Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main advantage of Ithaca Tompkins Airport is its compactness and efficiency. Thanks to the low passenger flow, check-in and security procedures are incredibly fast, eliminating the stress typical of large hubs. In 2019, the airport completed a major renovation costing nearly 25 million dollars, resulting in an expanded terminal area, a new customs zone, and modern jet bridges protecting passengers from the weather.

Travellers often note the convenience of its location: the airport is in immediate proximity to university campuses and natural attractions. Inside the terminal, there is a café featuring local products, free Wi-Fi is available, and there are comfortable waiting areas. It is one of those rare airports where you can arrive less than an hour before departure and calmly make your flight, enjoying a cup of coffee with a view of the runway.

• Official Airport Website: www.flyithaca.com
• Help Desk Phone: +1 607-257-0456 (Administration, Mon-Fri from 08:00 to 16:30)
• Airport Address: 1 Culligan Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
• Email: Contact via the feedback form on the official website
• Airport Social Media: Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn (search by tag #FLYITHACA)
• Lost and Found Information: tfish@tompkins-co.org (for items left in the terminal); for items left on board, please contact the airline
• Passenger Support Contacts: +1 607-257-0456

Thanks to the compactness of the city and the close location of the air harbour, the journey to Ithaca Tompkins Airport takes minimal time. The airport is located just 6–7 kilometres from the city centre (The Commons area) and the Cornell University campus. A trip by car usually lasts no more than 10–15 minutes, which is a huge advantage compared to airports in major metropolises.

Public Transport: TCAT Buses

The only form of public transport connecting the airport with the city is the local TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit) bus network. There is no metro or rail connection to the terminal.

• Route: The main route serving the airport is No. 32. It connects the terminal with Cornell University and the city centre. On weekends, the schedule may change (sometimes route No. 72 operates), so it is recommended to check current times on the TCAT website or the Google Maps app.
• Cost: A single trip ticket costs about $1.50 (for adults). This is the most budget-friendly way to reach your destination.
• Travel Time: The bus ride will take between 20 to 30 minutes depending on the number of stops.

Taxis and Transfers

For those who value comfort or are travelling with heavy luggage, a taxi is the optimal choice. Both local dispatch services (e.g., Ithaca Dispatch) and popular ride-hailing apps operate in Ithaca.

• Services: Uber and Lyft are active in the region and typically provide a car within 5–10 minutes.
• Price: A trip from the city centre or the university usually costs $15–25, but prices may be higher during peak hours or bad weather.
• Hotel Shuttles: Many major hotels in Ithaca provide free transfers for their guests. Be sure to clarify this information when booking your room.

Car Rental and Parking

In the arrivals area, there are counters for well-known car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, and Hertz. This is a convenient option if you plan to explore the Finger Lakes region on your own.

For private car owners, convenient parking is available right opposite the terminal:

• Short-term and Long-term Parking: Located within walking distance of the entrance. The first 30 minutes of parking are provided free of charge, which is ideal for drop-offs and pick-ups.
• Cost: The daily rate is quite reasonable compared to major hubs, and weekly parking will cost significantly less than in neighbouring metropolises.

Alternative Airports Nearby

Sometimes tickets to Ithaca can be expensive or have inconvenient connections. In such cases, travellers often choose to fly into neighbouring cities and reach Ithaca by rental car or bus. The nearest options are:

• Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM) — located approximately 50 km away, about an hour's drive.
• Elmira Corning Regional Airport (ELM) — also located close by, 51 km from Ithaca.
• Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) — a larger hub located 75 km away (about 1 hour 15 minutes drive). Often offers more favourable fares.
• Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) — located 121 km away, but offers a wide selection of flights.
• Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) — a more distant option (141 km), which may be suitable if you are driving from Pennsylvania.

Terminal Structure and Layout

Ithaca Tompkins Airport (ITH) is designed to be maximally convenient and logical for passengers. All passenger traffic is handled in one single terminal. This eliminates the need for long walks, train transfers, or shuttles between buildings. The airport structure is linear and compact: the path from the building entrance to the boarding gate is practically a straight line, making navigation intuitive even for first-time flyers.

