Aerial View of Imperial County Airport

Imperial County Airport IPL

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Imperial County Airport (IPL) Guide

Discover Imperial County Airport (IPL), the Southern California hub that stands out with its unique desert oasis vibe, offering a seamless journey for all travelers. This guide simplifies your airport experience, covering everything from flight updates to amenities, ensuring a pleasant stay. Explore our concise directories for dining and shopping to enhance your visit. Ready for a hassle-free trip? Let's dive in.

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The airport has one terminal building with two gates. Gate 1 is used by United Airlines and Gate 2 is used by American Airlines. The terminal building houses a restaurant, a gift shop, and a rental car counter.

Passengers arriving at Imperial County Airport can easily navigate the terminal building as it is relatively small. Upon arrival, passengers can proceed to baggage claim and then exit the terminal building to find ground transportation options such as taxis and rental cars.

For passengers departing from Imperial County Airport, it is recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Upon entering the terminal building, passengers can proceed to the airline check-in counters located near the entrance. After checking in, passengers can proceed through security to access the boarding gate.

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

Connecting Between Terminals

IPL is a small airport with only one terminal building, so there is no need to worry about getting between terminals. All gates, shops, and restaurants are located within the same building, making it easy for passengers to navigate. The terminal building is also relatively small, so walking times are short and manageable for most travelers. For those with limited mobility, wheelchairs are available upon request.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

IPL provides several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. The airport has designated curbside areas for passenger loading and unloading. However, there are strict restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. Drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times.

If you need to wait for arriving passengers, the airport provides a cell-phone waiting area. This area is located near the airport entrance and is free to use. Drivers can park their vehicles and wait for a call from their arriving passengers. Once the passengers are ready, the driver can proceed to the curbside area for pick-up.

Parking Facilities & Options

IPL Airport offers several parking options for travelers. The airport has a short-term parking lot located directly in front of the terminal building, which is ideal for those picking up or dropping off passengers. For those who need to park for an extended period, there is a long-term parking lot located just a short walk from the terminal.

In addition to the on-site parking options, there are also several off-airport parking facilities located near the airport. These off-airport parking facilities offer an economical option for travelers who are looking to save money on parking fees. Most off-airport parking facilities offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making it easy to get to your terminal.

For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, there is a cell phone waiting area located just outside the airport. This area is free to use and allows drivers to wait in their car until their passenger has arrived and is ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in both the short-term and long-term parking lots. Designated handicapped parking spaces are located near the terminal building for easy access.

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

Transportation Options

Imperial County Airport offers various transportation options for travelers to get to and from the airport.

Car rental facilities are available at the airport with major providers such as Avis, Budget, and Hertz. These rental companies offer a range of vehicles to suit different needs and budgets.

Taxi services are also available at the airport, with drop-off areas located outside the terminal building. Fares are metered, and the cost of the ride will depend on the distance traveled.

For those looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are also available. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal building, and there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage that can be accommodated.

Airport shuttles are another option for travelers, with several companies offering this service. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal building, and fares may vary depending on the destination.

Public transportation options are also available for those looking for a more budget-friendly option. The Imperial Valley Transit bus service operates several routes that stop at the airport, providing connections to other parts of the city.

Airport Hotels

Looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? We've got you covered. From budget-friendly motels to luxurious hotels, our comprehensive guide introduces you to some of the best options available. All of these hotels offer a variety of amenities designed to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible, such as complimentary WiFi, cable TV, and round-the-clock front desk services. Some even boast outdoor recreational facilities like swimming pools and hot tubs. Discover the best hotels near the airport by exploring our guide. Imperial County Airport Hotels

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

IPL Airport may be small, but it still offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. If you're looking for a quick bite before your flight, head to the airport's restaurant, Flightline Cafe. This cozy spot serves up classic American fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. For a caffeine fix, stop by the cafe's coffee bar and try one of their specialty drinks. Flightline Cafe is located in the main terminal building, near the TSA checkpoint.

If you have some time to kill before your flight, browse the selection of stores at the airport. The airport's gift shop, Skyway Market, offers a range of souvenirs, snacks, and travel essentials. You can also find a small selection of books and magazines here. For some pampering, visit the airport's spa, XpresSpa. This oasis offers a range of services, including massages, facials, and nail treatments. Skyway Market and XpresSpa are both located in the main terminal building, near the departure gates.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Imperial County Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, click here to navigate the options.

