Spokane Airport Guide

KGEG, commonly known as Spokane International Airport, is an excellent gateway to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. This class C airport is welcoming to both commercial and general aviation operations. Located only five miles to the Southwest of Spokane, Washington, KGEG offers proximity to the city and its plentiful entertainment options. This towered airport offers an FBO to service general aviation and jet operations and a three-terminal commercial airport for airliners. KGEG operates flights from eight airliners on a regular basis, as well as two air cargo operators. Due to its traveler-friendly size, this airport provides less walking time through terminals for passengers flying commercial airlines, which can make it preferable to other large airports in the area. 

Bottom Line Up Front

The bottom line, Spokane Airport is an excellent choice for passengers traveling on commercial airlines, jet operations, or general aviation pilots with controlled airspace experience. As a class C airport with airline operations, it may not be the ideal destination for new or low-hour general aviation pilots. This is due to the fast-paced nature of the flight environment. It is an excellent option for instrument operations as it offers an ILS/DME for runway 03/21. For commercial airline passengers, it offers fewer crowds, less walking from parking to gate, and shorter security wait times than most international airports. 

Considerations Prior To Flight Into Spokane as a Pilot 

• KGEG is a class C airport. As it is an airport that caters to commercial aviation, it is prudent for low-hour pilots to note the fast-paced environment and high traffic volume on the airfield and plan accordingly for their arrival.
• Signature Flight Support FBO is on the field with car rentals, 100LL, and Jet-A available. 
• There are some fees associated with landing and parking at KGEG, and the cost of those fees varies.
• There are multiple maintenance personnel available on the field should a mechanical issue arise.
• Pilots should anticipate encountering turbulence when passing over the smokestacks, which are located 1 mile East of the airport. 

Considerations For Commercial Airline Passengers Flying Into Spokane International Airport

• Ideal for travelers with a lot of luggage, free baggage cart stations are available at the A, B, and C concourse terminal entrances and onsite parking garages.
• With only three concourses, the entire airport is within walking distance for passengers from check-in to the gate. 
• Spokane International Airport offers four parking lots onsite, two of which offer complimentary Chargepoint EV stations.
• The airport offers a nursing mothers room as well as a relief area for service animals. 
• QuickPay kiosks are available in the terminal for travelers to pay for their parking at Spokane International Airport prior to leaving the concourse. 

Spokane International Airport Technical Information 

• ICAO Identifier: KGEG
• Latitude/ Longitude: 47-37-08.5000N 117-32-06.8000W Estimated
• Location: 5 Miles South West of Spokane, WA
• Elevation: 2385 feet 
• Control Tower Hours: 24 Hours
• Beacon: Lighted land airport with white-green beacon lights.
• Fees: Landing, Handling, Overnight
• Time zone: Pacific, PDT (UTC -0700)
• Customs: International Airport of Entry
• Fuel available on the field: 100, 100LL, Jet-A
• ARTCC: Seattle (ZSE) 
• FSS: Seattle (SEA) 1-800-WX- Brief
• UNICOM: 122.95
• ATIS: 124.325
• ASOS: (509) 742-2544
• Clearance Delivery: 127.55
• Ground: 121.9
• Tower: 118.3
• Spokane Approach: 133.25/ 123.75
• Departure: 133.25/ 123.75

Runways

03/21:

           11,002 x 150 feet

      Asphalt, concrete, grooved in Excellent Condition.

      ILS/DME

08/26:

       8,199 x 150 feet

      Asphalt, grooved, and in good condition.

Recommended Procedure Prior To Arrival At Spokane International Airport For Pilots

Prior to your arrival at Spokane International Airport, there are a few things the Pilot-in-Command should address:

• Pilots should check for any active NOTAMs. Check for NOTAMs pertaining to any area along your route to KGEG or to the airport environment itself in Spokane. NOTAMs can provide pilots with critical information related to safety, such as the smokestacks near KGEG, and they also notify pilots of active TFRs. Temporary Flight Restrictions are typically used to announce legal restrictions within an airspace for a reason the Federal Aviation Administration considers necessary. 
• Prior to entering the airspace, check the current weather at your destination, KGEG. This can be done through the ATIS frequency at KGEG, 124.325. 
• As KGEG is a controlled airport, pilots should be prepared to talk to approach, tower, and ground controllers. It is required for aviators to abide by the directions given by Air Traffic Controllers when entering the airspace as long as safety permits.

