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I remember the 1960s well, when supersonic air travel, almost a reality, was just about to come over the horizon. It was to bring the next thrilling step in air travel — incredible speed — to an era when airlines still offered the grace of service and invited travelers into a sophisticated and romantic world. I was able to walk back into that magic era again when I toured the TWA Flight Center, an architectural masterpiece designed by Eero Saarinen, at JFK Airport in New York City.

Looking over the extended wings of a bird in flight

I almost missed seeing the terminal on my approach. A tall parking garage dwarfed its mid-20th century scale and a newer airline terminal behind it cluttered my view. A bird in flight, which is what Saarinen designed this gateway into the sky to bring to mind, needs open space.

Interior 2 TWA Flight Center JFK Airport.jpeg

The tour, a nice perk of my job, was my favorite type of architectural exploration, a hard hat tour of a project in progress. As a bonus, the architects and designers charged with its restoration led us through the building. I had ample time to stand at the original check-in desk to look up, make a 360-degree turn, and take in the ceiling that soared above. Its vaulting followed the contours roof’s contours and led me to imagine being beneath the wings of a giant bird. I took in a wide view of the interior’s open spaces, illuminated by narrow skylights as well as tall, arched windows.

Saarinen created the TWA Flight Center as a paean to travel. Every vista inside invited effortless movement and flow from one area to another. No view or path impeded. An open upper level, reached via gracious, curved stairways became an organic extension of the ground floor.

Restoration now complete, the terminal is a gateway lobby for a new TWA-themed hotel. When our pandemic isolation ends, I’ll venture back out to the airport to see it.

For a few moments, I slipped back into the heady 1960s and imagined beginning a journey from here — lounging in the sunken oval waiting area in a TWA-red seat; waiting for my flight to be called and checking for it on the split-flap signboard that changed constantly with updated arrivals and departures; walking through the flight tunnel and through the door of a plane; and taking off into the sky.

See more photos of this architectural wonder.

Swept Back to Dreams of Supersonic Travel

I’m a writer, a musician, and an accountant. i live, work, and create from both sides of my brain.