Information and Travel Guide for Louisville International Airport Louisville International Airport (SDF)
Louisville International Airport is a civil-military airport operated by the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. The airport spans 1,200 acres and is home to three runways. The airport is a major hub for UPS and is the 10th busiest airport in terms of cargo traffic. It also houses the Louisville Air National Guard Base, home of the Kentucky Air National Guard's 123d Airlift Wing.
History
The airport was first built under the name Standiford Field, after Dr. Elisha David Standiford, a politician and businessman who co-owned the land. The Army Corp of Engineers decided to build an airfield on the land in 1941 because it was one of the location not affected by the Ohio River flooding in 1937. The military operated and owned the airfield until 1947, when ownership was handed over to be used for commercial purposes by the Louisville Air Board. It was then opened to the public and became the main airport for the region of Louisville in terms of passenger flights as well as cargo transportation. The airport underwent major constructions starting in the 1900s and was renamed Louisville International Airport in 1995.
Services and Amenities
Although the airport is not up to par with other major airports in terms of concessionaires and passenger luxuries, it has adequate accommodations in terms of dining, shopping and passenger services. The different terminals all have food and drink kiosks, vending machines as well as fast food restaurants and bars. They also have retail stores selling necessities, news items, books, magazines, apparel and souvenirs. The departure and arrivals area have several ticket booths, fast food restaurants and sporting goods. The airport also offers services like shoe shining, flower deliveries and even an arcade. Passengers may also opt to be a member of the Altitude Club. Membership gives passenger access to special amenities like complementary food and drinks, full bar services, high speed internet access, and conference rooms.
Parking & Transportation
The airport offers a courtesy shuttle service which begins at 5 in the morning and ends 30 minutes after the last incoming flight. The airport also offers an under-4-hours garage service on the first floor of its parking complex and over-4-hours service from its 1st to 3rd level. The service is also available for handicap parking. Passenger drop offs and pickups are available through the different airlines housed inside the airport.
Security
For a quicker screening process, the TSA recommends that passengers have their ID on-hand and they take off their shoes and coats when it is their turn. Remember to declare large liquids and any medical condition that might be relevant. Have all liquids in a 3-1-1 bag, or 1 quartz sized transparent container.
Surrounding Places to Stay
There are many hotels near the airport, with many of them right along the route that the charity shuttle bus runs on. For less than 70 dollars per day, you can stay at the Red Roof Inn, which offers laundry and valet services, wireless internet connection, and recreational sports. You can also try the La Quinta Inn, where rates range from 100 to 140 dollars per day, and you get to enjoy the inn's many facilities like mini casino, pool, nature trails, Jacuzzi, fishing, boating, and gym.
Contact Information:
Address: Louisville International Airport, Louisville Regional Airport Authority, 700 Administration Drive Louisville, KY 40209, USA Phone: 1 (502) 368-6524 Fax: 1 (502) 367-0199 Website: http://www.flylouisville.com/ Number of Terminals: 1 Time Zone: GMT - 5 (GMT - 4 from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October) Location: The airport is located 10km (6 miles) from Louisville IATA airport code: SDF