Overview of Albany Airport

Albany International Airport is a public airport located in the town of Colonie, in Albany County, New York. It serves the Capital Region of New York State and is approximately 7 miles northwest of downtown Albany. The airport is operated by the Albany County Airport Authority, which was created in 1995.

The airport has a single terminal building with two concourses and 22 gates. It serves as a hub for Cape Air and a focus city for Delta Air Lines. In 2019, the airport handled over 1.5 million passengers and had over 200 daily departures to more than 30 destinations.

The airport has an extensive range of amenities for passengers, including a variety of restaurants and cafes, duty-free shops, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi. There are also several lounges available for travelers, including the Delta Sky Club, the United Club, and the Albany International Airport Business Center.

Parking options at the airport include a long-term parking lot, a short-term parking garage, and valet parking. There are also several off-site parking lots that offer shuttle service to the airport. Additionally, the airport is easily accessible by several major highways, including Interstate 87 and Interstate 90.

Overall, Albany International Airport is a modern and convenient facility that offers travelers a comfortable and efficient travel experience. Its convenient location, wide range of amenities, and excellent transportation connections make it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Terminals at Albany Airport

Albany International Airport has one main terminal building with two levels. The upper level is for departures and the lower level is for arrivals. The airport has a total of 19 gates, which are spread across the two concourses.

Concourse A has six gates and serves airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United. Concourse B has 13 gates and serves airlines such as Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, and Frontier. Both concourses offer a variety of shops, restaurants, and services for passengers to enjoy.

In the center of the main terminal building, there is a large food court area with a variety of dining options. This includes fast-food chains such as McDonald’s and Subway, as well as sit-down restaurants such as Saranac Brewery and Wolfgang Puck Express.

The airport also has several lounges for passengers who need a quiet and comfortable place to wait for their flights. There is an American Airlines Admirals Club lounge in Concourse A, a Delta Sky Club lounge in Concourse B, and a Priority Pass lounge in the main terminal building.

For passengers who need to get some work done, the airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal building. There are also several charging stations available for passengers to charge their devices. In addition, the airport has a business center on the upper level of the terminal building that offers computers and printers for public use.

Overall, Albany International Airport’s terminals offer a variety of amenities and services for passengers to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a place to get some work done, the airport has something for everyone.

Airlines and Destinations

The Albany International Airport serves as a hub for various airlines, including Delta, Southwest, American Airlines, and United.

Domestic destinations that are served from Albany include Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Nashville, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Tampa, and Washington D.C.

Internationally, the airport offers flights to Toronto, Canada, and CancĂșn, Mexico.

Seasonal changes may affect the airline and destination options available, so it is recommended to check with the individual airlines for up-to-date information.

Transportation Options at Albany Airport

Albany International Airport serves the Capital Region of New York. The airport is located approximately 7 miles from downtown Albany and offers a variety of transportation options to get to and from the airport.

If you are looking for a convenient transportation option, Albany Airport has a number of shuttle services available. The Shared Ride Van Service and Capitaland Taxi offer affordable shared and individual rides to and from the airport. These services have designated pick-up locations outside of the baggage claim area.

For those who prefer to have their own vehicle, Albany Airport has several car rental companies located on the premises. The rental car counters are located in the baggage claim area of the terminal. Companies like Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National are just a few of the options available.

If you need transportation to nearby cities, Amtrak provides a shuttle bus service from the airport to the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak station. From there, you can access train lines that connect to various destinations throughout upstate New York and beyond.

Additionally, the Greyhound Bus Lines also has a stop at Albany Airport. Their buses provide service to a variety of destinations throughout the Northeast.

Lastly, if you are looking to hire a private car service or a limousine, there are many options available at Albany Airport. Companies like Premiere Transportation and Blacklane offer luxury car and limousine services for those looking for a more upscale transportation experience.

Overall, Albany Airport offers a wide range of transportation options to suit the needs and preferences of its passengers. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, you are sure to find a transportation option that fits your needs and budget.

