Crater Lake Klamath Regional Airport

Crater Lake - Klamath Regional Airport (LMT) is not just an air gateway, but your entry point to the amazing nature of Southern Oregon. Located in the city of Klamath Falls, it serves as a starting point for travellers aiming to see the famous Crater Lake, one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in the world. Despite its modest size, the airport plays a key role in the region's transport system, serving private, cargo, and military aviation.

Despite the temporary suspension of scheduled passenger flights, LMT airport remains an important facility. Its main advantage is its strategic location and multifunctionality. It continues to be actively used for general aviation, corporate flights, and serves as a base for the Oregon Air National Guard. For tourists travelling on private jets, it remains the fastest and most convenient way to reach the national parks, forests, and lakes for which this picturesque corner of the USA is famous. Before planning your journey, it is recommended to check the latest information regarding the resumption of commercial flights.

Below is the contact information for Crater Lake - Klamath Regional Airport (LMT), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential inquiries.

• Official Website: Current information on airport operations, flight schedules, and available services can be found on the official page: klamathcounty.org/168/Airport.
• Information Desk Phone: For general information and inquiries regarding airport operations, you can call the administration at: +1 (541) 883-5372.
• Airport Address: The airport is located at: 3000 Airport Way, Klamath Falls, OR 97603, USA.
• Email: An official email address for general inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the contact phone number for communication.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain active social media pages. The most reliable source of information is the official website.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage during a flight, you must immediately contact the representative of the airline you used. For items left within the airport terminal, please contact the administration by phone.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions related to booking, ticket changes, flight check-in, and special assistance, please contact your airline directly. If your question concerns services within the airport territory (parking, cafes, shops), the information desk will assist you.

Getting to Crater Lake - Klamath Regional Airport (LMT) from the city centre of Klamath Falls is quite simple, as it is located just 10 kilometres southeast. A car journey usually takes no more than 20 minutes. Travellers can choose the most suitable method depending on their budget and personal preferences.

The most convenient option is taxis or ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, which are widely available in the USA. The trip from the city centre to the terminal will take about 15-20 minutes, and the estimated cost is 20–30 dollars. This is an ideal choice for those who value speed and comfort. You may also consider pre-booking a private transfer.

Car Rental is an excellent option for tourists planning to explore the picturesque Southern Oregon, including the famous Crater Lake National Park. Several major rental agencies operate in the city. It is recommended to check in advance with your chosen company if they offer pick-up or drop-off services at the airport, which can be convenient for private aviation users or when organising a trip.

As for public transport, options may be limited. The Basin Transit Service (BTS) bus company operates in the city; however, it is worth checking their official website in advance to see if there are routes that go directly to the airport and what their schedule is. This option may be the most budget-friendly, but likely the least convenient.

For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, parking is provided. Typically, in regional airports like LMT, options for both short-term and long-term parking are available at moderate prices. Parking spaces are located within walking distance of the terminal.

Crater Lake - Klamath Regional Airport (LMT) in Klamath Falls, USA, features one main passenger terminal building. It is important to note that currently, the terminal does not serve scheduled commercial flights. Despite this, the building retains its infrastructure designed for receiving and departing passengers.

Architecturally, the terminal is designed as a compact and functional space, typical of small regional airports. Its layout includes a general area with counters previously used for check-in, a security screening area, and a waiting lounge with gates to the apron. Facilities for baggage handling and claim are also provided. However, due to the lack of regular passenger service, these zones are not currently used for their intended purpose.

Since the airport has only one terminal building and does not accept commercial flights, questions about transfers between terminals, check-in times, or security screening for scheduled airline passengers are not relevant at this moment. The airport continues to function for the needs of general aviation, charter, and government flights.

The history of Crater Lake - Klamath Regional Airport (LMT) begins in 1928, when it was founded as the Klamath Falls Municipal Airport. Initially, it was a small airfield serving the needs of local aviation and early mail flights, but its fate changed dramatically with the onset of World War II.

In 1942, the airport was transferred to the United States Air Force and renamed Klamath Falls Army Airfield. It became a significant centre for training fighter pilots, particularly for P-38 Lightning and P-39 Airacobra aircraft. During the war years, thousands of military personnel passed through the base, leaving a notable mark on the history of both the airport and the entire city.

After the war ended, in 1946, the airport was returned to civilian control and resumed commercial transport. In the following decades, airlines such as West Coast Airlines and its successors, Air West and Hughes Airwest, operated here, connecting Klamath Falls with other cities on the West Coast. This period was marked by the gradual development of infrastructure to serve the growing passenger flow.

An important milestone in modern history was the renaming of the airport to Crater Lake - Klamath Regional Airport. This step was taken to highlight its proximity to one of the main natural attractions of the USA — Crater Lake National Park — and to attract more tourists. Currently, following the cessation of scheduled commercial flights, the airport continues to serve general aviation. At the same time, it retains its unique dual status, being home to the 173rd Fighter Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard, which uses the airfield as a training base for F-15 Eagle pilots. This military component makes LMT a strategically important facility in the region.

Crater Lake - Klamath Regional Airport (LMT) is a small transport hub primarily serving domestic flights and general aviation. Due to the compact size of the terminal, navigation here is intuitive, and security procedures usually proceed quickly. However, passengers should note that the range of services here is significantly more modest than in large international airports.

