Pueblo, Colorado: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Pueblo, Colorado, is served by the Pueblo Memorial Airport, located 6 miles from downtown Pueblo. The airport was originally built in 1941 as the Pueblo Army Air Base and used as an advanced flying school. Today, it is mostly used for general aviation, but also serves as a commercial airport with United Airlines operating out of it. The airport covers 3,872 acres of land and has three runways, with the main runway spanning 10,498 feet long by 150 feet wide. The terminal is open daily from 4:30 am to 10:00 pm, and offers various services such as aircraft charters, airplane maintenance, hangers, and fuel.

Pueblo Memorial Airport's location and history

Pueblo Memorial Airport is a public airport located six miles east of Pueblo, in Pueblo County, Colorado, United States. It is easily accessible by car from the town and offers a convenient flight connection to the world. The airport is situated at an elevation of 4,729 feet (1,441 m) and covers a vast area of 3,872 acres (1,567 ha).

The airport was built in 1941 as the Pueblo Army Air Base and served as an advanced flying school for heavy bomber crews during World War II. It was under the command of the United States Army Air Forces Second Air Force 360th Army Air Force Base Unit. Known bomb groups that trained or were based at Pueblo include the 94th Bombardment Group (B-17) from January to April 1943.

Throughout its history, the airport has been a hub for commercial airline traffic, with various carriers serving Pueblo and connecting the region to other cities. Colorado Airways, the first carrier to serve Pueblo, operated a north-south route from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Pueblo, with stops in Denver and Colorado Springs from 1926 to 1927. Western Air Express (WAE) acquired this route in 1927 and extended it southward to El Paso, Texas, in 1929, with additional stops in Trinidad, Las Vegas (NM), Santa Fe, and Albuquerque.

In the late 1940s, Convair 240 aircraft were introduced, followed by the Convair 340 and the Vickers Viscount in the 1950s. The airport has also witnessed changes in its carrier services over the years, with Braniff Airways, Monarch Air Lines, and Frontier Airlines providing flights to and from Pueblo. Today, Pueblo Memorial Airport is home to the United States Air Force's Initial Flight Training (IFT) program, conducting flight training for USAF officer student pilots and student combat system officer trainees.

Airlines and flights

Pueblo, Colorado is served by Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB), which is located 6 miles from downtown Pueblo. The airport has three runways, with the primary runway, 8R/26L, measuring 10,498 by 150 feet.

Pueblo Memorial Airport offers flights to various destinations across the United States, including:

• Seattle - Tacoma Intl.
• Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.
• Harry Reid Intl.
• Des Moines Intl.

Several airlines operate from the airport, including:

• Southern Airways Express
• Sun Country Airlines
• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Great Lakes Airlines
• Mesa Airlines
• Allegiant Air
• SkyWest Airlines

The airport has a history dating back to 1943 when Braniff Airways began service on a route from Denver to Brownsville, Texas, with stops in Pueblo. Monarch Air Lines also served Pueblo from 1946, and the airport has seen various airlines operate routes to destinations such as Amarillo, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Albuquerque, El Paso, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and St. Louis. Today, the airport offers a range of domestic routes with convenient connections to other parts of the country.

Airport facilities and services

Pueblo Memorial Airport is a full-service municipal airport located six miles from downtown Pueblo, Colorado. It is a public airport located six miles east of Pueblo, in Pueblo County, Colorado, United States. The airport is home to the United States Air Force's Initial Flight Training (IFT) program and covers 3,872 acres at an elevation of 4,729 feet.

The airport offers a range of facilities and services to meet the needs of its passengers and aircraft operators. The airport administration office is open from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and is closed on holidays. Badging is done by appointment only. The airport recommends arriving early, preferably 45 to 60 minutes prior to your flight if you have bags to check, and 30 to 45 minutes if you do not need to check any bags. The ticket counter closes 30 minutes before departure.

Pueblo Memorial Airport caters to a mix of traffic, including military, transient, and local general aviation, air taxi, and commercial airline operations. In the year ending January 1, 2011, the airport recorded 182,119 aircraft operations, averaging 498 per day. The airport also had 128 aircraft based there as of March 2017, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, helicopter, and glider aircraft.

The airport has a history dating back to the late 1920s when it served as a hub for commercial airline traffic. Over the years, various airlines have operated routes through Pueblo, including Colorado Airways, Western Air Express, Continental Airlines, Braniff Airways, Monarch Air Lines, and Frontier Airlines. Pueblo Memorial Airport continues to provide convenient access to the world for the people of Pueblo and the surrounding areas.

Check-in and security

Yes, Pueblo, Colorado, has an airport: the Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB). It is located about 6-7 miles from downtown Pueblo and is easily accessible by car.

To ensure a smooth check-in and security process at the Pueblo Memorial Airport, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport early, especially if you need to check bags. The airport suggests arriving 90 minutes before your flight to allow sufficient time for checking bags and clearing TSA security screening. If you are not checking any bags, arriving 60 minutes prior to your flight is usually sufficient. The ticket counter will close 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled departure, so make sure you allow enough time.

To expedite the security process, it is advisable to be well-organised before reaching the security gate. Have your valid ID and matching travel documents readily available, as these will be checked first. You will then need to go through the X-ray screening, where both you and your carry-on luggage will be scanned. Remove any items that may set off the alarms, such as coats, belts, and headphones, and place them in the machine. You will also need to send your laptop, phone, and other electronic devices through the scanner, so have them easily accessible. Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage, and ensure you are not carrying any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. These items should be packed safely in your checked luggage if you need to bring them.

To make your experience at the airport as smooth as possible, it is essential to be prepared and give yourself enough time. Familiarise yourself with your airline's check-in requirements and baggage policies, and consider giving yourself extra time to find parking, drop off your bags, and relax before your flight.

Transport and parking

Pueblo Memorial Airport (IATA: PUB, ICAO: KPUB, FAA LID: PUB) is located just 6 miles from downtown Pueblo, Colorado. The airport is easily accessible by car from the town and offers flights to destinations across the US.

Parking

There is an on-site parking lot available at the airport, located a short walk from the terminal. Parking is free, but if you plan to leave your vehicle for more than two weeks, you must notify the Airport Administration in advance.

Public Transport

The airport does not appear to have direct access to public transport. However, City Cab, Pueblo's local taxi company, can provide trips to and from the airport from all over Pueblo County.

Car Rental

There is a Hertz Rent-A-Car agency located in the terminal building by the baggage claim.

Check-In

The airport recommends arriving early to allow enough time for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening. If you have bags to check, arrive 45 to 60 minutes before your flight. If you don't need to check bags, 30 to 45 minutes should be sufficient. The ticket counter closes 30 minutes before departure.

Airlines

Pueblo Memorial Airport is primarily used for general aviation, but it also offers commercial flights with United Airlines. The airport has three runways, with the main runway spanning 10,498 feet in length.

Flight Destinations

Pueblo Memorial Airport offers domestic routes, with flights to destinations such as Harry Reid International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Travelocity and Expedia offer cheap flights from PUB airport, with prices starting at $54 for one-way trips and $263 for round trips.

Frequently asked questions