WHBM
Even the "old fashioned" method (looking out of the window at the ramp towards the relevant gate) increasingly doesn't work as airport architects think we all want to spend our time looking at plain walls rather than a view out across the field.
I'm torn between thinking that this (highly unwelcome) development has been due:
- saving money by not having to have windows, with pax walled into a shopping mall
- saving money by not providing viewing areas (even behind bomb proof glass)
- saving construction difficulties (i.e. money) by having routine walkways and corridors in a position to overlook the working parts of the airport.
Either way, I'd say it's money. Just like they save money by not putting in travelators and escalators or too many lifts - but I won't start myself off on that one again.