Passenger Services

Imperial County Airport offers a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience for all passengers.

For those who need to stay connected, free wifi access is available throughout the airport terminal.

If you have lost an item during your travels, the airport's lost and found department can assist you in locating and retrieving your belongings.

Traveling with children? The airport has designated children's play areas to keep your little ones entertained and occupied before your flight.

Special-needs services are also available at the airport, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces.

For your banking needs, there are ATMs located throughout the terminal for your convenience.

In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a first aid station staffed by trained medical personnel to provide assistance as needed.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight, especially if there are any delays, cancelations, or gate changes. Luckily, there are several ways to get flight status information at IPL.

One of the easiest ways to check flight status is by using the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, arrivals, and gate information. Simply find the display with your flight number and check the status.

Another convenient option is to download your airline's mobile app. Most airlines offer apps that allow you to track your flight status, receive alerts about delays or changes, and even check in for your flight. You can also opt-in to receive text, email, or push notifications about your flight status.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at IPL Airport 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

It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This will give you enough time to check-in, go through security, and find your gate. The busiest times at the airport are typically during the morning and evening rush hours, so it is best to avoid these times if possible.

Getting to the Airport

Imperial County Airport is located just 3 miles south of the city of Imperial, California. The best way to get to the airport is by car. If you are driving, take CA-86 and turn onto Airport Road. There is plenty of parking available at the airport, including short-term and long-term options.

Getting Oriented

If you are unfamiliar with Imperial County Airport, you can use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented. These maps provide a detailed layout of the airport, including the location of gates, restrooms, restaurants, and other amenities. You can access the maps on your computer or mobile device, making it easy to navigate the airport.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at IPL, make sure to arrive early and give yourself plenty of time to go through security. Be sure to follow all TSA guidelines and regulations, including packing liquids in a clear, plastic bag and removing laptops and other electronics from your carry-on luggage. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask airport staff for assistance.

Security Wait Times

When traveling through IPL Airport, it's important to budget enough time for TSA Security wait times. While the airport is small and generally less crowded than larger airports, the TSA Security checkpoint can still experience delays during peak travel times. It's recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow for enough time to check-in, drop off luggage, and go through security. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.

Airport Facts & Stats

The airport, located in Imperial, California, is a small airport with one terminal serving the Imperial County area. The airport code is IPL.

On average, the airport handles around 200 passengers daily with approximately 20 daily flights. The top airlines with the most daily flights are United Airlines and JSX, with United Airlines offering flights to Los Angeles and JSX offering flights to Burbank and Oakland.

The airport serves around 4 destinations on average, with the top 5 destinations being Los Angeles, Burbank, Oakland, El Centro, and San Diego.

Imperial County Airport is primarily used by United Express as a hub for their regional flights. Other airlines that use IPL include JSX and Advanced Air.

Airport History

The Imperial County Airport, located in Imperial, California, has a rich history dating back to the early 1940s. Originally built as a military airfield, the airport played a crucial role in World War II by serving as a training ground for pilots and aircrews. After the war, the airport was transferred to civilian control and became a hub for commercial and private aviation.

Over the years, the Imperial County Airport has undergone several renovations and upgrades to meet the growing demands of air travel. In 1960, a new terminal building was constructed to accommodate the increasing number of passengers. In 1982, the airport added a new runway to support larger aircraft. In 2017, the airport completed a major renovation project that included the installation of a new air traffic control tower, improved runway lighting, and upgraded passenger facilities.

Today, the Imperial County Airport continues to serve as an important transportation hub for the region, connecting passengers to destinations across the United States and beyond. With its rich history and modern amenities, the airport is a testament to the enduring importance of air travel in our world.

  • Built as a military airfield in the early 1940s
  • Served as a training ground for pilots and aircrews during World War II
  • Transferred to civilian control after the war
  • New terminal building constructed in 1960
  • New runway added in 1982
  • Major renovation project completed in 2017

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Imperial County Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: IPL
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: (760) 482-2471
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Imperial County Airport, 1101 Airport Rd, Imperial, CA 92251, United States

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

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