โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Salem-Willamette Valley Airport/McNary Field serves as Oregon's state capital airport covering 751 acres at 213 feet elevation, operating two asphalt runways (5,811-foot runway 13/31 with ILS and 5,146-foot runway 16/34) plus helipad H1, with control tower, restaurant, and general aviation center supporting limited flight training. Recently renamed from Salem Municipal Airport in June 2024 to highlight its Willamette Valley AVA location for tourism promotion, the facility experienced the return of commercial service in October 2023 through Avelo Airlines offering twice-weekly Boeing 737 flights to Las Vegas and Hollywood-Burbank serving the Los Angeles market.
Terminal facilities comprise a compact terminal with basic waiting areas and amenities, though travelers are advised to handle major dining or banking needs in downtown Salem just two miles away. The facility supports general aviation operations alongside Avelo's commercial service, with ground transportation including Cherriots Line 04 bus hourly connections to downtown Salem transit center, local taxi companies like Amanda's Taxi and Affordable Taxi, plus active Uber and Lyft services.
Operational characteristics focus on commercial passenger service complemented by general aviation activities, corporate flights, flight training operations, and emergency services, while the airport's proximity to downtown Salem and state capitol buildings makes it an attractive alternative to Portland International Airport for regional travelers. The facility maintains necessary safety and operational standards with control tower operations and ILS approach capabilities.
Strategic importance encompasses serving Oregon's state capital with renewed commercial aviation connectivity after 15 years without scheduled airline service, providing stress-free alternatives to Portland's larger hub for regional travelers, and supporting the greater Willamette Valley's tourism and business aviation needs while maintaining vital general aviation services for emergency response and regional connectivity throughout Oregon's mid-valley communities.
๐ Connection Tips
Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, also known as McNary Field (SLE), is the primary commercial airport for Oregon's state capital and the heart of the Willamette Valley. The fare is a standard $1.60. For a more direct transfer, local taxi companies like Amandaโs Taxi and Affordable Taxi are the primary on-call options; a ride to downtown Salem typically costs between $10 and $15 and takes about 10 minutes. The airport's location just off Mission Street makes it easily accessible by car, with on-site parking located directly across from the terminal entrance. The bus stop is located at the intersection of State Street and Airport Road, roughly a 5-to-10-minute walk from the terminal.
Facilities include a small waiting area and basic amenities, but travelers are advised to handle major dining or banking needs in downtown Salem. For budget travelers, the Cherriots Line 04 bus provides an hourly connection between the airport area and the downtown Salem transit center. The terminal at SLE is compact and exceptionally easy to navigate, allowing passengers to arrive just 60 to 90 minutes before their scheduled departure. Ground transportation from SLE is convenient and well-organized.
For those needing to connect to Portland or other parts of the state, Groome Transportation offers a dedicated shuttle service, while the Amtrak Cascades line provides scenic rail links from the Salem station located just a few miles away. Since the return of scheduled commercial service via Avelo Airlines, the airport has become a popular and stress-free alternative to Portland International (PDX) for regional travelers. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also active in Salem and provide reliable transfers to and from the airfield.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Apalachicola Regional Airport (AAF), also known as Cleve Randolph Field, is a public-use facility that primarily serves the general aviation needs of Franklin County, Florida. The terminal experience here is centered around a well-maintained general aviation building that houses the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Centric Aviation. Unlike commercial hubs, the atmosphere is quiet and professional, catering to private pilots, corporate travelers, and flight training operations. The terminal provides essential services such as a pilot lounge, a flight planning room, and basic administrative offices, all within a compact and easily navigable single-story structure.
The facility is designed for quick transitions from landside to airside, with a parking area located just steps away from the terminal entrance. Inside, visitors will find a clean and welcoming environment with comfortable seating and access to restrooms. While there are no sprawling retail concourses or food courts, the FBO staff are known for their hospitality, often providing complimentary coffee and assistance with ground logistics. The terminal also serves as a hub for local aviation events and military training exercises, reflecting the airport's diverse role in the regional aviation landscape of the Florida Panhandle.
For those arriving by private or charter aircraft, the terminal offers seamless access to the airfield's three concrete runways. There are no jet bridges; instead, passengers deplane directly onto the apron and walk a short distance to the FBO building. Security is managed through standard general aviation protocols rather than TSA checkpoints, allowing for a much faster arrival and departure process. Despite its simplicity, the terminal at AAF provides a high level of service for the general aviation community, offering a gateway to the historic city of Apalachicola and the pristine beaches of St. George Island.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Apalachicola Regional Airport is different from commercial transfers as the airport does not host scheduled airline services. All connections are between private, corporate, or charter flights. If you are planning a multi-leg journey through AAF, coordination with the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Centric Aviation, is essential. They assist with aircraft staging, refueling with 100LL or Jet-A, and ensuring ground support equipment is ready. The airport operates without a control tower, so pilots must use the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) for local communication.
To transition from a private flight at AAF to a commercial airline, the nearest options are Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) or Tallahassee International Airport (TLH). Both are about an 80 to 90-minute drive from Apalachicola. Since there are no on-site rental car agencies with permanent counters, you must pre-arrange vehicle delivery or shuttle services. Many travelers find it convenient to use local taxi services or pre-arranged private transfers to reach these commercial hubs or destinations along the Forgotten Coast.
Ground logistics should be planned with the airport's operating hours in mind, as services are typically available from 08:00 to 19:00. If you require an after-hours arrival or departure, coordinate in advance with the FBO for terminal access and fuel. The rural area means ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are not reliably available, so a confirmed transport plan is crucial. Whether you are connecting to a fishing charter, a meeting, or a commercial flight elsewhere, AAF offers a low-stress environment provided that your ground and air logistics are meticulously pre-arranged.
โ Back to Salem-Willamette Valley Airport/McNary Field