AVL Airport Insights & Guide
- Frequent Flier Tips
- Airport Recent News
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from AVL-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"AVL is a smaller airport, so it's pretty easy to navigate. The main terminal has all the gates, and it's a single concourse layout. Just follow the signs, and you’ll be at your gate in no time. Security lines are usually short, but it’s always good to arrive early, especially during peak travel times." — John D., Hendersonville, NC, August 2023
"If you’re connecting through AVL, you won't have to worry about changing terminals. Everything is compact and within walking distance. This makes it super convenient for tight layovers." — Emily R., Fletcher, NC, July 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The best way to get to downtown Asheville from the airport is by taking a taxi or using a ride-sharing service. It’s about a 20-minute drive, depending on traffic. If you prefer public transportation, the ART bus service is a budget-friendly option." — Michael K., Arden, NC, September 2023
"Renting a car is also a great option if you plan to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Biltmore Estate. The rental car counters are right by baggage claim, making it super convenient." — Lisa M., Skyland, NC, October 2023
Parking
"AVL offers both short-term and long-term parking options. The short-term lot is right next to the terminal, which is perfect for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. For longer trips, the long-term lot is just a short walk away and is quite affordable." — David P., Mills River, NC, November 2023
"If you’re looking to save some money, check out the economy lot. It’s a bit farther from the terminal, but there’s a free shuttle service that runs frequently." — Rachel S., Weaverville, NC, December 2023
Inside the Airport
"AVL has some great local food options inside the terminal. Don’t miss out on the barbecue at Blue Ridge Tavern. It’s a taste of Asheville right in the airport!" — Tom W., Asheville, NC, January 2024
"For those last-minute gifts or snacks, the Hudson News store has a good selection. They carry a lot of local products, so you can grab something unique to the area." — Jessica T., Black Mountain, NC, February 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Check the AVL website for real-time flight updates and wait times. It’s a great way to stay informed and reduce stress, especially if there are weather concerns." — Brian L., Swannanoa, NC, March 2024
"If you’re traveling during the holidays or peak seasons, try to book flights that depart early in the morning. These flights are less likely to be delayed, and the airport is usually less crowded." — Amanda C., Fairview, NC, April 2024
iFly Tip: Be prepared for any travel situation with our expert airport advice.
Helpful Tips & Resources
Is Fletcher Airport (AVL) airport a bit unfamiliar to you? Look no further than iFly.com for insightful tips and advice. Read on!
- Upon passing through security, go to the map of AVL's airport to navigate through the terminals, and view the restaurant, bars and shopping options as you head to your gate.
- Check here for info on lounges or clubs where you might be able to access via a day pass if you're not a member or flying in first class.
- At times, Fletcher airport has changes to its airlines. Review the airlines that have scheduled flights from Asheville Regional Airport AVL here.
- Waiting to pick up an arriving passenger? To see where the plane is, when its slated to land, and which terminal it will deplane, use the live flight tracker.
- Want to find the cheapest flight fare from AVL airport? Compare multiple providers, check directly with airlines, and look into alternative airports.
Getting to Know AVL Airport
Welcome to the Asheville Regional Airport Online Guide, your go-to resource for a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. Known for its compact yet efficient design, AVL serves as a vital gateway to the scenic city of Asheville, North Carolina. This guide offers an in-depth overview of the airport's facilities and services, ensuring you navigate through AVL's terminal with ease. Whether you're here for a short layover or awaiting your flight, AVL's unique features such as the local craft beer at the French Broad Brewhouse, promise to make your stay enjoyable. For those embarking on a broader journey, be sure to explore our worldwide airport list for useful insights into other airports you may visit.
Airport News
Asheville Regional Airport is undergoing a major transformation with the $400 million "AVL Forward" project, the most significant infrastructure endeavor in the airport's history. This project includes the construction of a new north concourse with seven gates, set to be completed within two years, followed by the demolition and reconstruction of the south concourse. The expansion will increase the airport's size by 150%, modernize boarding bridges, and add new amenities such as nursing facilities, new concessions, and a pet bathroom. These improvements are aimed at accommodating the airport's growing passenger numbers, which reached a record 2.2 million in 2023, a 22% increase from the previous year (sources: ExploreAsheville.com, WUNC, Yahoo News).
Navigating AVL's Terminals
The airport has one terminal building with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A has 5 gates and Concourse B has 7 gates. Major airlines such as American, Delta, and United operate out of both concourses.
Upon entering the terminal, passengers will find ticket counters and baggage claim areas in the center of the building. Security checkpoints are located at the entrances to each concourse. Once through security, passengers can find a variety of dining and shopping options, including local craft beer at the French Broad Brewhouse and grab-and-go snacks at the Blue Ridge Trading + Tavern.
Gate numbers are clearly marked above each gate and are also displayed on flight information screens throughout the terminal. Passengers can easily navigate between concourses using the moving walkways or by walking through the center of the terminal.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
Asheville Regional Airport has a single terminal building that houses both the arrivals and departures areas. Therefore, passengers do not need to worry about getting between terminals at this airport.
However, if you need to travel to other destinations, the airport offers several ground transportation options, including taxis, rental cars, and shuttle services. The airport also has a bus service that connects to downtown Asheville and other nearby towns.
If you prefer to walk, the terminal building is compact and easy to navigate, with all the facilities located within a short distance. The airport also provides wheelchair assistance for passengers with mobility issues.
Overall, getting around Asheville Airport is a breeze, and passengers do not need to worry about navigating between terminals.
iFly Tip: Learn about the entire flight process with insights from an airline pilot on our flight explanation page.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
The airport provides several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. For those who wish to park and escort their loved ones inside the terminal, there are designated curbside parking areas available. However, it is important to note that parking in these areas is restricted to a maximum of 10 minutes and vehicles must be attended at all times. Unattended vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense.
