โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Selfridge Air National Guard Base (MTC) is one of the most prestigious and historic military aviation facilities in the United States, located in Harrison Township, near Mount Clemens, Michigan. Established in 1917, it is one of the oldest continuously operating military airfields in the country and serves as a premier 'Joint Base,' hosting units from all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. As a high-security military installation, the facility does not possess a conventional commercial passenger terminal; instead, it features a vast complex of specialized hangars, tactical operations centers, and logistics hubs that support national defense and regional emergency response.
The airfield infrastructure is world-class, centered around a robust 9,000-foot concrete runway (01/19) capable of accommodating the heaviest transport and fighter aircraft in the global inventory. The base is the permanent home of the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard, which operates a diverse fleet including A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft and KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refuelers. Inside the secure perimeter, the facility provides comprehensive aircraft maintenance, advanced flight simulators, and extensive fuel storage systems essential for maintaining mission readiness. The base also serves as a critical node for the U.S. Coast Guard's Great Lakes search and rescue operations, highlighting its strategic importance to regional maritime safety.
Historically, Selfridge has been at the forefront of American aviation history, having been named after Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge, the first person to die in a powered aircraft accident. Today, while closed to the general public for standard travel, the base remains a significant economic and cultural pillar for the Macomb County community. It frequently hosts the Selfridge Open House and Air Show, providing a rare opportunity for civilians to witness the facility's immense scale and modern capabilities. Travelers seeking commercial flights in the region utilize the nearby Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), while MTC remains a dedicated fortress of military aviation excellence.
๐ Connection Tips
Selfridge Air National Guard Base cannot be used like a civilian airport connection under any normal circumstances. Do not assume you can sort out access at the last minute, call a rideshare onto the base, or use this field as a convenient alternative to Detroit's public airports. Even the museum's public-access process requires background checks and documentation, and foreign nationals need much more advance notice, so a general traveler should not think of MTC as a casual stop.
Public visitor guidance from the Selfridge Military Air Museum makes clear that even museum access requires security vetting, specific identity documents, and advance notice for some visitors, which gives a good sense of how controlled the installation is. If your paperwork, escort arrangements, or receiving contact are incomplete, you can reach the perimeter and still be unable to complete the trip. If you do have legitimate business on base, carry your sponsor's contact number, confirm your driver and vehicle details, and know whether you are proceeding to Harrison Township, Mount Clemens, downtown Detroit, or another installation after entry.
If you are traveling through MTC on military or official business, the essential details are sponsor coordination, base-access status, and the exact gate and pickup instructions, not baggage reclaim or airline timing. The practical civilian alternative is Detroit Metropolitan Airport, with Selfridge relevant only for authorized military, government, or specific approved visits such as the museum. MTC works only when the entire movement chain is pre-cleared: authorization, identification, gate procedure, and a specific onward vehicle plan beyond the security checkpoint.
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 Selfridge Air National Guard Base Airport