McKellar Airport

McKellar-Sipes Airport is the air gateway to the heart of West Tennessee, offering convenient and fast connections for residents and visitors of the region. Located in the city of Jackson, this compact airport saves travellers from the hustle and bustle of major hubs, ensuring a calm start and end to their journey. It serves as an important transport node connecting the local community with one of the largest aviation centres in the USA, making it an ideal starting point for further travels.

The main advantage of McKellar-Sipes Airport is its compactness and convenience. Thanks to its small size, flight check-in and security screening processes take minimal time, allowing passengers to avoid the stress typical of large airports. Free parking is provided for passengers, which is a pleasant bonus for those arriving in their own vehicles.

The airport services flights to a major international hub, opening access to hundreds of destinations worldwide with just one convenient connection. Besides commercial flights, McKellar-Sipes also plays an important role in serving private and corporate aviation. This makes it not only a convenient choice for tourists but also a key facility for the region's business community.

You can contact representatives of McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport in several ways. Below you will find essential contact information to help you plan your trip and resolve any potential queries.

• Official Website: The most up-to-date information on flight schedules, services, and airport regulations can be found on the official website: www.flymckellar.com.
• Information Desk Phone: For consultations and immediate information, you can call: +1 731-423-0995.
• Airport Address: The airport is located at: 308 Grady Montgomery Dr, Jackson, TN 38301, USA.
• Email: For non-urgent enquiries and general questions, you can use the e-mail: info@flymckellar.com.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official account on Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of luggage loss on board the aircraft, you must first contact your airline's representative office. If your belongings were lost within the terminal building, please contact the airport administration via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Service: For all questions related to your stay at the airport, please contact the information desk at the phone number listed above.

Getting to McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport (MKL) from the centre of Jackson is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres south of the city's business district. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose one of several convenient methods.

Taxis and ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are the most popular and convenient options. The trip from the city centre to the airport usually takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. This is a fast and reliable way to get to the terminal without unnecessary transfers, especially if you are travelling with luggage. The cost of the trip is moderate, but it is recommended to check current rates in the app before booking.

Car Rental is an ideal choice for those who value independence and plan to explore not only Jackson but also its surroundings. Many major rental companies have counters right at the airport, allowing you to return the car immediately before departure. If you are arriving in the city in a rented car, simply follow the signs to the airport. It is recommended to book a car in advance to guarantee availability and get the best price.

Public transport options for travelling to McKellar Airport are limited. Direct bus routes to the terminal may be unavailable or operate on a schedule that is inconvenient for tourists. For travellers, especially those with luggage, this option might seem impractical. Before planning your trip, it is worth checking the latest information on the local transport authority (JTA) website, but in most cases, a taxi or car rental will be a much more convenient solution.

For those travelling to the airport in their own or rented vehicle, a pleasant bonus is the free parking. The territory features zones for both short-term and long-term parking, located in immediate proximity to the terminal. This makes travelling in your own car particularly convenient and economical if you plan to leave the vehicle for the duration of your journey.

McKellar-Sipes Airport (MKL) in Jackson is a small and convenient regional airport distinguished by a simple and clear structure. This makes it ideal for travellers who value speed and a lack of fuss.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both departing and arriving flights. Thanks to its compact dimensions, navigation through the building is intuitive, and you will not have to worry about long walks between terminals — they simply do not exist here. All key areas are within walking distance of each other.

Upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the general area where check-in counters are located. After completing check-in and dropping off luggage, you proceed to the security checkpoint. The departure area consists of a small and cosy waiting lounge with a boarding gate. The arrivals area is equally compact: after disembarking the aircraft, passengers almost immediately enter the baggage claim hall, which is located next to the main exit of the terminal.

The main feature of McKellar Airport is the speed of completing all procedures. Flight check-in and security screening usually take minimal time due to the low passenger flow. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to complete all formalities without rushing. It is practically impossible to get lost in this airport, making it an excellent choice for a comfortable start or end to your journey.

The history of McKellar-Sipes Airport (MKL) began in 1940 when it was founded as McKellar Field. Its initial purpose was strictly military: during World War II, it housed a base for the primary training of US Air Force pilots. Thousands of young cadets mastered the basics of piloting at this airfield before moving on to more complex stages of training. After the war ended, in 1945, the facility was transferred to civil administration under the authorities of the city of Jackson and Madison County, marking the beginning of its new, peaceful history.

With the transition to civil aviation, the airport received its modern dual name. The first part, "McKellar", is a tribute to Kenneth McKellar, an influential senator from Tennessee who made a significant contribution to the region's development. The second part, "Sipes", was added later in memory of US Army pilot Donald Sipes, a Jackson native who was killed during the Vietnam War. Thus, the airport's name immortalised the memory of two iconic figures for the region. In the post-war years, the airport began serving the first commercial flights, becoming an important air gateway for West Tennessee.

