An Ode to Burbank Airport

While my career has taken me to hundreds of different airports around the world, there's no place like home

I am a proud native of Burbank, CA. As a child, I would often ask my father to take me to the top of the (then) Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport* (BUR) parking garage to watch planes take off. I have countless happy memories at BUR and a few melancholy ones. Recent events have given me the opportunity to fly in and out of the (once again) Hollywood-Burbank* airport several times in the past couple months. With a brand new terminal on the way next year, I wanted to highlight a couple of the things that I think make BUR so special.

(Note, that I didn’t necessarily say “good.” I said “special.”)

The majestic facade of BUR.

Charming Inadequacy

Despite some modifications, the airport is still the same place I flew in-and-out of as a kid 40 years ago. The roadways are narrow and packed. The check-in areas give off DMV vibes. You are unlikely to find a seat at your gate. Local middle schools have nicer bathrooms. The food and drink options are limited and outrageously expensive. The employee spaces are cramped and uninspired. Two of the baggage carousels are basically outdoors. The runways are illegally close to the terminal. The entire airfield and its surrounds probably still contain leftover heavy metals from the old Lockheed plant.

They don't build bag claims like this anymore (for a reason)

And yet, so many of us will take it over the nonsense at LAX any day! Even if you have to wait in line for the men’s room and pay $25 for a sandwich, it still beats the absolute chaos at LA’s main airport. (It was not uncommon for me to get parents’ home less than 30 minutes after wheels down. At LAX, you’d be lucky to even be off the plane.)

The Hollywood Factor

Burbank is also the movie production capital of the world, and (the former) Bob Hope Airport* has featured as a location in many a film or tv show. It’s also a preferred airport for many celebrities without a Netjets card. In so many ways , the entire airport feels like a set — the tiny gate areas (especially in “Terminal B”) look like something they would build for a 3-camera sitcom. When planes pull right up to the door, it’s hard to tell if they are real or a backgrop. Instead of an agent calling for Boarding Group 1, I wouldn’t be shocked to hear them yell, “Cut!” (Cue the stage bell.)

Are we at B3 or on the set of Friends?

And of course, there is no more cinematic way to board a plane than via airstairs, which is the only way you can board at BUR. How much more exciting is it to wave goodbye to your grandparents as they climb on the plane live the Beatles versus watching them disappear into a jetway? Then, to cap it all off, when their flight takes off, it goes roaring right over your head in loud and terrifying style because . . . well . . the terminal is to close to the runway!

Even in the rain, it’s the best way to board.

In Hollywood, they ruthlessly strike the set when production is done. It’s fitting that as soon as the new terminal opens, the BUR I have known and loved will also be torn down. The new “set” looks bright and airy and it won’t leak. People will no longer wait in 105 degree August heat for their checked bags. Yes, the entire San Fernando, San Gabriel and Santa Clarita Valleys will benefit from a new facility.

But I, for one, will always prefer the original over the remake.

* Like many stars, Burbank Airport has changed its name . . . a lot