Yakima Air Terminal

Yakima Air Terminal (McAllister Field) is not just a transport hub, but a cozy gateway to the sunny valley of central Washington, famous for its fertile lands and agriculture. Forget the stress and endless mazes of giant hubs: here, the journey begins with a sense of calm and home-like comfort. Thanks to its compact size and friendly atmosphere, you will be on your way to adventures or business meetings just a few minutes after landing.

Airport Features and Benefits:

The main advantage of Yakima Air Terminal is its exceptional service speed. Queues for security checks are a rarity here, and the path from the check-in counter to the boarding gate takes mere minutes, allowing passengers to arrive at the airport without a large time buffer. This is especially appreciated by business travellers and tourists striving to make the most efficient use of their day.

The airport is also renowned for its strategic location. It is situated literally in the heart of the agricultural region, so many tourists begin their culinary tour immediately after claiming their luggage. The terminal territory is easy to navigate, and the parking lot is located within walking distance of the entrance, making the process of meeting and seeing off passengers as comfortable as possible.

Despite its modest size, the airport possesses its own historical charm. Named after local aviation pioneer Charles McAllister, it retains the spirit of the romance of flight while offering all necessary modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi and an area for charging gadgets.

• Official Website: www.flyykm.com
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (509) 575-6149
• Address: 2400 W Washington Ave, Yakima, WA 98903, USA
• Email: airport@yakimawa.gov
• Social Media: The airport maintains a page on Facebook, where you can find current news and updates.
• Lost and Found Information: For issues related to items left in the terminal building, please contact the main airport phone number. If your luggage was lost or damaged during the flight, you must contact your airline's representative office directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For general questions about airport operations, parking, and services, you can use the main contact phone number.

Getting to Yakima Air Terminal (YKM) is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres southeast of the city centre of Yakima in the USA. Travellers can choose one of several convenient methods based on their budget and preferences. On average, a trip from the central part of the city to the airport by car takes about 10-15 minutes.

Public transport is the most economical option. The Yakima Transit bus network offers routes passing near the airport; specifically, route No. 7 makes a stop within walking distance of the terminal. This is a good choice for those travelling light, although it is important to check the current schedule in advance to avoid long waits. The cost of a single trip is usually only around $1, making this the most budget-friendly method.

Taxis and ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are the fastest and most comfortable way to get to the airport. You can book a car at any time of the day, and it will take you directly to the terminal entrance. This option is especially convenient for families with children or passengers with a large amount of luggage. A trip from the city centre will cost approximately $15-25 depending on demand and the time of day.

For those who prefer complete freedom of movement, car rental is an excellent solution. Several rental companies have offices at Yakima Airport, allowing you to easily pick up or drop off a car right before your flight. If you are arriving in your own vehicle, parking is at your service. The territory features zones for short-term and long-term parking. The cost of long-term parking is usually about $10-12 per day, which is a convenient and safe solution for the duration of your trip.

Yakima Air Terminal (YKM) is distinguished by its compactness and simple structure, making it very convenient for passengers. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles all flights — both departures and arrivals.

Thanks to its small size, navigation through the terminal is intuitive. All key areas are located within walking distance of each other. Immediately after entering the building, you will find the airline check-in counters. After completing check-in and checking luggage, passengers head to the single security checkpoint. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need to transfer between buildings or use shuttles.

Departure and arrival zones are located under one roof. After passing security, you enter a small but cozy waiting area with several boarding gates. The arrival zone is located next to the main entrance and includes a baggage claim belt and car rental counters. All signs are clearly visible, and it is practically impossible to get lost here.

Check-in and security procedures at Yakima Air Terminal usually proceed significantly faster than at major airports. On average, all formalities take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to go through all stages without haste and enjoy a coffee before your flight.

The history of Yakima Air Terminal (YKM), also known as McAllister Field, begins in 1926, when the city purchased land to create a municipal airfield. Initially, it was a modest flying field, but by the 1930s, thanks to federal programmes, runways were built, and the airport began accepting its first regular flights, becoming an important transport hub for the region.

A key moment in the airport's history was the period of World War II. The facility was transferred to the USA Army Air Forces and transformed into the military base Yakima Army Airfield. Fighter pilots were trained here, including on the famous P-38 Lightning and P-39 Airacobra aircraft. This stage left a deep mark on the history of the airport and the entire city, turning it into an important defence centre for that period.

After the war ended, the airport returned to civil use and received its modern name — Yakima Air Terminal. In 1950, a new terminal building was constructed, which became a symbol of post-war growth and development. In subsequent decades, the runways were repeatedly lengthened and modernised to accommodate larger and more modern aircraft, which allowed for the expansion of flight geography.

