Meridian, Mississippi: Airport Access And Amenities Explored

Yes, Meridian, Mississippi has an airport. The Meridian Regional Airport (MEI) is located 3.5 miles southwest of the city and is a joint civil-military public-use airport. The airport is mostly used for general aviation and military traffic, but it also offers scheduled passenger flights. With amenities like free parking, a comfortable terminal, complimentary Wi-Fi, car rental services, and a snack bar, the airport caters to the needs of travellers passing through Meridian.

Meridian Regional Airport (MEI)

Key Field boasts Mississippi's longest public-use runway, which stretches 10,003 feet. The airport is primarily used for general aviation and military traffic, but it is also served by commercial airlines. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, Meridian Regional Airport saw 19,599 passengers board in 2008, 18,560 in 2009, and 16,871 in 2010. The National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011-2015 designated it as a primary commercial service facility.

Meridian Regional Airport has a rich aviation history, with various airlines serving the airport over the years. Southern Airways began serving the airport in 1962 with direct flights to Atlanta, Memphis, and New Orleans. By 1976, Southern was operating five daily flights into Meridian using Douglas DC-9-10 jets, offering nonstop services from several cities in Alabama and Mississippi. Delta Air Lines initiated jet service to Meridian in the 1970s using the McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30, but discontinued its mainline jet service in 1979. Delta resumed service to Meridian in 1985 through its code-sharing agreement with Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA), operating as the Delta Connection.

The airport provides a range of amenities to enhance the travel experience for its passengers. These include free parking, a comfortable passenger terminal with seating areas, complimentary Wi-Fi, car rental services, clean restrooms, and a snack bar. Nearby attractions include the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX), a state-of-the-art museum celebrating Mississippi's artistic legacy, and the MSU Riley Center, a beautifully restored performing arts center hosting various cultural events.

United Airlines check-in requirements

United Airlines offers several options for checking in for your flight. The check-in options available to you will depend on your departure city and destination.

Online Check-In

Online check-in is available starting 24 hours before the scheduled departure time and ending 60 minutes before. This option is available for passengers with an electronic ticket on United Airlines, and they can access their reservation using their confirmation code, e-ticket number, or frequent flyer account. Passengers can receive a mobile or printable boarding pass.

Mobile Check-In

Passengers can also check in using their mobile devices, including the United app, starting 24 hours before the scheduled departure time and ending 60 minutes before. Similar to online check-in, passengers will receive a mobile boarding pass, and the departure airport should accept mobile boarding passes.

Curbside Check-In

Curbside check-in is available at most US airport locations from 30 minutes to 4 hours before the scheduled departure time. Passengers will need their photo ID, as well as their flight reservation code, flight number, destination, or electronic ticket number.

Self-Service Kiosk Check-In

Passengers can check in at an automated airport check-in kiosk from 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time and receive a printed boarding pass.

Ticket Counter Check-In

Check-in at the airport ticket counter is available from 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time, and passengers will receive a printed boarding pass.

Voice Check-In

Voice Check-in is available for customers travelling within the US or Canada with less than 10 people in their party. This option allows passengers to check in over the phone if they do not have access to the internet or a mobile device.

It is important to note that United Airlines has updated its 'contract of carriage' to double the amount of time required for check-in at the airport. For domestic flights, passengers must check in at least 60 minutes prior to departure, and for international flights, the minimum check-in time is 75 minutes prior to departure. However, these updated check-in times are not currently being enforced.

Additionally, boarding closes 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time for US domestic flights and 30 minutes before for most international flights to/from the US. The suggested arrival time is 1 hour before scheduled departure for domestic flights and 2 hours for international flights. For checked baggage, the minimum check-in time is 30 minutes for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights. Some heavy travel US domestic cities may have a minimum check-in time of 45 minutes, and some non-US cities may require check-in 75 to 90 minutes in advance.

Local attractions

Meridian, Mississippi, is served by Meridian Regional Airport (MEI), which is located 3.5 miles southwest of the city. The airport offers various amenities, including free parking, a comfortable passenger terminal, complimentary Wi-Fi, car rental services, and a snack bar. Meridian itself has a lot to offer in terms of local attractions, especially for those interested in history, culture, and the arts.

One notable attraction is the Mississippi Walk of Fame, which is located in the city's historic downtown area. Here, you can find stars honouring famous musicians, entertainers, writers, actors, singers, and artists with connections to Mississippi, such as Jim Henson, Muddy Waters, and Leontyne Price. The Walk of Fame is a free outdoor attraction that can be visited at any time.

