Albuquerque Airport

I have used ABQ for departure and arrival 3 or 4 times mostly at a time when I was doing business with a local company. What I appreciated most about this airport was the easy get away and arrival. The traffic was never bad and that allowed me to get my car and get out or get to the airport and on to the check in counter with little delay or problem. The facilities are not extensive and the amenities are modest. But with 25 gates it is not overwhelming. The facilities are also aesthetically quite pleasing.

A shame ABQ doesn't have many flights other than Southwest because it is definitely the best airport in the Southwest. Good security fast baggage claim and no terminal transfers since they hold everything in one building which even blends into its surroundings. Food is a little pricey as well but otherwise it is harder to find a better airport.

Albuquerque is a terrific airport. Parking is easy and affordable. Getting in and out is a breeze. The only down side is the wait at the TSA checkpoint can be long and slow so give yourself a couple hours before your flight leaves.

Albuquerque International Sunport is a functional medium-size US airport. There is only one terminal with 25 gates so walking distances are relatively short. The corridors are wide and ceilings are high so a bright airy feel. The airport is immaculate. The taxi and rental car shuttle rank are only about a hundred yards from the gate area exit and only steps beyond bag claim. The security queue moves relatively fast. The one negative is that food and beverage options are limited to a Quizno's a bar and grill a bakery offering mediocre sandwiches and a New Mexican restaurant offering very mediocre food.

Rental cars at this airport are extremely expensive. To save a lot of money I found that renting from an in town location even with return to the airport can easily save 40% or more. The trick is to reserve before with the in-town location take a cab to the location. The cab may cost $25 to $35 but the savings can be much greater. I rented a Hertz mid-size car for 9 days with an AAA standard discount and saved $300 compared to the airport price same rental same discount card! Another point about this airport if you're traveling economy on Delta watch out! On my trip Delta had no curb check-in for baggage and the "self-check" inside the terminal had a line with about 200 people. Extremely annoying even if you've "checked-in" by Internet beforehand.

I always try to have plenty of lead time so I can go upstairs to the observation lounge - a hidden gem above the main food court. Free wireless internet leather sofas work tables and spectacular view of the mountains all make this a great place to find calm after security before the flight. Look for the two stairs flanking the large eagle-catcher statue. That's another thing: check out the permanent art collection located throughout the complex. NM is known for its native arts and what a more fitting place.

Mid-size fairly modern airport. Looked like free parking in front of the rental car building. Shuttles between the terminal and rental car building seemed to run quite often even at night. Decent selection of restaurants and shops for this size airport though security line area was typically chaotic.

The southwest decor makes this airport unique. Easy rental car return with shuttle bus drivers friendly and eager to hoist your luggage on and off the bus. Certainly airport concessions everywhere can be expensive but beware the snack bar directly ahead of you after security is extremely expensive. They wanted $7.00 for a coffee and danish!

I've lived in Albuquerque for the past 11 years and use the Sunport frequently. Long-term parking is a breeze and I've always enjoyed the Southwestern decor of the terminal -- can't get enough of the vigas the tribal art etc. It feels more like an art gallery in areas than a drab & dreary airport!! And if you have time be sure to check out the reproduction of the first airplane to land in New Mexico and the many display cases of model aircraft (before security). There's an abundance of interesting shops and good places to eat (my favorites are Garduno's and Quizno's. It's rarely too crowded except at peak times at the concentration of gates at the far ends of the two piers. Large windows afford great views of the planes taking off and landing; I've never actually climbed the stairs to the special -- and expensive / controversial -- observation deck however. My only "complaint" would be that the terminal can resemble a ghost town if you arrive on a late flight (say after 10 or 11 pm or so). It would be nice if at least one place to eat would stay open for the later arrivals (the last plane from Phoenix typically arrives around 2:30 am).

I'm pretty satisfied with the ABQ airport. I personally am not a fan of the Southwestern theme but I suppose it gives the airport character and fits in with the Albuquerque atmosphere. The terminal is laid out well and there's plenty of signage. Restaurant on the second floor is tasty. The best part of this airport is the FREE wireless internet! If only all airports could offer free wireless.