โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), also known as Joe Foss Field, is the busiest commercial airport in South Dakota, serving the growing metropolitan area of Sioux Falls and the surrounding tri-state region. The airport has seen significant infrastructure investment recently, including the completion of a new $63 million four-level parking structure in October 2024. This facility adds nearly 1,000 parking spaces and features a direct skyway connection from the second level to the main passenger terminal, greatly improving convenience for travelers during the harsh South Dakota winters.
The terminal building is currently undergoing a major 70,000-square-foot concourse expansion project, which broke ground in 2025 and is scheduled for completion by early 2027. This expansion will add five new gates, bringing the total to twelve, and features larger hold rooms with modern passenger boarding bridges. Amenities within the terminal include upgraded concessions, expanded restroom facilities with adult changing stations, a dedicated mother's room, and a new children's play area. The facility also offers free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout and a variety of dining options serving local favorites and international refreshments.
Commercial services at FSD are provided by major carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, along with low-cost operators Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines. These carriers offer frequent non-stop links to major hubs such as Minneapolis (MSP), Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW). Ground transportation is well-served by a dedicated taxi rank, ride-sharing pickup zones, and several car rental agencies located directly within the terminal building. The airport is situated just three miles north of downtown Sioux Falls, and travelers are advised to allow extra time for check-in and security during the peak morning flight banks.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), also known as Joe Foss Field, is exceptionally simple due to its small and efficient single-terminal design. The airport features a straightforward layout with two concourses (A and B) connected by a central hallway. For domestic-to-domestic transfers, all gates are within a five-minute walk of each other, and you can stay within the secure airside area without needing to re-clear security or utilize a shuttle. If your journey is on a single ticket, your checked baggage will be handled automatically by the airline; however, for separate tickets, you must collect your bags from the claim area on the lower level and re-check them at the main ticketing counters.
Ground transportation to downtown Sioux Falls, located just three miles southeast, is very convenient. Taxis are readily available curbside outside baggage claim, with a typical ride taking about 10 minutes and costing approximately $12 to $15. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft also operate from a designated pickup zone.
For those on a budget, the Sioux Area Metro (SAM) Line 8 bus serves the airport area, providing a $2 connection to the city center, though service is limited on weekends. A unique feature of FSD is the AeroStay Hotel, which is physically connected to the terminal building, making it an ideal choice for passengers with early morning departures or late-night arrivals. Arriving at the airport 90 minutes before your flight is generally sufficient, as security wait times are typically minimal compared to larger hubs.
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 scheduled carrier. These flights are crucial for linking Ambler with the regional hub of Kotzebue (OTZ) and nearby villages like Shungnak (SHG) and Kobuk (OBU). Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport serves as the main gateway from which most flights to Ambler originate, providing essential connections to Anchorage via Alaska Airlines. Because there are no roads connecting this isolated part of the Northwest Arctic Borough to the rest of the state, these regional air links are the only way to transport supplies, personnel, and medical essentials to the community. Travelers should expect a highly personalized but informal experience, as flights often operate as multi-stop 'milk runs' across the Kobuk River valley.
Travel to and from Ambler is highly dependent on unpredictable Arctic weather conditions and available daylight hours. Flights are frequently subject to significant delays or total cancellations due to adverse weather patterns, including dense fog, heavy snow, or high winds, which are common throughout the year. It is crucial for all travelers to maintain flexible itineraries and to confirm their flight status directly with Bering Air or their charter operator before heading to the airstrip. Unlike major commercial airports, there are no inter-airline baggage transfer services here; all luggage is handled manually by the pilot and ground agents upon arrival and departure. Always prepare for the unexpected and carry essential items in your carry-on, as the challenging environment can lead to extended stays in regional hubs like Kotzebue.
Ground transportation in the village of Ambler is extremely limited and primarily relies on local community members or pre-arranged pickups from your lodging provider. There are no traditional taxi services, Uber, or rental cars readily available at the airport, which is located about 1.5 miles north of the village center. Most residents and visitors use ATVs (four-wheelers) during the summer and snow machines in the winter to navigate the gravel road between the airstrip and the community. Bering Air typically has a local agent who coordinates arrivals and can assist with logistics, but it is vital to have a clear plan for your ground transport well in advance of your touchdown to ensure you are not left stranded at the remote airfield.
Self-sufficiency is paramount when traveling to such an isolated destination, and coordination with local providers like the Kobuk River Lodge is highly recommended. This lodge is the primary provider for both accommodation and meals in Ambler and can often assist with arranging the necessary transport from the airport. During the summer months, travel between Ambler, Shungnak, and Kobuk can also be conducted via small boats on the Kobuk River, though this is a local arrangement and not part of any formal transit system. Having a thorough understanding of your ground logistics, including pre-booked lodging and a confirmed local contact for pickup, is as critical as your flight plan when navigating the unique challenges of the Alaskan bush.
โ Back to Sioux Falls Regional Airport / Joe Foss Field