Discover 3 Major Airports in Idaho with Latest Travel Guide

Idaho is a landlocked state located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The state is bordered by Montana to the northeast, Wyoming to the east, Nevada, and Utah to the south, and Washington, and Oregon to the west. Boise is the largest, and the capital city of Idaho.

Despite its relatively small population, Idaho has a robust aviation infrastructure, with airports and airfields scattered across the state.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the airports in Idaho, exploring their infrastructure, airlines, destinations, travel tips, and more.

What major airports are in Idaho?

In the state of Idaho, there are some important airports playing a crucial role in facilitating travel, and commerce within the state, and beyond. Though Idaho features rugged terrain, and vast wilderness areas, the aviation infrastructure is well established.

Idaho is home to several (70+) major airports serving as hubs for commercial air travel. Boise Airport (BOI), Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA), and Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) are the key airports in Idaho.

Additionally, there are various regional, and smaller airports serving general aviation and private aircraft. Now, let’s explore these airports in detail.

Boise Airport (BOI)

Boise Airport (ICAO: KBOI, IATA: BOI, FAA LID: BOI) is the primary commercial airport located in Boise, the capital city of Idaho state. The airport is owned/operated by the City of Boise and primarily serves Treasure Valley (a valley in the western U.S.).

BOI is situated at an elevation of 2,871 ft (875 m) above mean sea level (AMSL), and serves as a focus airport for Alaska Airlines. A total of 9 commercial airlines operate regular commercial passenger flights to and from the airport connecting to various destinations.

BOI Airport Infrastructure

Boise Airport covers a total area of 5,000 acres, and features three asphalt runways: RWY 10L/28R, RWY 10R/28L, and RWY 9R/27L.

BOI RUNWAYS	DIMENSION	SURFACE
RWY 10L/28R	10,000 x 150 ft	Asphalt
RWY 10R/28L	9,763 x 150 ft	Asphalt
RWY 09/27	5,000 x 90 ft	Asphalt

The airport infrastructure holds a three-storeyed terminal building. The First Floor accommodates Concourse C, and offers passenger pick-up, airport parking, ground transportation, retail shops, restaurants, and other basic terminal services.

Concourse B is located on the second floor of the BOI Terminal Building. You can find passenger drop-off, valet parking, pet relief area, restaurants, shops, baggage claim, security, ticketing, and various other terminal facilities.

The Third Floor of the airport terminal is allocated for the airport administration.

Here are the major services, and amenities offered by the BOI Terminal.

• Baggage Claim Service
• TSA Security Screening Checkpoint
• CLEAR Service
• ATM Banking Service
• Lactation Room
• Lost & Found
• Service Animal Relief
• Shopping & Dining Options
• Business Center
• Valet Parking
• Ground Transportation, and more.

First Floor (Concourse C)

• Gates – C1 to C12
• Basic Services – Rental Car Lot, Baggage Claim, Rest Rooms, Boise Airport Chapel, and Business Center
• Shopping Options – CNBC SmartShop, and CNBC Kiosk
• Dining Options – Harvest & Grounds

Second Floor (Concourse B)

• Gates – B10, B11, B14 to B22
• Basic Services – Ticket Lobby, Check-in Kiosks, Business Center, ATM, CLEAR, TSA, Lactation Room, Service Animal Relief Area, Family Restroom, and Art Source Gallery
• Shopping Options – Greenbelt Magazine Shop, CNBC Kiosk, and Idaho Statesman Shop
• Dining Options – 13th Street Pub and Grill, Bardenay, Cross Grain Brewhouse, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Parrilla Grill, River City Coffee and Cafe, Cross Granins on the Go, and Smashburger.

Airlines Operating at Boise Airport

A total of 8 commercial airlines operate regular passenger flights to and from BOI Airport connecting to various non-stop domestic destinations, and connecting international flights. Besides, there are some charters, commuters, FBOs, and air taxi providers at the airport.

• Commercial Airlines at BOI – Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines.
• Charter Flight Operators at BOI – Gem Air Flights, and McCall Aviation
• Fixed Based Operators at BOI – Idaho Helicopters, Jackson Jet Center, Turbo Air, and Western Aircraft

Related: What are Fixed-Based Operators?

