MLI Airport Insights & Guide
Key MLI 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 Quad City International Airport (MLI) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from MLI-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
"Quad City International Airport is small but efficient. The terminal layout is straightforward, with clear signage directing you to gates, baggage claim, and amenities. If you’re in a hurry, use the security checkpoint near the Delta gates; it tends to be less crowded." — John D., Moline, IL, August 2023
"If you have a connecting flight, make sure to check the terminal maps available at the information desks. It’s a quick walk between gates, but knowing the layout can save you time." — Emily R., Rock Island, IL, July 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The best way to get to downtown Moline from the airport is by taking a taxi or using ride-sharing services. It’s only a 10-15 minute drive, and you avoid the hassle of parking." — Ahmed S., Davenport, IA, September 2023
"Consider using the public bus service if you’re traveling light. The bus stop is right outside the terminal, and it’s a budget-friendly option to get to various parts of the Quad Cities." — Maria T., Bettendorf, IA, October 2023
Parking
"For long-term parking, the Economy Lot is your best bet. It’s affordable and just a short shuttle ride to the terminal. The shuttles run frequently, so you won’t have to wait long." — Kevin L., East Moline, IL, December 2023
"If you’re picking someone up, use the Cell Phone Lot. It’s free and conveniently located near the terminal entrance. Just wait for their call and drive up to the curbside pickup." — Lisa M., Silvis, IL, November 2023
Inside the Airport
"Don’t miss the local food options in the main terminal. There’s a great BBQ place that serves up some fantastic ribs and brisket. Perfect for a pre-flight meal." — Tom H., Moline, IL, January 2024
"If you need to get some work done, head to the business center near Gate 5. It’s quiet and has plenty of outlets for charging your devices." — Rachel P., Rock Island, IL, 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 B., Davenport, IA, March 2024
"Keep an eye on the flight information displays. They’re updated frequently, and any gate changes or delays will be posted there first." — Jessica K., Bettendorf, IA, April 2024
"If you’re feeling stressed, take a moment to relax in the airport’s meditation room. It’s a quiet space designed for travelers to unwind before their flight." — David W., East Moline, IL, May 2024
iFly Tip: Our reference guide is your go-to resource for air travel topics.
Helpful Tips & Resources
Is Moline Airport (MLI) 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 MLI'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, Moline airport has changes to its airlines. Review the airlines that have scheduled flights from Quad City Airport MLI 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 MLI airport? Compare multiple providers, check directly with airlines, and look into alternative airports.
Getting to Know MLI Airport
Discover Quad City Airport (MLI), the Midwest's welcoming hub for travelers. With its unique feature of an on-site aviation museum, MLI combines convenience with a touch of history, ensuring a memorable start to your journey. Our concise guide covers essential information, from flight updates to amenities, making your travel seamless. Dive into the Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly for more insights!
Navigating MLI's Terminals
Quad City Airport has one terminal building with two levels. The terminal has a total of 11 gates, with gates 1-5 located on the lower level and gates 6-11 on the upper level. The terminal is divided into two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B.
Concourse A is located on the lower level and has gates 1-3. It is used by Allegiant Air and American Airlines. Concourse B is located on the upper level and has gates 6-11. It is used by Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
The terminal building has a variety of services and amenities available to passengers, including restaurants, cafes, shops, ATMs, and charging stations. There are also several information desks located throughout the terminal to assist passengers with any questions or concerns they may have.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
MLI has one main terminal building that houses all of its gates and facilities. Therefore, passengers do not need to worry about getting between terminals as there is only one. However, the airport does offer a variety of transportation options to help passengers get to and from the airport. These include car rentals, taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation such as buses and shuttles. Additionally, the airport offers a free shuttle service between the terminal and the long-term parking lot for those who choose to drive themselves to the airport.
iFly Tip: Ensure in-flight comfort with help from our travel tips for overweight passengers.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
MLI provides several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. If you are dropping off a passenger, you can use the curbside drop-off area located in front of the terminal. However, please note that there is a strict time limit for curbside parking, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. If you need to park your vehicle for an extended period of time, you can use the airport's parking lot.
If you are picking up a passenger, you can wait in the cell-phone waiting area located near the airport. This area is free to use and provides a convenient place to wait for your passenger to arrive. Once your passenger has arrived, they can call you and you can proceed to the curbside pick-up area to pick them up. Please note that curbside parking is also subject to time limits, so it's important to be prompt when picking up your passenger.
Parking Facilities & Options
If you're flying out of Quad City International Airport, you'll find several parking options to choose from. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking in its parking garage, which is located directly across from the terminal. There are also surface lots available for long-term parking.
If you're waiting to pick up a passenger, there are cell phone waiting areas located near the terminal, where you can wait for free until your passenger is ready to be picked up.
Handicapped parking is available in all parking areas, with designated spaces located near the terminal entrance.
If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking lots are available nearby, with shuttle service to and from the airport. These lots can be a great way to save money on parking fees, especially for longer trips.
