Gary Chicago Airport

GYY Airport Insights & Guide

Tony Hanseder

Updated: August 26, 2024

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• Frequent Flier Tips
• 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 Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from GYY-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

"Gary/Chicago International Airport is compact and easy to navigate. The terminal layout is straightforward, so you won't get lost. Just follow the signs, and you’ll be at your gate in no time." — John D., Gary, IN, August 2023

"If you need assistance, the information desks are very helpful. They are located near the main entrance and can guide you to your gate or any other facilities you might need." — Maria S., Hammond, IN, July 2023

Getting To/From the City

"The South Shore Line train is a convenient option for getting to downtown Chicago. It’s affordable and runs frequently, making it a great choice for travelers." — David K., East Chicago, IN, September 2023

"Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available at GYY. Just follow the signs to the designated pickup area outside the terminal." — Lisa H., Griffith, IN, October 2023

Parking

"Parking at GYY is straightforward. The long-term parking lot is just a short walk from the terminal, and the rates are reasonable compared to other airports in the region." — Kevin B., Merrillville, IN, November 2023

"If you're picking someone up, use the cell phone lot. It’s free and keeps you from having to circle around the airport." — Emily T., Hobart, IN, December 2023

Inside the Airport

"For a quick bite, check out the food court near the main entrance. They have a decent selection of fast food and snacks." — Robert L., Crown Point, IN, January 2024

"The airport has free Wi-Fi, which is great if you need to get some work done or just want to stream a movie while you wait." — Jessica M., Schererville, IN, February 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Arrive at least 90 minutes before your flight, especially during peak travel times. Security lines can get long, and it’s better to be safe than sorry." — Michael P., Highland, IN, March 2024

"Check the airport’s website for real-time updates on wait times and flight statuses. It can save you a lot of hassle." — Angela R., Munster, IN, April 2024

Getting to Know GYY Airport

Welcome to Gary Chicago Airport, a unique gateway to the Chicagoland area, known for its less crowded, more relaxed atmosphere compared to larger airports. Perfect for both business and leisure travelers, GYY ensures a smooth journey with its modern facilities and excellent amenities. Need a quick, detailed guide through GYY? Our concise airport guide covers everything from flight status, terminal information, to dining and shopping options, making your travel hassle-free. For more insights into navigating airports smoothly, visit our Comprehensive Airport Guide at iFly.

Navigating GYY's Terminals

GYY Airport has one terminal building with two levels. The terminal has a total of four gates, which are used by two major airlines - Allegiant Air and Elite Airways. The upper level of the terminal is used for departures, while the lower level is used for arrivals. The terminal building is equipped with all the necessary amenities, including restrooms, ATMs, and a baggage claim area.

When you arrive at the airport, you will need to check the flight information displays to find out which gate your flight is departing from. The airport is small, so it should be easy to find your way around. If you need assistance, there are customer service representatives available to help you.

After passing through security, you will find a small selection of dining and shopping options. There is a restaurant and a bar, as well as a newsstand and a gift shop. If you need to charge your electronic devices, there are charging stations located throughout the terminal building.

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

Connecting Between Terminals

At the airport, there is only one terminal, so passengers do not need to worry about getting between terminals. However, the airport has a variety of amenities, including restaurants and shops, to keep passengers occupied during their time at the airport. The terminal is easily accessible by car or public transportation, and parking is available on-site for those who need it. Additionally, the airport offers shuttle services to and from nearby hotels for added convenience.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At GYY, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the designated curbside areas outside of the terminal buildings. However, there are strict regulations in place to ensure the safety and efficiency of the airport's operations. Drivers are not allowed to park or leave their vehicles unattended at the curbside areas. Violators may be subject to fines or towing.

If you need to wait for your arriving passengers, the airport provides a convenient cell-phone waiting area located just a short distance from the terminal buildings. This area is free of charge and allows drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers have arrived and collected their luggage. Once your passengers are ready to be picked up, you can proceed to the curbside area to meet them.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're flying out of GYY Airport, you'll find several parking options available to you. There are both covered and uncovered parking lots located within walking distance of the terminal, as well as a parking garage for added convenience.

If you're waiting to pick up a passenger, there is a cell phone waiting area located just outside the airport entrance. This area allows you to wait in your car until your party has arrived and is ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking areas, with designated spaces located close to the terminal for easy access.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, there are several off-airport parking lots located nearby. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, as well as lower rates than the on-site parking options.

