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Peoria General Downing Airport PIA

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Peoria General Downing Airport (PIA) Guide

Welcome to Peoria General Downing Airport (PIA), the central Illinois hub known for its unique "Air Mall" that lets you shop as if you were in the city center. Flying in or out, we streamline your journey with easy parking, diverse dining, and shopping. Dive into our Comprehensive Airport Guide for essential tips, from flight updates to terminal maps, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

PIA Airport has one terminal building with two levels, and a total of 10 gates. The terminal is divided into two concourses, A and B. Concourse A has gates A1 to A5, while Concourse B has gates B6 to B10.

Major airlines operating at PIA include Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. Allegiant Air operates from gate A2, while American Airlines and Delta Air Lines operate from gates B7 and B8 respectively.

Passengers can find various services and amenities at the airport terminal, including restaurants, cafes, shops, and restrooms. There are also charging stations available for electronic devices, as well as free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal building.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

the airport is a small airport with only one terminal building. Therefore, passengers do not need to worry about navigating between different terminals. All gates, shops, and restaurants are located in the same building, making it easy for travelers to find everything they need in one place.However, if passengers need to get to other parts of the airport, such as the parking lot or rental car center, they can take advantage of the airport's complimentary shuttle service. The shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes and stops at various locations around the airport, including the terminal building, parking lot, and rental car center. The shuttle is wheelchair accessible and easy to use, making it a convenient option for all passengers.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At PIA, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the terminal building. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, so it is important to plan accordingly. Drivers are not allowed to park or leave their vehicle unattended at the curbside. If you need to wait for your passenger, you can use the cell-phone waiting area located near the airport entrance. This area is free and provides a convenient place for drivers to wait until their passenger arrives.

If you need to park your vehicle, there are several parking options available at PIA. The airport offers short-term and long-term parking options, as well as a free shuttle service to and from the parking lots. The short-term parking lot is located directly across from the terminal building, while the long-term parking lot is located a short distance away. Both lots are well-lit and offer 24-hour security.

Parking Facilities & Options

PIA Airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. The airport has a parking garage located directly across from the terminal building, providing easy access to the airport. Additionally, there are several surface lots available for both short-term and long-term parking.

For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, the airport offers a cell phone waiting area located just outside the terminal building. This area allows drivers to wait in their cars until their passengers are ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking areas, with designated spaces located near the terminal building and shuttle stops.

For travelers looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available nearby. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport and can be a cost-effective alternative to on-site parking.

Get details about PIA parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers. For those who prefer to drive themselves, there are several car rental companies located at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. These companies offer a range of vehicles to suit any need, from economy cars to SUVs.

Taxi services are also available at the airport, with drop-off areas located outside of the terminal. Fares vary depending on the destination, so be sure to ask your driver for an estimate before departing. Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available and can be picked up at designated areas outside of the terminal. However, please note that these services may have restrictions depending on the city or state.

Airport shuttles are another convenient option for travelers. These shuttles provide transportation to and from the airport and are available for both individuals and groups. Pickup areas are located outside of the terminal, and fares vary depending on the shuttle service and destination.

If you prefer to use public transportation, the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District (CityLink) offers bus service to and from the airport. The bus stop is located outside of the terminal, and fares are affordable. However, please note that bus schedules may be limited on weekends and holidays.

Airport Hotels

When traveling, finding a comfortable and convenient hotel near the airport is a priority. Whether you're looking for a historic cottage, a pet-friendly townhome, or a luxury hotel, there are plenty of options to choose from. Each hotel is conveniently located within a short distance from the airport, making your commute less stressful. Moreover, many of these accommodations are also within easy reach of local attractions. From hotels that cater to extended stays with fully-equipped kitchens to those that offer complimentary breakfasts, there's something for every traveler's needs. Some hotels even offer amenities like indoor pools, fitness centers, and in-house restaurants. If you are ready to book now, view all Greater Peoria Airport Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Peoria General Downing Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. For those looking for a quick bite to eat, there is a Dunkin' Donuts located in the main terminal. For a sit-down meal, Avanti's Italian Restaurant is a popular choice, serving up classic Italian dishes. Another recommended restaurant is Thyme Kitchen & Craft Beer, which offers a wide selection of craft beers and locally sourced ingredients in their dishes. Both Avanti's and Thyme Kitchen & Craft Beer are located near the main terminal.

