Airier Design, Better Restrooms Priorities For $519 Million Project

One of the most storied airfields in the country will soon receive a badly-needed makeover. Dallas Love Field will soon undergo a $519 million modernization program, managed in large part by the airport's largest tenant, Southwest Airlines.

The Dallas Morning News reports changes under consideration for the low-cost carrier's home field include a thoroughly revamped terminal -- the current terminal dates back to the 1960s, when Love Field was the metroplex's only large commercial airport -- and a streamlined drop-off area that would have passengers check their luggage, before parking their vehicle.

"We'd also like to add valet service," said Bob Montgomery, Southwest's vice president of properties and facilities, during a January 22 meeting before North Dallas Chamber of Commerce. "Love Field has always been about convenience."

Costs for the improvement program would be recouped through a rather steep increase in passenger facilities charges. Passengers are now charged roughly $1.50 per person to fly through Love Field; that figure could rise to as high as $5, which would still be lower than in other large cities served by the Dallas-based airline.

To sell the modernization plan, Southwest officials emphasize Love would be an entirely new airport. Whereas the current neo-deco terminal is rather dark and drab, the new design would sport large glass panels and tall ceilings to let outside light in, and present a more open feel. A new, 20-gate concourse would be oriented to avoid direct sunlight, making it both brighter and less prone to glare than the current design.

Dallas architecture firm Corgan Associates has submitted a design study for the expansion. Under their proposal, passengers arriving to Love Field by car would be greeted by large planters housing several varieties of cacti -- "Southwest," get it? -- and the terminal may even be partially powered and heated by solar panels.

While Southwest is actively lobbying for the modernization, the carrier has expressed concerns about a plan to add a "people mover" track connecting the airport to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail network. Some estimate the costs for that project alone will top $300 million.

One area that all parties concerned say would be addressed in any redesign would be Love's bathrooms... which all agree need to be "flushed" as soon as possible.

FMI: www.southwest.com, www.dallas-lovefield.com