Owais Crawford
Spokane International Airport (GEG) is a vital transportation hub in the Inland Northwest, offering a blend of practical design and aesthetic appeal. With its modern amenities, efficient layout, and strategic location, the airport serves as a gateway for travellers to and from Spokane, Washington. While it primarily focuses on domestic travel, Spokane International Airport does offer select international connections and has the ability to accommodate international customs operations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Spokane International Airport |
| Airport Code | GEG |
| Location | Spokane, Washington |
| Area | 6,140 acres (2,480 ha) |
| Runways | 2 |
| Customs | US Customs and Border Protection |
| Direct International Flights | Limited |
| Family-Friendly Features | Family Restrooms, Kid-Friendly Dining Options |
| Renovations | Terminal, Rotunda, and Concourse C Enhancement Project (TRACE), Terminal Renovation and Expansion (TREX) |
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What You'll Learn
Spokane International Airport's history
Spokane International Airport (GEG) is the primary commercial airport serving the Washington State city of Spokane. The airport covers 6,140 acres and operates two paved runways. Spokane International Airport has been a significant contributor to Spokane's prosperity and aviation history.
The history of the airport dates back to the 1930s when, in 1938, Spokane County bought two square miles of land on the West Plains with the vision of building a "super-airport" to be known as Sunset Airport. However, the project was put on hold due to the outbreak of World War II, during which the airport served as a major training base for the Second Air Force and was renamed Geiger Field. After the war, in 1948, Geiger Field was transferred to Spokane, and it began to develop into a commercial airport.
In the early 1960s, the airport underwent significant changes to accommodate the increasing demand for air travel. In 1960, a new control tower was erected, and airlines began migrating from Felts Field to Spokane International Airport. The airport's name was changed to Spokane International Airport after Air Canada initiated service to Calgary in 1960. In 1965, a new terminal building opened its doors. The new terminal featured a futuristic design with swooping concrete beams over the ticketing area and a giant rotunda to welcome planes.
Over the years, Spokane International Airport has continued to expand and improve its facilities. In 1975, the airport unveiled a 20-year plan to expand its terminal and runways, anticipating the growth in air traffic. The airport has also experienced several notable incidents, including two crashes of Beechcraft Model 99A aircraft in 1972 and 1981, respectively.
Today, Spokane International Airport remains a vital aviation hub, with flights to 17 destinations across the United States. The airport continues to invest in expansion projects, such as the Terminal Renovation and Expansion (TREX) program, which began in 2022, to enhance its facilities and accommodate growing passenger traffic.
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The airport's family-friendly features
Spokane International Airport is a family-friendly airport with a range of features to make travelling with children easier and more enjoyable.
One of the most important features for families is the children's play area, which offers interactive games and activities to keep young travellers entertained between flights. The airport also provides family restrooms equipped with baby-changing stations, making it more convenient for parents or caregivers travelling with infants or young children.
The airport's design is notable for its blend of practicality and aesthetic appeal. The spacious terminals are adorned with local art, showcasing Spokane's cultural heritage. The intuitive layout, with clear signage and straightforward pathways, helps reduce stress for families who may be navigating the airport in a hurry. Enhanced security measures ensure the safety of all passengers while also minimising wait times, which is especially beneficial for families with children who may become restless.
Spokane International Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options to cater to different tastes and preferences. From local cuisine to renowned coffee spots, families can find something to suit everyone's palate. The observation deck is another popular spot, offering panoramic views of the runway, which is sure to delight aviation enthusiasts and families alike.
While Spokane International Airport primarily focuses on domestic travel, it does offer select international connections. However, it's important to note that there have been comments about limited direct international flights, with some travellers expressing a desire for more direct routes to various international destinations.
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The airport's art and aesthetic appeal
Spokane International Airport, located in Spokane, Washington, is a bustling travel hub with a rich history and modern amenities. But what about its art and aesthetic appeal?
The airport's aesthetic appeal is evident in its design and architecture. The Terminal, Rotunda, and Concourse C Enhancement Project (TRACE) added retail spaces and expanded security checkpoints, while also giving the Rotunda an aesthetic renovation. The airport has two paved runways, with Runway 3/21 being over 11,000 feet long, capable of accommodating heavy aircraft. The new control tower, built south of the airport, is the tallest in the state, providing a striking visual element to the airport's infrastructure.
Spokane International Airport also has a fascinating history that contributes to its overall appeal. Established in 1940, the airport was originally constructed as a military base known as Spokane Army Air Depot during World War II. It served as a training base for B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bombardment units and was used for aircraft maintenance and supply. After the war, it was converted into a commercial airport, becoming Spokane's municipal airport in 1946. The airport's code, GEG, is derived from its former name, Geiger Field, honouring Major Harold Geiger.
