Albany International Airport - serving the Capital District, Northeastern New York and Western New England.

The Albany International Airport is the major air center serving the Capital District, Northeastern New York and Western New England. The Albany Airport services the following commercial airlines: Air Canada, American Eagle, Continental, Delta Connection, Northwest, Southwest, United/United Express, and USAirways/USAirways Express; operates 24 hours a day; and averages 180 departures and arrivals daily.

Two expansions - one completed in 1998 and the other in 2000 to accommodate Southwest Airlines resulted in average fares dropping by $80. In 2006, the TSA checkpoint was expanded to six lanes and passenger queuing was increased. Three new concessions were also added. Albany International is now served by Clear, a Registered Traveler program approved by the Transportation Security administration. Parking is available for 6,000 cars and includes an economy lot (E-Lot) serviced by the Airport Shuttle bus. Million Air now serves as the Airports fixed base operator offering world-class service to corporate and private aircraft and charters. General advice is to arrive at the Albany Airport at least 90-minutes prior to flight departure. The average screening time is seven minutes, but can be longer during early morning and heavy travel periods. Stops for screening vary in time allotment, and are greatly affected by the amount of luggage any one given family or traveler has.

Skycaps are available for most major airlines and are located at terminal entrances on the ground floor, but check ahead with the airport for times. Though the airport is open 24 hours a day, the skycaps are not and typically open at 6 or 7 AM depending on the airline and the day. For those with e-tickets that are traveling light, kiosks are available that eliminate the need for standing in lines at either the counter or the skycap.

Our tip? In addition to Albany Airports dining and beverage options, there is a new book program at the bookstore located in the terminal to the right of the central hub after you pass through security screening. You can purchase a book at full price, then return it later either there, or at participating bookstores nationwide, for a 50% refund. Departure, the Museum Shop, offers a wide assortment of local crafts, paintings, books and jewelry. So whether traveling for business or pleasure - arrive early, relax with a beverage and a good book, and begin your trip hassle-free.

Flight arrivals and departures can be checked via Albany Airports web site at http://www.albanyairport.com/ or by phone at 518 242-AFLY. For parking rates and information, call 518 242-CARS, and for individual airlines at the Albany Airport, call 518 242-AIRP.