beverage services contribute $569 million.

As the travel sector continues to struggle and shrink, this expanding revenue base will come in handy.

Readers, do you shop at the airport? Or do you think the preponderance of retail and restaurants is an eyesore? Leave a comment below with your thoughts. Thanks!

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