Transportation Options

When arriving at the airport, there are several ground transportation options available to travelers:

• Car Rentals: Major car rental providers such as Avis, Budget, and Enterprise are located at the airport. These rental facilities can be found in the baggage claim area of the terminal. It's advisable to book your rental car in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel times.
• Taxis: Taxi services, including American Taxi and Yellow Cab, are available at the airport. Taxis can be found outside of the baggage claim area, and fares are calculated based on the distance traveled. It is recommended to check the fare estimate before starting your journey.
• Ride-Share Services: Services like Uber and Lyft offer a more affordable transportation option. These services can be found outside of the baggage claim area, with clearly marked pickup areas. Be mindful of any restrictions regarding the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed in these vehicles.
• Airport Shuttles: Airport shuttles are available for those needing transportation to nearby hotels or other destinations. These shuttles can be found outside of the baggage claim area, and fares vary depending on the destination. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
• Public Transportation: The Gary Public Transportation Corporation operates several bus routes that serve the airport. Fares start at $1.75, making it a cost-effective option for travelers. These buses can be found outside of the terminal building. Check the bus schedule in advance to plan your journey accordingly.

Airport Hotels

Traveling can be exhausting, and finding a comfortable place to rest after a long flight is crucial. Luckily, there are numerous excellent hotels near the airport that cater to the needs of air travelers. These establishments range from luxury resorts to cozy bed-and-breakfasts, all within a short distance from the airport. Whether you're in transit, on a business trip, or on vacation, the convenience of staying near the airport cannot be overstated. The following hotels offer a variety of amenities, from free WiFi and airport shuttle services to luxurious spa treatments and state-of-the-art fitness centers. Choose the one that best suits your needs and enjoy a comfortable, stress-free stay. For more information, check out our list of Gary Indiana Airport Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

If you find yourself at Gary Chicago Airport with some time to spare, there are a few dining and shopping options available to you. For a quick bite, head to the Skyway Cafe, located in the main terminal. They offer a variety of sandwiches, salads, and snacks, as well as coffee and other beverages. If you're looking for something heartier, try Aviator's Grill, located before security. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offer a full bar as well.

As for shopping, there is a small gift shop located in the main terminal, where you can pick up souvenirs, snacks, and travel essentials. If you're in need of reading material for your flight, there is also a newsstand located near the gift shop. And if you're looking for a last-minute gift for someone back home, try the Gary Chicago Airport logo store, located before security.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Gary Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map.

Passenger Services

• Free Wi-Fi: Gary Chicago Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, ensuring travelers can stay connected during their time at the airport.
• Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, the lost and found office is located at the airport's information desk in the main terminal.
• Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Gary Chicago Airport features designated children's play areas within the terminal.
• Special-Needs Services: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services for passengers with special needs. It’s recommended to notify your airline in advance if you require any assistance.
• ATM: ATMs are available in both the main terminal and the concourse, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
• First Aid Station: In case of a medical emergency, a first aid station is located in the main terminal. Airport staff are also available to assist with arranging transportation to a nearby hospital if needed.

Flight Status Info

When traveling by air, it's important to stay informed about your flight status to avoid any inconvenience or delays. At Gary Airport, there are several ways to get updates on your flight status.

One way is to use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply locate the display for your airline and flight number and check the status.

Another way to stay informed is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines offer mobile apps that allow you to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes. You can also check your flight status and receive updates via text, email, and push notifications.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at GYY 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: Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY) is located in Gary, Indiana, United States.
• Terminals: The airport features a single terminal.
• Airlines Served: The airport is served by airlines including SkyWest Airlines, Allegiant Air, and JSX. For more information, please refer to the GYY Airlines Served page.
• Passenger Traffic: Gary/Chicago International Airport handles approximately 500 passengers daily.
• Daily Flights: The airport sees around 30 daily flights.
• Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from GYY include Punta Gorda, St. Petersburg, Orlando Sanford, Phoenix-Mesa, and Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
• Hub Status: Currently, there are no air carriers that use Gary/Chicago International Airport as a hub.

Airport History

GYY, located in Gary, Indiana, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

• 1919 - The airport was established as the Gary Municipal Airport.
• 1923 - The first hangar was built.
• 1933 - The airport was renamed the Gary Regional Airport.
• 1941-1945 - The airport was used by the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.
• 1954 - The airport was renamed the Gary Jet Center.
• 1975 - The airport was sold to the City of Gary.
• 1993 - The airport was renamed the Gary/Chicago International Airport.
• 2013 - The airport underwent a $166 million expansion, including a new runway and terminal building.
• 2014 - The airport welcomed its first commercial airline, Allegiant Air.
• 2019 - The airport celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Today, GYY Airport continues to serve the region with both commercial and general aviation services.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Gary Chicago Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

• IATA Code: GYY
• Airport Website
• Phone: +1 219-949-9722
• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing Address: Gary Chicago Airport, 6001 Airport Road, Gary, IN 46406, United States

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

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