Grand Rapids Airport: Managing High Traffic, Efficiently

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a busy hub, serving over 3.26 million passengers in 2018, with an average of 8,000-9,000 travellers passing through each day. With its recent growth, it has been recognised as the second busiest airport in Michigan and the second fastest-growing airport in the country. With such high passenger traffic, GRR has invested in new facilities to accommodate the increasing number of travellers, including an upgrade in space, retail options, food and beverage outlets, and customer service offerings.

TSA wait times

The TSA wait times at Grand Rapids Airport, also known as Gerald R. Ford International Airport, can vary significantly, especially during peak travel periods. The airport recommends arriving 2 to 3 hours before your scheduled flight departure to allow for parking, security screening, and airline check-in procedures.

While you can check current TSA wait times, these may not reflect the actual wait time upon your arrival. The wait times can be influenced by several factors, including weather conditions, TSA staffing levels, and ongoing airport construction.

The airport has two security checkpoints, both equipped with advanced technology like smart devices, x-ray machines, and cameras, for a swift and efficient security process. Both checkpoints also have TSA PreCheck lanes, which typically have a wait time of less than 5 minutes. The TSA PreCheck schedule varies, but it is generally open from 4:00 AM to 7:00 or 8:00 PM, depending on the day of the week.

Passengers moving through the security checkpoints at the airport should anticipate waiting on average for:

6 minutes and 6 seconds.

Wait times are estimates and can always change, so it is important to plan accordingly and arrive early, especially during peak travel periods.

Security checks

The airport offers two security checkpoints, both equipped with TSA PreCheck lanes, which offer a more efficient screening process for enrolled passengers. The estimated wait time for PreCheck is typically less than five minutes, although it's important to note that these times can vary depending on operational requirements. The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) advises passengers to arrive at the airport 2 to 3 hours before their scheduled flight departure to accommodate security screening, airline check-in procedures, and parking.

Wait times at Grand Rapids Airport can vary, especially during peak travel periods. Current wait times may be available, but they may not accurately reflect the actual wait time upon your arrival. Several factors can influence security wait times, including weather conditions, TSA staffing levels, and ongoing airport construction.

For passengers with young children, it is recommended to add an extra 20 minutes to the suggested arrival time. Passengers with checked bags should also allow for additional time, as bag check can sometimes be the longest wait. It is also worth noting that passengers are typically limited to two carry-on items, and these items must fit under the seat or in the overhead bin.

To make the security process smoother, passengers are advised to follow the standard screening procedures and dress accordingly. Additionally, immediate family members are welcome to accompany travellers through security screening to the gate area, but they will also need to go through the standard security process.

Passenger numbers

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a busy hub, serving over 3.26 million passengers in 2018. This equates to over 8,000-9,000 travellers passing through the airport each day. July 2018 was a record-breaking month, with more than a quarter of a million passengers and a 16.7% increase in passenger numbers compared to the previous year. This trend continued, with July 2017 seeing 249,268 passengers, and July 2018 topping that with 291,034 passengers, marking the second-largest increase ever for the month of July.

GFIA is the second busiest airport in Michigan and the second fastest-growing airport in the country, according to Airline Weekly. This rapid growth has resulted in significant investments in infrastructure and amenities. The airport has completed Phase One of the Gateway Transformation Project, which includes an upgrade in space, retail, food and beverage options, restrooms, finishes, amenities, and customer service offerings. The project's main feature is the consolidated passenger security checkpoint, which centralises security screening to one main checkpoint, improving efficiency.

To accommodate the growing number of passengers, GFIA offers nonstop service to 31-32 major market destinations with more than 140 daily nonstop flights. The airport is managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority and generates over $3.1 billion in annual economic output throughout West Michigan. It employs over 2,000 people and contributes significantly to the region's economy.

Passengers at GFIA can take advantage of various amenities, including food and beverage locations, kids' play areas, nursing rooms, and a military welcome centre. The airport also has a mobile app that provides real-time flight departure and arrival information, updates on parking availability, security wait times, and ground transportation options. TSA PreCheck is available at both security checkpoints, offering expedited screening for enrolled passengers. The estimated wait time for PreCheck is typically less than five minutes, while the average wait time for standard security checkpoints is around six minutes.