Following a massive reconstruction completed at the end of 2019, the terminal was significantly modernised. It now includes a spacious check-in hall, an expanded security screening area, and a comfortable departure lounge ("secure area"). A major architectural update was the addition of jet bridges (boarding sleeves). Thanks to these, passengers no longer need to walk onto the airfield when boarding the plane, which is especially valuable during the snowy and windy winters of New York State.

Departure Zone and Check-in

Upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the main hall where the check-in counters are located. Flights for three main airlines are serviced here: Delta, United, and American Airlines. Besides traditional counters with agents, kiosks for self-check-in and printing boarding passes are available. The baggage drop procedure usually takes mere minutes due to the small number of simultaneous departing flights.

Immediately behind the check-in area is the TSA security checkpoint. Unlike large hubs, there is usually one, rarely two, screening lines operating here, but thanks to low traffic, queues form extremely rarely. After document checks and carry-on scanning, you enter the general waiting hall with panoramic windows where the boarding gates are located. All gates are visually accessible from one another.

Arrival Zone

The arrival zone is located on the same level as departures. After leaving the aircraft, passengers proceed through a short corridor to the baggage claim hall. The airport has just one baggage carousel, so it is impossible to mistake where to collect your suitcases. A huge advantage is that the car rental counters are literally a few steps from the baggage belt, and the exit to the city and parking is right outside the doors.

Terminal Features and Amenities

Despite its small size, the updated Ithaca terminal offers everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight:

• Dining: A café (The Second Landing) operates in the terminal, where you can drink coffee, have a snack with sandwiches, or buy treats. Some options are available even after passing security.
• Connectivity and Work: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the territory. For business travellers, areas with comfortable chairs and plenty of power outlets for charging laptops and phones have been set up.
• Accessibility: The terminal is single-level, making it fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility, the elderly, and parents with strollers — there are no complex stairs or long escalators here.

Procedure Times

Speed of service is the main pride of ITH. The entire journey from the airport entrance door to the seat at the gate can take less than 20 minutes.

• Check-in: Usually takes 5–10 minutes.
• Security (TSA): Passed on average in 5–10 minutes. During early morning hours (when several flights depart consecutively), the time may increase slightly.

Airlines standardly recommend arriving at the airport 90 minutes before departure, especially if you are checking luggage. However, experienced travellers know that arriving an hour before the flight in Ithaca provides a large buffer of time.

Navigation Recommendations

It is impossible to get lost in Ithaca Tompkins Airport. If you arrive by car, the terminal entrance is directly opposite the short-term and long-term parking lots. For those meeting passengers: the arrival waiting area is located right by the exit from the baggage claim zone, next to the main building entrance.

Origins: From the Lakeside Airfield to East Hill

The history of aviation in Ithaca goes back to the early 20th century when the city was a centre of American aircraft manufacturing (Thomas-Morse Aircraft was based here). However, the modern Ithaca Tompkins Airport (ITH) chronicles its history from the middle of the century. Initially, flights were conducted from a municipal airfield in a marshy area near Cayuga Lake, which often led to problems due to fog. The decision to move the air harbour to higher ground was key for the development of reliable transport connections.

Opening and Cornell University's Involvement

The current airport was opened in 1948 thanks to the initiative of Cornell University, which built it on the East Hill plateau to meet its transport needs. This location proved much more successful in terms of meteorological conditions. During the first years, the university managed the facility independently, receiving flights from Robinson Airlines (later becoming Mohawk Airlines), which connected Ithaca with major cities in the state.

In 1956, an important administrative change occurred: Cornell University transferred ownership of the airport to Tompkins County. From this moment, the era of public development of the air harbour began, although the close tie with the university remains to this day.

Era of Modernisation and Expansion

In 1994, a new passenger terminal was opened, replacing outdated mid-century structures. This allowed for a significant increase in passenger comfort. However, the most massive transformation occurred quite recently. At the end of 2018, an ambitious reconstruction project worth nearly 25 million dollars began, supported by the Governor of New York State.

The culmination of this process was the completion of works in 2019. The airport not only increased the terminal area and acquired modern jet bridges but also received a new customs zone. This event marked a change in status: from regional, the airport officially turned into Ithaca Tompkins International Airport.

