SAF Airport Insights & Guide
- 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 SAF Airport
Discover Santa Fe Airport, nestled against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, just 10 minutes from downtown Santa Fe. This gateway offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it more than just a stopover. Our guide simplifies your journey from home to gate, covering flight updates, parking, terminal maps, and the best local dining and shopping. Dive into our Comprehensive Airport Guide for a seamless SAF experience, where the art installations throughout the airport add a touch of local charm to your travel.
iFly Tip: Avoid baggage troubles with tips from our baggage information page.
Navigating SAF's Terminals
SAF Airport has one terminal building with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A has 5 gates while Concourse B has 3 gates. The airport is served by major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, which operate from Concourse A. Concourse B is used by smaller regional airlines such as Boutique Air and Taos Air.
Passengers can easily navigate the airport terminals as they are located in the same building. Upon arrival, passengers can proceed to the baggage claim area located on the lower level of the terminal building. The ticketing counters and security checkpoints are located on the upper level of the terminal building. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before their scheduled departure time to allow enough time for check-in and security screening.
For those who need to grab a bite or do some shopping, there are several food and retail options available throughout the terminal building. Passengers can use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
As a small regional airport, the airport only has one terminal building, making it easy for passengers to navigate. There are no shuttle buses or trains needed to get between terminals, as there is only one building for both arrivals and departures. The terminal is conveniently located near the parking lot, making it easy for passengers to access their vehicles upon arrival.
Tips from SAF Frequent Flyers
To help make your experience at Santa Fe Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from SAF-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
"If you're flying out of SAF, remember that both concourses are in the same terminal building, so you won't need to rush between gates. It's a small airport, so even if your gate changes last minute, it's just a short walk." — Maria G., Santa Fe, NM, December 2023
"The airport's layout is straightforward. As soon as you pass security, you'll find signs directing you to Concourse A or B. There's no need to worry about getting lost." — James H., Eldorado at Santa Fe, NM, March 2024
Getting To/From the City
"The Santa Fe Trails bus is a great option if you're not in a rush. It takes a bit longer, but it's affordable and gives you a chance to see some local sights on the way." — Luis T., La Cienega, NM, February 2024
"For a quick trip to downtown, I always use ride-share services. They're convenient and usually faster than waiting for a taxi, especially during peak times." — Priya S., Tesuque, NM, April 2024
Parking
"If you're picking someone up, use the cell phone waiting area. It's free and saves you from circling around the airport." — Carlos M., Pojoaque, NM, June 2024
"For longer trips, I recommend the long-term parking lot. It's close enough to the terminal that you don't need a shuttle, and the rates are reasonable." — Emily R., Santa Fe, NM, August 2024
Inside the Airport
"Don't miss the art installations throughout the terminal. They add a nice local touch and are a pleasant distraction if you have some time before your flight." — Jenna L., Santa Fe, NM, May 2024
"The café near the entrance is perfect for a quick snack. Their coffee is pretty good too, especially if you need a caffeine boost before your flight." — Robert K., White Rock, NM, July 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Arrive at least 90 minutes early. Security lines are usually short, but it's always better to have extra time, especially if you're unfamiliar with the airport." — Sandra P., Los Alamos, NM, January 2024
"Keep an eye on the flight information displays. They update frequently and can help you stay informed about any changes to your flight." — Tom D., Española, NM, September 2024
iFly Tip: Ensure a seamless experience by avoiding common security errors.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At SAF Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside outside of the terminal building. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, so it is important to plan accordingly. Vehicles cannot be left unattended at the curbside, and drivers must stay with their vehicles at all times. If you need to park your vehicle, short-term parking is available in the parking lot adjacent to the terminal building.
If you are picking up passengers and need to wait for them to arrive, there is a cell-phone waiting area located near the airport entrance. This area is free to use and provides a convenient place to wait for your arriving passengers. Once your passengers have arrived and retrieved their luggage, they can call you to let you know that they are ready to be picked up at the curbside.
Parking Facilities & Options
The airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. There are two on-site parking lots available, located adjacent to the terminal building. The first lot is a short-term lot, ideal for those dropping off or picking up passengers. The second lot is a long-term lot, perfect for those leaving their vehicles at the airport for an extended period.
In addition to on-site parking, there are also off-airport parking options available. These off-site parking facilities offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making it a convenient and economical option for travelers.
For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, there is a cell phone waiting area located just outside the airport terminal. This area allows drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers have arrived and are ready to be picked up.
Handicapped parking is available in both the short-term and long-term parking lots, with designated spaces located near the terminal building.
