MQT Airport Insights & Guide
Key MQT Airport Topics:- 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 Sawyer International Airport (MQT) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from MQT-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
"Sawyer International has a single terminal, but it’s well-organized. If you’re flying Delta, you’ll usually find their check-in counters on the left side of the terminal. American Airlines counters are on the right. Security lines can be short, but they move quickly, so be prepared." — John D., Marquette, MI, August 2023
"Once you’re through security, the gates are easy to find. There are only a few, so you won’t get lost. Keep an eye on the monitors for any last-minute gate changes." — Emily R., Negaunee, MI, September 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The airport is about 20 miles from Marquette, so plan your transportation ahead. I recommend booking a shuttle service in advance, especially during winter when roads can be tricky." — Michael T., Ishpeming, MI, July 2023
"If you’re renting a car, the rental counters are conveniently located near baggage claim. During peak travel times, it’s wise to reserve your vehicle early." — Lisa K., Gwinn, MI, October 2023
Parking
"Parking at Sawyer International is straightforward. The short-term lot is right in front of the terminal, perfect for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. For longer stays, the long-term lot is just a short walk away." — David M., Harvey, MI, November 2023
"During the winter months, make sure to give yourself extra time to park and get to the terminal. Snow can slow things down, but the airport staff does a great job of clearing the lots." — Karen P., Marquette, MI, December 2023
Inside the Airport
"There aren’t many dining options inside the terminal, so I usually grab a bite before heading to the airport. However, there’s a small café past security that offers sandwiches and coffee." — Robert S., Chocolay Township, MI, January 2024
"For last-minute souvenirs, there’s a gift shop near the gates. It’s small but has a good selection of local items." — Susan L., Sands Township, MI, February 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Check the weather forecast before you travel. Winter storms can cause delays, so it’s best to stay informed and plan accordingly." — Thomas W., Marquette, MI, March 2024
"Arrive at least 90 minutes before your flight, even though it’s a small airport. This gives you enough time to check in, go through security, and relax before boarding." — Anna B., Trowbridge Park, MI, April 2024
"If your flight gets delayed, there’s a comfortable waiting area with free Wi-Fi. It’s a good spot to catch up on work or just relax." — James H., Palmer, MI, May 2024
iFly Tip: Make your family trip easier with our flying with children tips.
Helpful Tips & Resources
Is Gwinn Airport (MQT) 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 MQT'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, Gwinn airport has changes to its airlines. Review the airlines that have scheduled flights from Marquette Sawyer Airport MQT 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 MQT airport? Compare multiple providers, check directly with airlines, and look into alternative airports.
Getting to Know MQT Airport
Discover Marquette Sawyer Airport (MQT), your entry to Michigan's Upper Peninsula's natural beauty. Known for its unique location amidst stunning landscapes, MQT offers a seamless travel experience with its efficient services. Our guide simplifies your journey, covering everything from flight tracking to parking and dining. Dive into our Comprehensive Airport Guide for a smooth adventure at MQT.
Navigating MQT's Terminals
The airport has one terminal building with two levels. The terminal has a total of 5 gates, with 3 gates on the lower level and 2 gates on the upper level. The lower level is used for arrivals and baggage claim, while the upper level is used for departures.
The terminal at MQT is used by two major airlines, Delta and United. Delta flights are primarily located at gates 1 and 2 on the lower level, while United flights are primarily located at gates 3 and 4 on the lower level and gate 5 on the upper level.
Passengers can access various services and amenities at the terminal, including restaurants, shops, and restrooms. Food options include a cafe and a bar, while shops offer souvenirs, books, and snacks. Restrooms are located throughout the terminal building.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
Marquette Sawyer Airport is a small regional airport in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. There is only one terminal building, so there is no need to worry about getting between terminals. The airport is easily accessible and navigation is simple. Passengers can quickly move from the parking lot to the terminal and vice versa. There are no shuttle buses or trains required to get around the airport.
iFly Tip: Plan ahead and avoid delays with insights from our airport wait times guide.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
MQT Airport provides convenient options for picking up and dropping off passengers. Curbside parking is available for quick stops, but it is important to note that vehicles cannot be left unattended. If you need to park your vehicle, short-term parking is available in the parking lot near the terminal.
If you are waiting for a passenger to arrive, you can use the cell-phone waiting area located near the airport entrance. This area allows you to wait in your vehicle until your passenger has arrived and is ready to be picked up. This is a great option to avoid circling the airport or paying for parking while you wait.
Parking Facilities & Options
The airport offers several parking options for travelers. There are both short-term and long-term parking options available at the airport. The short-term parking lot is located directly in front of the terminal, making it a convenient option for those who are only going to be at the airport for a short period of time. The long-term parking lot is located a short distance from the terminal, but a free shuttle service is available to transport passengers to and from the terminal.
For those who are waiting to pick up arriving passengers, there is a cell phone waiting area located near the airport entrance. This area allows drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers have arrived and are ready to be picked up.