In the 21st century, the airport underwent several stages of reconstruction to meet modern standards of safety and passenger comfort. An interesting fact: the full name of the airport — Yakima Air Terminal – McAllister Field — is given in honour of Charles McAllister, a pioneer of local aviation who managed a flight school at this location in the 1930s. Today, YKM not only serves passenger flights but also plays an important role in supporting the agricultural industry of the Yakima Valley, as well as being a base for aviation involved in fighting forest fires.

Yakima Air Terminal (YKM), despite its compact size, offers passengers a set of essential services and amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal is designed to provide easy navigation and access to everything necessary.

For those wishing to have a bite to eat, the airport has a café or snack bar where you can order drinks, light snacks, and sandwiches. There is also a small shop selling souvenirs, press, and travel essentials. The selection may not be as wide as in major hubs, but everything needed for a short wait can be found here.

Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, allowing them to stay connected or work while waiting for departure. Special charging stations located in the waiting area are provided for recharging electronic devices. ATMs are installed in the terminal building for cash withdrawals. Currency exchange services are usually not provided at regional airports of this type.

The airport is equipped for the comfortable stay of all categories of travellers. For passengers with special needs, a barrier-free environment has been created, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Families with children can use changing tables in the washrooms. There are generally no specialised children's play areas or VIP lounges at the airport, but the general waiting areas are sufficiently comfortable.

Although there are no hotels directly in the terminal building, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, many of which offer free transfers for their guests. Basic medical services are provided by airport staff, and if necessary, city emergency services are called. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are absent, but free Wi-Fi allows for handling work matters online.

Yakima Air Terminal (YKM) is a compact regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest but sufficient for a snack before departure. It is important to note that the main options are located before the security checkpoint.

In the main terminal building, in the public area (landside), there is usually one grill café. This is the main place where passengers and greeters can have a proper meal. After passing security control (airside), the choice is typically limited to vending machines with drinks and snacks. Therefore, if you plan to have lunch, it is better to do so before passing security.

The menu at the local café offers a standard set of dishes suitable for both a quick snack and a more substantial meal. Here you can order:

• For a quick snack: coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, and snacks.
• For a full lunch: burgers, soups, salads, and hot dishes.

Given the airport's location in a famous agricultural region, you may sometimes find local beverages at the bar — a great opportunity to get acquainted with local produce.

Regarding special dietary requests, the selection will be extremely limited. Vegetarians may find simple salads or sandwiches without meat. However, specialised vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes are likely not to be found here. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is safer to bring food with you. The café's operating hours are usually tied to the flight schedule; it opens before the first departures and closes after the last flight of the day departs.

To ensure your journey through Yakima Air Terminal goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of these useful tips. This small and convenient airport makes the departure and arrival process quite fast, but preparation is never superfluous.

Arrival time at the airport. For domestic flights from Yakima, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is more than enough to check in for the flight without haste, check luggage if necessary, and pass security control.

Check-in and security. The fastest way to check in is to do it online on your airline's website. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or security. Checkpoints at small airports usually work faster, but standard USA security rules apply here as well: be ready to present your boarding pass and ID, and remove laptops and liquids from your carry-on luggage.

Choosing a seat on the plane. If you want to enjoy views of the mountains and valley during takeoff or landing, choose a window seat. If comfort and the ability to stand up freely during the flight are more important to you, an aisle seat is better. You can most often reserve a specific seat during online check-in.

Hand luggage. Remember the "3-1-1" rule for liquids: containers up to 100 ml (3.4 oz) must be packed in one transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. It is prohibited to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances. Be sure to check the weight and size limits for hand luggage on your airline's website to avoid extra charges at the airport.

Passengers with connections. Yakima Airport mainly serves regional flights. If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline if your luggage will be checked through automatically to the final destination. Allow at least 60-90 minutes for the connection, especially if it takes place in a major hub.

Customs control. Since Yakima Air Terminal does not serve regular international flights, you will most likely go through customs and immigration control at the first airport of arrival in the country. This procedure will not be required in Yakima.

Saving time and money. Book flight tickets in advance to get the best prices. Bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after security, and light snacks. This will help save on purchases in the departure zone.

In case of flight delay. If your flight is delayed, contact your airline's representative counter for current information. Clarify whether the carrier provides vouchers for food or drinks during long delays. It is useful to have a portable charger and something for entertainment, such as a book or downloaded movies, in your hand luggage.