Departure Media

Departure Media Airport Advertising is a woman-owned out-of-home advertising concessionaire that focuses exclusively on airports, describing itself as the largest airport-only OOH company in the United States. Founded in 1996 by chief executive Leslie Bensen, who previously worked with Ackerley Airport Advertising, the company is based in Charleston, South Carolina, and has spent nearly three decades building advertising environments inside terminals across the country. Departure Media designs and manages complete airport advertising programs, handling every aspect from display environment design through sales and installation.

Its approach emphasizes creating a sense of place, using advertising that enhances terminal aesthetics, improves the passenger experience, and generates non-aeronautical revenue for its airport partners. Formats include both static and digital displays positioned throughout concourses, baggage claim areas, and other high-dwell locations where travelers spend concentrated time. The company operates advertising concessions at a growing roster of United States airports, including Augusta Regional Airport, Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky International Airport, Dayton International Airport, and Des Moines International Airport, among others.

Departure Media recently introduced a refreshed brand identity and redesigned website as it continues to expand its national footprint. By concentrating solely on the airport channel, the company offers advertisers access to captive, affluent, and hard-to-reach traveling audiences, while giving airport authorities a specialized media partner. Its blend of design-led environments, digital and static inventory, and airport-exclusive expertise distinguishes Departure Media within the place-based out-of-home sector.