Heaven’s Gate

By Megan Looney
Photo By Kristina Yamamoto

Northern California native Casey Paulson, who flew into town in 2012 and recently landed a bartending gig at the new Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant in San Diego International Airport’s Terminal 1, won’t say whether he’s a member of the mile-high club.

I’ve only hooked up with one person that I’ve met while working at the airport,” he says. “And I’m happy to say we’re still together.”

Once they’ve cleared security, the customers Paulson serves by Gate 7 represent a more diverse group - one that starts drinking when the bar opens at 6 a.m.

“It’s everyone from a business group headed to a convention, to a grandmother headed home from visiting her grandkids in the military,” he says.

Not counting the fact that he never subjects Bankers Hill patrons to full-body scans, the primary many reason Paulson is more popular than his fellow airport employees, the TSA agents: he doesn’t limit flyers to three ounces of liquid. Happy travels!

Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant
3225 North Harbor Dr.,
Midway District
bankershillsd.com