Key Field

Key Field Airport (MEI) is not merely the air gateway to the city of Meridian in Mississippi, USA, but a unique dual-purpose facility. It harmoniously combines civilian aviation with an important military base, home to the 186th Air Refueling Wing of the National Guard. An interesting feature is that Key Field boasts the longest public runway in the entire state of Mississippi. This allows the airport to accommodate not only regional passenger liners but also large military aircraft.

The main advantage of the airport for travellers is its compactness and convenience. Thanks to the service of a single regular commercial carrier, United Express, which operates flights to the major hub of Houston (IAH), passengers can enjoy a quick passage through all pre-flight formalities without the hustle and long queues characteristic of megacities. In addition to commercial flights, the airport is actively used for general aviation and military needs. Meridian Aviation is based here, providing a full range of services for private jets (FBO). Thus, Key Field plays a key role both for residents of the region setting off on a journey and for aviation of national importance.

Below you will find the main contact information for Key Field Airport (MEI), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential issues.

• Official Website: You can always find up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport rules on the website www.flymei.com.
• Information Desk Phone: For general inquiries and consultations, call +1 (601) 482-0364.
• Airport Address: Key Field, 110 Airport Dr S, Meridian, MS 39307, USA.
• Email: To contact the administration, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website, as a general email for public access is not provided.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the official airport page on Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost items in the airport terminal, contact the Lost and Found service at +1 (601) 482-0364. For issues regarding lost luggage on board the aircraft, you should contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For most questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the main information desk number.

Key Field Airport (MEI) is located just a few kilometres southwest of the city centre of Meridian, making the journey there quick and convenient. On average, a trip by car from the central districts of the city takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Taxis and Ridesharing Services are the most popular and reliable way to get to the airport. Both traditional taxi services and popular apps like Uber and Lyft operate in the city. This is an ideal option for travellers with luggage who value comfort. The cost of a trip from the centre of Meridian is usually 15–25 US dollars. It is recommended to order a car slightly in advance to avoid waiting.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning to explore not only the city but also its surroundings. Representations of several major rental companies are located at or near the airport. Having a car will ensure maximum freedom of movement around the state of Mississippi. To get the best prices and guarantee the availability of a car of the desired class, it is worth booking it online in advance.

Unfortunately, public transport in Meridian does not offer direct routes to Key Field Airport. Although a bus network operates in the city, it is not oriented towards serving air passengers, and a trip involving transfers and walking can prove extremely inconvenient, especially if you have heavy suitcases.

For travellers in their own or rented cars, convenient parking is provided at the terminal. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking. Unlike major air hubs in the USA, finding a free space here will not be difficult, and parking rates are quite reasonable.

Key Field Airport (MEI) in the city of Meridian, USA, is a small regional air hub distinguished by a simple and clear structure. This makes it very convenient for passengers, as it is practically impossible to get lost here.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both arriving and departing flights. Thanks to its compact size, all key zones are within walking distance of each other. The terminal layout is intuitively clear: after entering, you immediately find yourself in the general area with ticket counters and check-in desks. Next follows the security checkpoint, behind which is located a small waiting hall with boarding gates. The arrivals area with the baggage claim belt is also located in this same building, but with a separate exit.

Since there is only one terminal at Key Field, there is no need for transfers between terminals. All procedures — from check-in to boarding the plane — take place within a single building. This significantly saves time and eliminates the stress associated with navigation in large airports.

Registration and security procedures at MEI airport usually pass very quickly due to the low passenger flow. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before the departure of a domestic flight. This time will be more than sufficient to check in luggage without rushing, pass security control, and reach your boarding gate. Navigation through the terminal is extremely simple — it is enough to follow the few signs that will guide you through all necessary stages of pre-flight control.

Key Field Airport, located in the city of Meridian, possesses a rich and multifaceted history that is closely linked to aviation pioneers. Its foundation was laid in 1928, when brothers Fred and Al Key purchased a plot of land to create an airfield. The official opening took place two years later, in November 1930.

The airport received its name for a reason. It was the Key brothers who brought it worldwide fame by setting an outstanding flight endurance record in 1935. They spent more than 27 days (653 hours 34 minutes) in the air on their plane "Ole Miss", receiving fuel and supplies from another plane in mid-air. This flight became a sensation and forever inscribed the names of the brothers and the Key Field airfield into the history of aviation in the USA.

