Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Features and Advantages

Below is the main contact information for passengers of Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR).

• Official Website: www.flyford.org — here you will find flight schedules, terminal maps, and the most up-to-date information.
• Information Service Phone: +1 (616) 233-6000.
• Airport Address: 5500 44th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512, USA.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not published. For communication, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official airport website.
• Social Media: Current news and updates can be tracked on the airport's official pages on popular social networks such as Facebook, Twitter (X), and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost or damaged during the flight, you should contact your airline representative immediately. For items left in the terminal (excluding the aircraft), please contact the airport's Lost and Found service via the special form on the website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general information and assistance within the airport, you can call the main phone number or speak to staff at the information desks in the terminal building.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) is located approximately 21 kilometres southeast of the centre of Grand Rapids. Passengers have access to several convenient ways to get to the city or, conversely, to the airport, suitable for any budget and travel plan.

Public Transport

The most budget-friendly option is the bus. Route No. 17 of The Rapid city bus network directly connects the airport with the Vernon J. Ehlers central station. The trip takes approximately 30-40 minutes and is an excellent choice for tourists travelling light. Buses run according to a schedule, which is worth checking in advance, especially if your flight is early or late.

Taxis and Transfers

For those who value comfort and time, a taxi or ride-sharing service (such as Uber or Lyft) is the ideal solution. A car journey from the city centre to the airport will take just 15-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is the fastest way to reach your destination, especially convenient for travellers with bulky luggage or small children.

Car Rental

If your plans include actively exploring the region and driving through the picturesque surroundings of Michigan, renting a car will be the best choice. Counters of leading rental companies are located directly in the airport building, allowing you to process all documents and receive keys immediately upon arrival. Having your own transport will provide you with complete freedom of movement during your journey across the USA.

Airport Parking

For travellers driving their own cars, several parking zones are provided at the airport. You can choose short-term parking right by the terminal or use more economical long-term car parks, from which free shuttles run to the airport building. It is recommended to familiarise yourself with the parking map and current rates on the official airport website in advance.

Alternative Airports

When planning your route, it is useful to know about other airports in the region. Depending on the direction of your further journey, you can consider options such as Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport in Kalamazoo or Capital Region International Airport in Lansing, which are located at a distance of about 70-80 km from Grand Rapids.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) is distinguished by a well-thought-out and passenger-friendly structure. It consists of one main terminal, which significantly simplifies navigation and minimises the risk of getting lost. You will not have to move between separate buildings, as all necessary services and boarding gates are under one roof.

The terminal itself is divided into two main concourses (halls) — Concourse A and Concourse B. They are connected by a central area where the security checkpoints are located. After passing through control, passengers can freely walk between both concourses without the need to use shuttles or trains.

The airport layout is logical and simple:

• Upper Level is intended for departing passengers. Here you will find airline check-in counters and the main security checkpoint.
• Lower Level is the arrivals area. Baggage claim belts and exits to ground transport are located here.

Each concourse serves specific airlines. Although the allocation may change, typically, Concourse A is used by carriers such as Delta and United, while Concourse B serves American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Frontier. It is recommended to check your flight information in advance to know which concourse to head to after security.

Check-in and security procedures at Grand Rapids airport usually proceed quite quickly thanks to its compact size. However, during peak hours (early morning and late afternoon), queues may form. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before the departure of a domestic flight to calmly complete all formalities, have a coffee, and reach your boarding gate.

The history of Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) is a story of growth and adaptation, reflecting the development of the entire West Michigan region. The airport in its current form opened on 23 November 1963, replacing the old Kent County Airport, which could no longer cope with the growing volume of traffic and the demands of the new jet age. The first flight to land on the new runway was a United Airlines aircraft, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the aviation connectivity of the city of Grand Rapids.

One of the most significant events in the airport's history was its renaming. In 1999, it received its current name in honour of the 38th President of the USA, Gerald R. Ford, who was a native and resident of Grand Rapids. This step not only immortalised the memory of a prominent countryman but also raised the prestige of the airport on the national stage. The Ford family personally participated in the renaming ceremony, making this event particularly touching for the local community.

Throughout its history, the airport has been expanded and modernised repeatedly to meet the growing needs of passengers. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, new passenger halls were built. A more large-scale reconstruction, known as the "Gateway Transformation" project, began in 2015. As part of this project, the terminal was completely renovated, the security area was significantly expanded, and new restaurants and shops were added, which radically improved the quality of passenger service.