AIRLINES AT BOISE AIRPORT	DESTINATIONS
Alaska Airlines	Burbank, Chicago–O’Hare, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Portland (OR), Pullman, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose (CA), Seattle/Tacoma, Spokane Seasonal: Austin, Palm Springs
Allegiant Air	Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix/Mesa, and Orange County
American Airlines	Dallas/Fort Worth, and Phoenix–Sky Harbor Seasonal: Chicago–O’Hare (Operated by American Eagle)
Avelo Airlines	Burbank
Delta Air Lines	Seattle/Tacoma, and Los Angeles Seasonal: Salt Lake City (Operated by Delta Connection)
Southwest Airlines	Denver, Las Vegas, Long Beach (begins October 7, 2023), Oakland, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Sacramento, San Jose (CA) Seasonal: Chicago–Midway (resumes September 9, 2023), and San Diego
Spirit Airlines	Las Vegas
United Airlines	Chicago–O’Hare, San Francisco, and Denver Seasonal: Chicago–O’Hare, San Francisco, Houston–Intercontinental, Los Angeles, and Denver (Operated by United Express)
Gem Air (Charter Operator)	Salmon

Boise Airport (BOI) Travel Tips

Here are some important travel tips for passengers and visitors at Boise Airport (BOI):

• Arrive early: It’s recommended that you arrive at least 2 hours before your flight to ensure you have enough time to check-in, go through security, and make it to your gate.
• Check flight status: Before heading to the airport, check your flight status to make sure it’s on time or if there are any delays or cancellations.
• Know TSA guidelines: Make sure you’re familiar with TSA guidelines for liquids, electronics, and other items that are allowed or prohibited in carry-on and checked baggage.
• Use pre-security services: If you’re dropping off someone or waiting for a flight, take advantage of pre-security services such as dining, shopping, and art exhibits.
• Bring a valid ID: You will need a valid government-issued ID or passport to pass through security and board your flight.
• Pack light: Consider packing light to avoid extra baggage fees and to make it easier to move around the airport.
• Use parking options: BOI offers a variety of parking options including short-term and long-term parking, valet parking, and an economy lot.
• Take advantage of airport amenities: BOI offers a variety of amenities including free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a nursing room for mothers.
• Be respectful: Remember to be respectful of airport staff and fellow passengers and follow all rules and guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

If you are traveling with your pets, make sure you are following the pet travel policies of the respective airlines. For detailed information on pet travel policies, you can refer to the following articles.

• American Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• Delta Air Lines Pet Travel Policy
• Frontier Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• JetBlue Pet Travel Policy
• Southwest Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• Spirit Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• United Airlines Pet Travel Policy

Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)

Idaho Falls Regional Airport (ICAO: KIDA, IATA: IDA, FAA LID: IDA) is the second-busiest airport in Idaho after Boise Airport. The airport is owned, and operated by the City of Idaho Falls.

Located at an elevation of 4,744 ft (1,446 m) AMSL, the airport serves Idaho Falls, a city in the U.S. state of Idaho. IDA is served by various commercial airlines, and cargo operators.

IDA Airport Infrastructure

Idaho Falls Regional Airport occupies a total area of 866 acres (350 ha), and features two asphalt runways: RWY 3/21 (9,012 x 150 ft), and RWY 17/35 (4,051 x 75 ft).

The airport is equipped with a terminal building that is divided into two levels: Ground Level, and Upper Level.

Services and Amenities offered by IDA Terminal

• Baggage Claim
• TSA Security Checkpoint
• Ground Transportation
• Car Rentas
• Airport Parking
• Lost & Found
• Passenger Waiting Area
• Food & Dining Options
• Restrooms
• Pet Relief Area
• Ticketing/Check-in, and more.

Ground Level

• Gates – A1, A2, and A3
• Services: Airline Ticket Counter, Airport Administration Offices, Security Checkpoint, Passenger Waiting Area, Pet Relief Area, Restrooms, Ground Level Lobby, Rental Car Counters, and Baggage Claim

Upper Level

• Gates – B1, B2, and B3
• Services – Passenger Wating Area, Food Court, and Restrooms

Airlines Operating at IDA Airport

A total of 5 major U.S. airlines (Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines) operate non-stop flights to various destinations from Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA). 

