Key Highlights
-
Great Falls International Airport (GTF) is the main airport for Great Falls, Montana. It is only three miles away from the city center.
-
The airport has direct flights by big airlines like Alaska, Allegiant, Delta, and United. You can fly to many key places from here.
-
There is easy ground transportation to help you get from the airport to your last stop.
-
GTF has a cool history. It was even used during World War II. Now, there is a model airplane collection for people to see.
-
This guide gives you all you need to know about great falls international airport, from the things you can use at the airport to other ways to travel in the area.
Introduction
Welcome to your simple travel guide for the Great Falls International Airport! If you are coming for work or want to enjoy the beautiful sights in Montana, this guide will help you. Getting to Great Falls International Airport does not have to be hard. We will show you the airlines you can use, as well as what you can find inside the airport building. You will have all the information you need for your trip, so your time in Great Falls will start off easy and stress-free.
Overview of Great Falls International Airport (GTF)
Great Falls International Airport, also called GTF or KGTF, is a key airport for Great Falls in Montana, United States. This airport helps both people and the military get to where they want to go. It handles commercial flights and helps military planes, so the place is always busy.
This airport is the main place for flyers in this part of Montana. Great Falls International Airport links the area to many big cities in the country. Its easy-to-reach spot and the services it gives make GTF a top pick for people coming to or leaving this area of the United States.
Location, Airport Code, and Navigation Tips
If you fly to Great Falls, you will land at Great Falls International Airport. On your flight ticket and bag tags, you will see the airport code GTF. This is the official three-letter code for the airport and helps you know where you are booking to. Pilots and air traffic control also use other identifiers like KGTF (ICAO) and GTF (FAA LID).
The airport is only three miles from downtown Great Falls in Cascade County, Montana. You can get to the city, your hotel, or anywhere you want in just a few minutes after you land. You do not have to spend a long time driving once you arrive at Great Falls International Airport.
Finding your way from the airport in the United States is easy. The address for Great Falls International Airport works well on any GPS. Signs on the main roads will help you find the airport with no problems. You can use a taxi or a rental car and get to where you need to be with no hassle.
Great Falls International Airport makes traveling in Montana smooth and simple with its easy access.
History and Growth of GTF
The story of Great Falls International goes back to November 1928. During World War II, the airport was called Gore Field. The U.S. War Department used it as a main base, and many planes went through here on their way to Europe and the Pacific. This was an important time for the airport.
After the war ended, the airport went back to the city. In 1975, it got a big upgrade. That year, they built the terminal that the airport uses now. Runways, aprons, and taxiways were also updated. These changes helped the airport handle more people and bigger planes with ease. The airport authority keeps working to improve things at Great Falls International to keep the standards high.
Today, the airport still has an important job in the military. The Montana Air National Guard’s 120th Airlift Wing is based here. Great Falls International also helps fixed-wing planes going in and out of Malmstrom Air Force Base, which is just 10 miles to the east of GTF in Montana.
Airlines and Destinations Served at GTF
When you fly from Great Falls International Airport, you get lots of great choices for airlines and places to go. The airport lets you travel to big cities in the US, so it’s easy to plan your trip and get where you want to be. It does not matter if you travel for fun or work. You can find direct flights to many top spots.
It helps to know which airlines fly in and out of GTF and what places they reach. If you know this, it will be easier to see the best way and price for your trip. Here are the main airlines you will see at great falls international airport. These are the cities you can reach from this airport.
Major Airlines Operating Flights
Many well-known airlines fly out of Great Falls International (GTF) and offer steady service to big hubs around the United States. You get to pick from many flight times, so you can plan what works best for you. It is easy to get a ticket with some of the best known names in air travel.
The main airlines at GTF help people reach a lot of places, not just in the United States but in other countries too. These airlines have good customer service and are an important part of how the airport works every day.
You can book your trip with these airlines:
-
Alaska Airlines
-
Allegiant Air
-
Delta Connection
-
United Airlines & United Express
Direct Flights and Popular Destinations
Great Falls International Airport offers convenient direct flights to several major U.S. cities, making it easy to connect to your final destination. Airlines like Alaska Airlines provide year-round service to Seattle/Tacoma, while Delta Connection flies directly to Salt Lake City. These routes are perfect for seamless connections to the west coast and beyond.
