Aerial View of Bloomington Central Illinois Regional Airport

Bloomington Central Illinois Regional Airport BMI

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Bloomington Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) Guide

Welcome to Bloomington Airport, the heart of Illinois and home to the unique "Prairie Aviation Museum." This airport not only facilitates your travel needs but also offers a glimpse into aviation history, ensuring a memorable start to your journey. Our guide simplifies your travel with essential information on flight status, terminals, parking, and more, all while guiding you to the best dining and shopping spots. For a deeper dive into airport insights, visit our Comprehensive Airport Guide at iFly.

Bloomington Central Illinois Regional Airport has one main terminal with two concourses, A and B. Concourse A has 5 gates and Concourse B has 4 gates. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United operate out of this airport and use both concourses. The airport also has a variety of shops, restaurants, and services available for passengers to enjoy before their flight.

To navigate the airport terminals, passengers can follow the signs located throughout the terminal to find their airline's check-in counter and departure gate. The airport also has information booths located throughout the terminal where passengers can ask for assistance or directions. For those with mobility issues, the airport offers wheelchair assistance upon request.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

At Bloomington Airport, there is only one terminal, the Main Terminal. Therefore, passengers do not need to worry about getting between terminals. Upon arrival, passengers can easily navigate the Main Terminal to find their baggage claim, ground transportation options, and other amenities. The Main Terminal is relatively small, so walking times are minimal. However, if passengers require assistance or have mobility issues, airport staff can provide shuttle services to help them navigate the terminal.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

When it comes to picking up and dropping off passengers at the airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, curbside parking is strictly prohibited at the airport. This means that drivers cannot park at the curb to wait for passengers or load/unload luggage. Instead, there are designated areas for drop-off and pick-up located near the terminal entrance.

If you need to wait for your arriving passenger, there is a cell-phone waiting area available. This area is located off-site, but close enough to the terminal for a quick pick-up. Drivers can park for free in this area and wait for their passenger to call or text when they are ready to be picked up. Once you receive the call, you can quickly make your way to the terminal to pick up your passenger.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're flying out of Bloomington Central Illinois Regional Airport, you'll find a range of parking options to suit your needs. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking in its on-site lots and garages. The Main Terminal lot is the closest option and is ideal for short-term parking. The Economy Lot is a more affordable option for longer stays, and a shuttle service runs between the lot and the terminal building.

If you're waiting to pick up arriving passengers, you can use the Cell Phone Waiting Area located just outside the terminal. This area allows you to wait in your car until your passenger has landed and collected their luggage, at which point you can drive to the terminal to pick them up.

Handicapped parking is available in all on-site lots and garages, with designated spaces located close to the terminal building. If you have any specific needs or requirements, contact the airport in advance to ensure that your needs can be accommodated.

Off-airport parking is also available near BMI, with several private lots offering affordable rates and shuttle services to the terminal building. This can be a great option if you're looking to save money on parking fees.

Get details about BMI parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

When arriving at Bloomington Airport (BMI), there are several ground transportation options available to travelers.

Car rental facilities are located on the lower level of the terminal building, and major providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz are available for rental.

Taxi services are available outside of the baggage claim area, and fares are determined by the meter. Drop-off areas are located near the terminal entrance.

Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available for pickup in the designated rideshare area outside of the terminal. However, there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed.

Airport shuttles are available for transportation to and from the airport. Pickup areas are located outside of the baggage claim area, and fares vary depending on the shuttle service provider.

Public transportation options include the Connect Transit bus system, which provides service to and from the airport. The bus stop is located outside of the terminal building, and fares are determined by the distance traveled.

Airport Hotels

Whether you're a business traveler in need of a convenient location or a tourist looking to explore, finding a suitable hotel near the airport can significantly enhance your travel experience. Our guide provides an overview of some of the best hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options to more luxurious accommodations. These hotels not only offer a comfortable stay but also provide amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, airport shuttles, and in-house dining options. From the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, an IHG Hotel, which is just 0.7 miles from the airport, to the DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington, located 2.7 miles away, there's a wide range of options to suit every traveler's needs. View all Bloomington Normal Airport Hotels now, including rates, on a map.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

BMI offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. If you're looking for a quick bite, head to Dunkin' Donuts or Subway, both located in the main terminal. For a sit-down meal, try Avanti's Italian Restaurant, which serves up delicious pasta dishes and sandwiches. You can find Avanti's near the baggage claim area.