While information on specific art installations or exhibitions at the airport is limited, the city of Spokane itself is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, which likely extends to the airport as a gateway to the city. Spokane Arts, an organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts, has played a significant role in this area. The arts are recognised as a powerful economic driver in Spokane, with arts-related jobs and cultural events contributing billions of dollars to the local and national economy. The city's commitment to the arts is evident in initiatives like the Spokane Arts Grant Awards (SAGA), which provides funding to local artists, organisations, and collectives.
In conclusion, Spokane International Airport likely reflects the city's aesthetic and artistic sensibilities, offering travellers a glimpse of Spokane's cultural vibrancy. While the airport's infrastructure and design showcase modern amenities, its historical roots as a military base add a unique layer to its overall appeal.
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The airport's limited international flights
Spokane International Airport (GEG) is a commercial airport located in Spokane, Washington. It covers 6,140 acres and has two paved runways, enabling the operation of both small and large aircraft. The airport has a rich history, initially serving as a military base during World War II before being converted into a commercial airport post-war. Spokane International Airport offers various amenities, including family-friendly features, dining and shopping options, an observation deck, and art exhibits showcasing local culture.
While the airport has the necessary infrastructure for international flights, its focus is primarily on domestic travel. There are limited direct international flight options, and passengers often have to connect through other airports, such as Seattle, to reach their final destinations. This limitation has been a point of discussion among travellers, who have expressed their desires for more direct international connections.
The limited international flights at Spokane International Airport can be attributed to several factors. One reason could be the airport's relatively small size compared to nearby larger airports, such as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac). With Seattle just 45 minutes away by air, it may not be cost-effective for airlines to offer a wide range of international routes from Spokane. Additionally, the demand for international travel from Spokane might not be high enough to justify a larger number of direct international flights.
Another factor contributing to the limited international flights is the absence of US Customs and Border Protection services at the airport. While Spokane International Airport is recognised as a US Customs and Border Protection location, it is unclear if it currently has active customs operations. The availability of customs services is crucial for facilitating international travel, and without it, the airport's ability to handle international flights and passengers is restricted.
Despite the limited international connections, Spokane International Airport continues to enhance its infrastructure and capabilities. The airport has undergone significant transformations and expansions over the years, including the Terminal, Rotunda, and Concourse C Enhancement Project (TRACE) completed in 2006, which added retail space and expanded security checkpoints. Additionally, the airport plans to introduce new gates, centralised security, and expanded baggage claim areas by 2023 to accommodate growing passenger and cargo traffic.
In conclusion, while Spokane International Airport has the capacity and infrastructure to support international flights, its focus remains primarily on domestic travel. The limited direct international flight options can be attributed to various factors, including the airport's size, competition from nearby larger airports, and potential demand considerations. However, with ongoing enhancements and a commitment to improving the passenger experience, Spokane International Airport is well-positioned to capitalise on future opportunities for international expansion.
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The airport's bus connections
Spokane International Airport is served by Spokane Transit, which operates a bus service from Spokane International Airport's Concourse C station to Lincoln @ 2nd station in downtown Spokane. The bus costs $2 and the journey takes 16 minutes. Services depart every three hours, seven days a week. Northwestern Stages also services this route four times a week.
There is also a $4 Connect Fare System pass available, which provides unlimited rides for the day. This pass can be purchased with a Connect card.
The airport is located 7 miles from downtown Spokane, and the driving distance is 7.2 miles. The fastest way to get to downtown Spokane is by taxi, which takes 10 minutes and costs $45–$60.
While Spokane International Airport does not currently offer any direct international flights, it does offer direct domestic flights to several US cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Denver.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Spokane International Airport is a customs airport. It is believed to be the only federally-run air traffic control tower named after a person.
The airport primarily focuses on domestic travel, with select international connections. There are direct flights to Atlanta, SLC, Chicago, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Vegas, San Francisco, LA, Dallas, and Denver.
Spokane International Airport offers an intuitive layout with clear signage and pathways for smooth navigation. It also has enhanced security, a variety of dining and shopping options, an observation deck, and art exhibits showcasing local culture.
Spokane International Airport was established in 1940 and has undergone significant transformations. It was originally a military base called Spokane Army Air Depot and was converted into a commercial airport post-World War II.
Spokane International Airport has been undergoing various expansion and renovation projects to accommodate growing passenger and cargo traffic. The airport plans to add new gates, centralized security, and expanded baggage claim areas.
