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Wilmington Airport ILM

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Wilmington Airport (ILM) Guide

Discover Wilmington Airport (ILM), where Southern charm enhances your travel. Nestled in coastal North Carolina, ILM is your gateway to picturesque beaches and quaint towns. Our concise guide simplifies your airport experience, covering everything from flight details to amenities, ensuring a seamless journey. Notably, ILM prides itself on its unique art exhibitions, showcasing local talent and culture.

For a broader look at airports, check out the Comprehensive Airport Guide for your future travel planning.

The airport, with the airport code ILM, has two terminals: Concourse A and the Main Terminal. Concourse A has 4 gates, while the Main Terminal has 8 gates. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines operate out of the Main Terminal.

When arriving at ILM, passengers can follow the signs to baggage claim and ground transportation, which are located on the lower level of the Main Terminal. For departures, passengers can check in at the ticket counters on the upper level of the Main Terminal. Security checkpoints are located near the entrance to Concourse A and the Main Terminal.

Passengers who have time to spare before their flight can find a variety of food and beverage options in both Concourse A and the Main Terminal. Services such as ATMs, charging stations, and free Wi-Fi are also available throughout the airport.

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

Connecting Between Terminals

At Wilmington Airport, there are two terminals: Concourse A and the Main Terminal. These terminals are connected by a covered walkway, which takes approximately 5-10 minutes to walk. If you have limited mobility or heavy luggage, there is a shuttle bus service available that runs between the terminals. The shuttle bus is free to use and runs every 10-15 minutes.

If you need to transfer between airlines, you may need to take a shuttle bus to the Main Terminal, as Concourse A is primarily used by American Airlines. However, the walkway is still accessible to all passengers and is a convenient option if you have a short layover or want to stretch your legs before your next flight.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At the airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of Concourse A in the Main Terminal. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. Drivers are advised to use the cell-phone waiting areas located near the terminal, where they can wait for their passengers to arrive before proceeding to the curbside for pick-up.

It is important to note that the cell-phone waiting areas are free of charge, and drivers are allowed to wait for up to 30 minutes. This area is equipped with flight information displays, so drivers can keep track of their passenger's flight status. Once the passenger has arrived, the driver can proceed to the curbside for pick-up, and must not park or leave the vehicle unattended. Violators of these rules may be subject to fines or towing.

Parking Facilities & Options

Wilmington Airport offers several parking options for travelers. The airport has both covered and uncovered parking garages located within walking distance of the terminals. The parking garages are divided into two sections: Concourse A and the Main Terminal. The airport also offers a cell phone waiting area for those waiting to pick up arriving passengers.

For those looking for more economical parking options, off-airport parking is available nearby. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making it a convenient option for travelers.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking lots and garages. Designated spots are located near the entrances of each terminal for easy access.

Get details about Wilmington (ILM) Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

ILM offers a variety of ground transportation options to help you get to your destination. If you prefer to rent a car, there are several major car rental companies located at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. You can easily find their rental counters in the baggage claim area.

If you need a taxi, there are designated pickup areas outside the terminal. The fares vary depending on your destination, and you can expect to pay around $25 to get to downtown Wilmington. It is recommended to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

For shared ride services, you can use Uber or Lyft. The pickup areas for these services are also located outside the terminal. However, there are some restrictions on pickups, so make sure to check the app for the latest information.

Airport shuttles are available for those who prefer a more convenient option. These shuttles operate 24/7 and offer door-to-door service to any location in the city. The pickup area for the shuttle is located outside the baggage claim area. The fares vary depending on your destination, but you can expect to pay around $30 for a one-way trip.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, public transportation is available. The Wave Transit System operates several bus routes that connect the airport to various destinations in Wilmington. The bus stop is located outside the terminal, and the fare is $2 per ride.

Airport Hotels

Discover the best accommodations near your travel hub with our comprehensive list of airport hotels. From the chic Wilmington House with a game room and yard, the comfortable Seahawk Haven, to the strategic Studio 6 Wilmington, NC, we've got options to suit every traveler's needs. Enjoy the convenience of being near the airport while also having easy access to popular attractions like the USS North Carolina and the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts. Don't miss out on these fantastic hotel options for your next trip. Check out our ILM Airport Hotels for more information.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Wilmington (ILM) Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options to its passengers. For a quick bite, head to Dunkin' Donuts located in Concourse A or Starbucks in the Main Terminal. For a more substantial meal, check out the Coastal Café in Concourse A, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Another great option is the Port City Java in the Main Terminal, which offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.

