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Chicago Rockford Airport RFD

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Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD) Guide

Discover the ease of flying from Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD), your hassle-free gateway to Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Known for its unique position as a hub for cargo flights, RFD provides a seamless travel experience with its convenient location, affordable parking, and quick access to major highways. Our concise guide delivers essential information, from flight updates and terminal details to dining options, ensuring a smooth journey. Dive into our Comprehensive Airport Guide for more insights.

RFD has one terminal with a total of 10 gates. The terminal is divided into two concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A has gates A1-A5 and is primarily used by Allegiant Air. Concourse B has gates B6-B10 and is used by both Allegiant Air and Apple Vacations.

Upon arrival, passengers will find baggage claim and ground transportation options on the lower level of the terminal. The upper level houses the ticket counters, security checkpoint, and the departure gates. Passengers should arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before their scheduled departure time to allow for enough time to check-in, go through security, and reach their gate.

RFD Airport is a relatively small airport, making it easy to navigate. Passengers can find a variety of food and beverage options, including a full-service restaurant and a coffee shop, as well as a gift shop and newsstand for any last-minute purchases. Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

The airport has only one terminal building, so passengers do not need to worry about getting between terminals. The terminal building is relatively small and easy to navigate, with all necessary facilities located within close proximity. Passengers can easily walk from the check-in area to the gate area within a few minutes. There are no shuttle bus or train options available as the airport is small enough to be easily accessible on foot.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

Chicago RFD Airport provides convenient options for picking up and dropping off passengers. Curbside parking is available for active loading and unloading only, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. If you need to wait for your passengers, the airport offers free cell-phone waiting areas where you can park and wait until your passengers are ready to be picked up.

It is important to note that parking at the curbside is strictly prohibited, and vehicles parked in these areas will be subject to fines and towing. The airport also offers short-term and long-term parking options for those who need to park for an extended period of time. If you are dropping off passengers, you can use the designated drop-off areas located in front of the terminal building.

Parking Facilities & Options

RFD offers a variety of parking options to suit the needs of all travelers. There are several parking lots and garages located within walking distance of the terminal building, including both short-term and long-term options.

For those who prefer to wait in their car for arriving passengers, there is a cell phone waiting area located just outside the airport entrance. This area is free to use and provides a convenient place to wait until your party is ready to be picked up.

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

For those looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available nearby. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport and can be a great way to save money on parking fees.

Get details about RFD 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. One of the most popular options is car rental. Major car rental providers such as Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise have facilities located at the airport, making it convenient for travelers to rent a car upon arrival.

Taxi services are also available at the airport, with designated drop-off areas located outside of the terminal. Fare information can vary depending on the destination, so it's best to check with the taxi provider before getting in the cab.

For those looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available at the airport. Pickup areas are located outside of the terminal, and there may be restrictions on the number of passengers or amount of luggage allowed.

Airport shuttles are another option for travelers, with several companies providing service to and from the airport. Pickup areas are typically located outside of the terminal, and fares can vary depending on the destination and number of passengers.

Public transportation options are also available at Rockford Airport. The Rockford Mass Transit District provides bus service to and from the airport, with a stop located just outside of the terminal. Fares are affordable and can be purchased onboard the bus.

Airport Hotels

Whether you're in transit, on a business trip, or exploring the vibrant city, finding a comfortable and convenient place to stay is essential. Our guide provides an overview of the best hotel options in the vicinity of the airport, catering to a range of preferences and budgets. From cozy hotels offering complimentary WiFi and private parking facilities to tranquil homes close to downtown, there's an option for every traveler. Some hotels are situated just a stone's throw away from the airport, perfect for those with early flights or short layovers. Others are positioned closer to local attractions such as renowned museums and waterparks, offering a blend of convenience and cultural exploration. For families or those seeking a fun-filled stay, there are also options near fun attractions. Discover the perfect accommodation for your needs with our Airport Hotels Guide.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

If you're looking for dining and shopping options at Rockford Airport, you won't be disappointed. The airport has a variety of options to choose from, whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a sit-down meal. For a quick snack or coffee, head to Starbucks, located in the main terminal near the security checkpoint. If you're looking for something more substantial, check out the Flight Deck Bar & Grill, located in the same area. They offer a variety of American fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