Throughout its history, the airport has been modernised repeatedly to meet modern aviation standards. A key stage in its development was the opening of a new passenger terminal in 1978. This significantly improved the quality of passenger service and increased capacity. In subsequent decades, work was carried out to lengthen and strengthen runways, and update navigation and lighting equipment systems, allowing for the reception of more modern aircraft types and ensuring a high level of flight safety.

Interesting fact: despite its relatively small size, McKellar-Sipes Airport is a vivid example of how a military facility can successfully transform into a vital civil infrastructure hub. Today, it not only serves regional passenger transport but also plays a significant role in the business and private aviation sectors, continuing its glorious history and contributing to the economic development of the region and the entire country — the USA.

McKellar-Sipes Airport (MKL) is a small regional air terminal offering passengers basic amenities for a comfortable wait before departure. Options for dining and shopping here are quite modest: there are no full-service restaurants or shops in the terminal, however, vending machines are installed where you can purchase snacks and beverages. Therefore, it is better to plan a full lunch or dinner before arriving at the airport.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. The waiting lounge also has power outlets for charging mobile phones and other gadgets. Although the airport does not have a separate business centre, a conference room can be rented for business needs by contacting the airport administration.

Financial services are represented by an ATM. Please note that there are no currency exchange points at the airport. Separate luxury lounges or VIP zones for passengers are not provided. In case first aid is required, please address any airport staff member.

The airport is fully equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility in accordance with ADA standards. Ramps, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces are provided. Passengers can request assistance for boarding and disembarking the aircraft in advance. For travellers with small children, baby changing tables are available in the restrooms.

There are no hotels on the airport territory itself. However, since it serves the city of Jackson, there are numerous hotels to suit any taste and budget in the vicinity, just a few minutes' drive by taxi or rental car. This makes the airport a convenient arrival point for exploring this region of the USA.

McKellar Airport (MKL) is a small regional airport serving the city of Jackson and the surrounding areas in Tennessee. Due to its compact size and limited number of flights, passengers should not expect a wide selection of gastronomic establishments or food courts typical of large international hubs here.

Typically, vending machines are available within the terminal. They are located in the public area (landside) and offer a standard set of snacks: crisps, chocolate bars, biscuits, as well as soft drinks and bottled water. This is a great option for a quick snack if you feel a bit hungry before your flight.

If you are counting on a full lunch or dinner, it is highly recommended to eat in the city before arriving at the airport. Jackson is famous for its Southern cuisine, so it is worth visiting local restaurants before your flight to try the famous barbecue or fried catfish. Inside the airport building itself, a café with hot food may operate irregularly or be absent altogether.

Passengers with special dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans, as well as those following a gluten-free or Halal diet) should arrange their meals in advance. Since the assortment in vending machines is limited, finding specialised products on-site will be difficult. It is recommended to bring permitted food items in your carry-on luggage.

Prices in vending machines remain affordable and correspond to the average market level (usually from 1.5 to 3 dollars for a drink or snack). The machines are accessible during terminal operating hours, allowing for a snack even during early departures or late arrivals.

Travelling through a regional airport like McKellar in the city of Jackson has its own specific features. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, use these tips to save time, money, and stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights within the USA, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. McKellar Airport is not as large as international hubs, so queues here are usually shorter. Nevertheless, it is always better to have a buffer of time. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight in advance and save the boarding pass on your phone.

Security Screening. Screening procedures are standard for all American airports and are conducted by the TSA. Prepare your documents (passport and boarding pass) in advance. Remember the rule for carrying liquids in hand luggage: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent resealable bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. Large electronics, such as laptops, must be removed from your bag and placed in a separate bin.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. Carefully study your airline's rules regarding the dimensions and weight of hand luggage. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, flammable liquids, and other dangerous substances in hand luggage. Conversely, power banks and other batteries are permitted only in hand luggage.

Connections and Customs. Most flights from McKellar Airport involve a transfer at larger hubs. Ensure you have enough time between flights (usually at least 1–1.5 hours). Since the airport primarily serves domestic flights, customs control is undergone only by those passengers for whom this is the first point of entry into the country, which happens rarely here. If you are flying from abroad, you will most likely clear customs at your first airport of arrival in the USA.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, monitor information on the departure boards and in your airline's app. If the delay is significant, contact the airline representative to ask about the possibility of providing vouchers for food or beverages. Given that the choice of cafés and shops in small airports may be limited, it is useful to have a book, a charged power bank, and a light snack with you.