Great Falls Airport (GTF) Guide
Welcome to Great Falls Airport, your gateway to the beautiful state of Montana! With its stunning mountain views and friendly staff, GTF offers a stress-free travel experience for both business and leisure travelers.
Planning your trip to GTF Airport? Look no further than this extensive guide for all the information you need to get from your door to your gate. Our guide provides helpful tips on flight status & tracking, airline departure terminals and gate locations, parking options, terminal maps, plus food and shopping directories. Let us help make your journey through the airport a breeze!
For a comprehensive look at airports across the globe, check out iFly's Airport Guide. This resource provides detailed information on major commercial airports, helping you plan your travels with ease.
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
It is recommended to arrive at Great Falls Airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight departure time. This will give you enough time to check-in, go through security, and reach your gate. The busiest times at the airport are during the morning and evening rush hours, so it is best to avoid those times if possible.
Getting to the Airport
Great Falls Airport is located about 3 miles northwest of downtown Great Falls. The best way to get to the airport is by car or taxi. There are several parking options available at the airport, including short-term and long-term parking. If you prefer public transportation, there are also several shuttle services available that operate between the airport and downtown Great Falls.
Getting Oriented
If you are not familiar with GTF, it is recommended to use the interactive airport maps available on iFly.com. These maps will help you get oriented at the airport and find your way around. You can also use the maps to locate amenities such as restaurants, shops, and restrooms.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid delays at GTF Airport, it is recommended 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 contacting your airline directly. It is also important to follow all security procedures and regulations to ensure a smooth and efficient screening process. Finally, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to your gate and board your flight.
Security Wait Times
At the airport, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of travelers. During peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends, wait times can be longer. However, the airport does its best to ensure that passengers move through security as quickly and efficiently as possible. The TSA recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time to allow for enough time to check-in 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.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Great Falls Airport (GTF) Terminals
Navigating GTF's Terminals
Great Falls Airport has one terminal building with two levels, which is divided into two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A has 4 gates and Concourse B has 5 gates. The airport is served by major airlines such as Delta, United, and Allegiant, which operate from both concourses.
Upon arrival, passengers can find baggage claim on the lower level of the terminal building. The upper level houses the ticket counters, security checkpoint, and the departure gates. Concourse A is located to the left of the security checkpoint, while Concourse B is located to the right.
Passengers with connecting flights can easily navigate between concourses as they are connected by a central corridor. There are also various shops, restaurants, and services available throughout the terminal building, including a gift shop, a newsstand, and a restaurant. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
Great Falls Airport has one terminal building that houses all of its facilities, including check-in counters, baggage claim, and security checkpoints. The terminal is easily accessible from the parking lot, with a short walk of only a few minutes required to reach the entrance. There are no shuttle buses or trains needed to get between terminals at this airport, as there is only one terminal building.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
GTF offers a variety of dining and shopping options to make your airport experience more enjoyable. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a sit-down meal, there's something for everyone.
For a quick bite, head to Einstein Bros. Bagels or Cinnabon, both located in the terminal. If you have more time to spare, check out the restaurant options such as The Last Straw Bistro, which serves up delicious sandwiches and salads, or the Montana Ale Works, which offers a variety of local beers and pub fare.
When it comes to shopping, there are several stores to choose from. The Big Sky Gifts and Montana Marketplace offer a variety of souvenirs and gifts, while the Rocky Mountain Duty Free store has a selection of duty-free items such as liquor, tobacco, and fragrances.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at GTF Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, check your options here.
Airport Hotels
Looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? Our selection of the airport Hotels has got you covered. From hotels offering complimentary airport shuttle services to those with luxurious amenities, we have compiled a selection of accommodations to suit a variety of preferences and budgets. Whether you're in need of a place to rest before an early flight, or looking for a base to explore the local area, our list includes hotels located within a short distance from the airport, ensuring you can easily reach your flight on time. So whether you're looking for a tranquil retreat or an action-packed adventure, you'll find a hotel that fits your needs.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
When picking up or dropping off passengers at Great Falls Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, curbside parking is strictly prohibited. This means that you cannot park your vehicle at the curb to wait for your passengers. Instead, you will need to use the designated cell-phone waiting areas until your passengers are ready to be picked up.
The cell-phone waiting areas are located near the airport terminal and are free to use. Simply park your vehicle in one of the designated spots and wait for your passengers to call or text you when they are ready to be picked up. Once you receive the call or text, you can then proceed to the terminal to pick up your passengers.
