Louisville International Airport

The Louisville International Airport is currently the only public airport located in the northwest part of Kentucky. The only other option for travelers is to make the ninety minute trip to Cincinnati, Ohio that is the largest nearby city center.

In 1941, the Army Corps of Engineers built an airstrip that they named Standiford Field just outside of the city. The field was used by the Army until 1948 when the field was turned over to the city. It was then used by the city for a number of years as the center of their airline travel. The first airlines working out of the airport were American, Eastern, and TWA. Southwest later joined the airport in the 1990's. In the 1980's, Louisville went through a major expansion and work was begun on what is now called Louisville International Airport.

Prior to the opening of the Louisville International Airport, travelers had only two options; travel to cities in the area such as Lexington, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Ohio, or Indianapolis, Indiana. Their other option was to travel out of the very small airport in Louisville known as Bowman Field. Bowman Field had a very small terminal and was unfitting this size of a city. Today Bowman Field is used primarily for overflow stemming from the larger Louisville International Airport.

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Located in the heart of Kentucky, the Louisville International Airport has easy access to some of the best attractions in the city. Among those is the Louisville Slugger Museum, something people come from all over the world to experience. The museum is open seven days a week, but the real fans know that to experience everything, they have to come on a weekday. One of the best parts of the tour is the chance to watch these famous baseball bats being made, but the factory is closed on weekends. Beyond a tour of the factory, visitors are treated to a miniature bat of their own and more information on the history of baseball than anywhere else in the world.

The Farmington Historic Home is another popular attraction in the Louisville area. This Bardstown Road favorite is known as one of the most original Federal style homes in the country, and is open for public view. The same family that once owned this home are also founders of the Speed Art Museum. The Speed Art Museum includes pieces from Ancient times, right up to contemporary favorites. These three attractions are favorites among locals, and travelers to the Louisville area.

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The two largest city centers around Louisville are Lexington, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio. Each city is approximately 90 minutes from Louisville, and provides several ways to get there. From Lexington, take I-64 West I-264 West, then look for Exit 11. After leaving the highway, there are signs posted to direct traffic to the airport. From Cincinnati, take I-75 South to I-71 South. Then take I-264 (only one direction), and look for Exit 11. Once again there will be signs to direct drivers to the airport from the highway.

To reach the airport from a local area, both Yellow Cab and Ready Cab provide service to, and from the airport. Rental cars are available from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar Rent A Car, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. Each rental car company has drop off locations at the airport for travelers coming from another city. Shuttles to certain hotels in the area are available, and some travelers may enjoy using a private limousine. Ambassador, Community, R&R, and Person to Person provide limousine service to, and from the airport. The city bus system, known as TARC, also provides services to the airport.

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The Louisville International Airport is located near the heart of the city, which means that there are a variety of hotels in the area. In a two-mile radius from the airport alone, there are several lodging options. Located just 1.2 miles from the airport is the Red Roof Inn on Preston Highway. The hotel has undergone major renovations, and now offers Wi-Fi access, and free coffee. They also have three floors with 109 rooms, and very reasonable prices.

Another lodging option nearby the airport is the Residence Inn by Marriott. This slightly more upscale hotel offers comforts for the extended stay traveler, while also providing an apartment like setting. The Residence Inn has internet access, in room kitchenettes, and an on site gym. Rodeway Inn on Phillips Lane is the perfect choice for budget minded travelers to the Louisville area. Located just 1.2 miles from the airport, their 66 rooms provide minimal frills, but enough amenities to earn them a two diamond rating from AAA. Everyone staying at the Rodeway Inn has access to a free newspaper, and shuttle access to the airport.

Located in a high rise just 1.2 miles from the airport, The Courtyard by Marriott is one of the most expensive hotels in the area, but well worth the price. With six floors, and 150 rooms, it is also one of the largest hotels in Louisville. Travelers are greeted at the front desk, and taken to their large room with a coffee maker, color television, and free bottled water. Also, on site is an exercise center, and indoor pool.

Others lodging options adjacent to the Louisville International Airport include the Hampton Inn, Best Western, Howard Johnson, and La Quinta. There's a hotel for every type of traveler, and every type of budget.

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The Louisville International Airport is the ninth largest airport in the world in terms of cargo, and the third largest in North America. This is partly in response to UPS, which bases their international hub out of the airport. It is also one of the largest airports in terms of flights, with more than 175,000 flights recorded in 2006 alone. The airport has expanded in recent years, to more than 1,200 acres of land, and their new airport terminal is more than 360,000 square feet. The airport in Louisville has three runways, and 23 boarding gates to meet passengers. Currently the Louisville International Airport also offers nearly 44,000 jobs, giving a boom to the local economy.

