Toledo Airport: Efficient Travel With Multiple Gates

Toledo Express Airport, officially Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, is located in Ohio, USA. The airport has one terminal building with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. In total, the terminal has 10 gates, with Concourse A having 6 gates and Concourse B having 4. The airport is served by major airlines such as American Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Delta Air Lines.

Toledo Airport's terminal and gate layout

Toledo Express Airport (IATA: TOL) has one terminal building with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. The airport features nine gates in total, laid out in three main sections: the central part, the east wing, and the western wing.

The central part of the terminal includes Gates 3, 4, and 5, which are the most frequently used gates. The east wing comprises Gate 2 on the upper level and Gates 1 and 1A on the lower level. This configuration allows for accommodating multiple aircraft simultaneously. The western wing, which includes Gates 6 through 8, is less frequently used, and some gates in this section are no longer operational.

Upon entering the terminal, travellers will find the check-in counters and security screening on the ground level. After passing through security, passengers proceed to the upper level, where the main waiting area is located. This area offers various amenities, such as a food court, a bar, and free Wi-Fi. There is also a play area near Gates 1 and 2, but it is currently inaccessible to the public.

The lower level of the terminal provides access to vending machines, an ATM, and the baggage claim area, which is situated on the east side and features two carousels. Rental car counters are conveniently located between the arrivals waiting area and baggage claim, making it easy for passengers to arrange their ground transportation.

Concourse A has six gates and is used by airlines such as Allegiant Air and Delta Air Lines. On the other hand, Concourse B has four gates and is primarily used by American Airlines.

Airlines that serve Toledo Airport

Toledo Express Airport (IATA: TOL) is served by a variety of airlines, offering flights to several destinations across the United States. Here is a detailed overview of the airlines that serve Toledo Airport:

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air is the sole commercial airline operating at Toledo Express Airport. It offers direct flights to popular vacation destinations such as Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Las Vegas. Known for its budget-friendly fares, Allegiant Air provides travellers with the option to customise their travel experience with priority boarding, seat selection, and baggage choices. The airline caters to both leisure travellers looking for cost-effective options and those seeking a comfortable journey without compromising on the joy of the journey.

American Airlines

American Airlines is one of the major airlines serving Toledo Express Airport. It operates from Concourse B at the airport. American Airlines offers flights to various destinations, including Chicago O'Hare International Airport, which is one of the top destinations served from TOL.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is another major airline that serves Toledo Express Airport. It utilises Concourse A at the airport. Delta provides flights to multiple destinations, including Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Dayton.

Historical Airlines

Over the years, several other airlines have operated from Toledo Express Airport. Some of these include United Airlines, Trans World Airlines (TWA), Eastern Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Air Wisconsin, Piedmont Airlines, Continental Express, Northwest Airlines, and AirTran Airways. These airlines contributed to the airport's history, with some offering flights to destinations like Washington, D.C., Detroit, Miami, and Denver.

The history of Toledo Airport

Toledo Express Airport, officially known as Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, is a civil-military airport located in Swanton and Monclova townships, about 10 miles west of Toledo, Ohio. The airport opened in 1954-55 as a replacement for the Toledo Municipal Airport, which was deemed inadequate after World War II. The new airport offered improved facilities and could accommodate larger aircraft.

In its early years, Toledo Express Airport experienced significant airline service, with up to seven airlines operating over 40 flights daily to 14 destinations. However, by the early 2010s, passenger traffic had declined, with many travellers opting for the nearby Detroit Metropolitan Airport. This led to a decrease in airlines serving Toledo Express, and by 2011, only two airlines remained.

Toledo Express Airport covers 2,345 acres and features two asphalt runways. The airport has a single passenger terminal with nine gates, divided into three sections: the central part, the east wing, and the western wing. The terminal has undergone several upgrades over the years, including the addition of a new gate area and the construction of the east wing. The airport also offers various amenities for travellers, including a food court, bar, and free Wi-Fi.

The airport is home to the Ohio Air National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing and serves as a secondary airport for Detroit Metropolitan Airport. In recent years, Toledo Express Airport has seen a gradual increase in passenger numbers, with air travel growing for six consecutive years between 2012 and 2018.

Prior to the establishment of Toledo Express, the Toledo Municipal Airport (now known as Toledo Executive Airport) served the region. Toledo Executive Airport, located southeast of Toledo, played a significant role in the early years of aviation in the area. It set records for air mail and became the second-largest airport east of the Rocky Mountains. However, inadequate construction and the limitations imposed by neighbouring developments led to its eventual replacement by Toledo Express Airport.

