Glasgow International Airport

Glasgow Airport (Wokal Field) is your cosy gateway to the vast expanses of Montana, often referred to as "Big Sky Country". Located just a few minutes' drive from the city centre, this small regional aviation hub is devoid of the hustle and stress of giant terminals, offering instead a homely atmosphere and tranquillity. Here, the journey begins not with long queues for security checks, but with views of the wide plains, setting the tone for your entire adventure in this picturesque corner of the USA.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The main advantage of Wokal Field is maximum time saving. Thanks to the compact size of the terminal, the check-in and security procedures take mere minutes, allowing passengers to arrive at the airport shortly before departure. This is an ideal option for those who value every minute of their journey.

The airport serves as a key access point to the region's natural treasures, including the famous Fort Peck Lake. For tourists heading for fishing, hunting, or simply relaxing by the water, flying into Glasgow eliminates the need for multi-hour drives from the state's larger cities.

Regular air service connects Glasgow with the larger transport hub in Billings. This allows local residents and tourists to easily connect flights and reach any point in the world, whilst enjoying the comfort of flying on small aircraft that offer stunning panoramic views of Montana's landscapes.

• Official Airport Website: Airport page on the Valley County website
• Information Desk Phone: +1 406-228-2719 (Airport Administration)
• Airport Address: 89 Airport Road, Glasgow, MT 59230, USA
• Email: airport@valleycountymt.gov
• Airport Social Media: Separate accounts are not maintained; current news can be found on the Valley County website or Cape Air website.
• Lost and Found Information: In case of lost items, contact the airport administration via the main phone number or the Cape Air representative office.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For booking and flight questions, please contact Cape Air: +1 800-227-3247.

Glasgow Airport (GGW) is located extremely conveniently for travellers — just a few kilometres northeast of the city centre. Thanks to the city's compactness and lack of traffic jams, the journey to the terminal rarely causes stress. However, given the rural nature of Montana, transport choices here have their own specifics, different from major metropolises.

Car and Taxi

The most reliable and common way to get to the airport is by car. The drive from downtown Glasgow will take only 5–10 minutes. The route is intuitive: head north on Highway 2 or local roads, following signs for Airport Road. Since distances here are short, fuel costs will be minimal.

Taxi services exist in the city, but they do not operate on the principle of instant app booking like in major cities (such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi). It is recommended to book a car in advance by arranging with local carriers or asking for assistance at your hotel reception. The cost of the trip is usually fixed or negotiated, averaging around 10–15 US Dollars.

Public Transport

It is important to know that a standard urban public transport system (regular buses or metro) is absent in Glasgow. There are no direct public transport routes to the terminal.

Nevertheless, the city is an important stop for the legendary Amtrak Empire Builder train. The railway station is located in the city centre. If you arrive in the region by train, you will need to order a taxi or transfer to cover the final couple of kilometres to the airport.

Car Rental

For travelling around Montana, your own transport is practically essential. Car rental services can be found at the airport or in the city. This is the most preferred option for tourists planning to visit Fort Peck Lake or explore the surroundings. It is recommended to book a car well in advance, as the fleet in small towns may be limited.

Airport Parking

One of the most pleasant bonuses for motorists is parking. Unlike major hubs, parking here is typically free for both short-term and long-term stays (please check current rules on-site as they may change). The parking zone is located within walking distance of the terminal entrance — you won't have to wait for a shuttle or walk long distances with suitcases.

Alternative Routes via Neighbouring Airports

Sometimes direct flights to Glasgow may be unavailable or inconvenient. In such cases, travellers often choose to fly into larger regional airports and complete the journey by rental car, enjoying the scenery of the Great Plains.

Nearest major hubs:

• Billings (USA): Billings Logan International Airport is located approximately 305 km away (about 3–3.5 hours drive). This is a popular option with a large number of connecting flights.
• Regina (Canada): Regina International Airport is located 285 km to the north. Note that this route requires crossing an international border.
• Great Falls (USA): Great Falls International Airport is located 365 km to the west.
• Minot (USA): Minot International Airport is located approximately 400 km to the east.

It is also possible to fly into Medicine Hat Airport (Canada), which is 360 km away, but this route is chosen less frequently due to logistics.

The infrastructure of Glasgow Airport (GGW) in Montana fully corresponds to its status as a cosy regional air harbour. Here you will not find confusing labyrinths of corridors or the need to use trains to move between gates. The entire airport complex is designed to make the journey as simple and clear as possible, even for first-time flyers.