Allegiant Air offers direct flights to Las Vegas and Phoenix/Mesa, ideal for vacationers looking for a sunny getaway. United Express provides year-round service to Denver, with seasonal direct flights to Chicago–O’Hare also available, expanding your travel options during peak seasons. While there aren’t direct flights to Missoula or Calgary from GTF, connecting flights are readily available.
The most popular routes from Great Falls see a high volume of passengers annually. Here are the busiest domestic destinations served from GTF:
|
Rank |
City |
Passengers |
Carriers |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Denver, CO |
58,470 |
United |
|
2 |
Salt Lake City, UT |
52,970 |
Delta |
|
3 |
Seattle/Tacoma, WA |
27,710 |
Alaska |
|
4 |
Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN |
21,930 |
Delta |
|
5 |
Las Vegas, NV |
13,350 |
Allegiant |
|
6 |
Phoenix/Mesa, AZ |
10,620 |
Allegiant |
Amenities and Services at Great Falls International Airport
Your comfort and ease are important at Great Falls International Airport. The terminal has many things to help you feel at home while you wait for your flight. You can find food choices and interesting displays. There is always something for people to do in this place.
If you want a snack, have to shop last-minute, or just want to rest before flying, this airport has what you need. You can check out the many food spots, shopping places, and ways to travel at Great Falls International Airport.
Dining, Shopping, and Passenger Facilities
While you wait for your flight at Great Falls International, there are many services to help you enjoy your time. In the terminal, you will find places to eat and shop. You can get a meal, snack, or even buy a souvenir. These useful options mean you can get what you want before you take your plane. It could be a fast bite to eat or a small gift.
One special thing at this airport is the big model airplane collection. Many people think it is the biggest one in the world. There are over 800 models to see. You will find this collection in the terminal. It gives you and other travelers something fun to look at. People of all ages enjoy it, and this is one reason why great falls international stands out from the crowd.
Here are some of the top things you can use:
-
Dining spots to get food or snacks
-
Shopping stores for things you need or gifts
-
World’s largest display of model airplanes to look at
-
An award-winning terminal made for comfort for travelers
Transportation Options to Downtown and Surrounding Areas
Getting from Great Falls International Airport to downtown or anywhere else in the area is easy. The airport is only a few miles from the middle of Great Falls, so you can get to the city in no time. When you come out of the airport, you will see many ground transportation options. They are there to help you get where you need to go.
You can pick from different ways to travel. You may want to drive a car on your own or take a taxi for more comfort. These modes of transportation can help you get to your hotel, the main spots in Great Falls, and other places in town. The airport is also close to the Montana Air National Guard base, which is good for military folks.
You can think about these ways to get from the airport:
-
Rental car companies that are right at great falls international airport
-
Taxis you can take right away
-
Ridesharing services that work in the great falls area
-
Hotel shuttles for people staying at certain places
Great Falls International Airport and all these travel options help make your visit to Montana that much easier.
Nearby Airports in Montana and Travel Alternatives
The Great Falls International Airport is the easiest airport to use when you visit the area. But, it’s good to know about other airports that are nearby. You might want to fly into another airport in Montana, or even one in southern Canada, based on what flights you can find or how much tickets cost.
Trying different airports can also help you save money. This can work well if you are okay with renting a car and want to enjoy a nice drive. Here, we will talk about some other airports close to Great Falls. We will also cover times when it is best to pick one of these other airports.
Domestic and Regional Airports Close to Great Falls
If you look for flights to or from Great Falls, you can find some different airports a few hours away by car. These airports have other airlines and flights. This gives you more ways or sometimes better deals for your trip to Montana. The Helena Regional Airport (HLN) is one of the closest. It is about 89 miles from Great Falls.
If you go farther, you will see bigger airports, like Missoula International Airport (MSO) and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). These airports often have more flights. These could be good if you want to see other parts of the state. If you are an international traveler, Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Canada could be used too. It is more miles out. You can look for more details about these airports on AirNav.