Spokane International Airport Statistics

Aircraft based on field:

• Singe engine- 36 aircraft
• Multi-engine- 10 aircraft
• Jet- 12 aircraft
• Helicopters- 2 aircraft

Aircraft Operations per day as of January 2019, per AirNav.com:

• 187 average per day
• 68 % commercial
• 11% air taxi
• 7% general aviation
• 3% military

Pilot Reviews Of KGEG

Reviews from pilots arriving in KGEG concerning the non-airliner side of the airport are mixed about their experience, especially with reference to FBO service. 

Maurice P. on AOPA Destinations says:

“Moved from smaller airport in area to KGEG and hangar our Cirrus with Signiture Flight Spokane. Staff very accommodating and fast. Always feel special and cared for from parking, fueling, movement from and to hangar their is no worry about damage. They know their profession. Have watched them service all aircraft up to F35 boys who dropped in for fuel. They take care of the customer !”

Leslie Briggs on Airnav says of Spokane Signature Flight Support:

“Great service. Very pleasant customer service at counter. Thank you.”

In contrast, the following reviewers from Airnav did not have a completely positive experience.

Jeffery Mirsepasy says “Got excellent service from very nice employees today. With a fuel top off in my Mooney, the handling fee was only five dollars. I would’ve given a higher review but they jammed my fuel cap on wrong and it had to be pried off. Not very conscientious especially since I warned the line guy that Mooney caps can be finicky and not to force anything. I would go back.”

Mark Haakenson stated “We flew a woman into GEG to receive an organ transplant in the company Citation. Landed at 10:51pm (Signature closes at 10pm) We didn’t need services. Line-guy Scott was there dealing with a large charter aircraft and a Medevac Pilatus. We dropped off our passenger but as we were heading out the door he informed us that he need to get a copy of our credit card and that the CSR would bill us in the morning for any fees that we incurred. This is what we were charged to darken the doorway of their building…Handling Charge $420 Infrastructure Fee $30 Call-Out Fee for Scott A. $90 ANOTHER Call-Out Fee for Scott A. $58 for a grand total of $598!!! When I called to clarify, I was told that the first fee is the call-out fee and the second fee is an hourly charge to have line personnel there… $58/hr for a line guy that didn’t know that he couldn’t park a jet with its tail into a 27kt tail wind… SMH NEVER AGAIN next time we’ll go somewhere else.”

Airline Passenger Reviews Of Spokane International Airport

Overall, the passenger reviews for the terminal and experience at Spokane International Airport are incredibly positive. Travelers often cite the small side, lack of crowds, and centrally located Starbucks coffee as benefits of the airport. 

Michael Delehanty on Google Reviews states:

“Listen, it’s likely I’m biased since I grew up in Spokane but this is my favorite airport of all. It’s not the prettiest but it has an early 1960s design and that style still looks great today. It’s only 10 minutes outside Spokane and with the enormous parking garage, it’s easy to park your car. The main area is rarely busy and the concourses are small and have huge windows that allow you to view planes landing and departing, which is pretty awesome, even for the old guys. Over the years, they have done some upgrades and I like the Starbucks right in the middle of everything, even if they totally botched our order the last time there. Also, getting a rental car is easy here and the cars are parked right outside so you don’t need a shuttle to get back to the airport. Check this place out sometime. The Northwest is a great area and the Spokane airport could be your first stop.”

Juli Rasmussen on Google Reviews says:

“I like that this airport is small enough to not be difficult. We rented a car and the car rental desks are right there in the airport. It’s a short line for security. It’s a short distance to walk to your gate. It needs renovations in some parts, but the other benefits outweigh the vanity aspects.”

