Missionaries from around the world are coming home as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread around the globe. Many of them to Salt Lake International Airport. Photo: Blaine Washburn 3/22/2020)
SALT LAKE CITY –The Salt Lake City International Airport is open to the public once again, with one caveat. Per federal rules, masks are still required. However, the airport is allowing people dropping off and picking up passengers to go inside.
“Non-ticketed individuals are welcome back, as well as those who are meeting passengers,” said Airport Spokeswoman Nancy Volmer. “When the pandemic hit we did have to limit only individuals who were ticketed, employees, and those doing business with the airport.”
Volmer said that means groups picking up missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“They are allowed to come inside rather than wait in the garage.” Volmer said.
She said they had those groups in mind when they designed the new airport’s greeting room.
“It can accommodate up to 400 people and it’s for those who are picking up passengers, whether it’s missionaries, military, if we have a winning sports team it will be a good area to go as well,” Volmer said.
The greeting room is located between the exit point for passengers who are arriving, and the baggage claim area. There’s a bench outside, and glass doors so you can see out. If you’re coming from the parking garage you go across the bridges into the terminal, past the baggage carrousel, and it’s located on the left or the west side of the airport.
Volmer added they’d like to limit those groups bringing in balloons because of the high ceilings and art at the new Salt Lake City International Airport.
She said waiting at the park and wait is still recommended if you don’t need to go inside.