Yakama, Washington: Airports And Their Features

Yakima, Washington is served by the Yakima Air Terminal (YKM), also known as McAllister Field. The airport is located just three to four miles from the city centre and is used for both general aviation and commercial air service. It is served by one scheduled passenger carrier, Alaska Airlines, and two non-scheduled carriers, Sun Country Airlines and Xtra Airways.

Yakima Air Terminal (YKM)

The airport is served by one scheduled passenger carrier, Alaska Airlines, which offers daily flights to and from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. In addition, two non-scheduled carriers, Sun Country Airlines and Xtra Airways, operate charter flights to Laughlin, NV, and Wendover, NV, respectively.

The history of Yakima Air Terminal dates back to the 1930s when Northwest Airlines served the airport with a daily round-trip flight between Portland, OR, Yakima, and Spokane, operated with a Douglas DC-3. By the 1960s, Northwest had expanded its service with nonstop flights to Seattle/Tacoma, Portland, and Spokane, as well as direct flights to the East Coast. West Coast Airlines also served Yakima in 1954 with nine daily departures using Douglas DC-3 aircraft, connecting the city to various destinations in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

Today, Yakima Air Terminal continues to be a vital transportation hub for the region, offering convenient travel options for both business and leisure travellers. The airport provides ground transportation options, including taxi services, rental cars, and airport shuttles to nearby hotels and Sea-Tac Airport.

When planning a trip to or from Yakima Air Terminal, it is always advisable to check with your airline for the most up-to-date arrival and departure information.

Airlines that serve Yakima

Yakima Air Terminal Airport (YKM), also known as Yakima YKM Airport, is the closest airport to Yakima, Washington, and is located just three miles from the city centre. The airport has one terminal building with five aircraft parking gates.

Several airlines fly to Yakima Airport, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines. Alaska Airlines is the only scheduled passenger air carrier serving Yakima, with flights to and from Seattle/Tacoma International Airport. In addition, Sun Country Airlines and Xtra Airways are two non-scheduled carriers that operate charter flights to Laughlin, Nevada, and Wendover, Nevada, respectively.

In the past, other airlines have served Yakima, including Northwest Airlines, which operated daily round-trip flights to Portland, Oregon, and Spokane in 1939. By the early to mid-1960s, Northwest Airlines offered daily nonstop flights to Seattle/Tacoma, Portland, and Spokane, as well as direct flights to the US East Coast. West Coast Airlines served Yakima in 1954 with nine daily departures to various destinations, including Seattle, Portland, and Spokane. By the spring of 1968, West Coast Airlines was operating nonstop jet service to Seattle, Portland, and Pasco, as well as direct flights to San Francisco, Spokane, Eugene, and Medford.

Today, travellers can fly to Yakima with Alaska Airlines from Seattle for as low as $79.

Ground transportation options

The Yakima Air Terminal Airport (YKM), also known as the Yakima YKM Airport or McAllister Field Airport, is located in Yakima, Washington. It is a public airport situated about three miles south of Yakima and is owned by the City of Yakima. The airport is served by one scheduled passenger carrier, Alaska Airlines, and two non-scheduled carriers, Sun Country Airlines and Xtra Airways.

When arriving at the Yakima Air Terminal Airport, there are several ground transportation options to choose from. If you prefer a taxi, you can find them parked outside the terminal building's front door. If you don't find a taxi, you can use the contact information provided between the two terminal building doors to call one. Alternatively, you can opt for a rental car service, with companies like Expedia offering car rentals in Yakima.

For those who want more flexibility, there are ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. These can be easily requested through their respective mobile applications, allowing you to get a ride from the airport to your desired location in Yakima.

Additionally, shuttle services are available at the airport, providing a convenient and often cost-effective way to travel to and from the airport. These shuttles typically serve common routes and can be a great option if your destination aligns with their route.

If you are planning to stay in Yakima for an extended period, you may consider utilising the local bus services. Yakima has a public bus system that can help you navigate the city and reach your desired destinations. The bus schedules and routes can be found online or at designated bus stops.

Lastly, if you are travelling in a group or prefer a private option, there are limo services available in Yakima. These can be booked in advance or, depending on availability, arranged upon your arrival at the airport.

Check-in and boarding pass requirements

Yakima Airport, also known as Yakima Air Terminal (YKM), is located three miles south of Yakima, Washington. It is a small airport that has been serving as a gateway to and from the Yakima Valley since the 1920s and currently serves over 70,000 passengers annually.

When flying from Yakima Airport, it is recommended that passengers arrive at least 90 minutes before their scheduled flight departure time to allow for a smooth check-in process. Peak departure times, such as early mornings, may require even more time, so it is advisable to plan accordingly. The airport opens at 3:30 a.m. each day, and the Alaska Airlines customer service ticket counter closes 40 minutes prior to departure. Passengers who have not received their boarding pass by this time may face difficulties in checking in and boarding their flight.

Passengers flying with Alaska Airlines can obtain their boarding pass through the Alaska Airlines mobile app. They can then proceed directly to security with their mobile or printed boarding pass or use a bag tag station to print their bag tags. For those unable to obtain a boarding pass before arriving at the airport, a paper version can be obtained from an agent. Checked baggage is accepted during ticket counter hours, which end 40 minutes before departure, and no more than four hours prior to the flight. Passengers travelling with bags, pets, or requiring special assistance are advised to arrive at the airport 1.5 hours before departure. Those travelling without bags or requiring assistance can check in one hour before departure.

It is important to stay updated with the latest flight status and allow for potential delays. Passengers are also advised to familiarise themselves with security requirements and the list of permitted and prohibited items. Additionally, passengers should be mindful of check-in cut-off times, as a valid boarding pass must be issued, and all baggage must be received by the airline before these cut-off times.

Attractions near Yakima Airport

Yakima Air Terminal Airport (YKM), also known as Yakima Airport, is located just three miles from Yakima, Washington. The airport is served by Alaska Airlines, with flights to and from Seattle/Tacoma International Airport. Sun Country Airlines and Xtra Airways also operate charter flights from Yakima Airport.

There are various ground transportation options to choose from when arriving at Yakima Airport. There are always taxis available outside the terminal, and the airport shuttle offers round-trip services to and from Sea-Tac station and Sea-Tac Airport. There are also several hotels located near the airport, some of which offer free transportation for guests.

The city of Yakima is a growing community with a vast business base and a major focus on agriculture. The region is known for its wine, with several wineries offering tastings, including Wilridge Vineyard, Winery & Distillery, Wakana Winery, and Kana Winery. The Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center is a great resource for planning your trip, with maps, trip ideas, and details on many attractions in the area. The center also has a gift shop featuring unique gifts, souvenirs, and local products, including wine, beer, and cider.

In addition to its wineries, Yakima offers a range of other attractions. For those interested in the outdoors, there are hiking trails and the Yakima River, which runs adjacent to the city. The city also has a convention center and a vibrant downtown area, with the historic Larson Building located at its heart. Yakima has a rich aviation history, with Northwest Airlines serving the airport as early as 1939 and offering daily flights to various destinations by the 1960s. Today, Aviation Day is celebrated in Yakima, featuring impressive aircraft like the KC-135.

Frequently asked questions