Key Highlights
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See how you can travel Salem with no trouble at Salem Airport, which is also known as McNary Field.
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Avelo Airlines gives you commercial air service right from Salem, Oregon, with direct flights.
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It is easy to find flights to popular West Coast places like Las Vegas and Burbank.
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You can learn about the parking, ground transportation, and all the facilities at Salem Airport.
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If you need more options, you can also look at other airports, like Portland International Airport.
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Salem’s airport is a good way to get into the beautiful Willamette Valley.
Introduction
If you are getting ready for a trip to Oregon’s capital, this guide is for you. It will help make your travel to Salem easy. Here, you will learn what you need to know about the Salem Airport and all your travel Salem options. We talk about flights you can get and how to move around the airport. You will find helpful tips for your visit. Get set to see the City of Salem and what it brings, with your arrival made easy.
Overview of Salem’s Airports
When you travel to Salem, Oregon, you will mostly use the Salem Municipal Airport. People also call it Salem Willamette Valley Airport. This is the one main airport for Salem and the area around it. Salem airport gives lots of services for many kinds of trips. The airport is very important to the city and the places nearby.
This airport has been part of general aviation for a long time. Many people know it as McNary Field too. Now, the salem airport is growing. It has more things to offer now, both for people flying private and for regular travelers. Let’s talk more about what the airport does and its past.
The Main Airport: Salem Willamette Valley Airport
The main airport for the City of Salem is the Salem Willamette Valley Airport. Its airport code is SLE. This Salem Airport gives you direct access to the beautiful Willamette Valley. It is less busy than big airports, so you get a simple experience. The airport helps local people, businesses, and all visitors get in and out of Salem with ease.
The airport leaders have a plan to help the Salem Airport grow in the future. Their Airport Master Plan makes sure it meets rules set by the Federal Aviation Administration. At the same time, it matches the goals of the community. The plan works to keep people safe, help businesses in Salem, and give everyone a good, easy time at the airport.
When you enter the terminal building, there are many services for travelers. You can use check-in counters and go through security quickly. Salem makes sure the terminal building has what modern travelers want. Come use Salem Willamette Valley Airport, SLE, for your next visit to the Willamette Valley.
McNary Field – History and Role
You may hear people call the Salem Airport “McNary Field.” There is a reason for this. McNary Field is the old name for the Salem Municipal Airport. Many people in the City of Salem still use this name today. Pilots and locals use it a lot. The name helps keep the airport’s history alive.
The airport must follow rules set by the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA. These rules help keep all flights safe and running well. Over time, the airport’s job has changed. It used to focus mostly on general aviation flights. Now, the airport is bringing back commercial flights, which is good news for Salem and its people.
You should also know that there have been times where people talked about deportation flights happening at the airport. This shows how the airport is part of the federal moving system. Still, mcnary field is mostly there to help people travel and to help the local economy grow.
Airlines and Flight Options
Great news for people who like to travel! Salem now has commercial air service. This means you can fly right into the center of Oregon with ease. Avelo Airlines is the main airline for these new flights, and it connects Salem with big spots on the West Coast.
There are several weekly flights. So, you have choices for when you want to go. If you travel for work or fun, having direct flights from Salem makes things much easier in the region. Now, let’s see which places you can fly to and how to book your trip.
Commercial Flights Available from Salem
Yes, commercial air service has returned to Salem. Thanks to Avelo Airlines, you can now get direct flights from the Salem Willamette Valley Airport. This makes it much easier to fly in and out of the area. You do not need to drive to other regional airports, which saves time. You can check in and go through security at the Salem terminal.
Avelo gives you direct flights to some fun places. If you want a weekend trip or need to travel for work, there are good options for you.
Current destinations include:
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Las Vegas, Nevada
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Burbank, California
These flights link Salem and Willamette Valley to big airports, so you have many travel choices. Another flight to Phoenix will also be added soon. This means your travel from Salem will be even easier as new options come up for your plans.