Today, Gerald R. Ford Airport is the second busiest in the state of Michigan and continues to set records for passenger traffic. It has transformed from a modest county airfield into a modern international complex playing a key role in the economic life and transport accessibility of the entire region. Its history is a vivid example of how an infrastructure facility can grow and develop together with the city it serves.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. In the terminal, you will find various dining points: from cafes with quick snacks and aromatic coffee to restaurants where you can have a full meal. Shops offer souvenirs, press, travel goods, and products from local brands.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations for electronic devices will allow you to always stay connected. For those who need to work, convenient workspaces are equipped. The airport also features a conference centre for business meetings.

Passengers can relax in comfortable waiting lounges. A special lounge is open for military personnel and veterans — the Military and Veterans Resource Center. Although there are no traditional airline VIP lounges at the airport, there are plenty of quiet zones where you can relax in a peaceful atmosphere.

Financial services are represented by ATMs located in different parts of the terminal. It is important to note that there are no currency exchange offices at the airport, so it is recommended to arrange money exchange in advance. In case of necessity, defibrillators and first aid points are available at the airport.

For passengers with children, mother and child rooms are provided for infant care, as well as a play area where young travellers can have a fun time. The airport is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, elevators, accessible toilets, and special parking spaces. An escort service can also be requested.

Although there are no hotels directly on the terminal premises, numerous hotels of various price categories are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Most of them provide a free shuttle for their guests, making them easily accessible.

At Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), travellers will find a variety of dining options to suit any taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a quick snack before departure or a full lunch in a quiet setting, there is plenty to choose from both before and after passing security control.

Before Security (Landside): In the public area of the airport, coffee shops and "grab-and-go" establishments are typically located. This is an ideal option for those meeting passengers or for those who want to grab a bite immediately upon arrival. Here you can drink coffee, eat a sandwich or pastry, without rushing to the boarding gate.

After Security (Airside): The main part of the restaurants and bars is located in the departure zone. This is done for the convenience of passengers waiting for their flight. Here the choice is significantly wider:

• For lovers of local flavour: Be sure to visit the bar and restaurant from a famous Michigan brewery, for example, Bell's Brewery. Here you can not only try famous craft beer but also order hearty American dishes such as burgers, wings, and salads. This is a wonderful place for a leisurely lunch or dinner.
• For a full meal: The airport has restaurants with menu service where you can sit comfortably while waiting for your flight. Establishments like Prospect Hill offer more refined dishes and a calm atmosphere.
• For a quick snack: If time is limited, chain coffee shops such as Starbucks and bakeries are at your service, where you can quickly grab coffee, sandwiches, salads, and desserts.

Most establishments offer options for passengers with special dietary needs. You will easily find vegetarian dishes, and many places will offer gluten-free or vegan alternatives upon request. As for prices, they correspond to the average level for airports in the USA. The opening hours of restaurants and cafes are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open early in the morning and work until the departure of the last evening planes.

To ensure your journey through Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in the city of Grand Rapids goes smoothly, use these tips. Try to arrive at the airport in advance: 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight and no less than 3 hours before an international one. This will give you a comfortable margin of time for check-in, baggage drop, and passing security control without unnecessary haste.

To save time, complete online check-in for your flight before arriving at the airport and save your boarding pass on your phone. When passing through security in the USA, remember the rule for carrying liquids in hand luggage: all of them must be in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml and packed in one transparent resealable bag. Keep your documents (passport or ID) and boarding pass handy.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider what is more important to you: beautiful views from the window or extra legroom and freedom of movement provided by an aisle seat. By booking a ticket in advance, you will have more options to choose from. As for hand luggage, be sure to check it for prohibited items (for example, sharp objects). The full list is always available on the official website of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

If you have a transfer at Ford Airport, first find your next flight on the information board to find out the boarding gate number. Passengers arriving on international flights must pass through passport and customs control. This is your first point of entry into the country, so you will need to collect your luggage, pass through customs with it, and then re-check it for the next flight.

A few tips for saving money: take an empty water bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after the security zone. Light snacks from home will help avoid extra expenses in airport cafes. If you are travelling by car, book a parking space online — it is often cheaper than paying on the spot.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. First, contact your airline representative for the latest information. The airport offers free Wi-Fi, rest zones, cafes, and shops to make the wait more comfortable. It is useful to have a portable power bank with you so that your gadgets always stay connected.