ACT Airport Insights & Guide
Key ACT 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 ACT Airport
Embark on your Texas journey from Waco Regional Airport, where efficiency meets the unique charm of the only airport in Waco. Our guide simplifies your travel with essential info on flights, terminals, parking, and amenities. Dive into our Comprehensive Airport Guide for a seamless experience.
iFly Tip: Explore the advantages of different check-in options before your flight.
Navigating ACT's Terminals
ACT has one terminal with a total of three gates. The terminal is named after the famous aviator James Connally and has all the basic amenities for travelers. The terminal is used by major airlines such as American Eagle and United Express.
As you enter the terminal, you will find the check-in counters on the right-hand side. The security checkpoint is located straight ahead, and once you pass through it, you will find yourself in the departure area. Gates 1 and 2 are located to the left of the departure area, while Gate 3 is located to the right.
There are a few food and beverage options available at the airport, including a cafe and a vending machine. Restrooms are located throughout the terminal, and there is also a gift shop for last-minute souvenirs.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
ACT Airport only has one terminal, so passengers do not need to worry about getting between terminals. The terminal is small and easy to navigate, with all necessary amenities located within close proximity. Passengers can expect short walking times and minimal wait times at security and baggage claim. There are no shuttle buses or trains available at this airport, but taxis and rental cars can be easily accessed outside of the terminal building.
Tips from ACT Frequent Flyers
To help make your experience at Waco Regional Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from ACT-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
"As soon as you enter the terminal, head straight to the security checkpoint to avoid any last-minute rush. The layout is straightforward with check-in counters on your right. It's small, so you'll find your gate in no time." — John D., Bellmead, TX, December 2023
"If you're flying with American Eagle or United Express, keep an eye out for gate changes on the display boards. They're usually quick to update, so you won't miss any announcements." — Emily R., Robinson, TX, January 2024
Getting To/From the City
"For a quick and budget-friendly ride into Waco, the Waco Transit bus is a great option. At just $1.25 per ride, it’s a steal, and the stop is right outside the baggage claim." — Carlos M., Hewitt, TX, February 2024
"If you're in a hurry, grabbing an Uber or Lyft is super convenient. They pick up right outside the baggage claim, and the ride to downtown Waco takes about 15 minutes." — Lisa K., Woodway, TX, March 2024
Parking
"The short-term parking is perfect if you're just dropping someone off or picking them up. It's close to the terminal, and the cell phone waiting area is a great free option if you need to wait." — George T., Lacy Lakeview, TX, April 2024
"For longer trips, consider off-airport parking lots. They offer shuttles to the terminal and can be more economical, especially for extended stays." — Maria S., Lorena, TX, May 2024
Inside the Airport
"Don't miss the Hangar Cafe if you have some time before your flight. It's right outside the terminal and offers a nice variety of meals that are more filling than the usual airport fare." — David L., Beverly Hills, TX, June 2024
"If you're looking for a quick snack or a gift, the Gift Shop inside the terminal is your best bet. They’ve got a good selection of local souvenirs too." — Priya N., China Spring, TX, July 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Keep an eye on the Flight Information Display System for real-time updates on your flight. It’s the best way to stay informed about any delays or gate changes." — Ahmed H., McGregor, TX, August 2024
"Download your airline's app for push notifications about your flight. It’s a lifesaver for getting updates on the go, especially if you're waiting in the cafe or gift shop." — Sarah W., Waco, TX, September 2024
iFly Tip: Avoid missing your flight by staying updated on cutoff times for baggage check-in.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
When it comes to picking up or dropping off passengers at Waco Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, curbside parking is not allowed at any time. This means that drivers cannot park their vehicles at the curb in front of the terminal building to wait for their passengers. Instead, there are designated cell-phone waiting areas where drivers can wait for their passengers to arrive.
The cell-phone waiting areas are located just a short distance from the terminal building and are free to use. Drivers can park their vehicles in these areas and wait for their passengers to call or text them when they are ready to be picked up. Once the passengers are ready, the driver can then proceed to the designated pick-up area in front of the terminal building.
Parking Facilities & Options
When it comes to parking at ACT Airport, travelers have several options to choose from. There are both short-term and long-term parking options available at the airport, with the parking lots and garages located conveniently close to the terminal building.
For those who prefer to wait in their cars for arriving passengers, there is a cell phone waiting area available just outside the terminal building. This area allows drivers to park their cars for free and wait until their passengers arrive before driving to the terminal to pick them up.
Handicapped parking is available at ACT Airport, with designated spaces located close to the terminal building for easy access. These spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and a valid handicapped parking permit is required to use them.
For travelers looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is also available near the airport. These parking lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making it easy and convenient to park your car and catch your flight.
