Jazmin Li
Rocking chairs in airports are becoming increasingly common. Airports are not typically relaxing places, with security, the threat of delays, and the burden of luggage contributing to an underlying sense of anxiety. Rocking chairs, on the other hand, are synonymous with relaxation and a slower pace of life. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is credited with starting the trend back in 1997, and since then, hundreds of airports around the world have followed suit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airports with rocking chairs | Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Spokane Airport, Burlington VT Airport, Jacksonville Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, Houston William P. Hobby Airport, Sea-Tac International Airport, Sacramento International Airport, and more |
| Reason for rocking chairs | To create a sense of calm and relaxation in the typically fast-paced and stressful environment of airports |
| Origin of trend | Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which first introduced rocking chairs as part of a photography exhibit called "Porch Sitting: A Charlotte Regional Family Album" in 1997 |
| Supplier of chairs | Troutman Chair Co., owned by Jean and Champ Land |
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What You'll Learn
Charlotte Douglas International Airport started the trend
Charlotte Douglas International Airport, also known as CLT, started the trend of rocking chairs in airports. In 1997, the airport hosted a temporary photography exhibit called "Porch Sitting: A Charlotte Regional Family Album", featuring large photos of front porches with rocking chairs. Actual rocking chairs, intended as props, were placed in front of the photos. However, travellers began using them as a relaxing space to eat, work, read, and people-watch. When the exhibit ended, the chairs were removed, but people expressed their disappointment. As a result, CLT brought back the rocking chairs, making them a permanent fixture.
The rocking chairs at CLT became so popular that they caught the attention of other airports. By 2014, around 40 airports across the country had adopted the trend, with many sourcing their chairs from Troutman Chairs in North Carolina, the company owned by Champ Land and his wife, Jean. The chairs, known as Kennedy Rockers, are named after John F. Kennedy, who used similar chairs to alleviate his back pain.
The unexpected combination of rocking chairs and airports can be attributed to the contrasting nature of the two. Airports are typically associated with stress, anxiety, and haste. In contrast, rocking chairs evoke a sense of relaxation, control, and a slower pace. The introduction of rocking chairs in airports provides a unique pause button in the midst of the hectic travel environment.
The rocking chairs are also a practical choice for airports. They are relatively comfortable and easy to install, rearrange, and move near power outlets. Additionally, they hold a symbolic significance, representing a sense of gathering, relaxation, and nostalgia for travellers.
Today, CLT's rocking chairs have become a beloved feature, with passengers specifically mentioning the chairs when reflecting on their experiences at the airport. The chairs have transformed the fast-paced hub into a welcoming space, exuding a sense of southern hospitality and a unique sense of place. CLT's initiative has not only left a lasting impression on travellers but has also inspired airports worldwide to follow suit, spreading the trend of rocking chairs in airports.
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They help to relax travellers
Airports are not typically relaxing places. Security checks, the threat of flight delays, and the constant hustle and bustle can make for a stressful experience. Rocking chairs, which have been installed in airports across the world, offer travellers a chance to pause and relax amid the chaos.
The rocking chair trend in airports began at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in 1997. It started with a photography exhibit called "Porch Sitting: A Charlotte Regional Family Album," which featured large photos of front porches with rocking chairs. Actual rocking chairs were placed in front of the photos as props, but people began sitting in them to eat, work, read, and people-watch. When the exhibit ended, the airport decided to keep the chairs due to their popularity.
Since then, rocking chairs have become a common sight at airports, including those in Boston, Houston, Philadelphia, San Diego, Seattle, Spokane, and many other cities. They provide a sense of calm and control in an otherwise hectic environment. Travellers can take a break from rushing between gates and relax in the soothing motion of a rocking chair.
The chairs are also a practical choice for airports. They are modular and can be installed overnight without disrupting airport operations. Additionally, they can be easily rearranged and moved near power outlets, enhancing the traveller experience.
For travellers, rocking chairs offer a moment of peace and a chance to unwind before or after a flight. They provide a sense of comfort and relaxation, helping to ease the stress and anxiety often associated with air travel.
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They're easy to install
Rocking chairs in airports? It may seem like an odd combination, but these chairs have become a beloved fixture in airport terminals across the globe. The trend is believed to have started at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, where a temporary photography exhibit called "Porch Sitting" featured large photos of front porches with rocking chairs. The chairs, initially intended as props, became so popular that they were kept and even expanded upon, sparking a worldwide craze.
The rocking chair phenomenon has since spread to numerous airports, including those in Boston, Houston, Philadelphia, Seattle, Miami, San Diego, Spokane, Jacksonville, and Burlington, Vermont, to name a few. They've become a highly appreciated amenity, offering travelers a sense of relaxation and control in the often hectic and stressful environment of an airport.
But why are rocking chairs so prevalent in airports? One reason is their ease of installation. Airports are challenging to renovate due to their constant operation, so any improvements must be made without disrupting the airport's functionality. Rocking chairs are modular seating that can be installed overnight and easily rearranged as needed. This flexibility allows airports to enhance their terminals without significant downtime or costly construction projects.