AIRLINES AT IDA AIRPORT	NON-STOP DESTINATIONS
Allegiant Air	Las Vegas (LAS), and Phoenix/Mesa (AZA) Seasonal Routes: Los Angeles (LAX), Oakland/San Francisco (OAK), San Diego (SAN), and Portland (PDX)
Delta Air Lines	Salt Lake City (SLC) Seasonal Route: Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP)
United Airlines	Denver (DEN)
Alaska Airlines	Seattle–Tacoma (SEA)
American Airlines	Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Phoenix–Sky Harbor (PHX)

IDA Airport Travel Tips

Here are the important travel tips you can follow for an enhanced travel experience at IDA Airport.

• Passengers are always advised to arrive early (at least 2 hours prior) at the airport so that, they get enough time for check-in, security screening, accessing airport amenities, and getting to the boarding gate.
• Those passengers using online check-in are advised to print boarding passes, or utilize the airline’s smartphone app to gain access to the TSA Screening Checkpoint.
• Passengers must be aware of baggage allowance, and restrictions. Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container; must be in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin.
• IDA Airport’s entry and exit doorways are equipped with oversized automatic doors allowing wheelchair access. Plus, airlines provide wheelchairs, and luggage assistance for special passengers.
• It is recommended to plan ahead if you need the airport’s ground transportation, parking, or car rental services, as they are available there.

If you are traveling with your pets via Idaho Falls Regional Airport, make sure you are following the pet travel policies of the respective airlines. For detailed information on pet travel policies, you can refer to the following articles.

• American Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• Delta Air Lines Pet Travel Policy
• United Airlines Pet Travel Policy

Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN)

Friedman Memorial Airport (ICAO: KSUN, IATA: SUN, FAA LID: SUN) is also one of the key airports in Idaho located just 2 kilometers southwest of the central business district of Hailey. It is owned by the City of Hailey, and operated by Friedman Memorial Airport Authority.

Located at an elevation of 5,318 ft (1,621 m) AMSL, SUN Airport serves Hailey, Ketchum, and Sun Valley.

Friedman Memorial Airport occupies a total area of 211 acres, and features a single asphalt Runway 13/31 (7,550 x 100 ft).

Airlines Operating at SUN Airport

At present, three commercial airlines including Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines serve the airport with regular flights to some domestic destinations.

AIRLINES AT SUN AIRPORT	DESTINATIONS
Alaska Airlines	Seattle/Tacoma (SEA)
Delta Air Lines	Salt Lake City (SLC) – Operated by Delta Connection
United Airlines	Denver (DEN) – Operated by United Express Seasonal Routes: Chicago–O’Hare (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), and San Francisco (SFO)

SUN Airport Travel Tips

Here are some travel tips for Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Idaho:

• Arrive early: Although SUN is a small airport, it’s always better to arrive at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time to avoid any last-minute rush.
• Check the weather: Idaho can have unpredictable weather conditions, so make sure to check the forecast before you depart and pack accordingly.
• Ground transportation: SUN offers several ground transportation options, including rental cars, taxis, and shuttle services. Research and book your preferred option ahead of time.
• Nearby accommodations: If you’re staying overnight, there are several hotels and motels near the airport. Research and book your accommodation in advance to ensure availability.
• Security: SUN follows TSA guidelines for security screening. Make sure to follow the rules and regulations to avoid any delays or inconveniences.

Conclusion on Airports in Idaho

In conclusion, Idaho has a significant number of airports, although most of them cater to general aviation traffic. Boise Airport (BOI), Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA), and Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) are the major commercial airports in the state.

Boise Airport is the busiest and most well-connected airport in Idaho, with numerous flights to domestic and international destinations. Idaho Falls Regional Airport is a smaller airport, but it offers a convenient location for travelers visiting eastern Idaho. Friedman Memorial Airport serves the resort community of Sun Valley and the surrounding area, offering easy access to some of Idaho’s most popular outdoor recreation destinations.

If you’re planning to travel to Idaho and need to choose between these airports, consider your travel itinerary and destination. For those visiting Boise or the surrounding area, BOI would be the most convenient option. Travelers visiting eastern Idaho might find IDA more suitable, while those heading to Sun Valley or nearby recreation areas should consider SUN.

No matter which airport you choose, be sure to plan ahead and research transportation, parking, and other travel logistics to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

FAQs on Airports in Idaho