When it comes to shopping, there are several stores to choose from. In Concourse A, you'll find Hudson News, which offers a variety of snacks, magazines, and travel essentials. In the Main Terminal, check out the PGA Tour Shop for golf enthusiasts or the Coastal Carolina Winery for a unique souvenir. If you're looking for something more practical, there's also a Best Buy Express kiosk in the Main Terminal where you can purchase electronics and accessories.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at ILM can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, explore the facilities at this link.

Passenger Services

ILM Airport, located in the United States, offers a variety of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.

For those who need to stay connected, free wifi access is available throughout Concourse A and the Main Terminal.

If you have lost an item during your travels, the airport's lost and found office is located in the Main Terminal.

Traveling with children? There are designated children's play areas located in both Concourse A and the Main Terminal to keep little ones entertained.

Special-needs services are also available, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms. Please contact airport staff for assistance.

For your banking needs, there are ATM machines located in both Concourse A and the Main Terminal.

In case of a medical emergency, there is a medical clinic located in the Main Terminal. Please contact airport staff for assistance.

Flight Status Info

As a traveler, it's important to stay up-to-date with the status of your flight when arriving at the airport. Fortunately, there are several ways to check the status of your flight departure.

One of the most common ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays show real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Passengers can easily find the display nearest to their gate and check for any updates.

Another way to stay informed is by using airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines offer their own app, which allows passengers to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes directly to their phone. These alerts can be received through text, email, or push notifications, making it easy to stay informed on the go.

Lastly, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Wilmington 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 2 hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. This will give you enough time to check-in, go through security, and reach your gate without feeling rushed. The busiest times at the airport are during the morning and evening rush hours, so try to avoid those times if possible.

Getting to the Airport

The best way to get to Wilmington Airport is by car. The airport is conveniently located just off of I-40 and there are plenty of parking options available. If you prefer public transportation, there are several taxi and shuttle services that operate in the area. You can also take the Wave Transit bus, which has a stop at the airport.

Getting Oriented

When you arrive at Wilmington (ILM) Airport, use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented. These maps will show you where everything is located, including the check-in counters, security checkpoints, restrooms, and restaurants. You can also use the maps to find your gate and track your flight status.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at ILM, make sure you arrive early and have all of your travel documents ready. This includes your boarding pass, ID, and any necessary visas or travel permits. Be sure to follow all TSA regulations and pack your carry-on bags appropriately. If you do experience a delay, stay calm and check with airport staff for updates on your flight status.

Security Wait Times

At ILM Airport, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and season. During peak travel periods, such as holidays and weekends, wait times can be longer than usual. However, the airport has implemented several measures to help reduce wait times, including additional TSA agents and pre-check lanes. It is recommended to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time to allow enough time for check-in and security screening. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.

Airport Facts & Stats

Wilmington (ILM) Airport is a small airport located in the United States. It has two terminals, Concourse A and the Main Terminal.

The airport is serviced by several airlines, with the top five airlines being Delta, American, United, Allegiant, and Frontier. On average, there are approximately 50 daily flights from ILM.

On an average day, the airport handles around 3,000 passengers. There are over 10 destinations served by ILM, with the top five being Atlanta, Charlotte, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C.

ILM is a hub for American Airlines and Delta Airlines, both of which offer connecting flights to many destinations across the United States and beyond.

Airport History

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

  • 1927: The airport was established as Bluethenthal Field, named after local aviator Arthur Bluethenthal.
  • 1940s: During World War II, the airport was used as a training base for the United States Army Air Forces.
  • 1950s: The airport underwent major renovations and expansions, including the addition of a new terminal building and runway.
  • 1960s: The airport became a hub for Piedmont Airlines, which helped to increase passenger traffic and boost the local economy.
  • 1980s: The airport was renamed Wilmington International Airport to reflect its growing importance as a regional transportation hub.
  • 1990s: The airport continued to expand and modernize, with the addition of new parking facilities, a business center, and a new air traffic control tower.
  • 2000s: Hurricane Florence caused significant damage to the airport in 2018, but it was quickly repaired and reopened to the public.

Today, the Wilmington International Airport serves as an important gateway to the southeastern United States, with multiple airlines offering nonstop flights to major destinations across the country.

Airport Contact Information

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

  • IATA Code: ILM
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 910-341-4333
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Wilmington International Airport, 1740 Airport Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28405, United States

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

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