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Albuquerque Sunport Airport ABQ Airport Traveler Guide

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ABQ Airport Insights & Guide

Key ABQ Airport Topics:

Getting to Know ABQ Airport

Welcome to the Albuquerque Sunport Airport Online Guide, your comprehensive source of information for navigating ABQ Airport. From terminal maps to dining options, this guide has got you covered. ABQ Airport, known for its distinctive Pueblo Revival architectural style, offers a unique air travel experience that reflects the cultural richness of New Mexico. Whether you're catching a flight, picking up a passenger, or simply exploring the airport, this guide is designed to make your visit as smooth as possible. For those venturing beyond ABQ, consider our worldwide airport list for detailed insights on other airports you might visit on your journey.

iFly Tip: Make your airport experience stress-free with our comprehensive airport tips.

ABQ has three terminals: Concourse A, Concourse B, and the Main Terminal. Concourse A has 10 gates and is primarily used by Southwest Airlines. Concourse B has 13 gates and is used by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The Main Terminal has 25 gates and is used by various airlines, including Alaska Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Frontier Airlines.

When navigating the airport, it is important to note that security checkpoints are located at each concourse, so be sure to go through the correct checkpoint for your gate. Additionally, the airport offers a shuttle service that runs between the Main Terminal and Concourse B, making it easy to get around the airport.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food options, services, and airline departure gates. Safe travels!

Connecting Between Terminals

ABQ Airport has three terminals: Concourse A, Concourse B, and Main Terminal. The airport provides a free shuttle service that runs between all terminals. The shuttle operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is wheelchair accessible. The shuttle bus frequency varies depending on the time of day, but it typically runs every 5-10 minutes.

If you prefer to walk between terminals, it is possible to do so. The distance from Concourse A to Concourse B is approximately 0.2 miles, and the distance from Concourse B to the Main Terminal is about 0.3 miles. Walking times vary depending on your speed, but it should take no more than 5-10 minutes to walk between terminals.

Frequent Flier Tips

To help make your experience at Albuquerque Sunport Airport (ABQ) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from ABQ-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

"ABQ has three main areas: Concourse A, Concourse B, and the Main Terminal. Concourse A is used primarily by Southwest Airlines and has 10 gates. If you’re flying Southwest, you’ll be here. Concourse B serves American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines with its 13 gates. The Main Terminal hosts various airlines, including Alaska, JetBlue, and Frontier." — Sarah L., Albuquerque, NM, July 2023

"If you’re in a rush, use the moving walkways in Concourse B to save time. They’re a lifesaver during peak hours." — Carlos M., Rio Rancho, NM, August 2023

Getting To/From the City

"The Sunport Shuttle is a convenient and cost-effective way to get to downtown Albuquerque. It runs every 30 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long." — Emily R., Los Lunas, NM, September 2023

"If you prefer ride-sharing, Uber and Lyft have designated pick-up areas right outside the baggage claim. It’s super easy to find." — John D., Bernalillo, NM, October 2023

Parking

"For long-term parking, the Economy Lot is your best bet. It’s affordable, and the shuttle service to the terminal is frequent and reliable." — Maria S., Belen, NM, November 2023

"If you’re just picking someone up, use the Cell Phone Waiting Area. It’s free and only a short drive from the terminal." — David K., Corrales, NM, December 2023

Inside the Airport

"Don’t miss the New Mexican cuisine at Tia Juanita’s in the Main Terminal. Their green chile stew is a must-try!" — Ana P., Santa Fe, NM, January 2024

"For a quick snack, the grab-and-go options at Black Mesa Coffee Company are excellent. Their coffee is top-notch too." — Mark T., Los Alamos, NM, February 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Check the TSA wait times online before you leave for the airport. It can save you a lot of stress, especially during peak travel times." — Linda G., Edgewood, NM, March 2024

"If you’re traveling with kids, the play area near Gate B7 is a great way to keep them entertained while you wait for your flight." — Kevin H., Placitas, NM, April 2024

iFly Tip: Gain a deeper understanding of your flight with insights from our pilot's guide from takeoff to landing.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At the airport, picking up and dropping off passengers is a breeze. The airport provides designated curbside areas for passenger pick-up and drop-off, which are located just outside the main terminal and concourses A and B. However, it is important to note that curbside parking is strictly prohibited and vehicles must be attended at all times. Violators may be ticketed or towed.

If you need to wait for your arriving passenger, the airport offers a convenient cell-phone waiting area. This area allows drivers to park their vehicles for free while waiting for their passengers to arrive. Once your passenger has landed and retrieved their luggage, they can simply call or text you to let you know they are ready to be picked up. You can then proceed to the designated curbside area to pick them up.

Parking Facilities & Options

Albuquerque offers a variety of parking options to meet the needs of travelers. There are several parking lots and garages located near the airport terminals, including Concourse A, Concourse B, and the Main Terminal.

For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas available. These areas provide a convenient place to wait for your party to arrive without having to circle the airport or pay for parking.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking areas, and shuttle service is provided to and from the terminal for those who need assistance.

Off-airport parking is also available and can be a more economical option for travelers. These lots are located near the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the terminal.

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

Transportation Options

Albuquerque Sunport Airport offers several transportation options to help you get to your destination.

If you prefer to rent a car, you can choose from several major providers, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. The rental car facility is located just outside the terminal building, and you can easily access it by following the signs.