For those who prefer to wait in their vehicle, the airport also offers a cell-phone waiting area. This area is located just a few minutes away from the terminal and allows drivers to wait for their arriving passengers without having to circle the airport or pay for parking. Once the passenger has collected their luggage and is ready to be picked up, the driver can then proceed to the curbside pickup area.
Parking Facilities & Options
Asheville Regional Airport offers several parking options for travelers. There are both covered and uncovered parking garages located adjacent to the terminal building. The garages are easily accessible and provide convenient parking for those who want to park close to the airport. Additionally, there are several surface lots located near the terminal building that offer both short-term and long-term parking options.
For those who are waiting to pick up arriving passengers, there is a cell phone waiting area located just a short distance from the terminal building. This area allows drivers to wait in their cars until their passengers arrive, without having to circle the airport or pay for parking.
Handicapped parking is available in all of the parking areas, with designated spaces located close to the terminal building. These spaces are clearly marked and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Off-airport parking is also available for those who are looking for a more economical option. Several off-airport parking lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making it easy for travelers to park their cars and get to the terminal quickly.
Get details about AVL parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
Asheville Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options to help you get to your destination. If you prefer to drive yourself, car rental facilities are available at the airport. Major providers include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.
If you prefer to take a taxi, drop-off areas are located outside the baggage claim area. Fares are based on mileage and time, with an initial charge of $2.50. Additional passengers and luggage may incur extra fees.
Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available at AVL. Pickup areas are located outside the baggage claim area. Please note that some restrictions may apply, such as the number of passengers or the amount of luggage allowed.
If you prefer to take an airport shuttle, several companies offer this service. Pickup areas are located outside the baggage claim area. Fares vary depending on the company and destination, so it is recommended to check with the shuttle provider for more information.
Public transportation options are also available at AVL. The Asheville Transit System offers bus service to and from the airport. The Route 6 bus stops at the airport and connects to downtown Asheville. Fares are $1.00 per ride or $2.00 for a day pass.
iFly Tip: Check out how airline hubs improve operational efficiency in aviation.
Airport Hotels
Looking for the perfect place to rest before or after your flight? We've got you covered. Our comprehensive guide to Asheville Airport Hotels offers a range of accommodations to suit every traveler's needs. From hotels providing complimentary shuttle services to those with indoor and outdoor swimming facilities, you're sure to find the perfect place to stay. Whether you're seeking a short stay before an early flight or a comfortable base for sightseeing, these hotels offer a blend of comfort and convenience. Click to discover the best hotel options near the airport.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
AVL offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers to enjoy. For those looking for a quick bite, there is a Starbucks located in the main terminal. For a sit-down meal, try Blue Ridge Tavern & Grill, which offers a menu of American classics and is located pre-security near baggage claim. Another great option is The Great American Bagel, which serves up fresh bagels and sandwiches and is located post-security near Gate 4.
When it comes to shopping, travelers can browse a selection of local gifts and souvenirs at Blue Ridge Trading + Tavern, located pre-security near baggage claim. For those looking for a good book or magazine to read on their flight, there is a Hudson News post-security near Gate 4. And for any last-minute travel needs, there is a CNBC Newsstand located in the main terminal.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at AVL Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and newsstands, click here.
Passenger Services
AVL offers a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience. One of the most important services is wifi access, which is available throughout the airport. Passengers can connect to the airport's free wifi network to stay connected with friends, family, and work while waiting for their flight.
If you have lost an item at the airport, the lost and found department is located in the baggage claim area. You can also report a lost item by calling the airport's customer service number. For families traveling with children, there are designated play areas located throughout the airport to keep kids entertained. Additionally, special-needs services are available for passengers who require assistance. Wheelchairs and other mobility aids can be arranged in advance by contacting the airport's customer service department.
For travelers who need to access banking services, there is an ATM located in the main terminal. Medical help is also available at the airport in case of emergencies. The airport has a first aid station staffed by medical professionals who can provide assistance if needed.
Flight Status Info
AVL Airport is a popular airport for travelers in the United States. If you're traveling through the airport, it's important to stay up-to-date on your flight status. Luckily, there are several ways to check your flight status at the airport.
One way to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply find the display that corresponds to your flight and check the status.
Another way to stay informed about your flight status is by using airline mobile phone apps. Many airlines have their own apps that allow you to check your flight status, receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes, and even check in for your flight. You can also sign up for text, email, and push notifications to receive updates about your flight status.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Asheville Regional Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is located in Asheville, North Carolina, United States.
- Terminal: The airport has one terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights.
- Airlines Served: Major airlines serving AVL include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. For a full list of airlines, visit the AVL Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: The airport handles around 10,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: Asheville Regional Airport sees an average of 80 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations from AVL are Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Newark.
- Hub Status: AVL serves as a hub for Allegiant Air and Elite Airways.
Airport History
AVL Airport, located in North Carolina, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1928 - The airport was established as a dirt runway for local pilots.
- 1961 - The runway was paved, and the airport officially became the airport.
- 1980 - The airport underwent a major renovation, including the construction of a new terminal building.
- 1990 - The airport added a second runway, allowing for increased air traffic.
- 2011 - Asheville Regional Airport became the first airport in the country to install a solar farm on its property, generating renewable energy for the surrounding community.
- 2018 - The airport completed a $64 million renovation project, which included a new parking garage, expanded terminal, and upgraded amenities for passengers.
Today, Asheville Airport serves over one million passengers each year and continues to be an important transportation hub for the region.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Asheville Regional Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: AVL
- Airport Website
- Phone: +1 828-684-2226
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Asheville Regional Airport, 61 Terminal Drive #1, Fletcher, NC 28732, United States
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Asheville Regional Airport Q&A
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