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
Boise Airport (BOI), also known as the Boise Air Terminal or Gowen Field, is the primary aviation hub for Idaho and the rapidly growing Treasure Valley region. Located just three miles south of downtown Boise, the airport is a joint civil-military facility that shares its grounds with the Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, home to the Idaho Air National Guardโs 124th Fighter Wing. Additionally, the airport serves as a critical logistics base for the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), playing a vital role in wildfire management across the Western United States.
The airport operates through a single, modern three-level terminal building designed for intuitive navigation and passenger efficiency. The first floor manages arrivals and houses the main baggage claim area with four carousels, as well as on-site car rental counters. The second floor serves as the main activity hub, containing airline check-in desks, the central security checkpoint, and two primary concourses: Concourse B, which features 13 gates and 11 jetbridges, and Concourse C, with 11 gates. The third level is dedicated to administrative services, featuring a business center and several professional conference rooms.
To keep pace with record-breaking passenger growth, the airport has launched the multi-year "BOI Upgrade" program, a $700 million project that will significantly expand the facility's capacity through 2029. A centerpiece of this expansion is the construction of a new Concourse A, which will add up to 10 additional gates and be linked to the main terminal by a high-tech skybridge featuring the airport's first moving walkways. Ongoing modernization efforts also include the complete renovation of Concourse B to provide larger passenger waiting areas, more diverse concession spaces, and upgraded restroom facilities.
Ground transportation at BOI is highly integrated, with dedicated pickup and drop-off zones for major ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft located near the second-floor rotunda. Valley Regional Transit (VRT) provides consistent public bus service to downtown Boise via Route 3, while several local hotels and parking lots operate regular shuttle services from the lower-level roadway. The airport also offers extensive parking options, including a new cell phone lot and economy parking supported by 24/7 shuttles, ensuring that BOI remains one of the most accessible and traveler-friendly regional hubs in the Pacific Northwest.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Boise Airport (BOI) is exceptionally efficient due to its compact, single-terminal layout and centralized security checkpoint. The airport operates through two primary concourses: Concourse B, which serves major carriers like Delta, United, and Southwest, and Concourse C, primarily used by Alaska Airlines. Because both concourses are located behind the same security screen, 'connecting' between flights is a short five-to-ten-minute walk, eliminating the need for shuttles. A key logistical tip for travelers is to follow the blue 'Gates B-C' signs in the central rotunda for the fastest path between the two wings.
Ground transportation is well-organized using color-coded curbs on the lower arrivals level. If you are heading to downtown Boise (just 4 miles away), the Valley Regional Transit #3 bus (Vista Route) departs from the purple curb and provides a quick 15-minute link for about $1.50. Notably, rideshare pickups for Uber and Lyft are not at the arrivals curb; instead, they are located on the Upper Level (Departures) at the far east end. Taxis are available at the black curb, with a typical fare to downtown costing roughly $15. For those with a longer layover, the airport's central rotunda offers local dining favorites like Boise Fry Company and Parrilla Grill.
Travelers should be aware of the 'BOI Upgrade' project, a multi-year expansion that includes the construction of a new Concourse A and a consolidated rental car center, both expected to significantly enhance capacity by 2026-2027. It is recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic departures, as morning peaks (4:00 AM โ 7:00 AM) can occasionally create security bottlenecks. While there are currently no traditional airline lounges at BOI, the spacious terminal features numerous charging stations and comfortable seating throughout the gate areas.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ambler Airport (ABL) is a remote, state-owned public-use airport located in the Native Alaskan village of Ambler, within the Northwest Arctic Borough. It serves as an indispensable lifeline for this isolated community, as there are no connecting roads. The airport's infrastructure is extremely basic, reflecting its role as a bush airport. There is no traditional terminal building; instead, operations are conducted from a small, heated shelter or a designated waiting area adjacent to the gravel runway. This single facility serves as the waiting lounge, check-in area, and baggage claim point.
The airport is equipped with two gravel runways, the longest measuring 3,000 feet, operating at an elevation of 334 feet above mean sea level. This design accommodates the small aircraft, typically Twin Otters or Cessnas, that are vital for connecting Ambler to larger regional hubs. Passengers should anticipate a highly informal process, with direct interactions with pilots and airline representatives from operators like Bering Air.
Amenities at Ambler Airport are exceptionally sparse. There are no cafes, restaurants, vending machines, or shops on-site. Travelers are strongly advised to bring all necessary provisions, including food, water, and personal supplies. Security procedures are minimal, consistent with bush flying operations in remote Alaska, focusing on adherence to general aviation safety guidelines.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections at Ambler Airport are exclusively through domestic bush flights, with Bering Air being the primary operator. These flights are crucial for linking Ambler with larger regional centers like Kotzebue (OTZ) and, occasionally, Shungnak (SHG). Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport serves as the main hub from which most flights to Ambler originate, providing essential connections to Anchorage and other Alaskan cities. This ensures vital access for supplies and personnel to the remote community.\n\nTravel to Ambler is highly dependent on weather conditions and daylight hours. Flights are often subject to delays or cancellations due to adverse weather, including snow, fog, or high winds, which are common in arctic Alaska. It is crucial to maintain flexible travel plans and to confirm your flight status directly with Bering Air or your charter operator. There are no inter-airline baggage transfer services; all luggage is handled manually upon arrival and departure. Always prepare for the unexpected in this challenging environment.\n\nGround transportation in Ambler is limited and primarily relies on local community members or pre-arranged pickups. There are no taxis or rental cars readily available at the airport. Given the extreme conditions and isolation, self-sufficiency is paramount. It is vital to coordinate all onward travel details, including accommodation and local transport, well in advance of your arrival. Having a clear plan for your ground logistics is as important as your flight plan when traveling to such a remote destination.
โ Back to Boise Air Terminal (Gowen Field)