โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU) is a key aviation gateway serving Eau Claire and the broader Chippewa Valley region in Wisconsin. The airport operates from a modern, single-terminal building that efficiently manages both scheduled commercial services and general aviation traffic. As a primary link for business and leisure travelers in western Wisconsin, the facility provides a streamlined experience, featuring a jet bridge for all-weather passenger boarding and a well-organized layout that ensures short walking distances between check-in and departure gates.
Inside the terminal, passengers have access to a range of high-quality facilities designed for comfort and convenience. A standout feature is the Hangar 54 Grill, a full-service restaurant and bar located within the terminal that offers a diverse menu of American cuisine, cocktails, and craft beers, all while providing diners with expansive views of the active airfield. The terminal also provides free high-speed Wi-Fi, multiple charging stations for electronic devices, and a comfortable waiting lounge. For business travelers, the airport offers dedicated conference facilities and a professional environment suitable for meetings or remote work.
Commercial flight operations at EAU are primarily provided by Sun Country Airlines, which offers regular non-stop services to major hubs like Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) and seasonal flights to popular vacation destinations in Florida. The airport is also well-supported by a full-service Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) catering to private pilots and corporate flight departments. Ground transportation options are readily available outside the arrivals hall, including several major car rental agencies and local taxi services, providing quick access to downtown Eau Claire and the surrounding academic and industrial centers.
๐ Connection Tips
Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU) is an exceptionally efficient and low-stress gateway for western Wisconsin, serving as a professional alternative to the larger hubs in Minneapolis or Madison. For passengers connecting through EAU, the most important tip is the dual nature of its commercial service: primary daily flights are provided by United Express (operated by SkyWest) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD), while Sun Country Airlines offers seasonal services to Minneapolis (MSP) and various Florida destinations. This means EAU is a vital node for international connections via the global United network. A local favorite and essential connection tip is to visit the 'Hangar 54 Grill' located right inside the terminal; it is widely considered one of the best airport restaurants in the region and is a great place to relax with a view of the runway if you have a short wait. Because the airport is small, security wait times rarely exceed 10 minutes, but the airline still recommends arriving 90 minutes before departure to ensure all baggage is processed. Ground transportation is straightforward; the rental car counters for Hertz and Enterprise are located directly in the baggage claim area for 'one-stop' processing. For those heading to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire or the downtown district, the drive is a mere 10 minutes via Highway 53. If you require a taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft), it is best to book as soon as you land, as wait times can increase between flight arrivals. The terminal also features free high-speed Wi-Fi and a quiet atmosphere, making it ideal for business travelers to catch up on work. During the winter, the airport maintains excellent snow removal operations, but always check the status of your connection at ORD, as weather in Chicago is more likely to cause delays than conditions in Eau Claire.
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 Chippewa Valley Regional Airport