Private Charter and Booking Information
Salem Willamette Valley Airport is not just for commercial flights. It is a great place for general aviation as well. The airport gives you everything you need for private charter flights. You get a travel plan that fits your timing and needs. If you want to fly when you want, a private charter from Salem is a good choice.
Most people book a private flight through a charter company or a fixed-base operator, also called an FBO, at Salem Airport. They help you with every step, like picking out the aircraft and planning the trip. Salem Willamette Valley Airport has a long runway and a helipad. So, it is ready for all types of private planes.
To book your own flight with private aviation at Salem Airport, you can:
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Contact a private charter service right away.
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Talk to an FBO company at Salem Airport.
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Go online to use a booking service made for private flights.
Facilities and Services at Salem Willamette Valley Airport
The Salem Willamette Valley Airport aims to give you a smooth and easy trip. Inside the terminal building, you will see all the key services you need. There is TSA screening for every commercial flight. The airport is set up so people can get around with no trouble.
When you arrive, parking is easy and close to the terminal building. You can walk just a short way from your car. There are also a number of ground transportation options that will help get you where you want to go next. Now, let’s go over the parking and transportation details.
Parking Availability and Accessibility
Parking at Salem Airport is designed for your convenience. There is a lot located right next to the terminal, making it easy to get from your car to your flight without a long walk. This is especially helpful if you’re managing luggage or traveling with family. The airport provides both short-term and long-term parking options to suit your needs.
Accessibility is a priority, with designated parking spaces available for individuals with disabilities. The short distance to the terminal ensures a smooth experience for all passengers. Given the schedule of weekly flights, finding a spot is typically straightforward.
The simple parking fee structure makes it easy to plan your costs for direct flights. Here’s a quick look at the rates:
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Parking Duration |
Cost |
|---|---|
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First 2 hours |
Free |
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Daily Rate |
$10 |
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Weekly Rate |
$60 |
Ground Transportation: Taxis, Rideshare, and Shuttle Services
When you land at Salem Airport, getting to your destination is easy. There are different ways to get from the terminal. You will see taxis, rideshare cars, and shuttles ready to help you.
It does not take long to get to downtown Salem from the airport. The airport is close to the city center and other important places in Salem. Many hotels give you shuttle services for free or for a fee. So, check with your hotel before you travel. You can also get help from the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce about other ways to travel.
Your main choices for getting around in Salem are:
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Local taxi companies
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Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft
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Pre-booked shuttle services
Nearby Airports for Alternative Travel
If you need more flights or places to go than what Salem has, you have some nearby airports you can look at. The main one is Portland International Airport (PDX). This airport is only about 60 miles north of Salem. It gives you a lot of choices with flights across the U.S. and the world.
Checking other airports in this area can sometimes help you get better prices or even a direct way to get to your spot on the west coast or farther. Below, let’s see which airports are closest to Salem. These might help you plan well for your trip.
Closest International, Domestic, and Regional Airports to Salem
If you can’t find a flight going into Salem, Oregon, you have other good options close by. The closest big airport is Portland International Airport (PDX). This airport offers many flights and is only 60 miles away, so it’s very easy to get to Salem from here.
There are also other airports near Salem. Eugene Airport (EUG) is south of Salem, and Roberts Field (RDM) is east in Redmond. These are good choices, too, especially if you want to see other places in Oregon.
Here are some airports near Salem:
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Portland International Airport (PDX): 60 miles
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Eugene Airport (EUG): 72 miles
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Corvallis Municipal Airport (CVO): 45 miles
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Aurora State Airport (UAO): 27 miles
Conclusion
To sum up, checking out your travel choices at Salem airports can really improve your trip. Whether you fly to Salem Willamette Valley Airport or look for other airports close by, knowing what is there and what services they have helps make your time easy. Look at all the airlines and the different flight options to find what works best for you. Use the good transport services that be at these places. If you plan ahead and use this guide, you get the most out of your trip. If you have questions or need help with plans, you can ask for a free consultation. Have a safe trip!