โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Easton State Airport (ESW) is a unique public-use general aviation facility owned and managed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Aviation Division. Nestled in the scenic Kittitas County near the town of Easton, the airport serves as a critical mountain pass escape and a premier destination for recreational pilots exploring the Cascade Range. Due to its high elevation and the challenging winter weather of the Pacific Northwest, the airport is typically open only during the summer season, from June 1st to October 1st.
The airfield is characterized by its single turf runway (9/27), which measures 2,640 feet in length and 100 feet in width. As an unattended facility, it does not feature a traditional passenger terminal or commercial services; instead, it offers a rustic and natural aviation experience. Pilots are encouraged to perform an overflight before landing to check the condition of the grass strip, which can become soft after rainfall, and to remain vigilant for local wildlife such as deer and elk that frequently visit the field.
Easton State is particularly popular within the regional flying community for its ample space dedicated to aircraft camping. The airport is maintained through a partnership with the Boeing Employees Flying Association (BEFA), whose volunteers conduct annual spring maintenance to ensure the runway is in good condition for the summer season. While there are no on-site businesses or FBOs, a small general store is located about a mile south on the access road, providing essential supplies for those spending the night under the stars.
Situational awareness is enhanced for visiting pilots through a WSDOT-operated web camera that provides real-time images of the field from four different angles, updated every 15 minutes. There is no fuel available at the airport, so pilots must plan their missions carefully, accounting for the high density altitude that can occur during hot summer afternoons at this 2,226-foot elevation site. Despite its minimalist infrastructure, ESW remains a beloved cornerstone of Washington's state airport system, offering a true "backcountry" experience within reach of the Puget Sound metropolitan area.
๐ Connection Tips
Easton State Airport (ESW) is a vital and exceptionally rustic general aviation facility serving as a critical mountain pass escape in Washingtonโs Cascade Range. For travelers and pilots, the most important connection tip is recognizing its status as a specialized 'recreational' airfield; the single 2,640-foot turf runway (09/27) is a premier destination for aircraft camping but is typically open only from June 1st to October 1st each year. Because the airport is located at an elevation of 2,226 feet, pilots must be acutely aware of high density altitude during hot summer afternoons, which can significantly impact aircraft performance. A major safety consideration at ESW is the high frequency of local wildlife; travelers should be extremely vigilant for elk and deer grazing on the runway, and a low-level overflight before landing is highly recommended to check turf conditions and clear animals.
It is essential to note that the airport is an unattended facility and does not feature a traditional terminal, on-site fuel, or commercial passenger services; pilots must be fully self-sufficient with all supplies. A unique technical feature is the WSDOT-operated web camera, which provides real-time images of the field and should be monitored before departure from your point of origin. For essential supplies, a small general store is located about one mile south of the airfield. Ground transportation is non-existent, making pre-arranged private vehicles the only way to reach nearby Cle Elum.
The facility is maintained through a partnership with the Boeing Employees Flying Association (BEFA). Always confirm seasonal status via the WSDOT Aviation website, especially before the opening and closing shoulder weeks. ESW remains a beautiful and indispensable node in the Pacific Northwest's mountain aviation network
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.
โ Back to Easton State Airport