Parking Options at Albany Airport

Albany International Airport offers several parking options for travelers. The airport has a large parking garage located directly across from the terminal building. This is the most convenient option for those who want to park close to the terminal. The daily rate for garage parking is $24.

There are also several surface lots available for parking. The most popular is the long-term parking lot, which is located just beyond the garage and is connected to the terminal with a shuttle bus. The daily rate for long-term parking is $10. Another option is the economy lot, which is located farther from the terminal and is only accessible by shuttle bus. The daily rate for economy parking is $6.

For those who want to park for just a short time, there is a cell phone lot where drivers can wait until their passengers arrive and then pick them up curbside. This lot is free and located just minutes away from the terminal.

No matter which parking option you choose, Albany Airport makes it easy to pay with credit cards or cash. Additionally, the airport offers a frequent parking program that rewards frequent travelers with discounts on parking fees.

Check-In Procedures at Albany Airport

The Albany International Airport offers passengers three different check-in methods: online, self-service, and traditional. Passengers are encouraged to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow ample time to complete the check-in process.

Online check-in is available for most airlines operating out of Albany Airport. Passengers can access their airline’s website and select the “check-in” option. They will need to provide their reservation number and personal information, such as their name and birthdate. Once checked in, passengers can print their boarding pass or have it sent to their mobile device.

Self-service kiosks are located throughout the airport terminal and also offer a quick and easy check-in option. Passengers can scan a barcode on their mobile device or enter their reservation number and follow the prompts on the screen. Once checked in, passengers can print their boarding pass and proceed directly to the security checkpoint.

For those who prefer traditional check-in methods, Albany Airport has multiple airline ticket counters staffed with customer service representatives. Passengers can approach the counter, show their ID, and receive their boarding pass from the representative. This method may require additional time, especially during peak travel periods.

Overall, Albany Airport provides passengers with convenient and efficient check-in options to ensure a stress-free start to their travels.

Security at Albany Airport: Procedures and Tips

Security is a crucial aspect of air travel, and Albany Airport takes it seriously.
Passengers are screened thoroughly before boarding their flights to ensure their safety and that of others on the plane.
To make the security check process smoother, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight’s departure time.
They should also remove any metal items such as belts, jewelry, and watches before entering the security checkpoint.
Electronics like laptops and tablets should be taken out of their cases and placed in separate bins for scanning.
Finally, passengers should be prepared to answer questions about the contents of their luggage and any recent travels.

Customs and Immigration at Albany Airport

For arriving passengers, after landing, you’ll follow signs and/or instructions to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) area. There, you’ll present your passport, visa (if applicable), and other required documentation as determined by CBP.

Once cleared by CBP, you’ll collect your luggage and proceed through customs, where you’ll declare any items you’re bringing into the country. After customs, you’ll exit the secure area of the airport and may proceed to ground transportation or connecting flights.

For departing passengers, you’ll check in for your flight and proceed through security screening. If traveling internationally, you’ll then proceed to the CBP area to complete the departure process. Once cleared by CBP, you’ll proceed to your gate for boarding.

Amenities:

  • Food and Beverage: The airport has several options to choose from including Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, and Wolfgang Puck.
  • Shopping: Hudson News offers magazines, books, newspapers, drinks, and snacks. There’s also a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs or last-minute travel accessories.
  • ATMs: There are several ATMs located throughout the airport for your convenience.
  • Free Wi-Fi: Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
  • Luggage Carts: Luggage carts are available for rent in baggage claim areas. The cost is $5 per cart.
  • Pet Relief Areas: There are pet relief areas located outside the terminal for passengers traveling with pets.
  • Children’s Play Area: There’s a designated play area for children located near Gate 15.
  • Restrooms: Restrooms are available throughout the terminal and include changing tables and handicap accessible stalls.

Accessibility Services

Albany Airport is committed to providing facilities and services for passengers with disabilities or mobility issues.
The airport provides accessible parking spaces, curb-to-gate shuttle service, accessible restrooms, and elevators.
Passengers with disabilities can also request assistance from the airport’s customer service representatives or airline personnel.
Service animal relief areas are also available throughout the airport.