Terminal Structure and Navigation

The airport has one passenger terminal. It is a small single-storey building that resembles a cosy private lounge more than a noisy international hub. The airport layout is extremely intuitive:

• Entrance Zone: Immediately after entering the building, you find yourself in the general hall where the check-in counters are located.
• Check-in Zone: Here are the airline counters (usually Cape Air), where passengers drop off luggage and receive boarding passes.
• Security Check (TSA): The security checkpoint is located just a few steps from the check-in counters.
• Departure Hall: A small waiting area (sterile area) is located immediately after the security checkpoint and leads directly to the boarding gate.

Terminal Features

The main feature of the GGW terminal is its compactness and home-like atmosphere. There is no division into complex levels or remote wings.

• Departure and Arrival Zones: Servicing of arriving and departing passengers takes place on the same level. Arriving passengers usually enter the terminal directly from the airfield or through a short walkway, immediately entering the baggage claim area (baggage is often handed out manually or on a small belt).
• Amenities: Basic amenities are available inside the terminal: clean restrooms, vending machines with drinks and snacks, as well as comfortable seats in the waiting area. Car rental counters are located directly in the public access zone.
• No Transfers: Since there is only one terminal, the need for transfers or long walks is completely absent. The distance from the airport entrance to your seat on the plane can be covered on foot in less than 3 minutes (excluding control procedures).

Procedure Times

Unlike major airports where it is recommended to arrive 2–3 hours in advance, everything happens much faster in Glasgow. Queues for security are a rarity here.

• Check-in: Usually opens 1–1.5 hours before departure.
• Security: The security procedure takes on average from 5 to 10 minutes.
• Time Recommendation: It is optimal to arrive at the airport 45–60 minutes before the departure time indicated on your ticket. This is quite sufficient to calmly check in luggage and pass through control without unnecessary haste.

Navigation Recommendations

Getting lost at Wokal Field is practically impossible. The passenger's path is a straight line: Parking → Entrance → Check-in Counter → Security → Boarding Gate. If you have any questions, airport staff are within sight and always ready to help. The main advice is to relax and enjoy the tranquillity that is so rare in modern travel.

The history of Glasgow Airport (GGW), also known as Wokal Field, is inextricably linked with the US military past and the development of aviation in the harsh conditions of Montana. What is today a quiet civilian harbour began as a strategic facility during World War II, where the engines of heavy bombers roared.

Birth in the War Years (1942)

The airport was officially opened in November 1942 as the military airfield Glasgow Army Air Field. In those years, it served as an auxiliary ("satellite") field for the larger airbase in Great Falls. The main task of the airfield was training crews for the legendary B-17 Flying Fortress bombers. Here, pilots and gunners honed their skills before being sent to the front.

A curious and little-known fact: at the end of the war, from December 1944, a camp for German prisoners of war was located on the airfield territory. After the cessation of hostilities, the need for the military facility disappeared, and in 1946 the government transferred the airfield to local authorities for civilian use.

The Era of Victor Wokal

The airport received its current second name — Wokal Field — in honour of a local aviation legend, Victor "Vic" Wokal. This man played a key role in the development of the airport, managing it for many decades.

• Victor Wokal arrived in Glasgow in the 1960s and became the soul of the local aviation community. He not only managed the airport but also owned an aircraft maintenance company.
• His dedication to the sky was boundless: on his 90th birthday, Victor flew an open-cockpit biplane, performing nine loops — one for each decade of his life. This event forever entered local folklore as an example of undying passion for flight.

Development of Civil Aviation

Regular passenger transport came to Glasgow in 1959, when Frontier Airlines began operating flights on classic DC-3 aircraft. This was a significant event for the isolated region, connecting it with the rest of the world. In subsequent decades, the airport became a participant in the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) programme, which guarantees air service for remote US communities. Thanks to this programme, residents of Valley County have a stable connection to major hubs, currently provided by Cape Air.

Modernisation and Today

Although the airport has retained its modest size, it has undergone a number of important modernisations. The runways, originally built for heavy bombers, have been reconstructed and are maintained in perfect condition, accepting both light private aircraft and medical aviation.

Today, the airport is not just a transport hub but also an important technological centre: located on its territory are the office and radar of the National Weather Service (NWS), which monitors the weather across a vast area of northeastern Montana, ensuring the safety of not only flights but also the region's agriculture.

