โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) consists of two main passenger terminals: the South Terminal (Domestic) and the North Terminal (International). The South Terminal is the primary hub for most commercial traffic, housing Concourses A, B, and C, and serves major carriers including Alaska Airlines, Delta, and United. It features the majority of the airport's amenities, including the Alaska Airlines Board Room, various dining options featuring local Alaskan cuisine, and retail stores. The North Terminal is smaller and is utilized primarily for international flights, seasonal charters, and cargo operations.
Connectivity between the two terminals is strictly landside, meaning there is no airside transfer available. Passengers connecting between the South and North terminals must exit the secure area, travel to the other terminal, and re-clear security. The terminals are connected by a climate-controlled pedestrian walkway, which offers a scenic view and takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to traverse. Alternatively, a free shuttle bus service operates between the terminals every 15 minutes. Due to the need to re-screen, travelers should factor in extra time for TSA checkpoints, especially during peak travel seasons or when large cruise ship groups are moving through the airport.
For international arrivals, passengers will clear Customs and Border Protection in the North Terminal (unless pre-cleared at the origin). After clearing immigration and customs, passengers can proceed to the landside area for ground transport or transfer to the South Terminal for domestic connections. The airport is fully accessible, with elevators and assistance services available. Families will find nursing rooms in the South Terminal, and the airport is known for its taxidermy displays, which provide a unique diversion for children and adults alike.
๐ Connection Tips
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) operates with two distinct terminals that are not connected airside: the South Terminal, which handles almost all domestic flights, and the North Terminal, primarily used for international arrivals and seasonal charters. For travelers connecting between these two facilities, a landside transfer is required. You can utilize the climate-controlled pedestrian walkway, which offers scenic views and takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to traverse, or take the free airport shuttle bus that runs every 15 minutes between the terminal entrances. Because you must exit the secure area to change terminals, you will need to undergo TSA re-screening, so allow at least 90 minutes for a domestic-to-international connection.
For international arrivals (excluding pre-cleared flights from Canada), you must clear U. S. Customs and Border Protection at the North Terminal. This involves collecting all checked baggage, passing through immigration and customs, and then re-checking your bags for any onward domestic flights at the South Terminal. For these international-to-domestic transfers, a minimum of three hours is strongly recommended to account for potential queues at passport control and the necessary terminal transit.
If your connection is entirely domestic within the South Terminal (Concourses A, B, and C), you can generally remain airside and move between gates without re-clearing security. Please ensure that all your onward travel arrangements, including ground transport to your final destination, are confirmed well in advance. Our research indicates that regional transit in this area is highly weather-dependent and requires travelers to remain flexible with their schedules. Always confirm your flight status 24 hours prior to departure, carry your essential medications and critical documents in your hand baggage, and maintain open lines of communication with your local hosts or transport providers. By treating this airport segment as the foundation of your regional travel plan rather than the conclusion of your flight, you will find that it is a highly reliable gateway, provided you account for the unique pace of local transport and the seasonal variability of the local environment, which can often be unpredictable due to sudden meteorological shifts or technical logistics.
Travelers should be aware that Alaska's unpredictable maritime weather, including dense fog and heavy winter snow, can lead to sudden schedule adjustments. Always monitor your flight status via your airline's mobile app and utilize the free high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout both terminals to stay updated. Additionally, keep your REAL ID-compliant identification or passport readily accessible at all times, as security protocols in the North Pacific gateway are rigorous and thorough.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the primary international airport serving New Mexico, located just three miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. The airport boasts a distinctive Pueblo-style architectural terminal, which is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. This single, multi-level terminal efficiently manages all arrivals and departures, featuring a logical layout designed for passenger convenience. The lower level is dedicated to arriving passengers, housing baggage claim areas (three in total to serve Concourses A and B) and providing direct exits to ground transportation.
The upper level of the terminal is the departure zone, where travelers will find airline ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and access to the two main concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A primarily serves American Airlines, Delta, and United, while Southwest Airlines predominantly operates out of Concourse B. The terminal has a total of 22 gates, ensuring ample capacity for its scheduled domestic flights and limited international services. Recent upgrades include a TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project, which has enhanced security screening with up to four lanes and modern passenger amenities like new escalators and elevators.
Amenities at ABQ are comprehensive for a regional international facility. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, numerous charging stations, a variety of shops (including those offering local artisanal gifts), and diverse dining options ranging from cafes and fast-food outlets to restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine. Additional facilities like a Meditation Room and an observation deck contribute to a comfortable travel experience, complemented by a notable art collection displayed throughout the terminal.
๐ Connection Tips
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) offers excellent ground transportation connectivity just 3 miles southeast of downtown. ABQ RIDE provides completely free bus service (fare-free since November 2023) with Route 50 connecting the airport to downtown via Union Square Bus Station every 15-30 minutes, taking just 24 minutes total - the bus stop is conveniently located on the lower level at the west end of the shuttle island. Route 50 also connects to the Alvarado Transportation Center downtown where passengers can transfer to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Rail Runner connections are enhanced through Route 350 (Railrunner Connecting bus) and free bus transfers when you have a valid Rail Runner ticket purchased in advance online or via mobile app - otherwise pay the driver a $1 fare each way. Official taxi service is available with fares starting at $35 to downtown Albuquerque through companies like ABQ Metro Taxi (505-450-8580) and Aspen Rides (505-388-3692). Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft requires pre-booking as street hailing is not permitted.
For Santa Fe destinations, Groome Transportation operates 30 daily trips taking 75 minutes with variable pricing, while RoadRunner Charter provides door-to-door service to Santa Fe and Los Alamos areas. The Rail Runner Express connects Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Belen with convenient airport shuttle connections. Recent December 2025 improvements under the ABQ RIDE Forward Network Plan enhanced transit connectivity throughout the metropolitan area.
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