Airport observation decks are a dying breed

— -- A lot of the new amenities being introduced at airports these days are all about making travelers forget that they're even in an airport. But there's one amenity many travelers crave that's all about being at the airport: the observation deck.

But instead of multiplying — so we can be reminded of the joys (yes, joys) of flying — airport observation decks have been going away. Like the open-air viewing spot on top of the Theme Building at LAX, many of these decks were closed due to security concerns after 9/11. Others have been re-repurposed to make way for revenue-generating concessions.

Happily, some airport observation decks are still around; and equally appreciated. Matt Hillier, a computer software instructor from Layton, Utah, always looks forward to spending time at the outdoor observation deck at Long Beach Airport. "It's on the second story of the air terminal and you don't have to go through security to go up there. I usually watch the planes take off until I see my aircraft land, and then it's a quick 5 minute trip through security and straight on to my plane."

Sounds nice, doesn't it? Here are some other airports where you'll find dedicated observation decks:

Minneapolis International Airport

When he can, Mike Goelzer, a retail manager from Sullivan, Wis., seeks out the post-security observation deck on Concourse D, in Terminal 1-Lindbergh at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. "Usually it's pretty quiet. Most the people that go up there are MSP employees on break." Built decades ago, the enclosed observation deck is only accessible via a set of stairs, but those who find their way up there are rewarded with great views in all directions.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Years ago, when BWI was known as Friendship International Airport, there was an outdoor observation deck. Today there's an enclosed Observation Gallery on the upper level of the airport, in the pre-security area between Concourses B and C. In addition to great views of airfield activities, there are rocking chairs, a children's play area and several exhibits related to aviation, including the nose cone, cockpit, landing gear and other sections of a Boeing 737-200 aircraft.