Dining and Shopping in the terminal are minimal. Typically, travellers can use vending machines for drinks and snacks. There are no full-service restaurants or large Duty-Free shops inside, so it is recommended to arrange a substantial meal or purchase souvenirs in advance while in the city of Klamath Falls.

A general hall is provided for waiting for flights. There are no dedicated VIP lounges or airline business lounges at LMT airport. Nevertheless, the general waiting area is quite comfortable and usually not overcrowded, allowing for a peaceful time before departure.

Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi, allowing them to stay connected or handle work matters. There are no specialised business centres or conference rooms in the building, but suitable places for working with a laptop can be found in the waiting hall. Power outlets for charging gadgets are usually located in the boarding waiting area.

Regarding financial services, an ATM for cash withdrawals may be located in the terminal. Currency exchange points are absent as the airport does not serve international flights. There is no medical centre with a permanent doctor in the building, but staff are trained in first aid, and city emergency services are called in urgent cases.

The infrastructure takes into account the needs of passengers with reduced mobility. The terminal is equipped with ramps and accessible restrooms. If you require a wheelchair or assistance boarding the aircraft, you must notify your airline at least 48 hours before departure. Basic sanitary facilities are provided for passengers with children.

There are no hotels directly within the airport building. The nearest accommodation options are located in the city of Klamath Falls, just a 10–15 minute drive by taxi or rental car. There, you will find both chain motels and local hotels offering a comfortable stay.

Despite the compact size of Crater Lake - Klamath Regional Airport (LMT), passengers can count on a hot lunch before departure if travelling in the first half of the day. The main gastronomic spot in the terminal is The Jet House restaurant (formerly known as Upper Deck). It is located in the general area of the airport (landside) before pre-flight security screening, so it can be visited by both departing passengers and those seeing them off.

The Jet House specialises in classic American cuisine. On the menu, travellers will find hearty breakfasts, a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and traditional snacks. A feature of the establishment is the panoramic view of the runway: guests can watch aircraft takeoffs and landings right from their table. Prices here are moderate and correspond to the average bill in typical American diners.

It is important to consider the restaurant's operating schedule. The establishment is usually open during the day, approximately from 07:00 to 14:00. If your flight departs early in the morning, in the evening, or on weekends when the kitchen might be closed, the only remaining option is vending machines. Vending machines with soft drinks, water, chips, and chocolate bars are available both in the general hall and in the "sterile" area (airside) after passing security control (TSA).

Passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegans, people with gluten intolerance, or those observing Halal guidelines) are recommended to prepare in advance. The selection in the machines is minimal, and the restaurant menu is oriented towards standard dishes. If The Jet House is closed or does not suit your diet, the best solution would be to eat in the city of Klamath Falls, where the choice of establishments is significantly wider, just a 10–15 minute drive from the terminal.

For a comfortable start to your journey through Crater Lake - Klamath Regional Airport (LMT), it is recommended to arrive at the terminal approximately 90 minutes before the departure time indicated on your ticket. Although the airport is small and queues are rarely long here, this time will allow you to check in luggage and pass security without rushing. If you are travelling with hand luggage only and have checked in online, you can arrive an hour early, but it is always better to have a buffer of time for unforeseen circumstances.

The check-in and security control procedure here follows TSA standards but in a more relaxed atmosphere than in metropolises. Prepare your boarding pass (preferably electronically on your smartphone) and ID in advance. Since small regional aircraft are often used at the airport, you may be asked to remove laptops and liquids during screening. Remember the "3-1-1 rule" for liquids in carry-on luggage: containers no larger than 100 ml must be packed in one transparent resealable bag.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider the scenic routes passing over Oregon. If the weather is clear, choose a Window Seat. Upon takeoff or approach for landing, stunning views of the Cascade Mountains, Crater Lake, or Mount Shasta often open up. This is a great opportunity to take beautiful photos right from the aircraft cabin.

An important nuance regarding carry-on luggage: flights from Klamath Falls are often operated on small regional jets or turboprop aircraft (for example, CRJ or Embraer). The overhead bins in them are significantly smaller than standard ones. A "cabin size" suitcase that easily fits in a Boeing or Airbus may not fit in the bin here. Be prepared for the Gate Check procedure (handing over luggage at the steps): your bag will be taken before entering the plane and returned immediately after landing at the steps or in the jet bridge. Valuables, documents, and medicines are best kept in a small bag under the seat.

If you have a connection planned at a major hub (usually San Francisco, Denver, or Seattle), ensure during check-in at LMT that your luggage is checked through to your final destination. This will save you from having to collect and re-check suitcases at the intermediate airport. It is better to allow extra time for the connection (minimum 1.5–2 hours), as regional flights can be delayed due to weather conditions.

Since LMT serves domestic flights, there is no customs control in the terminal itself. However, if you are flying abroad with a connection, you will go through all customs formalities at the first airport of arrival when returning to the USA or at the destination airport abroad. Observe general federal transport rules: certain types of food products, plants, and dangerous items are prohibited.

To save time and money, it is strongly recommended to check in for the flight online 24 hours before departure. Since food options at the airport are limited, take an empty reusable water bottle with you (it can be filled at drinking fountains after security) and a light snack. This will save you from unnecessary expenses and hunger if the cafe is closed or the flight is delayed.

In case of a flight delay, which can happen due to fog or snowfall characteristic of the region, remain calm. Be sure to download your airline's app to receive real-time flight status updates. If the wait drags on and the airport restaurant is closed, airline staff may offer vouchers or water, but it is better to have a backup plan and a charged power bank for gadgets.