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.
A Night at the TWA Hotel
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.
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