Register

A Night at the TWA Hotel

The sunken lounge at the TWA hotel at JFK International Airport. Dick Karl
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author makes a sentimental return to the TWA terminal at JFK, now a hotel, 50 years after his initial departure, seeking to relive youthful dreams and aviation nostalgia.
  • He details the unique experience of flying a private jet into busy JFK, navigating complex air traffic control alongside a pilot friend.
  • The visit highlights the preserved Eero Saarinen-designed terminal, now the hotel lobby, and includes exploring its mid-century modern aesthetics, aviation exhibits, and enjoying an infinity pool overlooking active runways and a bar inside a restored Constellation aircraft.
  • The trip serves as a celebration of aviation's golden age, personal memories, and the enduring allure of flight and its possibilities.
See a mistake? Contact us.

On a hot August day 50 years ago, I was deposited in front of the Trans World Airlines terminal at Kennedy Airport in a rented Cadillac. The Caddy needed some timing work done on the engine, and the ambient temperature had outpaced the vehicle’s air conditioning, but I didn’t care. I was flying to London on TWA—it was a big day. The world and its possibilities seemed as soaring as the Eero Saarinen-designed terminal building.

Dick Karl

Dick Karl is a cancer surgeon who appreciates the beauty and science involved in both surgery and flying. Dick’s monthly Gear Up celebrates the human side of flying. He writes about his enthusiasm for both the machines and the people who fly and maintain them.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE