Is that their plan, do nothing and then when loads decrease due to customer dissatisfaction, viola no more crowding problems

I'm confused. Since we know they are planning to "do something" I doubt what you suggest is the plan.

Looks like the sarcasm got lost in the reply, sorry about that. I never meant to imply that they weren't going to do anything about it.

Took my first ever F9 flight today TTN-DTW. Observations (TTN-focused):
1. Parking was quite full. We arrived 2 hours before and found a few spaces in the primary and secondary lots. Definitely wanted to avoid the remote lot since we'll be returning late at night.
2. The upstairs food area is nice. Would be better if it were behind security, of course, but good seating (fewer tables reserved for the restaurant), nice views of tarmac. Reasonable number of power outlets. Food options include, as Jerseyguy mentioned, bar and grab-n-go and basic but decent restaurant with sandwiches, salads, etc.
3. Security was a mess. A lot, I am guessing, is due to two flights leaving in such close proximity (DTW 1:50, MSY 2:45). The problem is that many MSY passengers were going through security before the DTW flight, and the TSA team simply wasn't functioning efficiently (one agent in particular was more enamored with giving marginally-useful announcements rather than getting bags through screening). At least no nude-o-scopes.
4. Departure lounge was poorly layed out and crowded. Again, partly (largely) related to the dual flights. People lining up to board before they needed to blocked the influx to the area (and access to areas where there actually were seats). This crowding combined with the delayed boarding (due to late-ariving plane), let to mass boarding (no zones). There was really no other way to do it.
5. Flight itself was almost full. Nothing but water served due to limited service time (turbulance at beginning of flight), but that's not anyone's fault.

Overall, great promise, and clearly judging from the parking lot, terminal, and flight itself, the demand is there. I really hope they make real improvements to both the parking situation and terminal during the September-November shutdown. I think there is real staying power for F9 at TTN and even opportunities for growth IF these issues are fixed.

This is what I was concerned about 2 flights departing close to each other. The departure area has just enough for 1 but definitely not 2 flights. The worst thing (and I'm hope I'm wrong) is I'm sure not too many people made use of the observation area. Its not marked and it they really need to use all the seating they have. Security probably wouldn't have been as bad if there wasn't 2 flights leaving close together. When I left my flight was the only flight of the day this was when they were only flying to Orlando

Though nothing has been said definitively it appears that the parking improvements they are doing in September may be a parking garage as they are saying the project could cost 2.5 million.

Actually, there was decent use of the upstairs, particularly the tables/restaurant/bar. Tables were always full when we were there. Seats were sparsely used, but I can understand that given that it is pre security. Ideally, they could make the upstairs post security.

Where did you hear about the 2.5 million parking improvements for September? Haven't seen than in the local papers (though I may have missed it).

2nd Paragraph
http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2...t_must_do.html

Will smaller airplanes still fly out of TTN during the renovations this fall when Frontier is away for a couple of months?

According to this article, yes:

http://www.miami-airport.com/pdfdoc/...arges_Book.pdf

County spokesman Michael Boonin said the crews will work on both ends of the runway simultaneously. The project is expected to take the entire two-month period, he said.

All non-commercial flights, which makes up the majority of traffic at the small airport, will be able to continue operating as usual."

I wonder if these pilots of the smaller aircrafts - if they welcome this new work on the ends of the runways.

I don't think they have much choice its an FAA requirement that would have been there even if F9 hadn't come. Its a good thing that they did runway 34 (the 4800' runway) first as its a 20-30 foot drop onto Sam Weinroth Rd and then only like another 250ft to the Northbound lanes of I-95.

Sounds like improvements are coming:
http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2...ders_will.html

Yep looks like it, though I still think that they will be waiting till September because unless they are bringing in trailers for a temp terminal I don't see how they could keep it open while doing the work. I am a bit disappointed that a jet bridge doesn't appear to be part of there plans. I guess that was deemed not to be a necessity and with frontier wanting to keep costs down they decided not to.

Good move by Frontier, and it suggests this is true:

"�This investment by Frontier indicates the airline�s commitment to Trenton-Mercer Airport,� Willmot said."

I'll be interested to see what the winter schedule looks like. I assume there will be some reduction on the non-Florida routes - it's hard to tell from the website - but I wonder if they'll add any more Florida , PBI, say, or JAX.

Or - be still my heart - NAS. :-)

Equally, PBI could go to ILG. That's the next puzzle - sorting out the balance between TTN and ILG. Good fun.

Another sign that Mercer County has a big problem with them doing that.

New sign at all entrances to parking lots