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Northwest Florida Beaches Airport ECP Airport Traveler Guide

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iFly.comECPNorthwest Florida Beaches Airport

ECP Airport Insights & Guide

Key ECP Airport Topics:

Getting to Know ECP Airport

Discover the charm of Panama City Airport, the first stop on your journey to the stunning Florida Panhandle beaches. ECP stands out with its eco-friendly design, ensuring your beach vacation begins on a green note.

Need a quick yet detailed overview of ECP? Our guide simplifies your travel with essential info on flights, terminals, and more, including parking, dining, and shopping advice. Dive deeper into airport insights with our Comprehensive Airport Guide at iFly.com.

iFly Tip: Explore a wide array of air travel topics on our all-in-one reference guide.

Panama City Airport has one terminal building with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A has 8 gates, while Concourse B has 5 gates. Major airlines such as Delta, Southwest, and United operate out of Concourse A, while American Airlines and Silver Airways operate out of Concourse B. The terminal building has a variety of shops, restaurants, and services, including a gift shop, newsstand, coffee shop, and a bar.

When arriving at ECP, passengers can follow the signs to baggage claim, which is located on the lower level of the terminal building. After collecting their luggage, passengers can proceed to the main level of the terminal building to access transportation options, such as rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services. The security checkpoint is located on the upper level of the terminal building, and passengers are advised to arrive at least 2 hours before their scheduled departure time to allow enough time for security screening and boarding.

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

Connecting Between Terminals

ECP has a single terminal building that houses all the airport services and facilities. The terminal is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate, so passengers can easily find their way around the airport without any hassle. The terminal is equipped with modern amenities, including restaurants, cafes, retail shops, and restrooms.

There is no need to worry about getting between terminals at ECP Airport, as there is only one terminal building. However, if you need to travel to another airport, you can take advantage of the airport's ground transportation options. The airport offers shuttle bus services that transport passengers to and from nearby hotels and resorts. Additionally, there are several car rental companies located at the airport if you prefer to have your own transportation.

Tips from ECP Frequent Flyers

To help make your experience at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from ECP-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"ECP is super easy to navigate with just one terminal. If you're flying Delta or Southwest, head straight to Concourse A. It's a breeze, and you won't get lost!" — John D., Panama City Beach, FL, December 2023

"Remember that all the gates at ECP are within walking distance from each other. This makes it really simple to find your way around, especially if you're in a hurry." — Lisa M., Lynn Haven, FL, January 2024

Getting To/From the City

"For a scenic ride, I recommend taking the Sunshine Shuttle. It's a bit more expensive than the trolley, but the views are worth it!" — Maria S., Panama City, FL, February 2024

"If you're on a budget, the Bay Town Trolley is a great option. It’s reliable and way cheaper than other transport options." — Kevin B., Callaway, FL, March 2024

Parking

"The cell phone waiting area is a lifesaver if you're picking someone up. It's free and just a short drive from the terminal." — Emily T., Parker, FL, April 2024

"For longer stays, consider the off-airport parking. They offer shuttle services, and it's usually cheaper than parking at the airport itself." — Brian H., Springfield, FL, May 2024

Inside the Airport

"Don't miss the Flight Deck Bar & Grill before security if you have time. It's a great spot for a meal before your flight." — Sarah J., Panama City Beach, FL, June 2024

"For those early flights, grab a coffee from Dunkin' Donuts. It's quick and right in the main terminal." — Mark L., Southport, FL, July 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Always check your flight status on the airport's displays or your airline's app. It helps avoid surprises, especially during peak travel times." — Rachel P., Panama City, FL, August 2024

"Arrive at least 2 hours early, especially during holidays. Security lines can get long, but the staff is efficient." — Tom K., Lynn Haven, FL, September 2024

"If you're traveling with kids, be sure to check out the play area near the food court. It's a great way to keep them entertained while you wait." — Jessica W., Callaway, FL, October 2024

iFly Tip: Get advice on using seatbelt extenders and more at our overweight passenger guide.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At ECP, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the terminal building. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. Drivers are advised to use the cell-phone waiting area, located near the airport entrance, to wait for arriving passengers.

The cell-phone waiting area is a free parking lot where drivers can wait in their vehicles until their passengers have arrived and collected their luggage. Once the passengers are ready to be picked up, the driver can proceed to the curbside for pick-up. This system helps to reduce traffic congestion at the terminal and ensures a smooth flow of passenger drop-offs and pick-ups.

Parking Facilities & Options

ECP Airport offers several parking options for travelers. There are both covered and uncovered parking garages located directly across from the terminal building. The parking garages are conveniently located for easy access to the airport, and provide a safe and secure place to park your vehicle.

For those who prefer to wait in their car for arriving passengers, there is a cell phone waiting area located just outside the terminal building. This area is free of charge and provides a convenient place to wait for your party to arrive.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking areas, and is located close to the terminal building for easy access. There are also designated parking spots for those with disabled veteran license plates.

If you're looking for an economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near the airport. These parking lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, and can be a cost-effective alternative to parking at the airport itself.

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

Transportation Options

Northwest Florida Beaches Airport, also known as ECP, offers a variety of ground transportation options to get you to and from your destination. Whether you prefer to rent a car, take a taxi, use a shared ride service, or take public transportation, ECP has you covered.