When it comes to shopping, there are a few options to choose from. For last-minute travel essentials, visit the Hudson News store, which offers books, magazines, snacks, and more. If you're looking for a gift or souvenir, check out the Prairie State Marketplace, which features locally-made products like candles, jewelry, and artwork. You can find both of these stores in the main terminal.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at BMI 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

BMI, also known as BMI, is a small airport located in the United States. Despite its size, it offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience as comfortable as possible.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Lost and found services are also available at the airport's information desk. If you're traveling with children, there are designated play areas to keep them entertained. Special-needs services are available upon request, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.

If you need to do some banking, there is an ATM located in the main terminal. Additionally, medical help is available at the airport's first aid station. If you have any questions or concerns, the airport's friendly staff is always available to assist you.

Flight Status Info

When traveling by air, it's important to stay informed about the status of your flight. One way to do this is by checking the in-airport flight displays (FIDS), which provide real-time information about flight departures, arrivals, delays, and gate information. These displays are located throughout the airport, and are easy to find. Simply look for the nearest display and search for your flight number.

Another way to stay informed about your flight status is by using airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own app that you can download for free. These apps allow you to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes directly to your phone. You can also check your flight status and receive updates on any changes to your itinerary. Some airlines also offer text, email, and push notifications that you can sign up for to receive updates about your flight.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at BMI Airport 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 BMI Airport at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 2 hours for international flights. The busiest times at BMI are during the early morning hours and late afternoon, so it is best to avoid those times if possible. Additionally, be sure to check with your airline for any specific recommendations or requirements for your flight.

Getting to the Airport

The best way to get to BMI is by car. The airport is located just off of I-55 and has ample parking available. If you don't have a car, you can also take a taxi or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. There are also several shuttle services available that can take you to and from the airport.

Getting Oriented

When you arrive at BMI, be sure to check out iFly.com's interactive airport maps. These maps can help you get oriented and find your way around the airport quickly and easily. You can also use the maps to locate restaurants, shops, and other amenities at the airport.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at BMI, be sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your scheduled departure. Additionally, be sure to check the status of your flight before you leave for the airport. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, contact your airline immediately to see what your options are. Finally, be sure to follow all TSA guidelines and regulations to avoid any delays at security checkpoints.

Security Wait Times

If you're flying through the airport, it's important to plan ahead for TSA Security wait times. While wait times can vary depending on the time of day and season, it's always a good idea to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. The TSA Security checkpoint at BMI is located on the second floor of the terminal, and passengers should be prepared to remove their shoes, belts, and any items from their pockets before going through the metal detector. To help you plan your travel day, you can check the current TSA wait times at BMI by clicking on this link: check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.

Airport Facts & Stats

The airport is a public airport located in McLean County, Illinois, United States. The airport has one main terminal building that handles all passenger traffic.

On average, the airport handles around 2,000 passengers per day and has around 50 daily flights. The top airlines with the most daily flights are American Eagle and Delta Connection.

The airport serves around 10 destinations on a regular basis. The top 5 destinations served by BMI are Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, and Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Several air carriers use Bloomington Central Illinois Regional Airport as a hub, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.

Airport History

Bloomington Airport, also known as BMI, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1915 - The airport was established as a grass airstrip known as the Normal-Bloomington Aviation Field.
  • 1927 - The airport was officially named Bloomington Municipal Airport.
  • 1942 - The airport was taken over by the United States Army Air Forces and used as a training base during World War II.
  • 1946 - The airport was returned to civilian control and renamed Bloomington-Normal Airport.
  • 1955 - The airport's runway was extended to 6,000 feet to accommodate larger aircraft.
  • 1976 - The airport was renamed Central Illinois Regional Airport to reflect its growing importance in the region.
  • 1990 - The airport's terminal was expanded and renovated to better serve passengers.
  • 2010 - The airport completed a major runway reconstruction project to improve safety and efficiency.

Today, BMI continues to serve the Bloomington-Normal area and surrounding communities with daily flights to major hubs across the country.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Central Illinois Regional Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: BMI
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 309-663-7383
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Central Illinois Regional Airport, 3201 CIRA Drive, Suite 200, Bloomington, IL 61704, United States

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

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