The rocking chairs' portability also enables airports to create flexible seating areas near power outlets, a valuable feature in older terminals where outlets may be limited. This adaptability is a significant advantage, ensuring that travelers can relax and recharge their devices simultaneously.
Additionally, rocking chairs provide a sense of calm in the fast-paced airport environment. The gentle rocking motion encourages relaxation, offering travelers a brief respite from the anxiety and stress often associated with air travel. This soothing effect can be especially beneficial for travelers who are feeling overwhelmed or hurried.
The rocking chair trend in airports has undoubtedly caught on, and it's easy to see why. With their ease of installation, versatility, and calming effects, rocking chairs have become a beloved fixture in terminals worldwide, offering travelers a unique sense of comfort and relaxation during their journeys.
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They're modular and can be rearranged
Rocking chairs have become a common fixture in airports across the globe. The Charlotte Douglas International Airport is credited with starting this trend back in 1997 with a photography exhibit called "Porch Sitting: A Charlotte Regional Family Album". The exhibit featured large photos of front porches with rocking chairs, and actual rocking chairs placed in front of the photos as props. When the exhibit ended, the airport decided to keep the chairs due to their popularity among travellers.
The rocking chairs at Charlotte Douglas International Airport are sourced exclusively from the Troutman Chair Co., a company based in Troutman, North Carolina. The owners, Jean and Champ Land, frequently travelled through the airport and noticed the uncomfortable rocking chairs. They contacted the airport and offered their own comfortable designs, which are now a signature feature of the airport.
The success of the rocking chairs at Charlotte Douglas sparked a trend, with airports across the United States and beyond adopting the idea. Airports such as Boston Logan International Airport, Jacksonville, Spokane, Burlington, and many others have followed suit, incorporating rocking chairs into their terminals. These chairs offer a sense of relaxation and control in the typically fast-paced and stressful environment of an airport.
The modular nature of rocking chairs makes them an ideal addition to airport terminals. They can be easily installed overnight and rearranged as needed, without requiring any major renovations. This flexibility allows airports to create relaxing seating areas near power outlets, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
The popularity of rocking chairs in airports continues to spread, with travellers appreciating the sense of calm and control they bring. As Haley Gentry, the manager of amenities at Charlotte Douglas, observed, rocking chairs provide a "nice pause button in a hectic environment." This simple yet effective amenity has become a sought-after feature, offering travellers a moment of relaxation amidst the chaos of air travel.
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They're popular with passengers
Rocking chairs have become a popular fixture in airports across the world. They first appeared at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in 1997 as part of a temporary photography exhibit called 'Porch Sitting'. The exhibit featured large photos of front porches with rocking chairs, and actual rocking chairs placed in front of the photos as props. When the exhibit ended, the airport decided to keep the chairs due to their popularity among passengers. Since then, rocking chairs have become a common sight at airports, with many airports following suit and incorporating them into their terminals.
The popularity of rocking chairs in airports can be attributed to several reasons. Firstly, they provide a sense of relaxation and comfort in a typically stressful and hectic environment. Airports are often associated with long security lines, the anxiety of catching flights, and the hassle of managing baggage. Rocking chairs offer a pause button in the midst of this fast-paced environment, allowing passengers to take a moment to relax and unwind. The rhythmic motion of rocking has a calming effect, helping to soothe nervous travellers.
Another reason for their popularity is their modularity and ease of installation. Airports are challenging to renovate due to their constant operation, so any improvements must be made incrementally. Rocking chairs are simple to install overnight and can be rearranged as needed, making them a convenient addition to terminals. Additionally, they can be placed near power outlets, providing passengers with a comfortable seating option while they charge their devices.
The rocking chairs also hold a special sense of place for the millions of passengers who pass through Charlotte Douglas International Airport each year. The signature white rocking chairs, sourced from the nearby Troutman Chair Co., have transformed the airport's atrium into a welcoming space reminiscent of a tree-lined avenue with a front porch. Passengers enjoy the sense of familiarity and comfort that the rocking chairs bring, making them a sought-after seating option.
The trend of rocking chairs in airports has spread globally, with airports in Boston, Houston, Philadelphia, Spokane, Burlington, and many other cities adopting the idea. They have become highly appreciated amenities, with passengers enjoying the sense of relaxation and comfort they provide. Some airports, like Boston Logan International Airport, have even taken it a step further by inviting local artists to decorate the rocking chairs, turning them into unique pieces of public art.
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Frequently asked questions
Charlotte Douglas International Airport has had rocking chairs since 1997, when they were introduced as part of a photography exhibit. The chairs proved so popular that they were kept and have since been introduced to hundreds of airports around the world.
Airports are typically not relaxing places, with security, the threat of delays and the hassle of luggage creating an anxious environment. Rocking chairs signal the opposite of hurry and can help people relax.
Yes, rocking chairs have been spotted at airports in Boston, Houston, Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Spokane, Burlington, Baltimore, Lambert-St. Louis, Harrisburg, and many other cities.
The rocking chairs at Charlotte Airport originally came from Troutman Chair Co., just a short distance from Charlotte, NC.
