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
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) is predominantly a domestic airport, offering non-stop passenger flights to 31 destinations within the United States. Key airlines operating at ABQ include Southwest, American, Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines, providing crucial connections to major hubs such as Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Phoenix (PHX), and Los Angeles (LAX). While ABQ is designated as an international airport, direct international flight routes are limited.\n\nFor domestic connections, ABQ's single-terminal design and compact layout contribute to efficient transfers. A minimum connection time of 45-60 minutes is generally sufficient for domestic-to-domestic transfers, but it is always recommended to allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours, especially during peak travel times or early morning departures. All connecting passengers must pass through TSA security, and ABE offers TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes to expedite this process.\n\nIf connecting from an international flight, passengers will typically route through larger US international airports (e.g., DFW, LAX) where they will clear U.S. Customs and Immigration. They would then proceed to their connecting domestic flight to ABQ. Conversely, for international departures from ABQ, travelers would typically connect via a major hub. It is essential to check luggage policies with individual airlines, as interline transfers are common but require careful coordination if separate tickets are involved.
โ Back to Boise Air Terminal (Gowen Field)