When One Terminal at the Airport Feels Like a Whole Different World—And Not in a Good Way

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If you’ve flown into a major airport recently, you’ve probably noticed how much effort is being put into modernization. Airports across the U.S. are getting long-overdue makeovers. Think brand-new terminals with natural light, better food options, charging ports at every seat, and intuitive layouts. It’s a welcome change from the drab and chaotic terminals many of us remember.

But not all terminals are created equal. At some airports, there’s one outlier. The “other” terminal that time (and funding) forgot. Maybe it’s stuck in the past, with carpeted floors, limited concessions, or no decent lounge in sight. Maybe it’s charming in a retro way, or maybe it’s just… not.

Here are some terminals we’ve visited that feel like stepping back in time, often in contrast to the gleaming terminals just a short walk away.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – Marine Air Terminal

The new LaGuardia is legitimately impressive—Terminal B and Terminal C have gone from punchlines to headliners. But tucked away on the other side of the airfield is the Marine Air Terminal. It’s historic, sure—with WPA-era murals and a beautiful Art Deco rotunda—but after seeing the rest of LGA’s renovations, this terminal feels like a museum piece.

If you’re flying on a carrier like Frontier or Spirit, you may wind up here. It’s worth a visit for aviation buffs, but not somewhere you’d want to spend a long delay, especially with limited concessions and dated facilities that pale in comparison to the rest of the airport.

Newark Liberty International (EWR) – Terminal B

For years, Terminal C was the go-to terminal at EWR, while A and B lagged behind. Now that the brand-new Terminal A is open—and it’s genuinely gorgeous—Terminal B stands out in the wrong way.

It’s one of the last of the original terminals still standing. The design with separate spokes means more walking, fewer amenities, and a lot of “Where’s the closest bathroom?” moments. Compared to Terminal A, Terminal B feels like a trip back to 1988.

Washington National (DCA) – Terminal A

We’ve written about this one before (Going Back in Time: Flying from Washington National’s Terminal A). Terminal A is a classic—literally. The main hall looks like it’s been preserved since Eisenhower was president, and it’s got a cool retro aesthetic. That said, once you get past the nostalgia, it’s not the most comfortable place to wait out a delay.

Compared to the bright and modern National Hall in Terminals B and C, Terminal A is dark, has limited food choices, and cramped gate areas.

Miami International (MIA) – Concourse F

It’s been a while since we’ve flown out of Concourse F at MIA, but the memory is burned into our brains. It was like going back in time—and not in a fun, vintage-air-travel kind of way.

From the payphones on the wall to the dated finishes and limited amenities, this terminal felt like it hadn’t seen a significant upgrade in decades.

Honolulu International (HNL) – Terminal 2, C Gates

We flew out of Honolulu’s Terminal 2 for a nonstop Hawaiian Airlines flight to Orlando, and while the terminal was practically deserted, that didn’t make the experience better. Quite the opposite. The C Gates area felt neglected, with only one concession stand open—and it was selling what could charitably be described as “half-stale sandwiches.” Add in dated seating and dim lighting, and this part of HNL felt more like a bus station than an international gateway.

Final Thoughts

Airport upgrades are a welcome change, but when just one terminal gets the VIP treatment, the difference can be stark. The worst part? You don’t always know what you’re in for until you check your boarding pass.

What’s the worst “other terminal” you’ve flown out of? Let us know in the comments!

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