โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Lewis University Airport (LOT), identified by its ICAO code KLOT, is a prominent public-use general aviation facility situated in Romeoville, Illinois, approximately 20 miles southwest of Chicago. Serving as a major corporate and reliever airport for the Chicago metropolitan area, the airport features a primary executive terminal building that provides a professional environment for business travelers, private pilots, and aviation students. The facility is managed by the Joliet Regional Port District and acts as a central hub for the region's corporate aviation activities.
The executive terminal building is equipped with a variety of high-quality amenities designed for both relaxation and business productivity. Inside, visitors have access to a comfortable public lobby, a dedicated pilot lounge with private day rooms, and a specialized flight planning area featuring WSI weather services. For business needs, the terminal provides well-appointed conference rooms and free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the building. While the facility does not host scheduled commercial airline passenger services, it offers essential FBO support including full-service fueling (100LL and Jet-A), heated hangar space, and de-icing services. The terminal typically provides 24/7 service, reflecting its role as a key regional aviation outpost.
Ground transportation from the LOT terminal is well-facilitated, with a dedicated crew car available for transient pilots and arrangements for rental cars and luxury ground transport easily coordinated through the terminal staff. The airport's infrastructure is substantial, featuring a state-of-the-art 8-story control tower that became fully operational in 2022, along with two significant runways including the 6,500-foot Runway 2/20. Situated near the campus of Lewis University, the airport also supports an extensive flight training program, providing a unique environment for the next generation of aviators. Travelers and pilots are advised to coordinate their arrival through the executive terminal to take advantage of the professional services provided at this essential Chicago-area hub.
๐ Connection Tips
Lewis University Airport (LOT) in Romeoville, Illinois, is a premier general aviation hub and a significant reliever for Chicago's O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW). For those arriving at LOT via private aircraft, ground transportation is exceptionally well-supported. A unique tip for visitors is utilizing the airport as a technical stop before heading to the nearby spectacular Chicagoland Speedway or the historic Joliet district. Weather in the Chicago region follows typical midwestern patterns, with the potential for localized morning fog and winter snow that can occasionally lead to flight groundings.
It primarily serves as a vital training base for the Lewis University Aviation program while also handling corporate charters and private executive flights. On-site car rental services are available through local agencies but should be pre-arranged with the Fixed Base Operator (FBO), which provides full-service fueling (100LL and Jet A) and professional pilot amenities including a renovated lounge and flight planning room. Arriving 45 to 60 minutes before departures is standard for these regional hops. Pilots should always be prepared for the specialized airspace coordination required when operating beneath the Chicago Class Bravo.
While it does not host scheduled commercial airline service, its location just 25 miles southwest of the Chicago Loop makes it a prime 'connection' point for executive travelers wishing to avoid the congestion and complex airspace of the larger metropolitan hubs. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are active in the Romeoville area and provide a convenient 15 to 20-minute link to the major suburban business districts and the nearby Metra rail stations for fast links to downtown Chicago. The airport features a substantial 6,500-foot primary paved runway and a modern air traffic control tower. LOT provides a professional and remarkably efficient arrival experience, reflecting the unique industrious and academic character of the 'Aviation University. ' Always check for the latest NOTAMs and localized weather patterns before departure.
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 Lewis University Airport