Travelers cheer plans for airport renovations at Lambert New look ? Airport can be a positive first impression for region. Flier complaints ? Signage, parking, faulty elevators

Civic leaders and frequent travelers hailed the planned $105 million Lambert Field renovation as critical to improving the region's image and efforts to revitalize.

Mayor Francis Slay and Airport Director Kevin Dolliole announced Sunday the biggest renovation in the airport's history, to be completed over the next five years.

"It is long overdue," Slay said.

Richard Fleming, president St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association, said that improving the look and customer experience at the airport has long been on the wish list of area business leaders. Cities compete for businesses by touting their accessibility and positive perception of the region, he said.

"A modern airport really deals with both," Fleming said.

Dolliole headed a $450 million project in San Antonio and has gotten some favorable reviews from officials there.

"Everything that was planned under his leadership is working better than expected," said Marco Barros, executive director for the San Antonio Area Tourism Council. That renovation will be complete in 2011, but many of the elements already on line are similar to the features planned for Lambert - better lighting, more retail and restaurants and upgraded bathrooms, Barros said.

The other improvements planned here include a domed glass canopy arching above sidewalks and roadways; improved road access for drop-off and pickup; pedestrian bridges from the parking garage to the ticketing area; new waiting areas, signs, luggage carousels and ticket counters.

Many travelers said the region would benefit from the airport's face-lift.

Bill Henslee, 53, of Orlando, Fla., is a frequent business flier. He arrived into Lambert at 9 p.m. Saturday and noticed that all the stores were closed.

"I was surprised that nothing was available," Henslee said Sunday afternoon while waiting to fly out of St. Louis. He said his initial impressions at the airport colored his perception of St. Louis.

"It struck me as a very small town," he said.

Chris and Marianne Strassburger of Denver were visiting St. Louis and returning home Sunday. They lived in St. Louis a few decades ago and agreed that the airport looked old and outdated.

"It looks just like it did 20 years ago," Chris Strassburger said.

His wife pointed toward the Burger King near the ticket counter.

"This is so archaic," she said. "I mean, I took my babies there 20 years ago."

Phil Minardi, 55, of Overland, said the renovations were desperately needed, citing faulty elevators, poor signage and confusing entries, exits and parking.

"Right now, there is no flow," he said. Others agreed that Lambert is in need of a major overhaul but questioned the management of the project.

"They're going to need more than $100 million to upgrade this piece of crap," said Russell Cook, 45, of Spanish Lake. But he said that airport officials lack credibility among many residents, given the $1.1 billion runway expansion built to alleviate traffic congestion that never materialized..

The new project will be funded through $56 million in bonds to be repaid by airport revenue and $49 million from "per passenger" fees that airlines pay the airport. No major impact is expected on ticket prices.

The airport did have some defenders happy to leave it as it is.

Bret Freeman, 34, of Ferguson, said he prefers how compact and convenient Lambert is compared with other sprawling airports and says it's nicer than some he's seen.

"They could probably spend a few dollars cleaning it but not $100 million. That sounds like overkill," he said.

Scott Pelletier, 43, of O'Fallon, Mo., agreed.

"I think it's a waste of money." He said Lambert was on par with many other airports through which he frequently travels.

"It's nicer than Charlotte," he added.

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