RIP Hollywood Burbank Airport of yore, the last easy airport

Key Points:

• Hollywood Burbank Airport has opened a new $1.3 billion terminal, replacing the original 1930 building to meet Federal Aviation Administration safety regulations and provide a more spacious, modern facility.
• The new 355,000-square-foot terminal maintains the same 14 gates but is 42% larger, offering expanded areas for check-in, baggage claim, dining, and shopping, while preserving outdoor boarding without claustrophobic jet bridges.
• Despite the upgrades and improved aesthetics, including twinkling ceiling lights, longtime travelers express nostalgia for the old terminal's charm, convenience, and unique features like close runway views and quick access to ground transportation.
• The old terminal, though cramped and outdated with limited seating and dining options, was appreciated for its efficiency, easy security, and the thrill of landing on one of the shortest commercial runways in the country.
• While the new terminal promises a safer and more comfortable experience, some passengers mourn the loss of the familiar, well-loved airport that served as a memorable gateway for decades.