Handicapped parking is available in both the short-term and long-term parking lots. These spaces are located close to the terminal and are clearly marked for easy identification.
If you are looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near Marquette Sawyer Airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport and can be a great way to save money on parking fees.
Transportation Options
MQT offers a variety of transportation options for travelers:
- Car Rentals: MQT Airport has several car rental companies located on-site, including Avis, Budget, and Hertz. These companies offer a range of vehicles to suit any traveler's needs. It is advisable to book your car rental in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel times.
- Taxis: Taxis are available outside the terminal building, with fares based on a metered system. Drop-off areas are conveniently located near the terminal entrance, making it easy to access the airport quickly.
- Ride-Share Services: Services such as Uber and Lyft are available at MQT Airport. Pickup areas for these services are located outside the terminal building. Be sure to check for any restrictions regarding luggage and passenger capacity that may apply depending on the service provider.
- Airport Shuttles: Airport shuttles offer a convenient way to get to and from MQT Airport. Fares are typically based on a per-person basis, and pickup areas are located outside the terminal building. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially during busy periods.
- Public Transportation: The Marq-Tran bus service provides regular service to and from the airport, with stops located near the terminal building. Fares for this service are based on a per-person basis, making it an affordable option for travelers. Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver or online.
iFly Tip: Compare TSA PreCheck with other trusted traveler programs in our guide.
Airport Hotels
Whether you're catching an early flight, arriving late, or simply want to stay close to the airport for convenience, we've compiled a list of excellent hotel options in the vicinity. From budget-friendly lodgings to luxurious suites, there's something to suit every traveler's needs. Our selection includes hotels that are just a short drive away from the airport, ensuring you won't have to worry about long commutes or traffic. Many of these hotels offer amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, on-site dining, and fitness centers, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Additionally, their proximity to local attractions and scenic spots make them an excellent base for exploring the area. Discover the best hotel options ensuring a stress-free travel experience. View all Marquette County Airport Hotels here.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
Marquette Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, head over to the Sawyer Grill, located near the baggage claim area. They offer a selection of sandwiches, salads, and burgers, as well as a full bar. For a more sit-down dining experience, check out the Fly By Night Restaurant & Lounge, located on the second floor of the terminal. They offer a variety of entrees, including steak, seafood, and pasta, as well as a selection of beers and wines.
If you're looking to do some shopping, the Sawyer Market is a great place to start. They offer a selection of snacks, drinks, and travel essentials, as well as local souvenirs and gifts. For something more upscale, check out the Upper Peninsula Trading Company, located near the Fly By Night Restaurant. They offer a selection of clothing, jewelry, and home decor, all made by local artisans.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at MQT can be found using iFly's interactive map.
Passenger Services
- Free Wi-Fi: Marquette County 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 available to assist you in locating it.
- Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Marquette County Airport features a designated children's play area.
- 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: An ATM is available in the main terminal, 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 near the baggage claim area. Airport staff are also available to assist with arranging transportation to a nearby hospital if needed.
Flight Status Info
When traveling by air, it is important for passengers to stay updated on the status of their flight. One way to do this is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate assignments.
Another helpful tool is the use of airline mobile phone apps. Passengers can download their airline's app and receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes directly to their phone via text, email, or push notifications. This allows passengers to stay informed and make necessary adjustments to their travel plans.
For those who prefer to use a website, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Marquette Sawyer 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: Marquette Sawyer Airport (MQT) is located in Marquette, Michigan, United States.
- Terminal: The airport has one terminal serving passengers.
- Airlines Served: Major airlines include Delta Airlines and American Airlines. For a full list of airlines, visit the MQT Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Marquette Sawyer Airport handles approximately 1,500 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: The airport operates around 20 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations are Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport, and Houghton County Memorial Airport.
- Hub Status: Marquette Sawyer Airport is a hub for Delta Airlines and SkyWest Airlines.
Airport History
MQT is a public airport located in Marquette County, Michigan, United States. The airport was originally built in 1944 as K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base and was used as a strategic air command base during the Cold War. The airport was later converted into a civilian airport in 1995 and was renamed as MQT Airport.
Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1944 - K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base was built
- 1955 - The base was expanded to include a 12,000-foot runway
- 1960s - The base was used as a Strategic Air Command Base during the Cold War
- 1980s - The base was used as a training site for the B-52 bomber crews
- 1995 - The base was converted into a civilian airport and was renamed as the airport
- 2014 - The airport completed a $6 million runway rehabilitation project
- 2018 - The airport received a $5.2 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration for a terminal expansion project
Today, Marquette Sawyer Airport serves as a hub for commercial and general aviation in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and is an important economic driver for the region.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Marquette Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: MQT
- Airport Website
- Phone: +1 906-346-3308
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Sawyer International Airport, 125 G Avenue, Gwinn, MI 49841, United States
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Marquette Sawyer Airport Q&A
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