It's important to note that you should not leave your vehicle unattended in the cell-phone waiting areas. If you need to leave your vehicle for any reason, you should park in the short-term parking lot and pay the appropriate fees. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience when picking up or dropping off passengers at Great Falls Airport.
Parking Facilities & Options
GTF offers several parking options for travelers. The Short-Term Parking lot is located directly across from the terminal and is ideal for those picking up or dropping off passengers. The Long-Term Parking lot is a short walk from the terminal and is perfect for travelers needing to park for an extended period.
For those waiting to pick up passengers, there is a Cell Phone Waiting Area located just outside the airport entrance. This area allows drivers to wait for their passengers to arrive before entering the airport's parking areas.
Handicapped parking is available in both the Short-Term and Long-Term Parking lots. Designated spots are located near the terminal for easy access to the airport.
Travelers looking for an economical parking option may want to consider off-airport parking. Several private lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, providing a convenient and cost-effective alternative to on-site parking.
Get details about GTF Airport 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 arriving and departing from the airport.
Car rental facilities are available at the airport, with major providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. These car rental companies offer a range of vehicles to choose from, including economy, compact, and luxury cars.
Taxi services are also available at the airport, with drop-off areas located outside the terminal building. The fare for a taxi ride varies depending on the destination, but the average fare to downtown Great Falls is around $20.
Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available for travelers who prefer a more affordable option. These services have designated pickup areas outside the terminal building, and fares are determined by the distance traveled and the time of day.
Airport shuttles are another option for travelers, with several shuttle companies offering services to and from the airport. These shuttles have designated pickup areas outside the terminal building and fares vary depending on the destination and the number of passengers.
For those who prefer public transportation, Great Falls Transit provides bus services to and from the airport. The bus stop is located outside the terminal building, and the fare for a one-way trip is $1.50.
Passenger Services
Great Falls Airport is committed to providing passengers with a comfortable and stress-free travel experience. Here are some of the services and amenities available:
Wifi Access: Free wifi is available throughout the airport for passengers to stay connected during their travels.
Lost and Found: If you have lost an item during your travels, please contact the airport's Lost and Found department located on the first floor of the terminal building.
Children's Areas: The airport has a designated play area for children to enjoy before their flight. It is located near the food court on the second floor of the terminal building.
Special-Needs Services: Great Falls Airport offers a variety of services for passengers with special needs, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces.
Banking: There is a full-service bank located on the first floor of the terminal building for passengers who need to take care of financial matters before their flight.
Medical Help: In case of a medical emergency, there is a first aid station located on the second floor of the terminal building. Additionally, there are Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) located throughout the airport for public use.
Flight Status Info
As air travel becomes more popular and accessible, it's important for passengers to have access to real-time flight information. At GTF, there are several ways to check the status of your flight.
One of the most convenient ways to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays can be found throughout the airport and provide up-to-date information on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply find your flight on the display and take note of any changes or updates.
Another way to stay informed about your flight is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines offer apps that allow you to check your flight status, receive alerts about departure delays, cancellations, 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 in real-time.
Lastly, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at GTF 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
The airport, also known as GTF, is a public airport located in the city of Great Falls, Montana, United States. It is the third busiest airport in Montana and serves as a hub for several airlines.
The airport has one terminal building with two concourses, A and B, which serve a total of 6 gates.
The top airlines with the most daily flights at GTF are Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.
On average, the airport handles around 2,500 passengers daily and has approximately 40 daily flights.
GTF serves a total of 14 destinations, with the top 5 being Denver, Seattle, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas.
The airport is a hub for Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines, which offer connecting flights to several domestic and international destinations.
Airport History
Great Falls Airport, located in Great Falls, Montana, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1928: The first airport in Great Falls was established on the east side of the city.
- 1931: The airport was moved to its current location on the west side of the city.
- 1941: The airport was used as a training base for World War II pilots.
- 1950s: The airport underwent major renovations and expansions, including the addition of a new terminal building.
- 1970s: The airport saw increased traffic with the addition of new airlines and destinations.
- 1990s: The airport underwent another major renovation, including the addition of a new air traffic control tower.
- 2008: The airport was renamed Great Falls International Airport to reflect its growing importance as a regional hub.
- 2010s: The airport continued to expand with the addition of new airlines and destinations, as well as upgrades to its facilities and infrastructure.
Today, Great Falls International Airport is a vital transportation hub for the region, serving over 400,000 passengers annually.
Airport Contact Info
- Great Falls Airport Website
- Phone: (406) 727-3404
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: 2800 Terminal Dr, Great Falls, MT 59404, United States