Few direct flights, eateries close early: Are you happy with Rochester's airport? Weigh in
Little to no direct flights and inconvenient early restaurant closures.
Or ... cool windows and short security lines. Is the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport good for travelers? What do you think?
These are just a few of the observations, complaints and high points people traveling through Rochester's airport have noted on social media. It was recently named the 10th best small airport in the nation by a USA TODAY poll.
Do you agree that the Rochester-area airport is one of the best small airports in the U.S.? Scroll to the bottom of this story or click here to connect with us.
Here's what those who have traveled through its terminals have to say about their experience.
Made it to Rochester and was happy to hang out with some folks at the speaker dinner. ♥️ #WCROC
Also, how cool is this Marvel-looking glass window at the Rochester airport?! pic.twitter.com/iXtbMXyLXD— Marcus Burnette — The WP World (@marcusdburnette) September 30, 2023
What airport visitors think about the food
There are several options at ROC for those looking to grab a quick bite before a flight.
But if your flight is delayed past 7 or 8 p.m. you might be out of luck, according to travelers.
So...been at the @ROCAirport for six hours. Help me understand why ALL the restaurants close so early? The majority of the charging outlets do NOT work. Neon lights outside is neat and all, but doesn't help travelers.
— Deanna King (@CynicalMother) September 9, 2023
Most restaurants, including Taste of Rochester, Subway and On the ROC's Sports Bar and Grill close at or before 8 p.m. each day.
Flight Deck Diner shuts its doors by 6 p.m. and is only open on Thursdays and Fridays.
And others, like Gusto and Dunkin, don't have their hours of operation listed on the airport's website.
Pre-security, Hudson News, which offers concessions, is open until 8 p.m.
Well... My flight has been delayed three times now. Glad the food options at the Rochester Airport are pretty good!
— Case Aiken (@CaseAiken) July 17, 2022
However, some are attributing it to staffing issues.
Due to the demand for higher wages, restaurants are no longer able to hire for more than two shifts. About 80% of American restaurants post 2018 are now open 9a-9p allowing for two six hour shifts, 30 hours a week per employee, so there is no overtime pay. Many close holidays too
— Thomas E S Thomas (@ThomasESThomas4) September 9, 2023
And just a quick rule of thumb — maybe don't bring your garbage plate on the plane with you.
the taste of ROC food stands at the Rochester airport are all fun and games until someone brings a garbage plate on the plane and i have to smell it all the way to Baltimore 🫠
— 𝖘 𝖚 𝖓 𝖓 𝖎 𝖊 (@pizzaandfob) September 14, 2023
How people feel about the airport's design
The ROC's two interactive play zones have made quite the impression as well.
Partnering with The Strong National Museum of Play, the airport has a National Toy Hall of Fame exhibit with oversized classic games such as Etch-A-Sketch, and a World Video Game Hall of Fame exhibit with Pac-Man, Lite-Brite and others to hit visitors with a sense of nostalgia.
So Rochester Airport is dope pic.twitter.com/D8uftdqOKh
— Lavallette (@_lavallette) November 11, 2021
the Rochester airport has a gender neutral bathroom and a Street Fighter II arcade cabinet, this place rules actually
— 🦇 Holly 🦇 Teridax.bsky.social (@TeridaxDev) April 29, 2023
And apparently, it was featured on an episode of 90-Day Fiance earlier this month.
Is the Rochester airport normally this dead? #90DayFiance
— CarriageReturn's Mojo Dojo Casa House (@return_carriage) October 16, 2023
We'd like to hear from you!
Do you agree that the Rochester-area airport is one of the best small airports in the U.S.? Why or why not?
We’d love to hear about your experience, and explore them further with our coverage! Fill out the form below and your submission will go straight to a USA TODAY Network reporter. We may reach out to you if we want to know more about your experience.
Emily Barnes is the New York State Team consumer advocate reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Barnes at ebarnes@gannett.com or on Twitter @byemilybarnes.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester NY airport reviewed on social: Do travelers rate it highly?