Interesting Historical Facts

• Technical "International" Status: Despite the grand title, regular commercial flights here currently remain domestic. The "International" status was obtained thanks to the construction of a customs point, which allows the reception of private and charter international flights — often these are planes delivering foreign delegates or scientists to Cornell University.
• Home for "Tommy": In the early 20th century, the famous Thomas-Morse S-4 scout planes, nicknamed "Tommy", were produced in Ithaca. In 2018, for the centenary of production, one of the restored examples performed a historic flight over the city, symbolically linking aviation history with the modern airport.
• Ecological Record: The airport actively implements green technologies. Next to the runway, a large solar park is located, covering a significant part of the terminal's electricity needs.
• Unique Flying Club: Based on the airport territory is one of the oldest flying clubs in the USA — the East Hill Flying Club, which has been operating continuously since the 1950s, training pilots and organising flights for enthusiasts.

Ithaca Tompkins Airport (ITH) is a small regional hub, so you will not find endless rows of Duty Free shops or huge food courts typical of metropolises here. However, it is precisely this compactness that makes staying here particularly comfortable: all necessary services are at hand, and the recent renovation has added modern amenities to the terminal.

Restaurants, Cafés and Shops

Gastronomic options at the airport are limited but quite sufficient for a light snack before departure.

• "The Second Landing" Café: This is the main (and only) catering establishment in the terminal. Here you can order fresh coffee, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and soups. The café prides itself on using products from local farmers in the Finger Lakes region. Please note: full hot meals (like in a restaurant) might not be available here, so it is recommended to eat a substantial meal in the city before a long flight.
• Shops: There are no separate boutiques at the airport. Newspapers, magazines, travel goods, and small souvenirs with Ithaca or Cornell University symbols can be purchased in the café area or special kiosks.

Wi-Fi, Device Charging and Work

The airport is excellently adapted for modern travellers who need to stay connected.

• Wi-Fi: Free high-speed wireless internet is available throughout the terminal. Connection is simple and does not require complex registration.
• Charging Stations: After the 2019 update, many seats equipped with built-in sockets and USB ports appeared in the waiting halls. Finding a place to charge a laptop or phone will not be difficult.

Lounges and VIP Services

There are no dedicated airline business lounges (such as Delta Sky Club or United Club) at Ithaca Airport. However, thanks to the low occupancy and cosy interior, the general waiting hall ("secure area" after screening) is comparable in comfort and quietness to business lounges of large airports. Comfortable seats, work desks, and panoramic windows overlooking the airfield are installed here.

Financial Services

• ATMs: ATMs for withdrawing US dollars are installed in the terminal.
• Currency Exchange: There are no currency exchange points at the airport. International tourists are strongly advised to exchange money in advance (at major transfer hubs, for example, in New York or Detroit) or use an ATM.

Services for Passengers with Children

Family travellers will appreciate the calm atmosphere of the airport.

• Mother and Child Room: The terminal provides a special zone for feeding and caring for infants (often presented as a comfortable Mamava pod or a separate room), ensuring privacy and convenience.
• Safety: The small size of the terminal allows for easy supervision of children; there is no risk of getting lost in a crowd here.

Services for Passengers with Disabilities

ITH is considered one of the most friendly airports for people with reduced mobility thanks to its single-level layout.

• Accessibility: There are no stairs or escalators on the path from the entrance to the gate. All transitions are smooth, and doors are automatic.
• Wheelchairs: Provided upon request. It is recommended to notify your airline about the need for assistance 48 hours before departure, but staff at check-in counters are always ready to help on the spot.
• Restrooms: All sanitary rooms are equipped for people with disabilities.

Medical Services

There is no 24-hour medical centre or pharmacy at the airport. In case of feeling unwell, you should contact security staff or the information desk — personnel are trained in first aid and have access to defibrillators (AED). In emergencies, the city ambulance service is called.

Business Services and Conference Rooms

For business meetings, the airport offers conference room rental. This is a convenient option if partners are flying into the city for short negotiations and do not want to spend time travelling to the centre. The room is equipped with the necessary technology for presentations. Booking information can be obtained from the airport administration.