Transportation Options
MLI Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers:
- Car Rentals: Car rental facilities are available at MLI Airport, with major providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. Visitors can easily rent a car and explore the surrounding areas at their own pace. It is advisable to book in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel times.
- Taxis: Taxi services are available at the airport, with designated drop-off areas outside the terminal. The fare for a taxi ride varies depending on the distance and time of day, but visitors can expect to pay around $20 for a ride to downtown Davenport. Taxis are readily available, but booking ahead during off-peak hours can help avoid delays.
- Ride-Share Services: Shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available at the airport. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal. There may be restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage allowed. Visitors can expect to pay around $10-15 for a shared ride to downtown Davenport, making it a more affordable option.
- Airport Shuttles: Airport shuttles are another convenient option for travelers. The service operates 24/7 and offers door-to-door transportation to hotels and other destinations in the Quad Cities area. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal, and fares vary depending on the destination and number of passengers. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
- Public Transportation: Public transportation options are available at the airport, with the MetroLINK bus system offering service to various locations in the Quad Cities area. Bus stops are located outside the terminal, and visitors can purchase tickets onboard or at the airport information desk. Fares start at $1.50 for a one-way trip, making it an economical choice for travelers.
iFly Tip: Learn about TSA PreCheck and how it makes security screening easier.
Airport Hotels
Are you looking for a comfortable and conveniently located hotel for your next trip? We've got you covered! Our comprehensive guide provides a list of some of the best hotels located near the airport, offering travelers a wide range of options to choose from. Whether you're on a quick business trip, a long layover, or exploring the local area, rest assured that there is a hotel that caters to your needs. From the Hampton Inn & Suites, which is just half a mile from the airport, to the Residence Inn located just 2.6 miles away, there are numerous options to suit various travel needs and preferences. Discover the perfect hotel for your next trip by viewing our list of Quad City Airport Hotels.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
MLI Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers to enjoy during their time at the airport. For those looking for a quick bite, there are several fast food options available, including McDonald's, Subway, and Auntie Anne's. For a sit-down meal, the airport offers the Blue Sky Cafe, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The cafe offers a variety of options, including salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Another recommended restaurant is the Milltown Coffee, which offers a selection of coffee drinks, pastries, and sandwiches.
For those looking to do some shopping, the airport has several stores to choose from. The airport has a CNBC News store, which offers a variety of newspapers, magazines, and snacks. There is also a Hudson store, which sells a variety of travel essentials, such as electronics, books, and snacks. Another recommended store is the Quad City Marketplace, which offers a selection of locally made products, including clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Quad City Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map.
Passenger Services
- Free Wi-Fi: Quad City International 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 in the terminal building for your convenience.
- Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Quad City International Airport features designated children's play areas located near the gates.
- Special-Needs Services: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services for passengers with special needs. It’s recommended to contact the airport in advance to make any necessary arrangements.
- ATM: ATMs are available in the terminal building, 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 terminal building. Airport staff are also available to assist with arranging transportation to a nearby hospital if needed.
Flight Status Info
As a traveler, it's important to stay informed about the status of your flight. At Quad City Airport, there are several ways to check your flight status and stay up-to-date on any changes or delays.
One of the easiest ways to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply find your flight on the display and check the status.
Another convenient way to stay informed is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines have apps that allow you to track 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 on your flight status.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at MLI 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: Quad City International Airport (MLI) is located in Moline, Illinois, United States.
- Terminals: The airport has one terminal building, which is divided into Concourse A and Concourse B.
- Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. For a list of all airlines, check out the MLI Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Quad City Airport handles approximately 3,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees around 40 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from MLI are Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Denver International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, and Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
- Hub Status: Quad City Airport is a hub for American Eagle, which operates regional flights for American Airlines.
Airport History
MLI, also known as the Quad Cities International Airport, is located in Moline, Illinois, United States. The airport has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1912: The first airplane landed in the Quad Cities, marking the beginning of aviation in the region.
- 1927: The first airport in the Quad Cities, the Moline Municipal Airport, was established.
- 1933: The airport was renamed to the Greater MLI Airport and a new terminal building was constructed.
- 1957: The airport was renamed to the Quad City Metropolitan Airport and a new runway was added.
- 1961: The airport was renamed to the Quad City Airport and a new terminal building was constructed.
- 1985: The airport was renamed to the Quad City International Airport and a new terminal building was constructed.
- 1997: The airport underwent a major renovation, including the expansion of the terminal building and the addition of new parking facilities.
- 2014: The airport celebrated its 100th anniversary with a variety of events and activities.
- 2019: The airport announced plans for a $20 million renovation project, including the expansion of the terminal building and the addition of new restaurants and retail stores.
Today, the Quad City International Airport serves over 1 million passengers per year and is an important transportation hub for the Quad Cities region.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Quad City International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: MLI
- Airport Website
- Phone: +1 309-764-9621
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Quad City International Airport, 2200 69th Avenue, Moline, IL 61265, United States
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Quad City Airport Q&A
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