Tri-Cities Airport

Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to the dynamically developing region of southeastern Washington, known for its scenic vineyards and scientific centres. Located in the city of Pasco, this airport is one of the largest in the state and takes pride in its history, which began back in 1926 with the first-ever airmail flight. Today, it offers travellers modern amenities and a wide network of routes, connecting them with key cities across the USA.

Tri-Cities Airport is renowned for its compactness and efficiency, making the pre-flight screening and boarding process as quick and comfortable as possible. A recent terminal modernisation, completed in 2017, transformed it into a contemporary and convenient space designed to handle growing passenger traffic for decades to come. Unique features of the airport include the PSC Pass programme, which allows non-flying visitors to enter the departure zone to meet or see off loved ones right at the gate. The air harbour is served by several airlines operating flights to major US hubs, including Seattle, Denver, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City, ensuring travellers have an excellent choice of routes for their journeys.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Tri-Cities Airport (PSC).

• Official Website: www.flytricities.com. Here you will find flight schedules, parking information, airlines, and services.
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (509) 547-6352. You can obtain general information about airport operations at this number.
• Airport Address: 3601 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301, USA.
• Email: For general enquiries and feedback, it is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: Tri-Cities Airport actively maintains pages on social networks such as Facebook. Current links can be found on their website.
• Lost and Found: If your belongings were lost within the terminal building, please contact the airport's lost and found service. If the issue concerns checked baggage, you must contact your airline's representative office directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For questions related to service at the airport, you may contact the main information desk phone number.

Getting to Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) is straightforward, as it is conveniently located and has good transport links with the city of Pasco, as well as neighbouring Kennewick and Richland. Depending on your budget, time, and preferences, you can choose one of several convenient ways to reach the terminal.

For budget-conscious travellers, the best choice is public transport. The Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) bus network serves the airport, connecting it to key points in the city. This is the most economical way to reach your destination — a trip will cost just $1.50. However, it is worth checking the schedule and routes on the carrier's official website in advance, as the journey may take longer and require transfers.

If you value comfort and speed, use taxis or ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft. A car can be ordered at any time of day, and it will deliver you right to the terminal entrance. A trip from the centre of Pasco usually takes no more than 10–15 minutes, and the cost will be approximately $15–$25. This is a more expensive but also the most convenient method.

Travellers planning to move actively around the region should consider car rental. Counters for several major rental companies are located directly at Tri-Cities Airport. Having your own vehicle will provide you with complete freedom to explore the vineyards, nature parks, and other attractions of the southeastern part of Washington state in the USA.

For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, convenient parking is provided. There are both short-term and long-term parking zones near the terminal. Leaving your car in a secure car park is a safe and practical option. The cost depends on the duration: short-term parking costs approximately $2 per hour, while long-term is about $12-$15 per day.

Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) is distinguished by a simple and passenger-friendly structure. It is a modern and compact air terminal where it is practically impossible to get lost, making it especially comfortable for travellers.

The main feature of the airport is its single passenger terminal, which handles all domestic flights. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings or taking shuttles. All key areas are within walking distance of each other.

Terminal Layout and Navigation:

The terminal has a logical and intuitive layout. On the ground floor, you will find airline check-in counters and the baggage claim area. After check-in, passengers proceed to the first floor, where the central security checkpoint leading to the departure zone is located.

Departure and Arrival Zones:

The departure zone is a spacious and bright concourse with several gates. Here you will find comfortable seating for waiting, cafes, and small shops. The arrival zone is located on the ground floor: after disembarking from the aircraft, passengers descend to the baggage carousels. Nearby are exits to taxi stands, shuttles, and car rental companies.

Procedure Times:

One of the main advantages of Tri-Cities Airport is the speed of completing all formalities. Typically, check-in and security checks take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 90 minutes before departure, especially during morning peak hours or holidays, to avoid rushing.

Navigation Recommendations:

Thanks to its compact size and clear signage, navigating the terminal will not cause difficulties even for first-time visitors. All important facilities — from restrooms to the food court — are easy to find. Airport staff are always ready to help and direct you. Simply follow the signs, and you will find everything you need without difficulty.

The history of Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) is closely intertwined with the history of the city of Pasco and the entire region. Its roots go back to the Second World War. The airfield was founded in 1942 as Naval Air Station Pasco and served as an important training centre for pilots of the USA Navy. It was one of the largest such bases in the northwest of the country, which laid the foundation for its future aviation significance.