Hotels Near the Airport

Although there are no hotels inside the terminal, several excellent options are located in immediate proximity (less than 5 minutes drive):

• Courtyard by Marriott Ithaca Airport: Located closest, practically within walking distance. Offers comfortable rooms and business services.
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Ithaca: An excellent option for long-term stays, located slightly further down the road.
• Trip Hotel Ithaca: A budget-friendly and convenient option nearby.

Many of these hotels provide a free transfer (shuttle) to the terminal, which can be ordered by phone upon arrival.

The gastronomic map of Ithaca Tompkins Airport (ITH) fully corresponds to its boutique format. You won't find endless rows of chain fast food here, but you will be able to appreciate the cosy atmosphere and quality of local products. Catering in the terminal is designed so that passengers can comfortably have a snack at any stage of their journey — both before and after passing pre-flight formalities.

Main Establishment: The Second Landing

The heart of the terminal is the café-bar The Second Landing. It is a versatile establishment combining the functions of a coffee shop and a quick-service restaurant. Thanks to the successful layout after reconstruction, the café is accessible to all categories of visitors.

• Location: A unique feature of the establishment is that it serves passengers in both zones. You can place an order in the main hall (Landside) before check-in or enjoy hot food and drinks in the departure lounge (Airside) after passing security. This eliminates the need to hurriedly finish lunch before the metal detectors.
• Menu and Cuisine: The assortment is based on breakfast and lunch dishes: freshly prepared sandwiches, paninis, wraps, homemade soups, and salads. Fresh pastries are always available: muffins, bagels, and croissants.
• Local Flavour: Ithaca is famous for its coffee culture, and the airport is no exception. Excellent locally roasted coffee is served here (for example, from brands like Gimme! Coffee or Copper Horse). You can also find beverages from local producers of the Finger Lakes region.
• Average Bill: Prices remain within reasonable limits. A cup of coffee with a pastry will cost $6–9, and a full lunch (sandwich and drink) — approximately $14–20.

Dining for Passengers with Special Preferences

Despite the small menu, the café strives to offer options for different categories of travellers:

• Vegetarians: Will always find suitable options, such as cheese sandwiches, vegetable salads, yoghurts with granola, and fruit slices.
• Vegans and Gluten-Free Diet: The choice is more limited. Usually, fruit, some types of salads (check dressing ingredients), and packaged gluten-free snacks are available. If you follow a strict diet, it is recommended to bring necessary snacks with you.
• Halal: Certified Halal dishes are not available on the menu, but you can choose vegetarian items or fish options if available on the daily menu.

Opening Hours

The operating schedule of "The Second Landing" is flexible and tied to the flight schedule so that no one goes hungry.

• Opening: The café starts working early in the morning, approximately an hour before the first departure (around 04:30), offering hot coffee and breakfast to the first passengers.
• Closing: Service stops after the departure of the last flight of the day (usually after 18:00).

Vending

If you find yourself at the airport late in the evening when the café is already closed, or you simply need to buy water, vending machines will come to the rescue. They are located in the departure zone and offer a standard set: carbonated drinks, water, crisps, chocolate, and crackers.

Recommendations for Tourists

For a quick snack, ready-made "grab-and-go" options (packaged sandwiches and salads) from the café's refrigerated display are ideal — they are convenient to take with you on board the plane. If you have time for a full lunch, we recommend passing security control and calmly settling at a table in the departure zone. Enjoying a hot beverage or a delicious meal with a view of the runway, you will turn the wait for your flight into a pleasant part of your holiday.

Travelling through a small regional airport like Ithaca Tompkins has its specifics. To ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, we have prepared a number of practical tips considering the features of the local terminal and air connections.

Optimal Arrival Time

Although Ithaca is an airport without metropolitan bustle, time should not be neglected. The recommended arrival time depends on whether you need to check luggage:

• With Luggage: Arrive 90 minutes before departure. Check-in counters close strictly according to schedule (usually 30–45 minutes before the flight), and being late even by a minute can cost you your flight.
• Hand Luggage Only: Arriving 60 minutes prior will be quite sufficient. You will have time to calmly pass security and drink coffee.
• Morning Flights: If your departure is scheduled early in the morning (between 5:30 and 7:00), be prepared for a bit of activity, as several aircraft depart consecutively at this time.

