Paine Field Airport: Food Options And More

Paine Field Airport (PAE) in Seattle, Washington, has been serving the public since the 1930s, first as an industrial and military airport, and now as a commercial airport as well. With 24 flights a day, the airport is smaller than the nearby Sea-Tac airport, but it still offers a variety of food and beverage options for travellers.

Paine Field Airport history

Paine Field Airport, also known as Paine Field, Snohomish County Airport, and Seattle Paine Field International Airport, has a long history dating back to the 1930s. The airport was originally constructed in 1936 as a Works Progress project, with the goal of creating jobs and economic growth in the region. It was envisioned as one of ten new "super airports" around the country. However, the airport's plans for commercial use were delayed due to World War II and the Korean War, during which it served as a military airport.

During World War II, the Army Air Corps occupied Paine Field from 1941 to 1946, using it to protect the nearby Bremerton Shipyards, Boeing plant, and airfield in Seattle, which produced B-17 and B-29 bombers. After the war, the airbase was returned to county supervision, and in 1948, the final transfer of property back to Snohomish County was complete. However, with the outbreak of the Korean War, the airbase was once again converted into a military facility in 1950, becoming the Paine Air Force Base.

In 1966, Paine Field was selected by the Boeing Company as the site of its Everett assembly plant for the Boeing 747 program. This marked a significant turning point for the airport, as it began to grow into a hub for light aviation and manufacturing. By the 1970s, commercial service at the airport had halted, and it was primarily used for industrial and military purposes.

Over the years, Paine Field has been home to more than 50 businesses, with Boeing being the largest in terms of size and economic impact. The airport has also played a crucial role in providing jobs to the community, with over 30,000 jobs attributed to the on-site businesses. In recent years, Paine Field has resumed commercial service, with Alaska Airlines and United Airlines operating flights to various destinations. The airport continues to serve the Seattle metropolitan area and is known for its proximity to the city.

Where to eat at the airport

Paine Field Airport in Everett, Washington, is a relatively new commercial airport, with commercial flights beginning in March 2019. The airport has a few options for food and beverages, with concessions handled by the iconic local cheesemakers Beecher's.

Beecher's Handmade Cheese offers a classic menu with soup, sandwiches, and its famous mac 'n' cheese, along with grab-and-go options designed to be taken on flights. There is also a coffee stand, Caffe Vita, which offers pastries and a full selection of espresso drinks. In addition, the airport has a bar, Upper Case Bar, located along the departure lounge, offering a wide range of beverages, including Northwest wines, local beers, and signature craft cocktails, as well as a food menu with sandwiches, wraps, and salads.

The airport also has an Alaska Lounge, which may offer food and beverage services, but specific details are not available.

Paine Field Airport is home to a vibrant general aviation community and has an aviation museum, the Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum, showcasing World War II-era aircraft, tanks, and armour. The airport is named after Topliff Olin Paine, a pilot famous for navigating in challenging weather conditions, and a statue of him can be found outside the terminal.

Alaska Airlines at Paine Field

Paine Field, the airport that has been serving as an industrial and military airfield since the 1930s, is now also a commercial airport, offering passenger flights to destinations in the western US via Alaska Airlines. The airport, located in Everett, Washington, is smaller than the nearby Sea-Tac airport, handling only 24 flights per day compared to Sea-Tac's 600. However, it still offers a variety of dining options for travellers.

When it comes to food and beverage options at Paine Field, Alaska Airlines passengers can take advantage of the Alaska Lounge. Additionally, Beecher's Handmade Cheese, a local cheesemaker, manages all the concessions at Paine Field. They offer three main options: a coffee stand with pastries and espresso drinks, a classic Beecher's eatery with soup, sandwiches, and mac 'n' cheese (grab-and-go options available), and the Upper Case Bar. The Upper Case Bar is located in the departure lounge and offers a wide range of beverages, including Northwest wines, local beers, and craft cocktails, as well as a food menu with sandwiches, wraps, and salads.

Alaska Airlines provides a convenient check-in process at Paine Field, allowing passengers to check in anytime between 1 and 24 hours before their scheduled departure. The airline also offers various services and amenities, such as accessible services, baggage policies, and accommodations for infants and children. Additionally, they provide information on travel documents, flight schedules, and flight notifications.

The airline operates flights from Everett (PAE) to several destinations, including Phoenix (PHX), Las Vegas (LAS), Santa Ana (SNA), and San Diego (SAN). These flights offer travellers a range of options, from sunny beaches to vibrant cities. Paine Field is easily accessible through public transportation, with the Everett Transit Route 8 stopping right at the terminal's front door.

Other airlines at Paine Field

Paine Field Airport, also known as Seattle Paine Field International Airport, is located in Everett, Washington. It was built in 1936 and has been an industrial and military airport since the 1930s, with Boeing as the most famous company to operate out of the airport. Paine Field is named after Topliff Olin Paine, an early pilot for the Air Mail Service known for his exceptional navigation skills in challenging weather conditions.

In addition to Alaska Airlines and its sister company, Horizon Airlines, other airlines serving Paine Field Airport include:

United Airlines

United Airlines is one of the airlines operating out of Paine Field Airport, offering an alternative option to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac). While Paine Field handles a smaller volume of flights compared to Sea-Tac, it still serves as a busy airport in its own right.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines is another carrier that serves Paine Field Airport. Beginning on June 2, 2025, Frontier Airlines will offer direct flights to several destinations, including Denver, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.

The introduction of commercial air service at Paine Field has had a positive economic impact on the region, generating jobs and providing convenient travel options for residents and businesses. Paine Field's annual economic impact exceeds $60 billion, largely driven by the presence of aerospace companies in the area.

Attractions near Paine Field

Paine Field, also known as Seattle Paine Field International Airport, is located in Washington and has several attractions nearby. The airport itself plays a significant role in the region's economy, contributing over $60 billion annually, mainly due to the presence and operations of several aerospace companies, including Boeing.

One of the key attractions at Paine Field is the Boeing Future of Flight and Factory Tour. As the manufacturing and testing site for Boeing's narrow and wide-body aircraft, including iconic models like the 787, 777, and the now-retired 747, the airport offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the world of Boeing and its contributions to aviation.

Adjacent to the airport is the Paine Field Community Park, which offers a variety of recreational activities for all ages. The park features a playground, a graded soccer field, baseball/softball fields, and High Trek Adventures, the largest ropes course with zip lines in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can also enjoy mini-golf, tactical laser tag, and axe throwing, making it an exciting destination for families, schools, and corporate groups.

The airport is also home to a vibrant general aviation community, catering to aviation enthusiasts and providing a glimpse into the world of private flying. Paine Field's convenient location near Seattle also places it within reach of various other attractions in the region, including cultural landmarks, natural wonders, and urban experiences.

In summary, while Paine Field itself offers limited food options, the surrounding area boasts several attractions, including the Boeing Future of Flight and Factory Tour, Paine Field Community Park, and a vibrant general aviation community, making it a hub of activity and a significant contributor to the region's economy.

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