โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Spokane International Airport (GEG), also known as Felts Field's larger successor, is the primary aviation hub for the Inland Northwest, serving eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and western Montana. Located approximately 8 kilometers west of downtown Spokane, the airport features two primary runways and is the second-largest airport in Washington state. Its strategic position makes it a critical link for regional commerce and tourism, providing a gateway to the nearby Rocky Mountains and the numerous lakes and outdoor recreation areas of the Pacific Northwest.
The terminal infrastructure at GEG is uniquely designed with a single building divided into three distinct concourses: A, B, and C. Concourses A and B are centrally located and linked by a public rotunda that offers a variety of dining and shopping options, while Concourse C is situated to the southwest. Major carriers like Delta, United, and American Airlines primarily operate out of Concourses A and B, whereas Alaska Airlines and Southwest utilize the more modern Concourse C. The facility provides a range of amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, multiple ATMs, and dedicated business and family services, all designed to offer a professional and comfortable environment for the nearly 4 million passengers who pass through annually.
Ground transportation from Spokane International is well-integrated with the region, offering travelers a variety of options including on-site car rentals, app-based ridesharing through Uber and Lyft, and local taxi services. The Spokane Transit Authority (STA) also operates regular bus route No. 60, providing a reliable and affordable link between the airport terminal and the city center. For those connecting between flights, it is important to note that while Concourses A and B are connected airside, there is no secure connector to Concourse C. Passengers transferring between Concourse A/B and Concourse C must exit the secure area and re-clear security, so allowing at least 90 minutes for domestic connections is highly recommended.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Spokane International Airport (GEG) requires careful attention to the terminal layout, as it is divided into three distinct concourse areas (A, B, and C) that are not all connected airside. Concourses A and B are linked by a central 'Rotunda' within the secure area, allowing passengers flying with carriers like Southwest, Delta, United, or American to walk between gates without re-clearing security. However, Concourse C, which primarily serves Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, is physically separate and has no airside connection to the A/B complex. If your connection involves moving between the A/B area and Concourse C, you must exit the secure area, walk through the public terminal for approximately five to ten minutes, and then re-clear TSA security at your next concourse. A minimum connection time of at least 90 minutes to two hours is recommended for these inter-concourse transfers.
Ground transportation to downtown Spokane, located about seven miles northeast, is highly efficient. Spokane Transit Authority (STA) Routes 60 and 7 provide direct, economical bus service to the central STA Plaza for a fare of $2. 00; pickup points are located outside Concourses A and C. Official taxis are available 24/7 curbside, with fares to the city center typically ranging from $30 to $50. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft also operate from designated zones near the Ground Transportation Center.
GEG is notable for being one of the few U.S. airports to offer free luggage trolleys throughout the terminal. For those with long layovers, the Rotunda between Concourses A and B offers the widest selection of dining and retail options. Arriving 90 minutes before your flight is generally sufficient for domestic departures, as security wait times are typically shorter than at major West Coast 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 Spokane International Airport