For shopping, there are several options available. If you need to pick up some last-minute travel essentials, head to the Hudson News & Gifts store, located in the main terminal near the security checkpoint. They offer a variety of snacks, magazines, and travel accessories. If you're looking for something more upscale, check out the InMotion Entertainment store, located near Gate 3. They offer a variety of electronics, including headphones, tablets, and cameras.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Chicago Rockford 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

Chicago Rockford Airport offers a variety of passenger services to make your travel experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

For those needing to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport.

If you have lost an item during your travels, the airport's lost and found department is located in the main terminal.

Traveling with children? The airport has a designated children's play area located near Gate 3.

Special-needs services are available upon request, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.

For your banking needs, there is an ATM located in the main terminal.

In case of a medical emergency, there is a first aid station located in the main terminal. For more serious medical needs, there are several hospitals located within a short drive from the airport.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is important to stay informed about the status of your flight, especially when departing from a busy airport like Chicago RFD Airport. One of the easiest ways to get flight status information is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

In addition to FIDS, many airlines offer mobile phone apps that allow passengers to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes. These alerts can be sent via text, email, or push notifications, keeping passengers informed even when they are on the go.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at RFD 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 RFD at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. The busiest times at RFD are typically during the morning and evening rush hours, so if possible, try to schedule your flight during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and long lines.

Getting to the Airport

RFD Airport is located approximately 85 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. The best way to get to the airport is by car. If you are driving, take I-90 west to the Rockford exit and follow the signs to the airport. There are also several shuttle services available from the surrounding areas, such as the Rockford Shuttle Service and the Van Galder Bus Company.

Getting Oriented

When you arrive at the airport, use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented and find your way around the airport. The maps show the locations of all the airport's amenities, including restaurants, shops, and restrooms. You can also use the maps to locate your gate and check for any flight delays or cancellations.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at Rockford Airport, make sure to check your flight status before leaving for the airport. You can do this by visiting the airport's website or by downloading the airline's mobile app. It's also a good idea to pack light and avoid bringing any prohibited items in your carry-on luggage. Finally, be sure to follow all TSA guidelines and arrive at the security checkpoint prepared to go through the screening process quickly and efficiently.

Security Wait Times

At Chicago Rockford Airport, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the season. During peak travel times, such as holidays and summer months, wait times can be longer than usual. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for enough time to check-in and go through security. To check current TSA Security wait times at Chicago RFD Airport, you can check here now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.

Airport Facts & Stats

RFD Airport is a small regional airport located in Rockford, Illinois, United States. The airport has a single terminal building that serves all flights.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at RFD are Allegiant Air, UPS Airlines, and Amazon Air. On average, the airport handles around 1,000 passengers daily and has approximately 30 daily flights.

RFD serves a total of 9 destinations on average, with the top 5 destinations being Orlando Sanford International Airport, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Punta Gorda Airport, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Allegiant Air is the main air carrier that uses RFD as a hub, offering non-stop flights to all 9 destinations served by the airport.

Airport History

The airport, located in Winnebago County, Illinois, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1917 - The airport was established as Camp Grant, a military training facility during World War I.
  • 1946 - The airport was officially opened to the public as Greater Rockford Airport.
  • 1961 - The airport's name was changed to Rockford Municipal Airport.
  • 1987 - The airport underwent a major renovation and expansion project, which included the construction of a new terminal building and runway.
  • 1994 - The airport was renamed Chicago Rockford International Airport to reflect its growing importance as a regional hub.
  • 2003 - The airport became a designated Foreign Trade Zone, which allowed for increased international trade and commerce.
  • 2017 - The airport celebrated its 75th anniversary with a series of events and activities.

Today, Rockford Airport continues to serve as an important transportation hub for the region, offering a range of domestic and international flights to destinations around the world.

Airport Contact Information

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

  • IATA Code: RFD
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 815-969-4000
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Chicago Rockford International Airport, 2 Airport Circle, Rockford, IL 61109, United States

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

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