
Boise Airport (BOI) is a joint civil-military airport located in Idaho, three miles (5 km) south of downtown Boise in Ada County. It is the busiest airport in the state, serving roughly ten times as many passengers as the next busiest airport at Idaho Falls. The airport has a single terminal with two concourses (B and C) and various amenities, including eateries, shops, lounges, WiFi, charging stations, and luggage storage. However, there is no mention of a USO presence at the airport. The USO (United Service Organizations) is a non-profit organization with over 250 locations worldwide, providing support and services to military service members and their families. While Boise Airport functions as a USAF military facility, there is no specific information indicating the presence of a USO center on the premises.
What You'll Learn
Boise Airport is a joint civil-military airport
Boise Airport, also known as Boise Air Terminal or Gowen Field, is a joint civil-military airport located in the western United States, in Idaho. It is situated just three miles (5 km) south of downtown Boise in Ada County. The airport is operated by the City of Boise Department of Aviation and is overseen by an airport commission.
Boise Airport serves as a commercial and general aviation airport, while also functioning as a USAF military facility. The Idaho Air National Guard's 124th Fighter Wing (124 FW) operates from the Gowen Field Air National Guard Base portion of the airport, utilising the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft.
The airport accommodates nine airlines and is the busiest in the state of Idaho, serving more passengers than all other airports in the state combined. In 2022, Boise Airport handled 2,248,435 passengers, a significant increase from the previous year.
The airport's facilities include a modern, three-level single terminal with two concourses (Concourse B and Concourse C), offering various eateries, shops, and a full-service restaurant. The terminal features four baggage carousels, rental car counters, ticketing counters, and fast food outlets.
In addition to its civil aviation operations, Boise Airport provides logistical support for the National Interagency Fire Center and serves as a base for aerial firefighting air tankers during wildfire season.
The airport covers 5,000 acres and has two runways and one helipad. It can handle minor maintenance and repairs through fixed-base operators such as Jackson Jet Center, Turbo Air, and Western Aircraft. Law enforcement services are provided by the Boise Police Department, ensuring the safety and security of passengers and personnel.
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The USO has more than 250 locations worldwide
The United Service Organizations (USO) is a not-for-profit organization with a presence in over 250 locations worldwide. The USO provides programs, entertainment, and services to service members and their families, offering support and a sense of home. With locations in countries like Djibouti, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Italy, Japan, Iraq, South Korea, and the United States, the USO delivers a range of services to military personnel.
One of the key offerings of the USO is providing a warm and comforting environment for service members to connect with their loved ones. USO centers are equipped with amenities like free Wi-Fi, phones, video games, movies, and snacks, allowing service members to relax and stay connected with their families. In 2023, USO centers recorded 6.5 million visits, highlighting their importance to the military community.
The USO's global network extends to remote locations, ensuring that service members can access support wherever they are stationed. This includes locations like Syria, Okinawa in Japan, and San Antonio, Texas. The USO also provides care packages, snacks, and refreshments to troops, bringing a piece of home to those serving in distant lands.
Additionally, the USO offers support to new recruits and their families, introducing them to the range of services available worldwide. They provide a friendly and relaxing environment as individuals embark on their military careers, ensuring a smooth transition into military life. The USO is there for service members from the moment they enlist, throughout their assignments and deployments, and even during their transition back to civilian life.
The USO relies on the support of volunteers and donations to continue its vital work in serving those who serve our country. With a presence in over 250 locations, the USO is a symbol of dedication and support for military personnel and their families, providing a much-needed sense of community and connection.
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Boise Airport is open 24 hours a day
The TSA security checkpoints open an hour before the first flight and close 25 minutes before the scheduled departure time of the last flight. So, if you're planning to catch an early flight or spend the night, make sure you keep this in mind.
If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are hotels within a short shuttle ride of the airport. These can provide uninterrupted sleep and a more relaxing experience. Additionally, valet parking is available daily from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m. at the east end of the upper curb for $25 per day.
Boise Airport, located just three miles south of Boise's city centre in Ada County, Idaho, is a joint civil-military airport. It serves as a gateway to the city, offering nonstop flights to 27 destinations and serving nine airlines. The airport is also recognised for its beautiful design, having received national attention for its curvilinear, steel-trussed ticket lobby.
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Boise Airport has a single terminal
The terminal building is modern and state-of-the-art, recognised for the beauty of its design. It features a curvilinear steel truss ceiling in the ticket lobby, giving the building its signature profile. The terminal has four baggage carousels, rental car counters, ticketing counters, a consolidated security checkpoint, offices, and fast-food outlets. The two concourses have a combined 24 gates and 13 jet bridges, with Concourse B having 13 gates and 11 jet bridges, and Concourse C serving Alaska Airlines with 11 gates.
The Boise Airport is the busiest airport in Idaho, serving more passengers than all other airports in the state combined. In 2022, the airport handled 2,248,435 passengers, a 24% increase from 2021. The airport offers a range of facilities and services, including restaurants, cafes, shops, duty-free, wheelchair services, ATMs, and luggage carts.
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The airport is located 3 miles south of Boise
Boise Airport is located 3 miles (5 km) south of downtown Boise, in Ada County, Idaho. It is a joint civil-military airport, serving as a USAF military facility for the 124th Fighter Wing of the Idaho Air National Guard, as well as a commercial and general aviation airport. With its origins dating back to 1926, the airport has seen several expansions and upgrades over the years, including the addition of new concourses and parking garages.
The airport is conveniently located just a 10-minute taxi ride from the city centre of Boise, a city with a population of about 230,000 people. The airport itself served over 4.4 million passengers in 2022, making it the busiest airport in the state of Idaho.
Boise Airport has a modern, three-level single terminal with two concourses (Concourse B and Concourse C), offering various amenities for travellers. The terminal features a full-service restaurant, a fast-food court, shops, and more than a dozen eateries and cafes. Free WiFi is available throughout the airport, and charging stations can be found in each concourse. For those seeking a quiet place to rest, there are a few spots in the Landside area, including a quiet corner with 20-foot-long benches and red-purple benches.
In addition to its role as an airport, Boise Airport also serves as a base for aerial firefighting operations during the wildfire season. The National Interagency Fire Center, located in Boise, utilises the airport for logistical support, and the United States Forest Service (USFS) bases its air tankers at the airport to combat wildfires.
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