If you would rather take a taxi, you can find them outside the baggage claim area. The drop-off area is located in front of the terminal building. The fare to downtown Albuquerque is approximately $20, and the ride takes about 15 minutes.

Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at the airport. The pickup area is located outside the baggage claim area, and there are no restrictions on where you can go. However, be aware that the fare may vary depending on the time of day and demand.

If you prefer to take an airport shuttle, there are several options available. The shuttle service is provided by several companies, including Sandia Shuttle Express, ABQ Express Shuttle, and RoadRunner Shuttle. The pickup area is located outside the baggage claim area, and the fares vary depending on your destination.

Finally, if you would like to take public transportation, you can take the ABQ Ride bus. The bus stop is located outside the baggage claim area, and the fare is $1 per ride. However, be aware that the bus may not be the most convenient option if you have a lot of luggage or are in a hurry.

iFly Tip: Learn how airline hubs streamline travel across the globe.

Airport Hotels

Looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? We've got you covered. Our list includes a variety of options from well-known international chains like Sheraton, Hilton Garden Inn, and Best Western, all less than 1.5 miles from the airport. Also featured are options like the Ramada by Wyndham and Super 8 by Wyndham, which offer excellent amenities and are conveniently located near popular attractions. For those seeking longer stays or a homely experience, the Extended Stay America Suites is a perfect choice. Click here to explore our Albuquerque Sunport Airport Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Are you traveling through Albuquerque Airport and looking for some delicious food or unique shopping options? Look no further! The airport has a variety of restaurants and stores to choose from, including Rio Grande Brew Pub & Grill, Comida Buena, Black Mesa Coffee/Bakery, and Sundancer Trading Co, Thunderbird Curio, and Earth Spirit. These are just a few of the many options available to you. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, click here.

Passenger Services

Albuquerque Airport is dedicated to providing passengers with a comfortable and convenient travel experience. Here are some of the services available to help make your journey stress-free:

Wifi Access: Free wifi is available throughout the airport, so you can stay connected while waiting for your flight.

Lost and Found: If you lose an item at the airport, visit the Lost and Found office located in the Main Terminal. They will do their best to help you locate your lost item.

Children's Areas: The airport has a designated play area for children located in Concourse B. It's a great place for kids to burn off some energy before a flight.

Special-Needs Services: The airport offers a range of services for passengers with special needs, including wheelchair assistance, accessible parking, and TDD phones for the hearing impaired.

Banking: There are several ATMs located throughout the airport, as well as a Bank of America branch located in the Main Terminal.

Medical Help: If you require medical assistance, the first aid station located in the Main Terminal is equipped to handle minor injuries and illnesses.

Flight Status Info

When traveling by air, it's important to stay up-to-date with the status of your flight. Fortunately, there are several ways to check flight status at ABQ.

One of the easiest ways to check 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 locate the display that corresponds to your flight and check the status.

Another convenient way to stay informed about your flight status is by using airline mobile phone apps. Many airlines have their own apps that allow passengers to check flight status, receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes, and even check in for their flight. These apps can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play.

Passengers can also sign up for text, email, and push notifications from their airline to receive updates about their flight status. These notifications can be customized to provide only the information that is most important to the passenger.

Finally, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at ABQ 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: Albuquerque Sunport Airport (ABQ) is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States.
  • Terminals: The airport features a Main Terminal, which includes Concourse A and Concourse B.
  • Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. For a list of all airlines, check out the ABQ Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: Albuquerque Sunport handles approximately 15,000 to 17,000 passengers daily.
  • Daily Flights: The airport sees around 150 daily flights.
  • Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from ABQ are Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, Phoenix, Houston, and Las Vegas.
  • Hub Status: Albuquerque Sunport is not a hub for any major airline, although Southwest Airlines operates the most flights from the airport.

Airport History

The Albuquerque Sunport Airport, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has a rich history that spans over eight decades. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1928 - The airport was established as Albuquerque Municipal Airport with a dirt runway.
  • 1939 - The airport was renamed to Albuquerque Airport and had a paved runway.
  • 1945 - The airport was renamed to Albuquerque Army Air Base and was used by the military during World War II.
  • 1948 - The airport was returned to the city and renamed Albuquerque Municipal Airport.
  • 1951 - The airport's first terminal building was constructed.
  • 1965 - The airport was renamed to Albuquerque International Airport.
  • 1988 - The airport's current terminal building was opened.
  • 2001 - The airport was renamed to Albuquerque International Sunport to reflect its Southwestern location.
  • 2020 - The airport implemented new safety measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, the Albuquerque Sunport Airport serves over five million passengers annually and continues to be an important transportation hub in the Southwest.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Albuquerque International Sunport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: ABQ
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 505-244-7700
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Albuquerque International Sunport, 2200 Sunport Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, United States

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

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Albuquerque Sunport Airport Q&A

The airport has three main areas: Concourse A, Concourse B, and the Main Terminal.
Concourse A is primarily used by Southwest Airlines.
The Sunport Shuttle, Uber, and Lyft are convenient options to get to downtown Albuquerque.
The Economy Lot offers affordable long-term parking with a frequent shuttle service to the terminal.
Yes, Uber and Lyft have designated pick-up areas right outside the baggage claim.
Tia Juanita’s in the Main Terminal and Black Mesa Coffee Company are popular dining options.
You can check TSA wait times online before heading to the airport.
Yes, there is a play area near Gate B7.
The airport provides a free shuttle service that runs between all terminals 24/7.
The cell phone waiting area is a short drive from the terminal and is free to use.