Walla Walla Airport

Walla Walla Airport (ALW) is not just a transport hub, but a cosy and welcoming gateway to the heart of the famous wine region of Washington State. Located at the foot of the picturesque Blue Mountains, this aviation hub welcomes travellers with a calm atmosphere and historical charm, completely unlike the bustle of giant hubs. Instead of endless corridors and queues, a compact terminal awaits you, where the path from the plane to the city exit takes just a few minutes, allowing you to almost instantly begin your acquaintance with the "Valley of Wine".

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Despite its modest size, Walla Walla Airport possesses a unique character and a number of advantages that are highly appreciated by tourists:

• Wine Incubators on the Premises: This is perhaps the most unique feature of ALW. Right in the airport area, in the reconstructed buildings of a former World War II airbase, there is a cluster of small wineries (Airport District). You can start tasting famous local wines practically immediately after claiming your luggage.
• Speed and Comfort: Due to the small passenger flow, passing through security screening (TSA) here takes minimal time. This allows you to arrive at the airport later than in large cities and avoid unnecessary stress before departure.
• Convenient Parking: Parking zones are located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. Passengers do not need to use shuttles or walk for a long time with suitcases — the car can be left literally two steps from the entrance.
• Historical Atmosphere: The main terminal building retains elements of mid-century architecture, creating a nostalgic and cosy mood, which is complemented by the friendliness of the local staff.

Below you will find contact information for Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW), which will help you contact its services.

• Official Website: The most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport rules can be found on the official website: www.flyalw.com.
• Help Desk Phone: For operational information and enquiries, you can call the main airport administration number: +1 (509) 525-3100.
• Airport Address: The airport is located at: 45 Terminal Loop, Walla Walla, WA 99362, USA.
• Email: For written enquiries, you can use the email address: portinfo@portofwallawalla.com.
• Social Media: Follow the latest news and updates on the airport's official page on Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your question concerns lost or damaged luggage, you should contact the representative of the airline you flew with directly. Regarding personal items left in the airport terminal, contact the administration via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support: For all general questions related to your stay at the airport and to receive assistance, please contact the help desk at the phone number listed above.

Getting to Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW) is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres northeast of the city centre of Walla Walla. A trip by car usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes, making it easily accessible for travellers. The main ways to get to the terminal are by taxi, rental or personal car, as well as public transport.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. The local Valley Transit bus network serves the city and its surroundings, and the cost of a trip usually does not exceed $1–2. Although direct routes may not always go right up to the terminal itself, some stop in the immediate vicinity. It is recommended to check the current schedule on the carrier's official website in advance to plan your trip without rushing. This is an excellent choice for travellers with light luggage.

Taxis, Transfers, and Ridesharing are the most convenient and fastest method. Both local taxi services and popular apps like Uber and Lyft operate in the city. A trip from the city centre will be short and comfortable, and its estimated cost will be $15–25 depending on demand. This is especially valuable if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family, as the "door-to-door" convenience often justifies the cost.

Car Rental and Parking. Car rental is a popular solution for those planning to explore the wine region of the USA, for which Walla Walla is famous. Many major rental companies have their counters right at the airport. If you are driving a personal car, convenient parking is provided at the airport. There are both short-term and long-term parking lots located within walking distance of the terminal.

Although Walla Walla Airport serves mainly local flights, travellers sometimes consider other air hubs for a wider choice of destinations. The nearest alternatives are Eastern Oregon Regional Airport (PDT) and Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco, which is about an hour's drive away. For access to a larger number of domestic and international flights, one can consider Spokane International Airport (GEG), although it is approximately a three-hour drive by car.

Walla Walla Airport (ALW) is a small and cosy regional airport, making navigation through it exceptionally simple and fast. Forget about the hustle and long corridors of huge aviation hubs: everything here is compact and intuitive.

The airport operates only one passenger terminal, which serves both departing and arriving flights. Thanks to this, you won't have to worry about transfers between terminals — everything is located in one building. The terminal layout is very simple: upon entering, you will immediately see airline check-in counters, and a little further — the security screening zone.

The departure and arrival zones are located in close proximity to each other. After passing registration and screening, passengers enter a small but comfortable waiting hall near the boarding gates. The arrival zone consists of a baggage claim belt and rental car company counters. Since the airport serves a small number of flights, confusion here is practically impossible.

The main feature of the terminal is its historical charm and compactness. Passing all pre-flight formalities, including check-in and screening, usually takes significantly less time than in large airports. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to check luggage and pass control without rushing. Navigation through the terminal will not cause difficulties: follow the simple and clear signs, and you will easily find everything you need.

The history of Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW) is a vivid example of how a small municipal airfield can turn into a strategically important object and then adapt again to peaceful purposes. Its path began in the 1930s, but the key moment in its history was World War II. In 1942, the airport was transferred to the US Army and became known as Walla Walla Army Air Base, playing a significant role in training military pilots.