Passenger experience at Toledo Airport

Overview

Toledo Express Airport (TOL) is a civil-military airport located in Swanton and Monclova townships, about 10 miles (16 km) west of Toledo, Ohio. The airport is known for its unique art installations and combines convenience and comfort, offering amenities that cater to both business and leisure travellers.

Terminals and Gates

The airport has one terminal building with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. There is a total of 10 gates in the terminal, with Concourse A having six gates and Concourse B having four. The central part of the terminal is the most active, with Gates 3, 4, and 5 in regular use. The east wing includes Gate 2 on the upper level and Gates 1 and 1A on the lower level, accommodating multiple aircraft simultaneously. The western wing, comprising Gates 6 through 8, is less frequently used, with some gates no longer operational.

Check-in and Security

Upon entering the terminal, passengers will find the check-in counters and security screening on the ground level. TOL has one security checkpoint located on the main level, which is easily accessible from the ticketing and baggage claim areas. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for security screening.

Dining and Shopping

TOL offers a variety of dining options, including fast food outlets such as McDonald's and Subway, as well as sit-down restaurants like the Skyway Grill and the Black Pearl Tavern. For shopping, passengers can visit the Skyway Market gift shop and a duty-free shop for luxury goods.

Amenities and Services

The airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Other amenities include an ATM, a first aid station, and a children's play area. TOL also offers car rental services from major providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz.

Transportation

Toledo Airport offers various ground transportation options, including taxi services, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, airport shuttles, and public transportation via the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) bus service. The airport also provides both short-term and long-term parking options.

Toledo Airport's future

Toledo Express Airport (IATA: TOL) is a civil-military airport located in Ohio, United States. With a history dating back to the 1920s, the airport has undergone several transformations and renovations over the years. Currently, the airport is facing challenges due to the departure of major airlines and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are plans and efforts in place to improve its services and attract more airlines. So, what does the future hold for Toledo Airport?

A Historical Perspective

Toledo's aviation history can be traced back to the 1920s when the Toledo Municipal Airport was established. Over the years, the airport changed locations and names, eventually becoming the Toledo Express Airport in the 1950s. The airport has played a significant role in the region's transportation network, serving as a gateway to northwest Ohio.

Recent Challenges

In recent years, Toledo Express Airport has faced a decline in air traffic and the number of airlines serving the airport. The departure of American Airlines in September 2022 left Allegiant Air as the sole commercial airline operating at the airport. This has resulted in a decrease in destinations served by the airport, with only four remaining routes to Phoenix and Florida. The COVID-19 pandemic also impacted air travel demand, causing financial losses for the industry.

Future Prospects

Despite the challenges, there are positive signs and initiatives for the future of Toledo Express Airport:

• Focus on Low-Cost Carriers: Toledo Express Airport is shifting its focus towards low-cost carriers like Allegiant Air, which cater to budget-minded leisure travelers. This strategy recognizes the preferences of local travelers and the airport's ability to offer competitive prices.
• Expansion of Services: The airport is in constant discussion with airlines, including American Airlines, to explore prospective new routes. Potential future destinations include Las Vegas and South Florida cities such as Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
• Economic Impact: According to a study, the addition of a new ultra-low-cost carrier service could create significant economic output and support new jobs in the region. This highlights the airport's potential to drive economic growth and development.
• Community Engagement: Toledo Express Airport also serves as an important community hub, housing an Air National Guard Base, an Amazon Air gateway, corporate hangars, and an aerospace academy. These facilities contribute significantly to the local economy and provide employment opportunities.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: The airport has received safety grants and federal funding to upgrade its facilities and enhance its safety and operations. These improvements are crucial for maintaining a modern and efficient airport.
• Addressing Pilot Shortage: The national pilot shortage is a critical issue affecting the aviation industry. Airlines are investing in schools and training programs to accelerate the pilot certification process and address this challenge.

While Toledo Express Airport has faced setbacks and challenges, there are reasons to be optimistic about its future. By adapting to market demands, engaging with airlines, and improving infrastructure, the airport can enhance its services and attract more carriers. Additionally, the airport's role as a community hub and its potential for economic development underscore its importance to the region. With continued efforts and support, Toledo Express Airport can look forward to a brighter future, providing convenient and efficient travel options for its passengers.

Frequently asked questions