Lubbock Airport: A Surprisingly Busy Travel Hub

Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, located in West Texas, is a relatively small but efficient airport that covers 3,000 acres of land. With only one main terminal and 12 gates, passengers can easily navigate the airport on foot. The airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options, including quick-service restaurants like Starbucks and Chick-fil-A, as well as sit-down options such as the Skyview Restaurant. Lubbock Airport is known for its unique art installations, adding a cultural touch to travellers' journeys. In terms of flight traffic, the airport handles a significant number of aircraft operations, averaging 254 per day in the year ending May 31, 2022.

Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport's unique features

Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport is a small but well-equipped airport in West Texas. With a unique blend of charm and efficiency, the airport offers a smooth travel experience for passengers. Here are some of its notable features:

Firstly, the airport has a single main terminal, making navigation straightforward for travellers. This terminal underwent major renovations in 2019, and improvements included an expanded TSA screening area, upgraded check-in counters, gates, waiting areas, restrooms, and concessions. The terminal houses essential facilities such as check-in counters, baggage claim, and security checkpoints, all within easy walking distance.

The airport is known for its unique art installations that greet travellers, adding a cultural touch to their journey. It also offers a variety of dining and shopping options. Quick bites can be found at Chick-fil-A or Starbucks, while those seeking a sit-down meal can try the Skyview Restaurant, offering views of the runway and serving American cuisine. The Red Raider Grill is another popular choice, featuring local Texas favourites. For shopping, passengers can visit stores like Hudson News, Tech Terrace, and the PGA Tour Shop.

Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport also has a rich aviation history. Pioneer Air Lines, Braniff Airways (later Braniff International Airways), and Continental Airlines all began scheduled passenger flights to Lubbock by 1945. The airport has also witnessed several notable incidents, including a Vickers Viscount aircraft damaged beyond repair in 1962, and an Empire Airlines Flight crash-landing in 2009.

In terms of flight connections, the airport offers direct flights to various destinations within Texas and beyond. Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Allegiant Air are among the carriers serving the airport.

Overall, Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport offers a convenient and culturally enriching experience for travellers, combining efficient facilities with a touch of Texas charm.

Airlines and destinations

Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport is a small airport in West Texas, covering 3,000 acres of land. The airport has a cosy and efficient feel to it, with unique art installations that add a cultural touch to the travel experience. The airport has one main terminal with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. This makes navigation easy for passengers, who can walk through the terminal but also have the option of wheelchair or electric cart services.

Concourse A has 5 gates and is used by Southwest Airlines, which began serving Lubbock in 1977. The airline initially flew to various destinations in Texas, including Dallas Love Field, Houston Hobby Airport, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Harlingen. By 1978, Southwest had added non-stop flights to El Paso and direct flights to other Texas cities. In 1983, the airline expanded to include flights to Albuquerque and Los Angeles (LAX).

Concourse B has 3 gates and is used by American Airlines, which began serving Lubbock in 1981. American Airlines offers non-stop flights to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW) and Amarillo, as well as Phoenix since 2016. American Eagle, operating on behalf of American Airlines, also provides supplementing services to DFW.

The main terminal has a total of 12 gates and serves several other airlines, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Allegiant Air. United Express, in cooperation with United Airlines, offers flights to Denver, while Delta Air Lines provides services to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. Other airlines that have served Lubbock in the past include Aspen Airways, Mesa Airlines, and Continental Express.

The airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travellers, including quick-service restaurants like Chick-fil-A and Starbucks, and sit-down restaurants like Skyview Restaurant and Red Raider Grill.

Transport to and from the airport

Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport is a small but well-equipped airport in West Texas. The airport is easily accessible, with a range of transport options available for travellers. Lubbock is nicknamed the "Hub City" due to its prime, central location and the fact that it is surrounded by five major highways. This makes it a convenient option for those driving to the airport. The average commute time in Lubbock is just 16 minutes, and most hotels are a short 15-minute drive from the airport.

If you are driving to the airport, there are several parking options available, including long-term and short-term parking lots. The airport also offers a range of dining and shopping options, including quick-service restaurants like Chick-fil-A and Starbucks, and sit-down options like the Skyview Restaurant and the Red Raider Grill, which serves local Texas favourites.

For those arriving at the airport, there are several transport options available to get you to your destination. Taxi services are available curbside, with companies such as Yellow Cab and City Cab serving the airport. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are also available, with a designated pickup area outside the baggage claim. If you prefer a shared shuttle service, SuperShuttle and Airport Express provide door-to-door service at a per-person rate.

In addition to these private transport options, Lubbock Airport also offers public transportation for a more budget-friendly option. The airport is also equipped to handle special-needs persons and small medical emergencies. Rental cars are also available outside the baggage claim area, providing the convenience of one-way rentals if needed.

Dining and shopping options

Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travellers. If you're looking for a quick bite, you can choose from popular chains like Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, McDonald's, Cinnabon, and Pie Five Pizza. These options are ideal for travellers who are short on time or looking to grab something familiar.

For those who want to sit down and relax before their flight, the Airport Bar and Grill provides a welcoming atmosphere with a variety of alcoholic beverages, including beers, wines, and cocktails. The bar also offers a delicious menu with options like burgers and appetizers, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Another sit-down option is the Skyview Restaurant, which offers a view of the runway and serves American cuisine.

If you're craving a sandwich, Brioche Doree, a French-inspired bakery and café, offers freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and salads in a cozy setting. Which Wich Superior Sandwiches is also a popular choice for mouthwatering sandwiches. For local Texas favourites, the Red Raider Grill features dishes like brisket and pulled pork sandwiches.

When it comes to shopping, Lubbock Airport has several options to choose from. Hudson News offers a selection of books and magazines, while Tech Terrace is the place to go for Texas Tech merchandise. Golf enthusiasts can visit the PGA Tour Shop, and there is also a convenience store located in the main terminal for any last-minute essentials. It is worth noting that LBB is a small airport, and while it offers a range of services, lines can get long, so it is advisable to plan accordingly if you are in a rush.

Accidents and incidents

Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport has a stellar safety record, with only a handful of incidents, and only two of them taking place on the runway. This track record shines through, proving the airport's commitment to passenger safety.

The airport is a cozy hub in West Texas, with a unique charm and efficient service. It has one main terminal with two concourses. The main terminal houses all the necessary facilities, including check-in counters, baggage claim, and security checkpoints. The terminal can be easily navigated on foot, and wheelchair and electric cart services are available for those who need assistance.

The airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers, including quick bites at Chick-fil-A or Starbucks, and sit-down meals at the Skyview Restaurant, which offers views of the runway. The Red Raider Grill is another popular option, serving local Texas favorites. Several taxi companies service the airport, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available.

While the exact number of incidents at the airport is unclear, with sources citing a total of four incidents, two of which occurred on the runway, the airport's safety record is commendable, and passengers can feel confident in its commitment to their safety. The limited number of incidents at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport contributes to a positive overall impression of the airport's efficiency and safety measures.

Frequently asked questions