Transportation Options
When arriving at Santa Fe Airport, there are several transportation options available to get you to your destination:
- Car Rentals: Santa Fe Airport has several car rental facilities located on-site. Major providers such as Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis offer a variety of vehicles to choose from. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak travel times, to ensure availability. For more information, visit the rental car page.
- Taxis: Taxi services are readily available at the airport, with drop-off areas located just outside the terminal. Fares are typically metered, so the cost will depend on your destination. The average fare to downtown Santa Fe is approximately $30-$40.
- Ride-Share Services: Services like Uber and Lyft are available for a more budget-friendly transportation option. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal. Be sure to check for any restrictions regarding luggage and passenger capacity.
- Airport Shuttles: Several companies operate shuttle services to various locations in Santa Fe and the surrounding areas. Pickup areas are typically located outside the terminal. Fares may vary depending on your destination, and it is recommended to book your shuttle in advance to ensure availability.
- Public Transportation: The Santa Fe Trails bus system offers service to and from the airport. The bus stop is located outside the terminal, and fares are affordable, typically around $1 per ride. This is a convenient option for those looking to save on transportation costs.
iFly Tip: Learn how pilots communicate with air traffic control during a flight in our cockpit operations guide.
Airport Hotels
Discover a range of hotel options near the airport that cater to every traveler's needs. From quaint adobe retreats to modern inns, these accommodations offer a variety of amenities to suit your preferences. Whether you're looking for a hotel with a scenic view, a patio for relaxation, or a convenient location near the airport, you'll find it here. These hotels are not only close to the airport but also offer unique features that make your stay memorable. Explore our list of SAF Hotels to find the perfect fit for your travel needs.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
Although Santa Fe Municipal Airport is a small airport, it still offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. For those looking for a quick bite, there is a café located near the airport’s entrance that serves sandwiches, salads, and coffee. For a heartier meal, the Double Eagle Restaurant is a great option. This restaurant is located just outside of the airport and offers a traditional New Mexican menu, as well as a full bar. Another recommended restaurant is the Santa Fe Bite, which is known for its famous green chili cheeseburgers and is located just a few miles from the airport.
As for shopping, there are a few stores located within the airport, including a gift shop that sells souvenirs and local crafts. For those looking for more shopping options, the Santa Fe Place Mall is located just a few miles from the airport and offers a variety of stores, including Macy’s and JCPenney.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Santa Fe Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map.
Passenger Services
- Free Wi-Fi: Santa Fe Municipal Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, ensuring travelers can stay connected during their time at the airport.
- Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, the lost and found office is located in the terminal building for your convenience.
- Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Santa Fe Municipal Airport features a designated children's play area.
- Special-Needs Services: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services for passengers with special needs. It’s recommended to notify your airline in advance if you require any assistance.
- ATM: An ATM is available in the terminal building, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
- First Aid Station: In case of a medical emergency, a first aid station is located in the terminal building. Trained staff are also available to assist with any medical needs.
Flight Status Info
As a traveler, it is essential to stay updated with the status of your flight departure. At SAF Airport, there are several ways to check your flight status and receive alerts about any changes or delays.
One of the easiest ways to stay informed is by using the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. You can find them in the main terminal and near the gates.
Another option is to download the mobile app of your airline. Most airlines offer apps that allow you to track your flight status and receive alerts about any changes. You can also sign up for text, email, and push notifications through the app.
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: Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF) is located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States.
- Terminals: The airport has one terminal building that houses all facilities, including check-in counters, baggage claim, and security checkpoints.
- Airlines Served: Major airlines serving SAF include United Airlines and American Airlines. For a complete list of airlines, visit the SAF Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: The airport handles approximately 150 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: Santa Fe Municipal Airport sees around 20 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from SAF are Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
- Hub Status: There are no airlines that use SAF as a hub.
Airport History
SAF Airport, located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1919 - The airport was established as a landing strip for the U.S. Army Air Service.
- 1929 - The airport was officially opened to the public for commercial use.
- 1942 - The airport was taken over by the U.S. Army Air Forces and used as a training facility during World War II.
- 1946 - The airport was returned to civilian control after the war ended.
- 1960s - The airport underwent significant renovations and expansions, including the addition of a new terminal building.
- 1990s - The airport faced financial struggles and was at risk of closure, but was saved by a community effort to keep it open.
- 2002 - A new air traffic control tower was constructed at the airport.
- 2018 - The airport celebrated its 90th anniversary of operation.
Today, the airport continues to serve the Santa Fe community and surrounding areas with daily flights to major cities in the United States.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Santa Fe Municipal Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: SAF
- Airport Website
- Phone: +1 505-955-2900
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Santa Fe Municipal Airport, 121 Aviation Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87507, United States
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Santa Fe Municipal Airport Q&A
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