Here are some other airports you can look at:
-
Helena Regional Airport (HLN) – 89 miles
-
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) – 178 miles
-
Missoula International Airport (MSO) – 175 miles
-
Calgary International Airport (YYC) – 320 miles
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Alternative Airport
When you decide if you should fly into another airport, you need to look at a few main things. You might see a lower price, but think about the total cost and time for your whole trip. Any money you save on tickets might be used up by renting a car and buying more gas if you must drive further.
Think about where you are going in Montana. If you want to be near Bozeman or Missoula, it may be better to fly into those airports instead of Great Falls. It really helps to land closer to where you will spend most days.
Before you buy your ticket, keep these things in mind:
-
Airfare Cost: See how ticket prices change at each airport.
-
Driving Distance: Check if you will have to drive more and buy more gas.
-
Rental Car Availability: Make sure you can get a rental car you need.
-
Overall Convenience: Look at the good and bad parts of having a longer drive after your flight.
This will help you make a good plan, whether you land at Great Falls, Missoula, or Bozeman.
Travel Tips and Airport Information
If you want your time in Great Falls International Airport to go well, it’s best to plan before you go. You should know the newest travel tips, like how to check flight times and what the security steps are. This helps you save time and makes your travel day a lot less stressful.
If you stay up to date on the rules at Great Falls International Airport and follow simple travel advice, you will get through check-in, security, and boarding much more easily. Here, you will see how to find your flight details and what the rules are about your bags and security.
Current Flight Schedules and How to Check Them
Keeping up with your flight schedule at Great Falls International Airport helps you have a smooth travel day. The best place to get current flight info is right from the source. Airlines know first about any delay or flight cancellation, so check their official site for the latest news.
You can also go to the Great Falls International Airport’s own site at flygtf.com. Here, you often see real-time arrival and departure boards. This gives you a quick view of all the flights. If you want more technical details about flights at Great Falls International Airport, there are resources for pilots and people who follow aviation that use FAA data for KGTF.
Here are some good ways to look up your flight schedule:
-
Visit your airline’s official website.
-
Check the airport’s website at flygtf.com.
-
Use a third-party flight tracking app or website.
-
Sign up for flight status alerts from your airline.
Security Procedures and Baggage Policies
Getting through security at Great Falls International Airport is often quick, but you should always be ready. The airport follows the same TSA rules as other places, so you will need to take out any electronics from your bag and follow the limits on liquids. If you show up early before your flight, you will have enough time to get through security without being in a rush.
Your airline—not the airport—decides what bags you can bring. You should check your airline’s website before you pack. It will tell you about the size, weight, and number of bags you can check or carry on. Doing this will help you avoid extra fees at the GTF check-in desk.
For the most current information, keep these tips in mind:
-
Check the TSA website for the latest security rules.
-
Confirm your airline’s specific baggage policies before you travel.
-
Visit the official Great Falls International Airport website for any airport-specific news or advisories.
-
Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check in and clear security.
Conclusion
To sum it up, getting around Great Falls International Airport (GTF) can be simple with the right details and some help. It’s good to know about your flight choices, airport services, how to get around, and what to expect with security. Being informed makes your time at great falls international airport better. If you are traveling for work or for fun, this airport in Montana is a great place to start your journey and go beyond. Try to check your flight times often and look at other airports in the area in case you need different options. With a bit of planning, your trip through great falls international can be smooth and nice. If you want help booking your trip, just ask!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to travel from GTF to downtown Great Falls?
The best way to get from GTF to downtown Great Falls depends on what you like. Downtown is just three miles away. Taking a taxi or using a rideshare is fast and easy. If you want more choices in how you travel, you can rent a car from one of the airport options. This gives you more freedom on your trip.
How do I find up-to-date flight schedules for Great Falls International Airport?
To get the latest flight times for Great Falls International Airport (GTF), visit the official airport website or your airline’s website. You can also find up-to-date information by using flight tracking sites, such as FlightAware or AirNav. Both give real-time updates for all flights at Great Falls International Airport, also called KGTF. This helps people know when flights are coming in or going out of GTF.
Are there any recent travel advisories affecting Great Falls International Airport?
It is a good idea to look for new travel advisories before you go to Montana. For the latest updates about safety and how things are working at Great Falls International Airport, you can visit the official GTF airport website or go to the FAA’s website. These are the best places to get current and correct news about the airport.