Top Spokane Attractions for After Your Arrival

Spokane hosts a variety of entertainment options. Here are some of the top-rated recommendations to help you enjoy a trip to Spokane! 

• For Pilots: Historic Flight Foundation
  • Located at: 5829 E Rutter Ave, Spokane, WA 99212.
  • This flight museum caters to aviation enthusiasts. It houses historical aircraft and offers historic flights.
  • Flight presentations of P-51 Mustangs and T-6 Texans occur on a monthly basis, weather permitting.

• For Families: Numerica SkyRide Trams
  • Located at 507 N. Howard Street Spokane, WA 99201.
  • This suspended tram ride takes passengers across the Spokane River and near Spokane Falls for breathtaking views in a 15-minute round-trip experience.
  • Enclosed cabins allow for the tram to run year-round.

• For Events: Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox
  • Located at 1001 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201.
  • This historical theater offers a classical theater venue for special events such as the Spokane Symphony.

• For Outdoor Explorers: Manito Park
  • Located at 1702 S. Grand Blvd., Spokane, WA 99203.
  • Manito Park features five separate garden areas throughout its 78 acres of beautiful landscape.
  • It offers a café onsite for lunch with a view.

• For Adults: Barrister Winery
  •  Located at 1213 W Railroad Ave and: 203 N. Washington St., Spokane, WA 99201.
  • Barrister Winery is nestled in downtown Spokane within a historic brick building. It offers wine tastings and hosts special events throughout the year.

Best Hotels Near Spokane International Airport 

When arriving at a large airport, staying in a hotel near the airport can be beneficial for quick transfer options. Here are some of the highest-rated places to stay near Spokane International Airport:

• Best for Families: Ramada by Wyndham Spokane Airport
  • Located 0.6 miles from KGEG at 8909 W Airport Dr, Spokane, WA 99224.

• Best for a Romantic Getaway: The Historic Davenport
  •  Located 6.7 miles from KGEG at 10 S Post St, Spokane, WA 9920.

• Best for Business Trips: Hotel Ruby
  • Located 6.6 miles from KGEG at 901 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99201.

• Best for an Overnight: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Spokane Airport
  • Located 0.2 miles from KGEG at 8967 W Airport Dr, Spokane, WA 99224.

• Best Budget Option: Super 8 by Wyndham Spokane Valley
  • Located 13.5 miles from KGEG at 2020 N Argonne Rd, Spokane, WA 99212.

Car Rental Companies Servicing Spokane International Airport

There are eight car rental companies offering rentals from Spokane International Airport. They include:

• Alamo
• Avis
• Budget
• Dollar Rent-a-car
• Thrifty Car Rental
• Enterprise
• Hertz
• National

FAQ’s – Spokane Airport Guide

Explore The Pacific Northwest Through Spokane International Airport 

Spokane International Airport is an excellent choice for general aviators and commercial fliers alike. With its location adjacent to the entertainment offered in Spokane, as well as its proximity to Casinos in Idaho, there is no lack of events to draw travelers to the airport. Due to its smaller size, it provides a less hectic option for commercial travelers in comparison to large international airports such as Seattle- Tacoma International Airport. It is also a great choice for General Aviation pilots as it offers FBO services through Signature Flight Support and a controlled airfield with air traffic control support. Spokane International Airport is an excellent choice year-round, with the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest to draw vacationers in. I wish you blue skies and tailwinds on your next flight! 

Want To Learn More? Check Out These Articles Below! 

• Dallas Love Field Airport Guide
• Eastern Iowa Airport Guide
• 12 Best Places to Fly: Airports and Destinations for Pilots
• Santa Barbara Airport Guide
• The Largest Commercial Planes of All Time

Sources

•  Spokane International Airport Website
• AOPA Destinations- Spokane International Airport
• AirNav- KGEG

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Kendra Gerken

Kendra obtained her Private Pilot Certificate in 2014 and followed that certificate with an instrument rating. After many flight hours in various single-engine aircraft, she obtained her Remote Pilot certificate. She now uses her knowledge of various aircraft within the aviation industry to fuel her writing here at Aviator Insider!

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