For those interested in the arts, the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) is a state-of-the-art museum celebrating Mississippi's rich legacy in music, literature, and visual arts. Another cultural highlight is the Meridian Museum of Art, which showcases American art, particularly from Mississippi and Southern artists.

Meridian also boasts a flourishing performing arts scene. The MSU Riley Center, located in downtown Meridian, is a beautifully restored performing arts and conference facility. Originally an opera house dating back to the 1880s, the historic building provides a stunning backdrop for concerts, theatre productions, and other cultural events.

In addition to the arts, Meridian offers natural attractions like Bonita Lakes Park, a large urban green space with walking trails, fishing, and boating. The park provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and its scenic beauty makes it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Flight history

Meridian, Mississippi, is served by the Meridian Regional Airport (IATA: MEI, ICAO: KMEI, FAA LID: MEI), located 3.5 miles southwest of the city. The airport is a joint civil-military public-use airfield, with the longest public-use runway in Mississippi at 10,003 feet.

Meridian Regional Airport has a long history of serving the region, with various airlines operating through the years. Southern Airways began serving the airport in 1962, offering direct flights to Atlanta, Memphis, and New Orleans, using Douglas DC-3 and Martin 4-0-4 prop aircraft. By 1968, Southern had introduced DC-9 jet service and began non-stop flights to Atlanta. According to the Official Airline Guide (OAG) from February 1, 1976, Southern operated five flights daily into Meridian, all with Douglas DC-9-10 jets, offering non-stop flights from several cities in Alabama and Mississippi, and direct service from Atlanta, Chicago O'Hare, Memphis, and Tuscaloosa.

In 1976, Delta Airlines also offered two daily flights to Meridian, including a non-stop flight from Atlanta and a direct flight from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport with two intermediate stops. Delta initiated jet service to Meridian using the McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30, but their mainline jet service ended in 1979. They returned to Meridian in 1985, operating as the Delta Connection through a code-sharing agreement with Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA).

From 1986 to 1992, American Eagle served Meridian on behalf of American Airlines through a similar code-sharing agreement, with flights to their hub in Nashville. They operated Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner and British Aerospace Jetstream 31 commuter prop jet aircraft. In 2012, Silver Airways was selected to serve Meridian under the Essential Air Service Act, providing flights to Atlanta using Saab 340 aircraft until 2014. American Eagle then resumed service to Meridian in 2014, with flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago, operated by SkyWest Airlines using regional jets.

In 2020, service shifted to United Express, offering flights to the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. United Airlines continues to serve Meridian Regional Airport, requiring passengers to check in at least 60 minutes before departure with bags and 45 minutes with only a boarding pass. The airport is categorized as a primary commercial service facility, with 19,599 enplanements in 2008, 18,560 in 2009, and 16,871 in 2010, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Transport options

Yes, there is an airport in Meridian, Mississippi. Here are the transport options for travellers looking to fly to or from Meridian, Mississippi:

Meridian Regional Airport (IATA: MEI)

Meridian Regional Airport is located 3.5 miles southwest of the city of Meridian, in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. The airport is owned by the Meridian Airport Authority and is a joint civil-military public-use airport located at Key Field. With a runway length of 10,003 feet, it is the longest public-use runway in Mississippi. The airport is mostly used for general aviation and military traffic, but it also accommodates commercial flights.

Airlines

United Airlines is the most sought-after domestic airline at Meridian Regional Airport. Other airlines that have served the airport include Delta, Silver Airways, and American Eagle. These airlines have offered flights to various destinations, including Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Nashville, and Chicago.

Amenities

Meridian Regional Airport offers various amenities for travellers, including free parking, a comfortable passenger terminal with seating areas, complimentary Wi-Fi, car rental services, and a snack bar. The airport also provides clean restrooms and a customer service desk to assist with travel inquiries.

Nearby Attractions and Accommodations

Near the airport, travellers can find a range of hotels, motels, and dining options, including fast food and sit-down restaurants. Cultural attractions such as the MSU Riley Center, a performing arts and conference facility, and the Meridian Museum of Art are also located in downtown Meridian, offering insights into the arts and culture of the region. For those interested in the outdoors, Bonita Lakes Park offers walking trails, fishing, and boating opportunities.

Ground Transportation

For travellers needing ground transportation, car rental agencies, taxi services, and shuttle services to local hotels or key locations are available near the airport.

Flight Booking

Travellers can use online platforms such as Orbitz to search for and book flights from Meridian Regional Airport. Orbitz offers flexible change policies and the ability to compare flight prices to find the best deals.

Frequently asked questions