Check-in and Security Control

Procedures in Ithaca are faster than in metropolises, but the rules remain strict federal US standards (TSA).

• Mobile Check-in: We strongly recommend checking in online via your airline's app (Delta, United, or American) 24 hours before departure. This will save time in the terminal.
• TSA Rules: Remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in hand luggage (containers up to 100 ml, all in one transparent bag). In the USA, requirements to remove shoes and belts during screening are strictly enforced unless you have TSA PreCheck status.
• TSA PreCheck: A dedicated line for participants of this program operates at the airport, allowing you to pass screening literally in a minute without removing shoes and light jackets.

Seat Selection and Aircraft Specifics

Flights to and from Ithaca are operated on regional jet aircraft (usually CRJ or Embraer). This impacts comfort.

• Best Views: When departing from Ithaca, try to choose a window seat. The flight over the Finger Lakes region, especially in autumn or summer, reveals stunning panoramas of lakes and hills.
• Cabin Configuration: Regional jets often use a 1-2 or 2-2 seating arrangement. If you are flying alone, a seat in a row with a single chair (if available on your aircraft type) will ensure maximum privacy.

Hand Luggage: "Pink Tag" Nuances

This is perhaps the most important tip for passengers in Ithaca. Overhead bins in small planes are very narrow.

• What Won't Fit: A standard "cabin size" suitcase (wheeled carry-on) will most likely not fit in the bin above the seat.
• Gate Check Procedure: You will be offered to check large hand luggage free of charge right at the plane entrance (procedure "Pink Tag" or "Valet Check"). You leave the suitcase on the cart before the stairs, and upon arrival, pick it up at the same place, immediately after exiting the plane (not at the baggage belt!).
• Tip: Always keep valuables, documents, medicines, and electronics in a small bag or backpack that is guaranteed to fit under the seat. A suitcase handed over at the stairs will fly in an unheated hold.

Transfers and Connections

Ithaca is an end-point destination; there are no direct international flights (except charters). Your path will almost always lie through major hubs (Detroit, Newark, New York/JFK, or Charlotte).

• Through Check-in: Ensure your luggage is checked through to the final destination (Ithaca, ITH). In most cases, you do not need to collect suitcases at the transfer point (exception — first entry into the USA from abroad).
• Transfer Time: When planning a flight from Ithaca, allow at least 1–1.5 hours for transfer at the hub. Regional flights are sensitive to weather, and a small delay in departure from Ithaca can "eat up" connection time.

Customs Control

It is important to understand: despite the "International" status, commercial passengers pass customs and passport control not in Ithaca.

• Arrival in the USA: If you are flying to Ithaca from abroad, you will pass immigration and customs control at the first airport of landing within the USA (for example, in New York or Detroit). There you will have to collect your luggage, pass customs, and hand it over again at the transit counter. You will arrive in Ithaca as a domestic passenger.

Saving Time and Money

• Empty Bottle: After passing screening, there are stations for refilling drinking water in the terminal. Bring an empty bottle with you to avoid buying expensive water.
• Snacks with You: Since there is only one café at the airport and it is closed at night, have a light snack with you (nuts, bars), especially if a long journey lies ahead.
• Parking: If you are just being dropped off, use the free first 30 minutes in the parking lot. This is more convenient than hurriedly disembarking at the kerb.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Weather in the Finger Lakes region is changeable: snowfalls are frequent in winter, and fog in summer, which can lead to delays.

• Apps: Be sure to install your airline's app. Often, notification of a delay or gate change arrives there earlier than announced over the PA system.
• Actions: If a flight is cancelled, do not stand in line for an agent. It will be faster to call the airline's call centre or rebook the ticket via the app.
• Comfort: If the wait drags on, remember that there is free Wi-Fi and comfortable seats with charging points in the terminal. If the delay is overnight, it is better to return to one of the hotels near the airport — sleeping in the terminal is uncomfortable as it becomes empty.