ECP Airport Insights & Guide
Key ECP Airport Topics:- Frequent Flier Tips
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Navigating ECP's Terminals
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.
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) 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 a relatively small airport with a single terminal, making it easy to navigate. Once you pass through security, all gates are within a short walking distance. If you’re in a rush, you’ll appreciate the compact layout." — John D., Panama City, FL, August 2023
"Keep an eye on the digital screens for any gate changes. They are updated frequently and can save you from unnecessary walking." — Lisa M., Lynn Haven, FL, July 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The airport is about 20 minutes from Panama City Beach. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to get there, consider the Bay Town Trolley, which has routes connecting the airport to the beach and downtown areas." — Michael S., Panama City Beach, FL, September 2023
"Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available at ECP. They’re a convenient option, especially if you have a lot of luggage." — Karen T., Callaway, FL, October 2023
Parking
"If you’re parking for more than a few days, the long-term parking lot is your best bet. It’s a short walk to the terminal, and the rates are reasonable compared to other airports." — David R., Southport, FL, November 2023
"For quick drop-offs or pick-ups, use the short-term parking lot. It’s free for the first 30 minutes, which is perfect if you’re just dropping someone off or picking them up." — Emily K., Parker, FL, December 2023
Inside the Airport
"ECP has a few good dining options. If you have some time before your flight, check out the Surf’s Up Bar & Grill for a quick bite and a drink." — Sarah L., Panama City Beach, FL, January 2024
"For those last-minute souvenirs, the Coastal Marketplace has a nice selection of local gifts and travel essentials." — Brian H., Springfield, FL, February 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Arrive at least 90 minutes before your flight, especially during peak travel times. Security lines can get long, and arriving early will help you avoid unnecessary stress." — Jessica W., Lynn Haven, FL, March 2024
"Download the airport’s app for real-time updates on flight status, gate changes, and security wait times. It’s a lifesaver if you’re trying to stay ahead of any potential delays." — Carlos P., Panama City, FL, April 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
About this Page: Please note that while we strive to keep the content on this page current and accurate, we cannot guarantee it due to the ever-changing nature of airports and airlines; for more details about our data and practices, refer to our Trust & Transparency statement. To report any data issues, use our feedback form.
Northwest Florida Beaches Airport Q&A
Find more help here for your journey through the airport