Missoula Airport: Efficient Travel With Multiple Gates

Missoula Montana Airport (IATA: MSO) is located in Missoula County, Montana, and is owned by the Missoula County Airport Authority. The airport has undergone several expansion projects in recent years, including the construction of a new terminal that was completed in 2022. The airport currently has 5 gates with service to cities in the US and Canada, but an expansion plan that includes four new gates, an expanded baggage claim area, and a new rental car center has been announced. Missoula Airport is a vital gateway to the region's stunning natural landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities, including Glacier National Park, Bob Marshall Wildlife Refuge, and Bitterroot Valley.

Missoula Airport has 5 gates

The airport has undergone significant renovations and expansions in recent years, with Phase 1 of the terminal expansion, including the South Concourse, completed in 2022. The terminal now provides a more spacious and modern experience for passengers, with clear signage guiding them to their gates, baggage claim, and other essential services. The airport features two main concourses and offers amenities such as free Wi-Fi, charging stations, dining options, and shopping.

The airport is served by major airlines such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Allegiant Air, offering direct flights to key hubs and cities. Missoula Airport plays a critical role in supporting the local economy by promoting tourism and providing essential connections for business travelers. The comprehensive service and strategic location make it an indispensable hub for residents and visitors to Western Montana.

The Missoula Montana Airport is owned by the Missoula County Airport Authority and was previously known as Missoula International Airport until September 2021 when it changed its name. The airport covers 2,700 acres at an elevation of 3,206 feet and has two asphalt runways. In 2024, funding was secured for the eastward terminal expansion, which includes four new gates, an expanded baggage claim area, and a new rental car center.

The airport is currently undergoing expansion

The Missoula Montana Airport is currently undergoing a multi-phase expansion project. The first phase of this project, which included a new terminal, was completed in June 2022 and cost $64.6 million. This phase featured an expanded ticketing, screening, and boarding experience for passengers, as well as improved concessions and restrooms. The new terminal also has a more intuitive layout, addressing issues caused by previous smaller renovations.

The airport is now in the second and third phases of the expansion project, which includes expanding the baggage claim area, adding a rental car centre, and constructing four more gates to serve an increasing number of travellers. The second phase is expected to cost $42 million, while the total cost of the project is projected to exceed $100 million. The current phases are scheduled for completion in May 2025.

The expansion project is being funded through a combination of grants, state and federal grants, and local financing. Notably, the airport received $41 million in grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The expansion is necessary due to the airport's previous size and layout constraints, which limited the number of visitors and drove up ticket prices. The additional gates and improved facilities will enhance the airport's capacity and efficiency, making Missoula an even more accessible destination.

The Missoula Montana Airport is committed to providing a modern and intuitive airport experience for its passengers. With the ongoing expansion, the airport is taking strides to accommodate the growing community it serves and ensure a seamless travel journey for all who pass through its gates.

Missoula Airport is 12 minutes from downtown Missoula

Missoula Airport is conveniently located just 6.8 miles from downtown Missoula, with a 12-minute drive time. This makes it an easily accessible destination for travellers looking to explore the city. With ongoing expansion projects, the airport is committed to providing a modern and intuitive experience for its patrons.

There are several transportation options available to get from the airport to downtown Missoula. For those seeking a quick option, taxi services are available, with an average travel time of 8 minutes. Taxi companies such as Huckleberry Express Taxi and Missoula Airport Shuttle Taxi provide reliable transportation to and from the airport.

If you're looking for a more economical option, the Line 11 bus is also available. This bus departs from Missoula International Airport and arrives at the Mountain Line Transfer Center in Downtown Missoula. The bus ride takes approximately 27 minutes and is the cheapest way to get to the city centre.

For those who prefer the convenience of their own vehicle, driving from Missoula Airport to downtown is also a viable option. The 6.9-mile road distance can be easily navigated, and driving directions are readily available online.

Additionally, hotel shuttle services are offered by many area hotels, providing complimentary transportation to and from the airport for their guests. Be sure to contact your hotel to confirm the availability of shuttle services, as these may change.

With its proximity to downtown Missoula and the range of transportation options available, Missoula Airport serves as a convenient gateway to the city and its surrounding attractions. Whether you choose a taxi, bus, or drive yourself, you'll be able to reach your destination in a timely manner and begin exploring all that Missoula has to offer.

Missoula Airport is a Sensory Inclusive Facility

Missoula Montana Airport is a busy airport, serving over 750,000 passengers a year and offering nonstop flights to 14 major U.S. markets. The airport has five gates, with service to cities in the US and Canada. Missoula Airport is also unique in its commitment to being a sensory-inclusive facility.

The airport has been named a "sensory inclusive" facility by KultureCity, one of only four airports in the country to receive this certification. This initiative aims to create "sensory accessibility and inclusion for those with non-visible disabilities". The airport is designed to be welcoming, intuitive, and easy to navigate for individuals of all abilities. This includes those with sensory sensitivities, often experienced by people with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other conditions.

The airport has implemented several measures to assist travelers with sensory sensitivities. Prior to their visit, individuals can download the free Kulture City App to learn about the sensory features available and where to access them, including how to obtain a KultureCity Sensory Bag. The app also includes a Social Story, providing a visual preview of what to expect when visiting the airport. This helps to reduce stress and make the travel experience more comfortable and accommodating.

The airport's design and initiatives reflect its commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all travelers, ensuring that everyone can navigate the facility with ease and have their needs met. This includes the addition of homey fireplaces, an outdoor patio, and decor that reflects the local culture and atmosphere of Missoula.

The Missoula Airport Authority's efforts to make the airport sensory-inclusive have been recognised by Dementia Friendly Missoula, who praised their implementation of policies and practices that improve accessibility for those with non-visible disabilities. The airport is also pursuing further initiatives, such as the Sunflower Program, to enhance staff education and make the facility "dementia-friendly".

The airport has two security checkpoints

Missoula Montana Airport has two security checkpoints, one on the main level near the baggage claim area, and the other on the upper level near the departure gates. Both checkpoints are equipped with advanced technology to ensure the safety and security of all passengers and their belongings. Due to this security protocol, passengers are recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for the security screening process.

The main level security checkpoint is where passengers will find the TSA PreCheck lane. This lane is for expedited screening for eligible travellers, allowing them to keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and their laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags. To be eligible for this lane, passengers must apply and be approved through the TSA's application process. The upper level security checkpoint is where the Clear lane is located. This lane provides expedited screening for members. Passengers who are not enrolled in either of these programs can still use the standard security lanes.

The airport also has a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility located on the lower level of the terminal building. This facility handles the processing of international arrivals and departures, including passport and immigration control. It is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and passengers arriving from international destinations are advised to arrive at least one hour before their scheduled departure time to allow for the CBP process.

The security checkpoints at Missoula Montana Airport are an important part of the airport's infrastructure, ensuring the safety and security of passengers and staff. With clear signage, advanced technology, and efficient processes, the security checkpoints help facilitate a seamless travel experience for all passengers passing through the airport.

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