Daily nonstop flights

Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers over 30 nonstop routes to more than 35 major cities across the United States. The airport is known for its streamlined security checks, featuring advanced technology like smart devices, x-ray machines, and cameras, ensuring a swift and efficient process for travellers.

In March 2025, Avelo Airlines announced that it would introduce nonstop flights to two new destinations from Grand Rapids Airport. These include North Carolina's Research Triangle via Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Florida's Lakeland International Airport. Avelo Airlines emphasizes the convenience of its routes, which often involve smaller, user-friendly airports, making the travel experience smoother and more enjoyable compared to larger airports.

The new routes to Raleigh-Durham and Lakeland were scheduled to commence on May 23 and June 13, 2025, respectively, according to Avelo's flight calendar. These additions expand the travel options for passengers and open up new, previously unserved markets.

To enhance the travel experience, the Grand Rapids Airport offers a range of amenities and services. These include a variety of dining options, such as Starbucks, Firehouse Subs, Blue Bridge Market, and Freddy's, ensuring travellers can enjoy a quick bite or a leisurely meal before their flight. The airport also features shops and travel stores, including the Grand Rapids Travel Magazine store, where passengers can purchase reading materials, snacks, travel gear, electronics, and souvenirs.

Additionally, the airport provides convenient parking options, including Premier Parking, which offers close proximity to the terminal and private entrance and exit through the car rental lane. For travellers needing long-term parking, there are three alternative options available. To ensure a smooth departure experience, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport 2 to 3 hours before their scheduled flight departure, allowing sufficient time for parking, security screening, and check-in procedures.

Airport facilities

Gerald R. Ford International Airport, also known as Grand Rapids Airport, is a commercial airport in Cascade Township, about 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is the second-busiest airport in Michigan and offers more than 100 daily flights and 30+ non-stop routes.

Grand Rapids Airport offers a range of facilities and services to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for passengers. The airport has ATMs and currency exchange services, as well as medical help in case of emergencies. There are also various dining and shopping options available. In Concourse A, you can find Biggby Coffee and Great American Bagel for a quick bite or caffeine fix. Concourse B is home to Bell's Brewery, offering local craft beer, and Arnie's Bakery & Restaurant for sandwiches. The Main Terminal features the Grand Rapids Magazine Newsstand and the Michigan Marketplace for souvenirs and reading material. For a sit-down meal, the pre-security area of the Main Terminal has a full-service restaurant at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, offering American cuisine and a full bar. If you're looking for a grab-and-go option, Freshii in the Main Terminal provides healthy salads, wraps, and bowls.

The airport also has a variety of shops, including a newsstand and a souvenir shop. For those who enjoy duty-free shopping, there are options available as well. The airport provides free WiFi, so you can stay connected and entertained during your wait.

In addition to dining and shopping, Grand Rapids Airport offers convenient parking options. Premier Parking provides close access to the terminal building, with a private entrance and exit through the car rental lane. This option is available on the first level of the parking garage and can be reserved in advance through the airport's online reservation system. However, it's important to note that vehicles entering the parking garage may not exceed 8 feet 2 inches in height, and taller vehicles will need to opt for alternative lots. The North Lot and Economy Lot are alternatives for taller vehicles, with the Economy Lot offering a 24/7 shuttle service to and from the Airport terminal.

The airport also provides efficient security checks, utilising advanced technology like smart devices, x-ray machines, and cameras to streamline the process. TSA PreCheck is available at both security checkpoints, offering expedited screening for enrolled passengers.

To make the most of your time at the airport, it is recommended to arrive 2 to 3 hours before your scheduled flight departure, especially during peak travel periods. This allows adequate time for parking, security screening, and airline check-in procedures.

Overall, Grand Rapids Airport provides a range of facilities and services to meet the needs of travellers, ensuring a positive and efficient travel experience.

Frequently asked questions