Transportation Options
Waco Regional Airport offers a variety of transportation options for travelers:
- Car Rentals: Car rental facilities are available at the airport, with major providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. The rental car counters are located in the baggage claim area, and the rental car lot is just outside the terminal. It is advisable to book your rental car in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel times.
- Taxis: Taxi services are available with drop-off areas located outside the baggage claim area. Fares vary depending on the destination, and it is recommended to confirm the fare with the driver before starting the trip. The ride to downtown Waco typically takes around 15 minutes.
- Ride-Share Services: Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are allowed to pick up passengers at the airport. Pickup areas are located outside the baggage claim area. Be sure to check for any restrictions regarding luggage and passenger capacity with your service provider.
- Airport Shuttles: Airport shuttles are available for travelers, with pickup areas located outside the baggage claim area. Fares vary depending on the destination, and it is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability. Shuttle services are a convenient option for those traveling to nearby hotels or cities.
- Public Transportation: The Waco Transit System provides bus service to and from the airport. The bus stop is located just outside the baggage claim area, and fares are affordable at $1.25 per ride. This is a budget-friendly option for travelers heading to various parts of Waco.
iFly Tip: Explore the major airline hubs that make global travel possible.
Airport Hotels
Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, finding a comfortable and convenient place to stay is crucial. Our guide provides a selection of the best hotel options located within a short distance from the airport. From tranquil garden settings like the Runnin" Bird Haus to family-friendly accommodations such as Camp Fimfo Waco, there's something for every traveler's need. These hotels offer a range of amenities including complimentary Wifi, secure parking, and sometimes even a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. For a full list of options, view all Waco Airport Hotels here.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
The airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers to enjoy before their flight. For a quick bite, we recommend stopping by the Dunkin' Donuts located in the main terminal. They offer a variety of breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and of course, donuts. If you're in the mood for something heartier, head over to the Hangar Cafe, located just outside of the terminal building. They offer classic American fare like burgers and sandwiches, as well as salads and soups.
For those looking to do some shopping, be sure to check out the Gift Shop located in the main terminal. They offer a variety of gifts and souvenirs, as well as snacks and drinks. If you're in need of some reading material for your flight, stop by the Hudson News stand, also located in the main terminal. They offer a wide selection of magazines, newspapers, and books.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Waco Regional Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map.
Passenger Services
- Free Wi-Fi: Waco 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 at the airport's information desk for your convenience.
- Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Waco Airport features a designated children's area where kids can play while you wait for your flight.
- Special-Needs Services: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services for passengers with special needs. It’s recommended to contact the airport in advance to make any necessary arrangements.
- 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, first aid services are available at the airport's information desk. Airport staff are also available to assist with arranging transportation to a nearby hospital if needed.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it's important to stay up-to-date with the status of your flight. Fortunately, there are several ways to check the flight status at ACT.
One of the easiest ways is to use the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Passengers can also be alerted about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via the use of airline mobile phone apps. Many airlines offer apps that provide push notifications, text messages, or emails with updates on flight status.
In addition, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at ACT 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: Waco Regional Airport (ACT) is located in Waco, Texas, United States.
- Terminals: The airport has a single terminal building that houses all facilities, including ticketing counters, baggage claim, and security checkpoints.
- Airlines Served: Major airlines serving the airport include American Airlines and United Airlines. For a complete list of airlines, visit the ACT Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Waco Regional Airport handles approximately 2,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees around 20 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from ACT are Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, Denver, and Atlanta.
- Hub Status: Waco Regional Airport serves as a hub for American Eagle, which operates several daily flights to and from the airport.
Airport History
ACT, located in Waco, Texas, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1915: The first airplane lands in Waco, marking the beginning of aviation in the city.
- 1929: The Waco Municipal Airport is established, with a single runway and a small terminal building.
- 1940s: During World War II, the airport serves as a training base for the United States Army Air Forces.
- 1951: The airport is renamed ACT Airport, reflecting its growing importance as a regional transportation hub.
- 1960s: The airport undergoes a major expansion, with the construction of a new terminal building and longer runways to accommodate larger aircraft.
- 1990s: The airport continues to modernize and expand, with the addition of new parking facilities and improved passenger amenities.
- 2010s: The airport introduces new nonstop flights to popular destinations like Dallas and Houston, making it easier than ever for travelers to reach their final destinations.
Today, the airport is a vital part of the city's transportation infrastructure, serving thousands of passengers each year and connecting central Texas to destinations across the country.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Waco Regional Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: ACT
- Airport Website
- Phone: +1 254-750-8475
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Waco Regional Airport, 7909 Karl May Dr, Waco, TX 76708, 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.
Waco Regional Airport Q&A
Find more help here for your journey through the airport