Roberta Aguirre
MBS International Airport (MBS) is a commercial airport located in Freeland, Michigan, serving Midland, Bay City, and Saginaw. In recent years, MBS airport has seen significant growth and expansion, with a new $55 million six-gate terminal opening in 2012. The airport offers various amenities and services, including long-term parking, rental cars, and crew lounges. However, travellers often question why flying from or to MBS airport can be so expensive. This paragraph serves as an introduction to exploring the reasons behind the high costs associated with MBS airport and examining potential factors that may influence pricing.
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What You'll Learn
The construction of a new terminal in 2012
MBS International Airport, located in Freeland, Michigan, is a commercial and general aviation airport serving Midland, Bay City, and Saginaw. The airport is owned by Bay County and the cities of Midland and Saginaw, with its name derived from the initials of these three communities.
In October 2012, MBS International Airport opened a new terminal as part of its expansion plans. The new terminal cost $55 million to construct and featured six gates, replacing the previous three-gate terminal built in 1965. This project was completed ahead of schedule, with the old terminal being demolished in 2017.
The new terminal was a significant upgrade for the airport, providing additional gates and improved facilities to accommodate a growing number of passengers and airlines. Over the years, MBS International Airport has experienced periods of growth, with new airlines offering services to various domestic and international destinations.
The construction of the new terminal in 2012 was a crucial step in the airport's development, allowing it to cater to increased demand and provide an enhanced travel experience for its customers. It demonstrates the airport's commitment to investing in its infrastructure and maintaining its position as a key transportation hub in the region.
MBS International Airport continues to make improvements, such as the installation of a credential authentication technology (CAT) unit at its TSA checkpoint in 2022, ensuring the safety and efficiency of its operations.
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The airport's ownership and governance
MBS International Airport is a commercial airport serving Midland, Bay City, and Saginaw in Michigan. It is owned by Bay County and the cities of Midland and Saginaw, with the airport's name being an initialism of these three communities. The airport is governed by a nine-member commission, with three members from each of the owner communities.
MBS International Airport was formerly named Tri-City Airport or Freeland Tri-City Airport, reflecting the “Tri-Cities” nickname of the region. The airport was renamed in 1994 to prevent confusion with other airports with similar names across the United States. While owned by three municipalities, the IATA and FAA city name associated with the airport is Saginaw, meaning that the control tower is known to pilots as the "Saginaw Tower".
In October 2012, the airport opened a new $55 million six-gate terminal, replacing the old three-gate terminal built in 1965. The airport saw robust passenger numbers in 2018, with a 13% increase in passengers. This was followed by a major rehabilitation of its main runway in 2019. In 2022, a credential authentication technology (CAT) unit was installed at the TSA checkpoint, enhancing security and efficiency.
MBS International Airport has a strong focus on serving its community and plays an essential role in connecting the region to the rest of the world. The airport is committed to providing efficient and safe travel options for its passengers and continuously works towards improving its facilities and services.
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The cost of an Uber trip to the airport
MBS International Airport, located in Freeland, Michigan, is a commercial and general aviation airport serving Midland, Bay City, and Saginaw. While I could not find specific information on why the airport is expensive, I did find information on the cost of an Uber trip to the airport in general.
To get an estimate of the cost of an Uber trip to the airport, you can use the Uber price estimator on their website or app. This tool allows you to enter your pickup and drop-off locations and provides an estimated fare for the trip. Uber has also introduced new features to help make rides more affordable for users, such as the route share feature, which can cost up to 50% less than an UberX, and prepaid ride passes that can save you money on frequently travelled routes.
It's important to note that the cost of an Uber trip to the airport can also be influenced by the specific location of the airport and the availability of drivers. For example, at busy airports like LAX, Uber drivers may spend a significant amount of time waiting to be matched with passengers, which can impact the overall cost of the ride. Additionally, some airports may have a designated ride-sharing pickup area that is located a considerable distance from the terminal, requiring passengers to walk or take a shuttle, which can add to the total trip time and cost.
To save money on your Uber trip to the airport, you may consider taking advantage of Uber's new features, such as the route share option or prepaid ride passes. Additionally, keeping an eye on surge pricing and opting for off-peak travel times can help you avoid higher fares.
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The airport's expansion in the 1980s and 1990s
MBS International Airport, located in Freeland, Michigan, has undergone significant expansion and development over the years, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s. During these two decades, the airport experienced a period of growth in terms of airline service expansion and an increase in the number of airlines serving the airport.
In the 1980s, Republic merged with Northwest Airlines, which became a major player at MBS. Northwest Airlines served routes to Detroit and Minneapolis/St. Paul using a variety of aircraft, including the McDonnell Douglas DC-9, Boeing 727, and Airbus A319 and A320. Northwest Airlink, their regional brand, also linked MBS to nearby cities such as Flint, Lansing, and Alpena using turboprop aircraft. During this time, Continental Airlines provided mainline service to Cleveland using McDonnell Douglas DC-9 and Boeing 737 aircraft.
As the 1990s began, MBS International Airport continued to expand its airline partnerships. Skyway Airlines, also known as The Midwest Express Connection, served MBS in the 1990s with service to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, using Beechcraft 1900 turboprop aircraft. Chicago Express Airlines, a now-defunct carrier, served MBS in the early 1990s with daily service to Chicago Midway Airport using Jetstream 31 turboprop aircraft. Delta Connection carrier Comair also briefly linked MBS with Cincinnati using Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia turboprop aircraft in the mid-1990s.
United Airlines played a significant role at MBS during this period, providing mainline service since the airport's commercial service began. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, United linked MBS with Chicago using Boeing 737 and 727 aircraft. They also offered service to Denver via Stapleton International Airport in the 1980s. US Airways also began service to MBS in 1996, operating Fokker 100 and Boeing 737 aircraft to Pittsburgh.
The expansion and growth during the 1980s and 1990s at MBS International Airport brought about increased airline options and destinations for travellers in the region. This period laid the foundation for the airport's continued development and its role as a vital aviation hub for the nearby communities of Midland, Bay City, and Saginaw.
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The cost of parking at the airport
MBS International Airport offers both short and long-term parking. The rates vary from $2.00 per 30 minutes up to a daily maximum of $12.00. If you stay for 15 minutes or less, there is no charge. The long-term parking area has a daily maximum rate of $8.00, making it a more economical choice for extended stays.
There are two entrances to choose from when arriving at MBS: the West entrance and the East entrance. Both offer short and long-term parking options. MBS does not offer a system to reserve parking spots in advance or valet services.
To pay for parking, you can set up an account profile on Parking.com prior to your travel. This includes providing your email address, phone number, name, vehicle information, and credit card information. With a complete account, parking at MBS becomes contactless. Your license plate will be detected upon arrival, and the gate will open for you to proceed to your chosen parking space.
Alternatively, you can pay for parking directly through your mobile device. You can scan the QR code posted at the entrance and follow the prompts on your phone to start your parking session. Once you have scanned the code, you will receive a text message with a link to set up payment prior to exiting. If payment is set up in advance, the camera will recognize your vehicle, and the gate will automatically open upon departure.
While some users have praised the MBS parking system as quick and efficient, others have criticized it as confusing and time-consuming, particularly regarding the verification process and smartphone exit signs.
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