The interior of the Louisville International Airport is one of the few airports in the world with its own art gallery. Work displayed includes those with an aviation theme, as well as those relating to the Louisville area; they also include work by local artists. Eight rental car agencies service the airport, as do nine airlines, providing something for every traveler. There are also eight stores, and eight restaurants in the Louisville terminal; some are chains, and other local favorites. Among those are Starbucks, Pizza Hut, a PGA Tour Shop, and a Heritage Booksellers.

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The Louisville International Airport has one of the largest parking lots in the country, with more than 5,600 parking spots. A multi-level parking garage also provides three levels of covered parking for those worried about leaving their vehicles for extended periods of time. The terminal at the Louisville International Airport provides services that many would not think of.

The upper level has many automated machines filled with gifts and presents for travelers arriving late at night after the stores have closed. There are flower arrangements, chocolates, and even stuffed animals, all available by sliding a credit card, or cash, into the machine. Travelers looking for a bank will find a 5/3 Bank branch on the upper level, and various ATM's scattered throughout the terminal. There is also a postal drop, a game room, a reception area, and a shoe repair store.

Louisville has designed their airport to provide maximum service, with a minimal wait. Due to recent changes and improvements, the airport has eliminated the large and outdated baggage scanners, and replaced them with check in locations. This makes the once cumbersome ritual fast and easy. To stop the confusion of finding the proper ticket counter, the airport has also created one large area for all nine of their airlines. Visitors simply walk to the counter, and look for the sign that shows their airline.

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The Louisville International Airport gives visitors enough dining, and shopping options to keep everyone satisfied before, and after a flight. The airport includes the fast food restaurant chains Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, and Quizno's Subs. There is also a Starbucks Coffee in the airport, as well as some slightly more upscale dining establishments. Home Team Sports Bar, Woodford Reserve Grill, and the Altitude Club are all located inside the airport.

The Louisville International Airport also has shoppers covered, with several stores that cater to the public. The PGA Tour Shop provides great equipment and gifts for golf enthusiasts, while Heritage Booksellers provides reading materials for the flight ahead. Other shops include Louisville Marketplace, Bluegrass News, Explore Kentucky, Brighton Collectibles, CNBC News, and Last Stop.

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The Louisville International Airport is unlike other airports in the world because of the building itself. Travelers visiting the airport for the first time are usually surprised to find themselves greeted with a small art gallery upon entering. The art pieces are situated along the main walkway, and include pieces devoted to aviation, as well as the local environment. It gives travelers the chance to see what Louisville is all about.

The lower level of the airport has access to the rental car lots, the rental car counters, bathrooms, telephones, and a few shops. The upper level is divided into a waiting area, and a second area only reachable by those with a boarding pass. Here is where the stores and restaurants are located, as well as more bathrooms, information desks, and access to the flight decks. The airport also has nine ticket counters, all conveniently located beside each other on the upper level.

Upon entering the airport, visitors will find conveniently placed signs, directing them to the proper area of the airport, from the terminal to visitors parking. The signs will also note which areas have shuttle access to the terminal. Travelers who need to store their cars can drive directly into the parking garage, or one of the lots, and pay for their ticket with cash or a credit card. Shuttles then carry passengers from the garages or parking lots to the terminal, or visitors can choose to walk.

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The Louisville International Airport has recently undergone major renovations to make travel through the airport easier. One of those improvements was the addition of in-line baggage screening. This enables travelers to have their bags screened easier, and faster than ever before. Those driving, or returning rental cars will also be amazed at the new changes. There are not more parking spaces for car rentals, and visitors have a shorter distance to walk from the rental car lot to the airport terminal.

The airport's website also offers a host of opportunities designed to make traveling easier. Travelers can purchase flight tickets, rent a car, and even make their hotel reservation, all by using the airport's website. Also included is information on flight schedules, and the ability to check the status on any flight coming in, or leaving Louisville. The airport also has easy drop offs, with skycap check-in at certain areas, and 24-hour security.

Inside the terminal are stores, restaurants, and other services passengers might need. The upper-level holds Young's Shoe Service for those that need last minute repairs, and a 5/3 Bank. Also located on the upper level are ATM's, a Postal Drop, and a Game Room. There is simply no other airline that makes traveling as easy.

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