Piedmont Triad International Airport is well known in the area for its courteous and comparatively hassle-free service.
Now it’s getting some national recognition for those same features.
The Discoverer Blog recently rated PTIA as one of the 10 best small airports in the country. It recommends that instead of Charlotte Douglas International or Raleigh-Durham International, air travelers give PTIA a try.
The Discoverer Blog has this to say about PTIA, “Why We Like It: With a motto like “fly easy,” who wouldn’t like this small North Carolina hub? Almost halfway between Charlotte Douglas and Raleigh-Durham, Piedmont Triad is a safe bet for smooth travels. When compared to its neighboring airports, the crowds are typically minimal and the lines are blessedly brief.”
The article on why air travelers should give smaller airports a try states, “Big airports offer the pick of the litter when it comes to flights, airlines, and restaurant options, but long lines, crowded terminals, and hectic check-ins are part of the trade. Small airports are the exact opposite. After an easy check-in, you can breeze through security and grab a pre-flight coffee in a tight 15 minutes. Even better, many small airports are home to budget airlines, which help keep your travel costs low. Combining ease and affordability, our picks for the best small airports in the U.S. are worth considering the next time you book.”
The airports that join PTIA as the best small airports in the US are: Long Beach Airport in Long Beach, California; Bangor International Airport in Bangor, Maine; Dallas Love Field Airport in Dallas, Texas; Lehigh Valley International Airport in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania; Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, New Hampshire; Paine Field Airport in Snohomish County Washington; Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in Birmingham, Alabama; Long Island MacArthur Airport in Islip, New York; and Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Reno, Nevada
“…crowds are typically minimal and the lines are blessedly brief.” That’s because it offer no direct flights except to a few major hubs and flights almost always cost more than flying out of Charlotte or RDU.
Chris, it must really suck to be you!! I have actually said a few prayers for you in that I hope some day you find a glass that is half full.
^^Truth! It is an hour to RDU, and the garage parking is not bad if you prepay (maybe a 5 minute walk car to terminal) and if you have TSA precheck security takes less than 5 minutes, and it is actually LESS time to get somewhere. Last week I left my house at 5:45AM, and I was on the Gulf beach enjoying the sun for the whole day by 9:30AM (includes getting checked luggage and renting the car). You cannot beat Southwest out of Raleigh for daily non stops, and they also have non stops out west, to Vegas, etc. When I was there last week I heard RDU announce Iceland Air is now doing non stops to Reykjavik. That is about a 4 hour flight, change in Reykjavik and get to European destinations fairly easily. Iceland Air is a great little airline, very enjoyable to fly and they have awesome snacks & chocolate on board 🙂
Chris you are correct as I haven’t flown out of PTI in probably 15 years but fly a lot out of Raleigh or Charlotte due to no flights or higher costs here at home. I do fly regularly for my work.
They are only interested in the cargo business at PTI which is booming for them so I’m good with that.
What is “International” about PTIA?
Amen, Lakeshia!!
I am just happy to have an airport 10 minutes from my house. I can pay a few extra bucks for that benefit rather than drive to Charlotte, or Raleigh, park and then another 15-20 minutes getting to the terminal.
Total travel time is often lower to drive to CLT or RDU. Most of my travel is business funded so travel time is often more important but because GSO is so expensive it also turns out to be at a lower cost. I would rather be in my car driving than waiting for flight transfer that often is delayed or canceled.
The exception of course if you are flying to the few major hubs GSO services like Philly, Chicago or DC.
Just my experience.