Infrastructure and service at Glasgow Airport (GGW) correspond to its format as a small regional hub. Here you will not find luxury boutiques or food courts typical of international hubs. Airport services are minimalist and aimed at ensuring basic comfort for passengers who spend very little time in the terminal before departure.

Dining and Shops

There are no full-service cafes, restaurants, or Duty Free shops within the terminal. Passengers have access to vending machines where soft drinks, water, crisps, and chocolate bars can be purchased. If you have a flight ahead, it is strongly recommended to have a substantial meal in the city before arriving at the airport or take food with you, especially if travelling with children.

Lounges and VIP Services

Glasgow Airport does not have separate business lounges or VIP zones. The entire terminal is essentially one comfortable waiting area. Due to low passenger traffic, it is always quiet here, there are plenty of free seats, and there is no need for separate VIP service. The atmosphere resembles a quiet hotel lobby.

Connectivity and Electronics

For passengers wishing to stay connected, the terminal usually provides free Wi-Fi. This allows you to check email or download a map before your flight. Power outlets for charging mobile devices are available in the waiting area, though their number may be limited, so it is worth charging gadgets in advance.

Financial Services

There are no currency exchange points or full bank branches in the airport building. ATMs may also be absent or operate intermittently, so travellers are strongly advised to withdraw US Dollars in cash in Glasgow city before travelling to the airport.

Services for Passengers with Reduced Mobility

The terminal fully complies with American accessibility standards (ADA). Since the building is single-storey, there are no stairs or escalators, making movement by wheelchair unobstructed from the entrance to the boarding gate. Airport staff and Cape Air personnel are always ready to assist with boarding and disembarking the aircraft.

Passengers with Children

There are no specialised mother-and-child rooms or play areas in the terminal. However, thanks to the airport's compactness and fast security procedures, travelling with children here is much easier than in major cities. It is recommended to bring entertainment for the child (books, tablet), as there will be nowhere to buy them on-site.

Medical Assistance

There is no medical centre or pharmacy in the building. In case of an emergency, airport staff can provide first aid and call the 911 emergency service. The nearest hospital (Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital) is located in the city, just a 10-minute drive away.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no hotels on the airport territory itself, but thanks to the proximity to the city, this is not a problem. Most accommodation options are just a 5–10 minute drive away:

• Cottonwood Inn & Suites: A popular full-service hotel located on Highway 2. Often provides a shuttle for its guests (check when booking).
• Rundle Suites: A cosy accommodation option in the city centre.

Business Services

Specialised conference rooms or business centres with printers and fax machines are absent in the terminal. If you need to work, you can use the general waiting area and Wi-Fi, however, for serious business meetings, it is better to choose conference rooms in city hotels.

Gastronomic opportunities at Glasgow Airport (GGW) differ significantly from what passengers of major international hubs are accustomed to. Given the boutique format of Wokal Field and low passenger traffic, there are no full-service restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, or juice bars here. Travellers should not count on a hot lunch or fine dining directly in the terminal building.

Snack Options

The only way to get a snack within the airport terminal is via vending machines. They are located in the public access zone and the waiting hall. The assortment is standard and limited:

• Carbonated soft drinks and bottled water.
• Packaged snacks: crisps, crackers, chocolate bars, nuts.
• Hot coffee or tea (depending on the availability of a coffee machine).

Prices and Payment

The price range in machines corresponds to average market values for such devices in the US (usually from 1.50 to 3 dollars per item). For payment, it is recommended to carry small cash bills (1 and 5 dollars) or coins, as card terminals may be unavailable or work intermittently.

Dining Recommendations: Local Cuisine and Diets

Since the airport does not offer hot meals, availability of local cuisine, vegetarian, Halal, or gluten-free menus inside the terminal is not applicable (except for incidentally suitable nuts or water in the machine). However, this is compensated by the proximity to the city.

Tip for a Proper Meal: Since the road from central Glasgow to the airport takes less than 10 minutes, and passing security is lightning fast, passengers are strongly advised to eat in the city before leaving. In Glasgow itself, you can find authentic places serving famous Montana pizza (for example, at the legendary Eugene's Pizza) or classic American steaks and burgers. This will allow you to experience the culinary traditions of the region without haste.

