Holidays may bring harmony at Sea-Tac

After the brouhaha over Christmas trees placed in its main terminal last year, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will go secular during the upcoming holidays.

The new decoration chosen by the airport, by local designer Randy Trostle, will include a set of 18 concrete-and-cardboard birch trees — the tallest one is 30 feet — sitting on a bed of synthetic snow.

The display also features several hanging panels in the ticketing area that will depict local images: Mount Rainier, the San Juan Islands and a cityscape. The design is meant to convey harmony and peace, the airport says.

Last December, airport officials took down Christmas trees after a local rabbi asked to also place a menorah at the airport. His request triggered a national controversy over religious objects in public spaces.

The airport put the trees back up but formed a committee to consider a new design for this year.

AKRON, OHIO

Get a flu shot before you fly

Passengers can now get flu shots at Akron-Canton Airport. The clinic, operated by QuickClinic of Akron, is on the main concourse. Flu shots cost $35. Pneumonia shots cost $45. The clinic is open 5 to 11 a.m. daily. The service will be available for about 90 days.

LOS ANGELES

Smaller buses to serve FlyAway routes

Los Angeles International will begin using smaller buses in December for its FlyAway program, a public transportation system that links the airport to three stations in Southern California.

The larger buses typically weren't full, says airport spokeswoman Katherine Alvarado.

Wait times shouldn't lengthen after the switch, she says.

The new 21-passenger buses will use compressed natural gas instead of diesel fuel.

They will also offer reclining seats and free wireless Internet.

The system, with buses that run every 30 minutes, connects LAX to Union Station downtown, Westwood in west Los Angeles and Van Nuys in the San Fernando Valley.

Fares are $4 one way for adults. The stations also offer remote baggage check-in for air travelers.

ANCHORAGE

Concourse B getting an upgrade

Ted Stevens Anchorage International closed its nine-gate Concourse B in the South Terminal last week for a renovation project that will take two years. Several flights by Northwest and Alaska airlines have been moved to other gates on Concourse C, and United Airlines flights have been moved to Concourse A.

Also closed are several restaurants and shops: Burger King, Cloud Hopper Bar and Upper One lounge and a food court. They will reopen in 2009.

The two security checkpoints in the South Terminal will be consolidated into a larger area.

LITTLE ROCK

More food offerings booked

Concessions manager HMSHost plans to spend $2.3 million to upgrade food and beverage offerings at Little Rock National.

To be completed by fall 2008, the project consists of a new restaurant/bar after security that will feature some locally known menu options: Lindsey's Barbecue, Diamond Bear beer and Yarnell's ice cream. A Quiznos Sub shop and a second Starbucks will be installed near baggage claim.