Fly CMI: University of Illinois Willard Airport
Introduction
Located in the heart of Illinois, University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI) is a key gateway to travel for the Champaign-Urbana community. Established in the 1940s and owned/operated by The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, this airport has become a vital member of its community. Willard Airport is the most comfortable and interactive way for students, travelers, or faculty to make it from one desired destination to another.
Airlines and Destinations
The two main airlines that fly out of Willard Airport are American Airlines and United Express. The direct flights are provided by the carriers to many hub destinations, including Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and Washington Dulles International Airport. That connects travelers to a host of domestic and international destinations.
Volume of Passengers and Flights
About 30 flights come and go each day, carrying about 3,000 passengers through Willard Airport. The number of passengers that fly out of this airport each year has been very consistent over the years, a steadiness reflective in part by the unchanging demand for air travel coming from Champaign-Urbana and its neighboring towns.
How to Get Here
Willard Airport is based in Savoy, Illinois, and just south of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. The airport is easily reached by car, and there are plenty of parking facilities on-site. For public transportation users, the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (CUMTD) has regular bus service to and from the airport, allowing for a seamless connection onto other forms of transportation.
Parking
Willard Airport provides passengers with short-term and long-term parking options. The short-term lot is directly in front of the terminal, so it works perfectly if you need to drop someone off or intercept a passenger coming your way. Long-term parking, only a short walk from the terminal, is cheaper to leave your car for multiple days.
Transportation Price
Transportation to and from Willard Airport is charged differently based on the mode used. The CUMTD bus service is an affordable option — one-way fares start at just $1.00! There are also rideshare services like Uber and Lyft for those who want a more direct route, but the price can vary depending on demand and distance.
Terminal Layout
There is a one-terminal building with two concourses at Willard Airport. It has two levels — the arrivals level on the ground floor with baggage claim, taxi service, and rental car counters (among other things), while ticketing, security checkpoints, and boarding gates are located upstairs in a large hall that provides views out over the runways. Concourse B is located to the right of the main security, and Concourse A on your left.
Navigate the Airport
Getting in and out of Willard Airport is easy. Travelers find their way throughout the entire terminal thanks to clear signage, directing them from check-in and through security checkpoints onto their gates & ultimately down into the baggage claim area. With the small size of the Airport, no time is wasted on walking for long distances as getting from one point to another is hassle-free, which means all connections are quick and efficient.
Getting Between Terminals
Because it only has a single terminal, there are no issues related to transferring from one terminal building onto another like arriving at Willard Airport. In this design, the airport has all of its amenities and gates in a central location, so passengers are able to quickly go between their intended destinations without having to traverse numerous terminals.
Services and Amenities
Willard Airport provides a wide variety of amenities and services aimed to improve the travel experience. Free WiFi, charging points, and comfortable relaxation seating areas are available across the terminal for passengers. Travelers can also pick up concessions at the airport, including a café and retail shop.
Restaurants and Shops
The dining and shopping at Willard Airport is small, but passengers will find a few basic options. You can enjoy light snacks and beverages here, and some grab-and-go items are also available at the café in the terminal. If greater variety is desired, the extensive assortment of dining and shopping experiences found in the neighboring Champaign-Urbana area will satisfy every interest.
Security and Customs
Willard is a security checkpoint that follows the TSA recommendations for airport security. All passengers are presented with the security system, which includes questions that must be answered and certain items that must be removed before going through the checks. Willard Airport is used for domestic flights, so it does not have customs or immigration services on-site.
Accessibility
UI Aviation Director and CPD Chair Gene Cossey said, "The Fabianos, with Willard Airport Management LLC, will be expected to assist in making the new terminal a welcome destination for all travelers!" The terminal also has areas for parking, ramps, and lifts to improve accessibility for disabled people. Furthermore, all information required by travelers with special needs or who wish to enjoy particular services is provided by the airport staff.
Travel Tips
- Arrive at the airport 90 minutes before your departure time — allow for check-in, security, and boarding.
- If you want to know the details on baggage policies and restrictions, click here for your airline's website.
- If you can travel light and reduce the amount of things with you (by putting some in checked bags, for example), do so, as this quickly makes going through security a breeze.
- Keep yourself well-hydrated and carry food along to eat while waiting for your flight.
- Have your laptops and liquids ready for removal during the security screening.
Conclusion
Willard Airport is an important transportation center for Champaign-Urbana and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Proximity, dependable air service, and myriad amenities make the airport a stress-free destination for travelers. Student, faculty, or visitor — fly from Willard Airport, and you'll be on the way to where you're going with a minimal amount of travel hassles.