Flight of fancy: The TWA Hotel

When Trans World Airlines went bankrupt in 2001, it looked like the end for architect Eero Saarinen's classic TWA Terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, one of the most distinctive buildings in the world. But it was rescued from the bulldozer by building preservationists, and the magnetic terminal that once drew air travelers has now been transformed into the nostalgic TWA Hotel, which recalls the glamour of '60s jet-setting aviation. Kris Van Cleave checks in.

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[kitsonk]

I was a flight attendant during this time period and I think this is a GREAT idea. I loved this building and I also remember when TWA shut down. Bravo Sir! Wish you the best!

[teresakelton]

I just love this show. It takes you away from the depressing regular news.

[larryanderson]

I remember going into this terminal for the first time in August of 1962 when it was a new building, with my father to pick up my mother and brother on a flight from Los Angeles to New York. It was the summer before my senior year in high school. I was quite impressed and remember those sort of tubes with the red carpeting and the indirect lighting as you walk through them on your way to the airport gates. As an adult in the1970's and beyond took some TWA Flights into New York from California where I had relocated and the building still looked as wonderful as every. Glad it's getting a new life now and not torn down. It has an ageless look to it.

[stevedow]

My first flight: March 1965
TWA New York to Madrid.
I was 5 years old and remember it still.
I'm now pushing 60!

[ron]

I remember flying on a TWA 747 from JFK to Madrid in first class. The upper deck was set up as a lounge and dining room. When dinner was ready, you went upstairs for cocktails and hors d' oeuvres before sitting down to a fabulous dinner. There were name cards on the tables. I sat next to the first lady of Spain who told me to come by the palace while I was visiting.

[EagleRockers]

I remember as a teenager only flying TWA when I went to visit my relatives in New York. Arriving at this terminal meant class, wealth and everything modern; at least for a boy in his teens. Great memories of this building!

[windstorm]

This owner is a building angel. Bless him for preserving with such love, funds and dedication. This iconic building is worth preserving.

[DeanRyanTV]

Looked like two twins interviewing eachother

[danverit]

"Leading the way. TWA!." Never forget that catch iconic advert.

[jamesjeffreyantiques]

I was a TWA Flight Attendant, and was so proud to go to work out of this glorious building. I cannot wait to stay at your hotel.

[ZeacorZeppelin]

My fist flight ever was at TWA and the terminal was and still is magical

[OhLookItsJonBoy]

I remember walking by it in 2009 and it was really looking rough. Then, I had the chance to tour it for a few years for “Open House New York” from 2012-2014. Now I’m finally staying inside it this week.

[jayski]

I have such fond memories of sitting in that sunken lounge and watching snow flakes fall on the ramp area outside while waiting for a commuter flight to take me upstate after flying home from the University of Miami on Christmas vacations during the 1970's. Thank you Tyler Morse for saving this work of art and all the memories that go with it, for so many of us. If only you had been around to save the old Penn Station in the 1960's.

[davidzweiban]

I remember flying first class on TWA to Heathrow with my mother and with our TWA tote bags. They served prime rib from movable carts for dinner. And, when we got stuck in Heathrow's holding pattern behind the Concord (who ran low on fuel and unlike our Boeing plane had to divert to Gatwick lol). TWA was a wonderful airline.

[klauspohl]

In 1976 I flew on the last Boing 707 TWA flight from Lisbon to JFK. We only had 20 passengers and at least 10 stewardesses! The best party I ever had, nobody wanted to leave the plane! I do so miss TWA and the whole flight experience in those days.

[gotrixiego]

So happy my dearly departed Dad's favorite airport won't be demolished. He traveled the world and back during his professional life. To him, no other terminal even came close.

[Springbok]

Recall TWA flight from there to Rome in early 98. Fascinating building and great to see it restored.

[triplanelover]

while a young pilot flying commuter airlines,   we would park out where the Connie now sits...loved that building glad you good people restored it and have the Connie parked out front....I look forward to staying in the hotel

[dianegenx]

In 1987, I went on my first flight to Europe with my French language high school class. On the way over, our luggage was lost so we all wore the same clothes for 10 days, washing them out in hotel sinks every night.
But on our way home, I'll never forget the stewardesses' kindness in letting us high school girls come into the first class section for a while.
They didn't have to do that. They were really kind.

[nata]

TWA took me on my first trip abroad for a year in Italy ...I felt like I was flying first class because they treated you like you were first class.
I rarely stay at these types of places but I may splurge. This is amazing.