News & Media

The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) and Riverbanks Zoo and Garden today unveiled a new addition on the concourse – a Mamava lactation and breastfeeding pod. The private, secure suite provides mothers with a new option for breastfeeding and pumping while traveling.

“We’re always looking for ways to enhance our traveler’s experience,” said Mike Gula, Executive Director of CAE. “The Mamava pod is an offering needed for our traveling mothers that is currently not available on the airside, and with this partnership with the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, we’re glad to be able to provide this to them.”

Mamava pods are accessed remotely through the Mamava Pump and Nursing Finder App. Once registered, mothers will be sent a code specific to the CAE unit granting access to the suite.

While inside the pod, mothers will be able to use the app to dim the lights and control airflow. Additionally, mothers will have access to roomy benches, space for a stroller and a place to plug in a pump.

“Riverbanks is proud to partner with the Columbia Metropolitan Airport which serves as a gateway to our region for many travelers,” said Tommy Stringfellow, president and CEO at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “The Mamava pod provides a convenient, intimate space for traveling mothers who choose to breastfeed and pump in private while giving users and passersby a glimpse of some of our zoo babies.”

About the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 2,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens. The Zoo opened on April 25, 1974, and for more than four decades, has connected individuals, families and school children with the natural world. Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in animal care and welfare, education, recreation, science and wildlife conservation. It is the mission of the Zoo and Garden to create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on conservation. For more information, visit www.riverbanks.org .

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) will now offer TSA Pre ✓ ® passengers the same security processing guidelines, no matter the lane they enter from the checkpoint. The new “Blended Lane” system was recently introduced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA hereafter) and is designed to provide pre-approved passengers with the same TSA Pre ✓ ® experience 100% of the time.

“Columbia Metropolitan Airport is pleased to be the first airport in the state to adopt this innovative security screening system by TSA,” said Mike Gula, Executive Director at CAE. “This year, we are on track to see major growth in our annual passenger traffic, and having an updated system like this in place will provide a more efficient process in getting passengers through the checkpoint and on their way with ease.”

If the standard TSA Pre ✓ ® lane is closed, TSA Pre ✓ ® passengers will still receive the same TSA Pre ✓ ®

experience through another lane – designated as a Blended Lane. Here is how it will work:

• As TSA Pre ✓ ® passengers are identified at TSA’s check-in desk, they will be given a card identifying them as such,
  
• With the card, they will not have to remove:
  • Laptops from bags,
  • Shoes,
  • Belts,
  • Jackets, or
  • 3-1-1 compliant liquids and gels from carry-on bags

For more information on how to become TSA Pre ✓ ® or to renew your current status, please visit TSA’s website at www.tsa.gov .

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE, here after) is excited to announce that passenger traffic continues to reflect steady growth in the first quarter of 2019.

In March, traffic stats increased 20% over February with 112,048 passengers traveling through CAE – a 16% increase year to date.

“With over 301,000 passengers flying through CAE since January of this year, we’re currently on track to have another record setting year,” said CAE Executive Director, Mike Gula. “Our team works hard every day to serve our passengers, providing them with a pleasant and first class experience.”

As a result of this increased traffic through the airport, CAE gained two additional New York City flights – nonstop to LaGuardia (LGA). They are:

• American Airlines: Departs CAE at 6:55 a.m. and arrives at LGA at 9:00 a.m.
  
• Delta Air Lines:  Departs CAE at 1:05 p.m. and arrives at LGA at 3:06 p.m.
• Currently Delta Air Lines has a morning flight at 6:00 a.m. that will continue in addition to the new service.

With three nonstop flights to New York City (LGA), as well as to the eight other hub destinations with nonstop service, CAE encourages travelers to be prepared.

“The busy summer travel season is upon us and we encourage our travelers to allow extra time when arriving at the airport,” continued Gula. “Planning for an hour to an hour and half out from what you might have done in the past is our recommendation. We want to encourage travelers to wait at the gate!”

Some travel tips to consider when flying out of CAE are:

• Follow the airlines’ recommendation to arrive at the airport at least 1 ½ hours prior to departure for domestic travel and 2 hours prior to departure for international travel. With the addition of new air service at CAE, there are several peak travel times throughout the day at which lines can be longer at ticket counters and at the security checkpoint.

• Check in for your flight 24 hours prior to departure and access your boarding pass via desktop computer or your mobile device.

• Carry-on bags are limited to one bag per passenger plus one personal item such as a laptop, purse, backpack or briefcase. Additional bags can be checked in at your airline’s ticket counter. Please check with your airline for specific checked baggage restrictions and fees.

• For carry-on bags, liquids and gels must be in 3.4 ounce containers or less and must be placed in a quart-sized, clear plastic zip-top bag. Only one zip-top bag per passenger. Go to www.tsa.gov for questions on items that can and cannot go through the security checkpoint.

• A reminder to pack a little extra patience and to allow that extra time as security checkpoint lines may be longer at peak travel times. CAE’s and TSA’s priority is the safety of our travelers.