Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)

Located just five minutes from downtown Reno and 40 minutes from Lake Tahoe, Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) serves as the gateway to an outdoor-lover’s paradise. From improvements that provide faster and more efficient baggage screening to multiphase terminal renovations that enhance airport security, Gresham Smith has provided a variety of design services to RNO over the years, helping the airport reach its goal of creating a memorable and positive experience for passengers.

$26k

gateway program

18k

square-foot consolidated security checkpoint

10k

square feet of new retail and restaurant concessions

Reflecting the Region

Like many airports post-9/11, RNO was struggling to maintain adequate customer service in a ticket lobby occupied by explosive detection system (EDS) equipment. To update the airport’s ticketing and baggage-screening processes and aesthetics, Gresham Smith designed a three-matrix EDS system, which moved the machines behind the ticketing wall in order to recapture a significant amount of lobby space. We also designed updates to the much larger lobby, incorporating interior finishes of stone and wood materials that reflect the Lake Tahoe region.

Taking it Back-of-House

We helped the airport increase its level of passenger service by converting its baggage screening to a back-of-house, automated in-line system. The system design increases the baggage makeup area from 28,526 square feet to 52,599 square feet, and utilizes faster, more efficient scanning technology, greatly reducing the potential for human error.

Enhancing Reno-Tahoe’s Gateway

Inspired in part by a series of “back-of-the-napkin” sketches and discussions with Gresham Smith, RNO embarked on its Gateway Program to enhance its terminal interiors and passenger security screening facilities. We provided professional services for the $26 million program that involved a new 18,000-square-foot consolidated security checkpoint, bringing all passenger screening to a centralized location on the first floor.

Reaching New Heights

The Gateway Program’s two-story building also included more than 10,000 square feet of retail and restaurant concession space designed on the second floor. A majority of the restaurants and stores previously located in pre-security areas were moved past security to an expanded second-floor courtyard area where travelers can enjoy spectacular views and concession options while waiting for flights.

A Positive, Lasting Impression

Enhancing the passenger experience at RNO, our improvements create a stronger sense of arrival while allowing customers to easily move throughout the post-security facilities, leaving them with a positive and lasting impression of the airport.