A significant stage of the airport's development occurred during the years of World War II. Key Field was transferred to the jurisdiction of the US Army Air Forces and turned into one of the largest bases for training bomber pilots. During this period, its infrastructure was substantially expanded: new runways, hangars, and barracks were built. This legacy has been preserved to this day, as a unit of the National Guard continues to be based on the airport territory.

After the war, the airport returned to civilian life, beginning to serve commercial flights. Throughout its history, it has repeatedly undergone modernization. Reconstructions of the passenger terminal and runways were carried out to meet modern standards and serve both passenger and cargo transport. Today, Key Field remains an important transport hub that takes pride in its unique historical past.

Despite its compact size, Key Field Airport (MEI) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departure, you can have a snack at a local café or restaurant serving simple and filling dishes. There is also a small shop in the terminal where you can purchase necessities, press, or souvenirs to remember your trip to Meridian.

For those for whom staying connected is important, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. If your device needs recharging, you will easily find specially equipped charging stations for gadgets. ATMs are installed in the terminal for cash withdrawals, however, currency exchange services are generally not provided, which is typical for regional airports in the USA.

The airport is designed taking into account the needs of all categories of travellers. For passengers with reduced mobility, ramps and accessible restrooms are provided in accordance with ADA standards. Families with small children can use baby changing rooms. Although there is no separate medical centre in the airport, in an emergency, you should immediately contact any airport employee who will provide first aid and call medical services. There are no VIP lounges in the terminal, but the general waiting areas are comfortable enough for resting before a flight.

If you need to stay overnight, there are many hotels to suit any taste and budget located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, a few minutes' drive away. It is worth noting that there are no conference rooms or business centres within the Key Field terminal itself, as it is primarily oriented towards serving passenger flights.

When planning a departure from Key Field (MEI), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport, and the choice of catering establishments here is quite limited. Options are primarily intended for a quick snack before a flight, rather than a full lunch or dinner.

The main place where you can have a snack is a small café or snack bar located in the main terminal building. Typically, it is situated in the general area (before passing security control), making it accessible to both departing passengers and those seeing them off. Here you will be offered a standard set of snacks: sandwiches, pastries, chips, chocolate, as well as hot and cold drinks, including coffee, tea, and soda. Sometimes simple dishes reflecting the Southern flavour can be found on the menu, but one should not count on a wide assortment of local cuisine.

The establishment's opening hours are usually synchronised with the flight schedule, so it opens a few hours before departure and closes shortly after the last plane leaves. Prices for food and drinks are at an average level for airports. For those who only need a quick bite, vending machines with drinks and snacks may also be installed in the terminal.

Passengers with strict dietary requirements (for example, vegan, gluten-free, or halal) are strongly advised to bring food with them, as specialised dishes at Key Field Airport will likely not be available. If you wish to have a full meal, it is better to do so at one of the restaurants in the city of Meridian before travelling to the airport.

Travelling through Key Field Airport in the city of Meridian, USA, can be simple and convenient if you know a few useful tips. This regional airport is distinguished by its compactness and absence of large crowds, making it more comfortable compared to major hubs.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to check in luggage without haste, pass security control, and reach the boarding gate. To save time, take advantage of online check-in on your airline's website, which usually opens 24 hours before the flight.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. Strict TSA rules apply at US airports. 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 bag. Large electronics, such as laptops, must be removed from bags into a separate tray. At Key Field, security queues are usually shorter than at large airports, which is a big plus.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If you want to enjoy the views, choose a window seat. If the ability to stand up and leave freely is more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat. Passengers with short connections are better off choosing seats in the front part of the cabin to exit the aircraft faster. If you have a connecting flight, ensure at check-in that your luggage is checked through to your final destination.

Customs Control. Since Key Field Airport serves predominantly domestic flights, most passengers do not need to pass customs control. It becomes relevant only when arriving from another country, which is a rarity for this airport.

In Case of Flight Delay. In the event of a delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information on flight status and possible alternatives. It is useful to have a portable charger for gadgets, a book, or downloaded films with you to brighten up the wait.

Saving Time and Money. Book tickets in advance to get the best price. Travel light with only hand luggage to avoid paying for baggage. Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — you can fill it after passing security control, saving on purchasing drinks at the airport.