Welcome back to our weekend post, where we take a lighter look at some of the quirkier aspects of aviation. Last month, we had a fun dive into Condor’s controversial livery—if you missed it, you can check it out here. Today, I’m turning my attention to another beloved aviation icon: the split-flap departure display in Terminal 1 at Frankfurt Airport.
As someone who’s based in Frankfurt and frequently flies with Star Alliance airlines, Terminal 1 is practically my second home. Every time I pass through, I can’t help but admire the old-school charm of that departure board. Yes, it’s old tech, but there’s something comforting about its familiar clatter as the flaps flip over to reveal the latest flight updates.
Here’s the thing: Frankfurt Airport keeps this relic operational on purpose. It’s more than just a functional display—it’s a living piece of aviation history and a beloved photo op. Many travel blogs and videos feature it in the background because nothing screams “airport” quite like the rhythmic clacking of those flipping flaps. And if you’re lucky enough to be nearby when the entire board reshuffles, it’s like a mini symphony of travel nostalgia.
Now, for a couple of fun facts. First, I once witnessed a little glitch on the board where London Heathrow was hilariously misspelled as “London Deathrow”—I’m guessing a mechanical hiccup was to blame! And then there was that one eerie day in 2024 when security staff went on strike. The board was completely empty—no flights, no destinations, it was almost blank. Almost, because a few random positions did not reset properly. It was a somber sight that really hit home how much life those little flaps bring to the terminal.
By the way, there is not one but two slit-flap displays, in departure halls A and B!
For my fellow travelers in the US, you might be used to seeing flights listed alphabetically by destination. In contrast, European airports like Frankfurt display them chronologically, which is just one of those little differences that keep us on our toes when flying internationally.
So, what about you? Have you ever found yourself mesmerized by Frankfurt’s split-flap board? Or maybe you’ve caught a funny glitch or experienced the thrill of a full reshuffle? I’d love to hear your stories—drop a comment below and let’s share in the nostalgia!
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