After the war ended, the military facility was transferred to civilian use. In 1946, the airport began serving commercial flights, becoming a key transport hub for the growing Tri-Cities region. The first terminal building, constructed in the 1950s, was modest, but over time the airport expanded repeatedly to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. In 1966, a new terminal building was constructed, which became the basis for all subsequent modernisations.

The most significant transformation in the airport's recent history occurred between 2014 and 2017. As part of a massive reconstruction project costing 42 million dollars, the terminal area was practically doubled. New boarding gates were added, security and baggage claim areas were expanded, and general infrastructure for passengers was improved. This modernisation allowed Tri-Cities Airport to efficiently serve more than 750,000 passengers per year and strengthened its status as the modern air gateway to southeastern Washington state.

Interesting fact: the airport received the name "Tri-Cities" due to its location, serving three neighbouring cities — Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland. Today, it is not only an important facility for travellers but also plays a key role in the region's economy, supporting business, agriculture, and scientific research, particularly related to the nearby Hanford Site.

Tri-Cities Airport (PSC), located in the city of Pasco (Washington State, USA), provides passengers with a wide range of services for a comfortable journey. Before your flight, you can have a bite to eat in one of the cafes or dining outlets, which serve both light snacks and full meals. There are also shops in the terminal where you can buy souvenirs to remember your trip, fresh newspapers, or travel essentials.

For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or work. The waiting lounges are equipped with numerous charging stations for mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. Although the airport does not have dedicated business centres or conference rooms, the quiet atmosphere and network access create suitable conditions for handling work matters.

Passengers can relax in comfortable and spacious waiting halls. ATMs are installed in the terminal for cash withdrawals. Please note that specialised currency exchange bureaus may be absent at the airport, so it is better to arrange for the necessary currency in advance. Basic first aid can be provided to passengers if necessary.

The airport is fully equipped for the comfortable movement of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, special restrooms, and boarding assistance services. For travellers with small children, family restrooms with changing tables are provided, making the stay at the airport more convenient.

If you have an early flight or a long layover, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Most of them offer a free shuttle service to and from the terminal, allowing you to easily reach your place of rest without extra hassle.

Despite its compact size, Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal. The main catering establishments are located both in the public zone before security and in the sterile departure zone to satisfy the needs of all travellers.

In the main terminal, before passing security control (landside), you will find a cosy cafe. This is an excellent place to have a cup of coffee with fresh pastries, or take a sandwich or salad with you if you are seeing someone off or have just arrived at the airport. It is convenient for a quick bite without rushing to board.

The main establishment where you can have a full lunch is located after passing security (airside). It is a restaurant and dining area offering a menu with classic American dishes: from hearty breakfasts to burgers, soups, and salads for lunch or dinner. Particular attention should be paid to the beverage selection, where you can often try local regional specialties from the famous agricultural region of Washington and artisanal beverages from local producers.

For passengers with special dietary preferences, such as vegetarians, salads and some snacks are usually available. However, the selection of gluten-free or vegan dishes may be limited, so it is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff. Please note that Halal options may also be limited. Prices in airport establishments correspond to the average level for aviation hubs — they are slightly higher than in city cafes. Opening hours are generally tied to the flight schedule, so establishments are open from early morning until the departure of the last aircraft.

To ensure your journey through Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in the city of Pasco goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our useful tips. This small and convenient airport makes the start and end of a trip around the USA comfortable if you know a few nuances.

Arrival Time and Check-in
For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before departure. This will give you enough time to check luggage, pass security control, and board the flight calmly. To save time, check in for your flight online and obtain a mobile boarding pass. Tri-Cities Airport is not as busy as major international hubs, but queues are still possible during peak hours.

Security Control and Customs
When passing through screening, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage. Remember the rule for carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. An important plus: since Tri-Cities Airport serves mainly domestic flights, passengers travelling within the country do not need to pass customs control, which significantly saves time. To avoid misunderstandings, always check the current list of prohibited items and security rules on the official website of the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before your trip.

Seat Selection and Transfers
Do you want to admire the views? Choose a window seat (A or F). Do you prefer more legroom and the ability to stand up freely? Your choice would be an aisle seat (C or D). If you have a transfer at Tri-Cities Airport, do not worry — the terminal is compact, and finding the right boarding gate will not be difficult. Simply follow the signs.

Economy and Flight Delays
To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing security control. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are always higher. Also, consider ordering a taxi via an app or study the schedule of hotel shuttles in advance — this may be more economical than taking a taxi on the spot. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information and possible options (meal vouchers, accommodation). There is free Wi-Fi in the terminal to help pass the time.