Checking Into Milwaukee Airport: A Step-By-Step Guide

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is located just 8 miles from downtown Milwaukee, about a 15-minute drive away. The airport offers travellers a range of amenities and services to make their journey as smooth as possible. From hourly and daily parking options to a variety of dining and shopping choices, MKE provides convenience and entertainment. In this article, we will be discussing the process of checking in at Milwaukee Airport, including information on ticket counters, baggage claim, and security checkpoints. We will also cover the various amenities available within the airport, such as coat check services and the Gallery of Flight Museum.

Self-service check-in

To begin the check-in process, walk up to an open kiosk. You will be prompted to identify yourself by inserting a credit card, scanning your passport or ID, typing in your flight confirmation code (locator number), or entering your frequent flyer number. Enter your identifying information using the touch screen. You will be able to touch a “clear” or “backspace” key if you make a mistake.

You will then be asked to confirm your flight information by touching an “OK” or “enter” button on the screen. You will then be able to review and change your seat assignment. Be careful, as some airlines have their seat assignment screen default to a page that will try to entice you to pay extra to upgrade your seat. If you have swiped a credit card to identify yourself, skip the seat upgrade option unless you actually intend to use it, as the airline has already captured your credit card information.

You will then be asked to indicate whether you will be checking a bag. If you have checked in for your flight online, you will probably be able to scan your printed boarding pass at the kiosk. When you scan your boarding pass, the kiosk will identify you and begin the luggage check-in process. If you are checking a bag, you may be able to type directly the number of bags you want to check, but some touch screens use an up- or down-arrow system or “+” and “-“ keys. Touch the up arrow or plus sign to increase the total number of bags, and press “OK” or “enter” to confirm the number of bags you are checking. You will then need to verify that you will pay the fees for each bag. Use a credit card or debit card to pay those fees at the kiosk.

At this point, the kiosk should print your boarding pass (or passes, if you have a connecting flight). The customer service representative will walk to your kiosk or gesture for you to come to the counter. They will ask where you are travelling and check your ID. They will then tag your bags and put them on the conveyor belt. You will receive your luggage claim tags, often as little stickers. The customer service representative will tell you what gate to go to, but you can also find gate information on your boarding pass. You are now checked in, so you should head to the security checkpoint.

TSA PreCheck®

To enrol in TSA PreCheck®, you can visit Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) where CLEAR kiosks are available every day from 6 am to 6 pm. The CLEAR Kiosks are located near the Miller Store in the airport. You can enrol without an appointment and the cost of a 5-year membership is $77.95.

To enrol, you will need to bring a valid US passport or a government-issued photo ID and an additional document that proves citizenship. You can also pre-enrol online to save time during the in-person process.

After enrolling, you will receive a Known Traveller Number once your application is approved. This number can be added to your airline reservations and used to access TSA PreCheck® lanes at airports across the country.

CLEAR Plus Membership

To use CLEAR Plus at the airport, simply scan your boarding pass, verify your identity at a CLEAR Pod, and a CLEAR Ambassador will bring you to the front of the security line for your screening. Family members under 18 can join you in the CLEAR Lane for free, and you can add up to three adults to your account for $119 each.

CLEAR Plus Members can also access exclusive offers and services, such as expedited passport services, easier luggage shipment, and global medical transport.

If you're picking someone up from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, use hourly parking to avoid congestion on the baggage claim roadway. The first 30 minutes are free!

Baggage claim

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport provides a range of services to assist with baggage claim. The airport offers clear signage to direct passengers to the correct baggage claim areas for their specific flights. This ensures that passengers can efficiently locate and retrieve their luggage upon arrival.

For passengers connecting between concourses, baggage claim procedures may vary. It is recommended to follow the signage or seek assistance from the airport staff or the Traveler's Aid desk. The Traveler's Aid desk is centrally located in the main terminal and can be reached by calling 414-747-5245. They provide a range of services, including lost and found assistance, ground transportation information, and disability assistance.

If you are picking someone up from the airport, it is recommended to use hourly parking to avoid congestion on the baggage claim roadway. The first 30 minutes of parking are free, providing convenience for those awaiting passenger arrivals.

In the event that you have left an item on an aircraft or in an airline gate area, it is important to contact your airline directly for assistance. For items left at the TSA security checkpoint, you can reach out to TSA's Lost & Found by calling 414-238-6015 or emailing [email protected]. For any other lost items within the airport, Travelers Aid can be contacted at 414-747-5245 or via email at [email protected] between 5:00 AM and 12:00 AM.

Transportation options

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is located just eight miles from downtown Milwaukee, about a 15-minute drive. There are several transportation options available to and from the airport.

Car

If you're driving to the airport, you can take I-94W, which will take you directly into the heart of downtown Milwaukee. The airport offers hourly and daily parking in their structure and long-term parking in their surface lot and SuperSaver lot. The first 30 minutes in the hourly lot are free, so it's a convenient option if you're picking someone up or dropping them off.

Rental car

There are eight on-premise auto rental agencies at the airport, providing a convenient option for travellers who need a car during their stay.

Train

There is an Amtrak station located near the terminal, with a free shuttle bus operating between the airport and the station.

Taxi, shuttle, or limousine

A variety of cab and shuttle services are available at the airport, providing easy transportation to and from your destination. Limousine services are also an option for those who want a more luxurious arrival or departure.

Rideshare

Uber and Lyft services are available at the airport, offering a convenient and affordable transportation option.

Frequently asked questions