Airport Overview
Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (originally Lubbock International Airport), was renamed in 2004 for former Texas governor Preston E. Smith, an alumnus of Texas Tech University. It is a commercial service airport located 4 nautical miles (8 km; 5 mi) north of Lubbock, in Lubbock County, Texas.
LBB Airport is owned and operated by the City of Lubbock. It covers an area of 3,000 acres (1,200 ha).
Airport Stats & Facts
- The airport is the 8th busiest airport in Texas. Lubbock International is first among the smaller Texas cities (behind both Dallas airports, both Houston airports, San Antonio, Austin, and El Paso).
- It is one of 42 airports around the world with CNN Airport Network.
- Lubbock Airport is a hub for FedEx and UPS feeder planes to cities around the South Plains.
Airport Traveling Tips
- The airport terminal is open based on departing and arriving flight schedules and is always open at least 120 minutes prior to the first departing flight each day.
- Passengers are recommended to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before the scheduled flight departure.
- Please take a look at the LBB Airport Map before visiting the airport for a flight.
Passenger Pickup and Drop-off
- The terminal loading zone is for active picking up and dropping off ticketed passengers.
- However, Federal regulations do not allow vehicles to wait for long periods at the terminal curbs, so drivers/guests can wait for arrivals in the free Cell Phone Lot, located just moments from the airport terminal on the entrance drive.
Flight Status
- For arriving flights: Arriving Flight Status provides Boston Logan airport arrival times, delays, time-to-land, and gate info.
- For departing flights: Departing Flight Status lists actual vs scheduled departure times, flight delays, map tracking, and BOS airport gate info.
- To get the best fares book a flight at LBB Airport here.
Airport Terminals
McClellan–Palomar Airport has a main terminal with 13 gates on one concourse.
For more information, please refer to the LBB Terminal Map here.
Airlines Served
The various airlines served at McClellan–Palomar Airport include Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines and many more
View the full list of airlines served at LBB here.
Airport Parking
Parking at the airport is easy and economical. We offer well-lit spaces throughout, security by airport police and handicap accessibility.
For more information, call Terminal Parking at 806-775-3802.
Cell phone waiting areas
Drivers can wait for incoming passengers at the airport's free Cell Phone Waiting Areas until they are ready to be picked up. Before the terminal building, these places can be found along N Martin L King Blvd.
Cell Phone Waiting Areas are a convenient alternative to circling the terminals or parking in hourly/daily lots. Drivers are encouraged to stay in these areas until their passengers arrive at the curb, then confirm with them through cell phone.
Short-term Parking
Short term uncovered parking is conveniently located near the entrances of the terminal building. Pay with cash or credit.
Rates:
- 0-30 minutes FREE
- 31 min - 1 hr $2.00
- 1 - 2 hours $4.00
- 2 - 3 hours $5.00
- 3 - 4 hours $7.00
- 4 - 5 hours $8.00
- 5-24 hours $12.00
Long-term Parking
Long term uncovered parking is conveniently located near the terminal building. Pay with cash or credit.
Rates:
- 0-30 minutes - FREE
- 31 min - 2 hrs $2.00
- 2 - 3 hours $3.00
- 3 - 5 hours $5.00
- 5 - 24 hours $7.00
Ground Transportation
Travelers can discover a variety of ground transportation choices at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB). The airport is serviced by traditional transportation such as taxis and limousines, parking lot & hotel shuttles, and inter-city transportation network companies.
As soon as you exit the terminal, look for a ground transportation provider in lane one, near the green curb. For pricing and current deals, contact individual ground transportation operators.
Car Rentals
The rental car agencies maintain an office in the baggage claim area of the Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport. Avis, Alamo, Wridz, are some of the well-known providers for rental cars.
Taxis
Taxis at LBB Airport have to be booked before arrival.
Buses & Trains
There are no buses available for LBB Airport.
Amenities & Services
To help you have an amazing stay, Lubbock Airport provides visitors with different amenities and upgraded services including:
- Restaurants, cafes, and bars.
- Stores, gift shops, and local souvenir shops.
- Free Wi-Fi internet throughout the airport.
- Multiple art installations and exhibits on display.
Contact Information
Address: 5401 N. MLK Blvd., Lubbock, TX 79403, USA
Website: http://www.flylia.com
Phone: (806) 775 2044 /fax 2044
Lubbock International Airport: A Brief History Timeline
- The airport opened in November 1937 as South Plains Airport. In 1942 the United States Army Air Forces indicated a need for the airport as a training airfield.
- After its requisition by the Air Force, it was assigned to the World War II Army Air Forces Flying Training Command, Gulf Coast Training Center (later Central Flying Training Command).
- The airport was renamed South Plains Army Airfield and a rapid period of construction was begun to convert the civil airport into a military training airfield.
- Braniff Airways, later to be Braniff International Airways, scheduled passenger flights to Lubbock by 1945. Continental Airlines scheduled passenger service to Lubbock by 1948.
- By 1976 all scheduled passenger airline flights at Lubbock were jets: Braniff Boeing 727-100s and Boeing 727-200s, Continental 727-200s and Texas International Airlines Douglas DC-9-10s, the latter being the re-named Trans-Texas Airways.