Connecting Flights at Albany Airport

Connecting flights at Albany Airport can be a smooth and stress-free experience if you know what to expect. Firstly, check which terminal your connecting flight is departing from and how much time you have between flights.

If your connection is with the same airline, you may not need to collect your baggage or re-check it. However, if you are changing airlines, you will need to collect your luggage and check-in again. It’s essential to leave ample time for this process.

Make sure to follow the signs and ask airport staff for directions if needed. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your flight information displays for any gate or schedule changes. Finally, be mindful of security procedures and allow sufficient time for screening.

By knowing the process and staying aware of your flight information and surroundings, you can confidently catch your connecting flight at Albany Airport with ease.

Baggage Claim and Lost Property

Upon arrival, passengers should proceed to the baggage claim area located in the lower level of the terminal.
Baggage carousels are marked with flight information to help identify which carousel your luggage will be on.
If a bag is lost or damaged during travel, passengers are advised to report it to the airline immediately.
To report a missing bag, visit your airline’s baggage service office in the baggage claim area.
Passengers will need to provide their baggage claim ticket and any other relevant information about the lost baggage.
If a bag is found unattended or suspected to be lost, passengers are encouraged to report it to airport security or the airport’s lost and found department.

Emergency and Medical Facilities

In case of an emergency at Albany Airport, passengers can contact the reception desk or security personnel for immediate assistance.

The airport has medical facilities equipped with qualified personnel to handle any medical emergencies that may arise.

Additionally, the airport has defibrillators strategically placed throughout the premises to cater to cases of cardiac arrest.

Passengers who need special medical attention during their travel can coordinate with the airport staff beforehand for necessary arrangements to be made.

Overall, every measure is taken to ensure the safety and medical well-being of all passengers at Albany Airport.

Hotel Accommodations near Albany Airport

There are several hotel accommodations available within or near the Albany Airport. The hotels offer a wide range of amenities to make your stay comfortable, whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure.
These five hotels are located within a short distance from the airport:

  • Hilton Garden Inn Albany Airport – 1.5 miles away
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton Albany Airport – 1 mile away
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Albany Airport Area – 3 miles away
  • Courtyard by Marriott Albany Airport – 2 miles away
  • Hampton Inn Albany Airport – 0.9 miles away

Useful Tips

Albany Airport can be overwhelming for first-time travelers.
However, with the right tips and tricks, you can easily navigate and enjoy your time at the airport.

One important tip is to arrive early for your flight to allow enough time for check-in and security screening.
You should also consider using the TSA PreCheck program to expedite the security process.

Another tip is to pack smartly and adhere to the TSA regulations regarding liquids, gels, and other prohibited items.
This will save you time and hassle during the security checks.

Lastly, take advantage of the various amenities available at the airport such as restaurants, shops, and lounges, to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.
Consider booking a Priority Pass membership to access exclusive lounges and enjoy complimentary snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi while waiting for your flight.

Contact Information

– Airport Lost and Found: (518) 242-2200

– Customer Service: (518) 242-2222

– Parking Information: (518) 242-2200

– TSA Contact: (518) 242-5250

– Airline Contacts: Visit Albany Airport’s website for a full list of airline contacts.

Alternate Airports Near Albany Airport

There are several airports within a reasonable distance from the Albany International Airport:

  • Saratoga County Airport (35 miles): This small regional airport offers limited flights but can be a good option for those looking to avoid the crowds of larger airports. Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport.
  • Hartford Bradley International Airport (80 miles): A larger airport with many domestic and international flights. Shuttle services, taxis, and rental cars are available for transport to/from this airport.
  • Boston Logan International Airport (160 miles): Another major airport with connections to many global destinations. Amtrak offers train service from Albany-Rensselaer station to Boston, and buses and shuttles are also available.

If you are considering an alternate airport, be sure to factor in transportation costs and travel time when making your decision.

Useful Links

Wikipedia