As a frequent flier who often has to navigate lengthy layovers, I spend a lot of time in airport terminals.
Most of them look identical, leaving me unable to recognize whether I’m in Atlanta or Chicago. Every shop, restaurant, or kiosk is part of a chain selling the same books, sandwiches, and souvenirs. Just swap out one city’s name on a sweatshirt or tote bag for another.
So what a wonderful discovery it’s been to learn that there are exceptions to that rule. I was surprised to find that there are airports that are not only experiential and, dare I say, enjoyable to spend time in, but also house unique boutiques selling items that offer a real sense of place.
These stores sell products I can’t find anywhere else, even in the heart of that metropolis’ downtown. From lightweight, easy-to-pack gifts for family and friends to clothes and decor I genuinely want, these are the five airport stores where I do my best shopping.
In this article
Planewear at SeaTac
En route to Alaska on a long layover at SeaTac, I discovered this gem of a store.
Planewear, which sells truly unique aviation-themed items, is where I scooped up a blue-and-white Pan Am ballcap while admiring other nostalgia-fueled gear, such as flight jackets, replica airplane seat belts, TWA merch, and more.
Located near the Central Terminal Food Court and security checkpoint three, the store curates with an eye for vintage airline logos, national park signage, and other functional travel items such as luggage tags, tote bags, niche travel guides, and maps, as well as apparel, enamel pins, and pet accessories—I even spotted a bomber jacket for my dogs. For one of my travel-loving friends, I picked up a national parks-themed makeup bag for her next trip, and I think it’s especially well-suited for shopping for the aviation geek or history buff on your gift list.
Prince at MSP
I can’t think of any other airport with a store dedicated to one single musician, but you’ll find one in Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP).
Named for the late rocker by the same name who lived in the Twin Cities before his 2016 death, the airport Prince store is in Terminal 1’s MSP Mall. It’s where you can pick up tickets to tour his former home, Paisley Park, so you’re ready to rock once you leave the airport, and also where you can peruse Prince T-shirts, albums (both vinyl and CD), and books.
Designed much like a museum exhibit, the shop also features artwork and videos of Prince to admire, and fans should go out of their way to find this experiential boutique.
Mountain Standard Time at ABQ
It’s super disappointing to think you’ve scored a one-of-a-kind object in your travels, only to find it sold seemingly everywhere else.
But that probably won’t happen at Mountain Standard Time, located in the Albuquerque airport near the T-Connector. Items sold here are locally made by New Mexico artists and artisans, and the only other location is in Santa Fe.
For instance, the shop carries jewelry crafted by two Santa Fe artists: Dineh Jewelry’s Navajo pearl earrings or a necklace featuring abalone-shell carved birds; and Cynthia Jones Jewelry’s elegant, shapely necklaces or earrings, or chunky rings with multiple bands, all in gold or silver.
Renaissance Books at MKE
Book lovers, you can do better than buying another buzzy paperback read at any old bookstore.
Renaissance Books in Milwaukee’s main terminal is a used bookstore that specializes in rare and antique titles, including many hardcovers and first editions. The owner personally curates the collection to continue his grandfather’s legacy. During the 1950s, it originally opened in downtown Milwaukee. Now you’ll only find outposts in the airport and Greendale, Wisconsin.
And you don’t even have to be holding a boarding pass to shop here. The store is located before security. My husband doesn’t mind if my flight’s late when he picks me up at our hometown airport. It just gives him more time to browse the stacks.
Meow Wolf at DEN
I’ve been lucky enough to experience two Meow Wolf locations, which are interactive, large-scale multimedia art installations. And there’s a Meow Wolf kiosk at the Denver airport.
Located at the C Gate in the Center Core, this shop continues the Meow Wolf wacky-but-cool concept by stocking weird and wonderful gifts, including exclusive apparel (think T-shirts, tote bags, and hoodies) featuring the Meow Wolf logo, as well as cosmic-themed plushies. It’s definitely for the kids in all of us.
The Shortcut
In lieu of doing all your shopping on your trip, save some budget to bring home one-of-a-kind souvenirs from the airport should you find yourself passing through Denver, Milwaukee, Seattle, Minneapolis-St. Paul, or Albuquerque.
Prince fans will delight over MSP’s store devoted to his talent and career, while DEN’s Meow Wolf kiosk offers a taste of its eclecticism.
In Milwaukee, find a used bookstore in an airport, or, at SeaTac, honor your love for aviation by buying a retro-airline t-shirt or luggage tag from Planewear.