Opening Hours

Vending machines are accessible during terminal opening hours, which are tied to the flight schedule (usually the building opens an hour and a half before the first departure and closes after the arrival of the last flight). If you plan to fly early in the morning, take care of breakfast in advance.

Travelling through a small regional airport like Glasgow (Wokal Field) is significantly different from the experience in major international hubs. Here, unique unwritten rules and features apply; knowing them will make your trip around Montana as comfortable as possible and save you from unnecessary worry.

Arrival Time Recommendations

You do not need to arrive 2–3 hours before departure, as is customary in big cities. For departures from Glasgow, more relaxed time frames apply:

• Optimal Time: Arriving 45–60 minutes before the scheduled departure time is considered ideal. This is enough to calmly pass check-in and security.
• Winter Period: If you are flying in winter, add another 15–20 minutes to this time. Montana's weather conditions are unpredictable, and the road to the airport may take longer due to snow or ice.
• Check-in Closure: Counters usually close 30 minutes before departure. Being late even by a minute can be critical, as pilots need to calculate the aircraft's take-off weight in advance.

Check-in and Security Features

Since flights are operated by Cape Air on small aircraft (most often Cessna 402 or Tecnam P2012 Traveller), the check-in procedure has a specific detail:

• Weighing Passengers: Be prepared that you may be asked to stand on scales together with your hand luggage. This is a standard safety procedure for light aviation, necessary for the correct balancing of the aircraft. Do not be embarrassed — this is done confidentially.
• Security (TSA): The procedure is standard but very fast. Queues here are an exceptional phenomenon. You will still have to remove shoes and take out electronics, just like in any US airport.

Seat Selection Tips

In light aircraft, the familiar online seat selection scheme may not work. Seating is often directed by the pilot immediately before boarding based on passenger weight for the vessel's centre of gravity.

• Co-pilot Seat: If the seat to the right of the pilot is free and passenger weight allows, one lucky person may be offered the chance to sit in the cockpit (co-pilot seat). This is a unique chance to see the flight through the eyes of a pilot. Do not hesitate to politely ask about this possibility at the boarding gate.
• Best Views: Since the flight takes place at a relatively low altitude, stunning views of the Montana plains open up from any seat.

Hand Luggage: Do's and Don'ts

Key rule: overhead bins for hand luggage in Cessna-type aircraft are absent or extremely small.

• Gate Check (Valet Service): Most likely, your "cabin size" suitcase will be taken at the steps and placed in the luggage compartment in the wing or nose of the aircraft. You will receive it immediately after landing right by the plane.
• What to Take in the Cabin: Take only the essentials into the cabin: a small soft bag, backpack, laptop, medicines, and documents. They must fit at your feet or on your lap.
• Prohibited Items: TSA rules on carrying liquids (no more than 100 ml) and the ban on sharp objects apply here in full, despite the "homely" atmosphere of the airport.

Recommendations for Connecting Passengers

Most flights from Glasgow head to Billings (Billings Logan International Airport), where passengers transfer to flights of major airlines (United, Delta, Alaska, American).

• Single Ticket: If you have a single ticket (interline agreement), your luggage can be checked through to the final destination. Be sure to clarify this at the counter in Glasgow.
• Connection Time: Allow at least 1–1.5 hours for transfer in Billings. Although Billings airport is not huge, you may need time to move between gates.

Customs Control Features

Glasgow Airport is a domestic US airport. There is no customs control zone or border service here.

• If you are flying from abroad (e.g., from the UAE) to Glasgow, you will pass passport and customs control at your first point of arrival in the USA (for example, in Denver, Salt Lake City, or Chicago) before boarding a connecting flight to Billings and then to Glasgow.

Tips for Saving Time and Money

• Free Parking: Leave your car in the airport parking lot — it is free, which allows significant savings compared to taxis if you are a local resident.
• Food to Go: Since there are no cafes in the airport and vending machine prices can be inflated, buy snacks and water in a city supermarket in advance. An empty water bottle is useful to fill from a drinking fountain after security (if available).

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Light aviation is sensitive to weather conditions (strong wind, fog, snowfall), so delays are possible.

• Watch the Weather: If the forecast promises a storm, contact Cape Air in advance.
• Stay Connected: Install the airline's app for notifications.
• Don't Sit in the Terminal in Vain: If the flight is delayed for several hours, it is better to return to the city. The journey takes only 5-10 minutes, and you can wait comfortably in a hotel or restaurant instead of sitting in a small waiting room without hot food.