The main task of the airbase was training heavy bomber crews, in particular the legendary B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator. In peak years, more than 8,000 military personnel were stationed here, undergoing the final stages of training before being sent to the front. The scale of military activity was colossal, and the legacy of that time is still noticeable in the airport's infrastructure — its runways, built with a safety margin for heavy aircraft, are among the longest in the region.

After the end of the war, in 1947, the military facility was closed, and the airport returned to civilian control. It began a new chapter in its history, focusing on commercial transportation and serving the local community. Over the decades, it has been served by various regional carriers, such as West Coast Airlines and Cascade Airways. A crucial role in its modern history is played by Horizon Air (operating flights under the Alaska Airlines brand), which has provided stable air service for many years.

In subsequent years, the airport went through several stages of modernisation, including the reconstruction of the passenger terminal and the update of navigation systems to meet modern safety and comfort requirements. One interesting fact is that the vast territory inherited from the military base allowed for the development of not only aviation but also industrial and commercial activities. Today, Walla Walla Airport is not only the air gateway to the famous wine region but also a living monument to American aviation history.

Walla Walla Airport (ALW), being a regional aviation hub, provides passengers with all the basic amenities necessary for a comfortable wait for a flight. The terminal's infrastructure is focused on the basic needs of travellers.

Dining and Shops: Inside the terminal, there is a small cafe where you can order light snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. Vending machines are also available for a quick bite. There are no specialised shops or boutiques at the airport.

Waiting Halls and Wi-Fi: There are no special VIP lounges provided at the airport, however, a general waiting hall with comfortable seats is available for all passengers. Free Wi-Fi can be used throughout the terminal. Special stations are equipped for charging gadgets.

Financial and Medical Services: An ATM for cash withdrawal may be installed at the airport. Currency exchange points and bank branches are absent. There is no permanent medical office in the building, however, in case of necessity, airport staff will provide first aid and call emergency services.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs: For the convenience of families with small children, there are changing tables in the restrooms. The airport is fully accessible for people with disabilities: it is equipped with ramps and also offers assistance in moving through the terminal and boarding the aircraft (this service should be ordered in advance through the airline).

Business Services and Hotels: There are no conference halls or business centres in the airport itself. However, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, which can be quickly reached by taxi. Many of these hotels offer business travellers conference room services and meeting rooms.

Since Walla Walla Airport (ALW) is a small regional airport, the choice of dining establishments here is limited but fully satisfies the needs of passengers awaiting their flight. All options are concentrated in the one main terminal building.

The main and, as a rule, the only place where you can have a snack is the local cafe-restaurant. It is located in the main part of the terminal, before the security screening zone (landside), making it accessible for both departing and meeting passengers. Here, travellers can find a classic American cafe menu: sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, and various pastries. This is an ideal place for both a quick snack like coffee with a bun, and a more substantial lunch or dinner before departure.

Considering that Walla Walla is famous for its viticulture, the cafe menu or bar may feature samples of local wines — this is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the pride of the region. Prices in the establishment correspond to the average level for airports. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule: the cafe opens before the first morning departures and closes after the departure of the last plane.

Regarding special dietary needs, the choice may be limited. Vegetarians will likely find a salad or vegetable sandwich on the menu. However, for passengers adhering to a vegan, gluten-free, or halal diet, it is recommended to carry your own snacks, as specialised dishes are unlikely to be available. It is better to contact the cafe staff directly to clarify information.

To ensure your journey through Walla Walla Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. These recommendations will help you save time, reduce stress, and make the beginning or end of your trip more comfortable.

Arrival Time and Check-in: Walla Walla Airport is a small regional airport, so there are usually no long queues here. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This will give you enough time to calmly check in for the flight, drop off luggage, and pass security screening. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option.

Passing Security: Security procedures are standard for all US airports. Prepare your passport and boarding pass in advance. Remember the rule for liquids in carry-on luggage (the 3-1-1 rule): all containers must be no more than 100 ml (3.4 oz) in volume and packed in one transparent resealable bag. Large electronics, such as laptops, will need to be taken out of the bag for separate scanning.

Seat Selection and Carry-on: When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat will allow you to stand up freely and exit the plane first. Check your airline's carry-on luggage allowances to avoid extra charges at the airport. It is forbidden to take sharp objects, flammable substances, and other dangerous items in carry-on luggage.

Passengers with Connections: Most flights from Walla Walla Airport operate to major hubs, such as Seattle. If you have a connecting flight, study the connecting airport map in advance and clarify the time needed to transfer to the next gate. After landing, immediately check the information boards for the number of your next boarding gate, as it may change.

Customs Control: It is important to know that Walla Walla Airport does not serve international flights. This means there is no border and customs control here. If you are arriving in the USA from another country, you will pass all customs and immigration formalities at the first airport of arrival in the country.

Saving Time and Money: Book tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. To avoid overpaying for food, bring an empty water bottle with you (it can be filled after screening) and light snacks. Compare the cost of parking at the airport with prices for taxis or shuttles to choose the most profitable option.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative to receive information about the new departure time and your rights. Monitor updates via the airline's mobile app. Walla Walla Airport has waiting areas and a small cafe where you can spend time before departure.