In addition to dining options, there are also several stores for travelers to browse. The Paradies Shops offer a variety of items, including books, snacks, and travel essentials. There is also a CNBC News store, where travelers can pick up the latest news and magazines. For those looking for a souvenir, there is a Spirit of Peoria gift shop, offering a selection of items related to the city and the riverboat of the same name. The Paradies Shops, CNBC News, and Spirit of Peoria gift shop are all located in the main terminal.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Peoria Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, browse the full directory here.

Passenger Services

Peoria General Downing Airport offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

For those needing to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport. If you have lost an item during your travels, head to the lost and found located in the main terminal building.

Traveling with children? The airport features a children's play area to keep kids entertained before your flight. Special-needs services are also available upon request, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.

If you need to do some banking before your trip, there is an ATM located in the main terminal building. And for any medical needs, a first aid station is available on site.

Flight Status Info

As air travel can be unpredictable, it's always a good idea to keep track of your flight status to avoid any inconvenience. Peoria Airport provides several ways for air travelers to check their flight status.

One of the easiest ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Another convenient way to stay updated on your flight status is by downloading your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines offer this service, which allows passengers to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via text, email, or push notifications. This way, you can stay informed about any changes to your flight schedule without having to constantly check the airport displays.

Lastly, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at PIA by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

Passengers traveling from PIA Airport should arrive at least 90 minutes before their scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 2 hours before for international flights. The busiest times at the airport are during the morning and evening rush hours, so it's best to avoid those times if possible.

Getting to the Airport

The airport is located just off I-474, making it easily accessible by car. There are also several taxi and ride-sharing services available in the area. For those who prefer public transportation, the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District offers bus service to the airport.

Getting Oriented

If you're unfamiliar with Peoria General Downing Airport, be sure to check out the interactive airport maps on iFly.com. These maps provide a detailed layout of the airport, including the location of gates, restrooms, and other amenities. You can also use the maps to plan your route to and from the airport.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at Peoria Airport, be sure to check the status of your flight before you leave for the airport. You can do this by visiting the airport's website or by downloading the airline's mobile app. It's also a good idea to pack light and arrive early to allow plenty of time for security screening and boarding.

Security Wait Times

At PIA, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Generally, wait times are shorter during early morning and late evening flights, while midday flights tend to have longer wait times. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for TSA Security screening and any unexpected delays. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.

Airport Facts & Stats

PIA Airport, located in Peoria, Illinois, is a small airport with one terminal that serves the central Illinois region. Despite its size, the airport offers a variety of services and amenities for travelers, including free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a gift shop.

On average, the airport handles around 1,200 passengers daily, with approximately 50 daily flights. The airport serves 10 destinations, with the top 5 being Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Charlotte, and Atlanta.

The airport is primarily served by American Airlines, with the airline offering the most daily flights. Other airlines that serve the airport include Delta, United, and Allegiant. Additionally, the airport serves as a hub for Allegiant Air.

Airport History

The airport, located in Peoria, Illinois, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1915 - The airport was established as a grass landing strip for local pilots.
  • 1929 - The airport was officially named Peoria Municipal Airport.
  • 1940 - The airport was renamed General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport in honor of a local pilot who died in World War II.
  • 1959 - The airport underwent a major expansion, including the construction of a new terminal building and runway.
  • 1985 - The airport was renamed Peoria International Airport.
  • 1996 - A new terminal building was constructed, featuring modern amenities and improved passenger services.
  • 2011 - The airport was renamed General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport to honor the pilot's legacy once again.
  • 2015 - The airport celebrated its 100th anniversary with a series of events and activities.
  • 2018 - The airport announced plans for a major renovation and expansion project, including the construction of a new concourse and additional gates.

Today, Peoria General Downing Airport serves as an important transportation hub for central Illinois, connecting travelers to destinations across the United States and beyond.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Peoria International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: PIA
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: (309) 697-8272
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Peoria International Airport, 6100 W Everett McKinley Dirksen Pkwy, Peoria, IL 61607, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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