  • Rental Cars: If you prefer to rent a car, ECP has several car rental facilities located on-site, including major providers such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. Simply follow the signs to the rental car counters located in the airport terminal.
  • Taxis: For those who prefer to take a taxi, there are several taxi companies that service ECP, including Bay Taxi, Beach Bum Trolley, and Sunshine Shuttle. Taxis are available outside the baggage claim area, and fares vary depending on your destination.
  • Ride Share Services: If you're looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are also available at ECP. Pickup areas are located outside the baggage claim area, and fares are based on distance and time.
  • Airport Shuttles: ECP also offers airport shuttles, which provide transportation to and from select hotels and resorts in the area. Pickup areas are located outside the baggage claim area, and fares vary depending on your destination.
  • Public Transportation: Finally, for those who prefer to take public transportation, Bay Town Trolley provides bus service to and from ECP. The trolley stop is located outside the baggage claim area, and fares are based on distance and time.

iFly Tip: Keep your travel essentials close with advice from our carry-on baggage guide.

Airport Hotels

Discover a wide range of hotel options near the airport that cater to every traveler's needs. From luxury to budget-friendly options, these hotels offer amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, and on-site dining. Some are even within walking distance of popular local attractions. Check out our comprehensive guide to Panama City Airport Hotels and find the perfect place to rest before or after your flight.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

The airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, stop by Dunkin' Donuts or Einstein Bros. Bagels, both located in the main terminal. For a sit-down meal, check out the Flight Deck Bar & Grill, which offers a full menu of American cuisine and is located before the security checkpoint.

When it comes to shopping, the airport has several options to choose from. Visit Coastal Gifts & Décor for souvenirs and beach-themed items, or browse the selection of books and magazines at Hudson News. For last-minute travel essentials, head to the TravelMart convenience store.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Northwest Florida Beaches Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, check out the food and shopping page.

Passenger Services

Panama City Airport, located in the United States, offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience comfortable and hassle-free.

Stay connected with free wifi access throughout the airport. If you have lost an item during your travels, visit the lost and found located in the baggage claim area.

Traveling with children? Take advantage of the children's play area located near the food court. For those with special needs, the airport provides wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.

If you need to do some banking, there are ATMs located throughout the airport. In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a first aid station located near the baggage claim area.

Overall, ECP offers a variety of services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience for all passengers.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is important to stay up-to-date with the status of your flight. At ECP Airport, there are several ways to check the status of your flight departure.

One of the easiest ways to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply look for your flight number on the display to get the latest information.

Another convenient way to stay informed about your flight status is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines have apps that allow you to track your flight and receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes. You can also sign up for text, email, and push notifications to receive updates directly to your phone.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Airport Facts & Stats

  • Location: Northwest Florida Beaches Airport (ECP) is located in Panama City Beach, Florida, United States.
  • Terminal: The airport has one terminal building serving both domestic and international flights.
  • Airlines Served: Major airlines serving ECP include Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. For a full list of airlines, check out the ECP Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: The airport handles approximately 5,000 passengers daily.
  • Daily Flights: ECP sees around 50 daily flights.
  • Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from ECP are Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Nashville, and Chicago.
  • Hub Status: ECP is not a hub for any major airline, although Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines operate significant numbers of flights from the airport.

Airport History

Panama City Airport, located in Panama City Beach, Florida, has a rich history dating back to the 1930s. Here are some of the significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1930s - The airport was originally built as a military training base during World War II.
  • 1950s - The airport was converted into a civilian airport and began offering commercial flights.
  • 2004 - Hurricane Ivan caused significant damage to the airport, leading to a complete renovation and expansion project.
  • 2010 - The airport was renamed from Panama City-Bay County International Airport to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.
  • 2019 - The airport completed a major expansion project, adding a new terminal and runway to accommodate an increasing number of passengers.

Today, ECP serves as a popular destination for tourists visiting the Gulf Coast region of Florida, offering flights to major cities across the United States.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: ECP
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 850-636-8950
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, 6300 West Bay Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32409, United States

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

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Northwest Florida Beaches Airport Q&A

There are two concourses. Concourse A hosts Delta, Southwest, and United, while Concourse B serves American Airlines and Silver Airways.
You can use the Sunshine Shuttle for a scenic ride or the Bay Town Trolley for a budget-friendly option. Rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available.
The Flight Deck Bar & Grill offers a full menu and is located before security. Dunkin' Donuts and Einstein Bros. Bagels are available for quick bites in the main terminal.
ECP offers covered and uncovered parking garages, a free cell phone waiting area, and economical off-airport parking with shuttle services.
You can check flight status via in-airport flight displays, your airline's mobile app, or the flight departures page on ifly.com.
Yes, there is a free cell-phone waiting area near the airport entrance where you can wait in your vehicle until your passengers are ready for pick-up.
Yes, there are various hotels nearby that offer amenities like fitness centers and on-site dining. Some are within walking distance of local attractions.
Visit the lost and found located in the baggage claim area to report and retrieve lost items.
Yes, ECP provides wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and handicapped parking close to the terminal.
The most popular destinations include Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Nashville, and Chicago.

Find more help here for your journey through the airport