Introduction
Chicago Rockford International Airport (IATA: RFD, ICAO: KRFD), also known as Rockford International Airport or simply Rockford, is in Winnebago County approximately 68 miles northwest of Chicago. The terminal was built in 1946 on the grounds of a former Camp Grant training facility used by Army recruits during both World Wars.
RFD is now the third busiest airport in Illinois, with 103,000 passengers served YTD June 2021. Though it is centered on cargo operations, the airport also offers passenger flights through Allegiant Air providing nonstop service to many destinations in the United States. RFD remains a mainstay of the regional transportation network with its central U.S. location, modern facilities, and developing cargo services.
Airlines and Destinations
Allegiant Air primarily serves RFD and offers flights to several popular vacation destinations on a nonstop basis. Currently, the airline is flying to Rockford from the following destinations:
- Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS)
- Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona (AZA)
- Punta Gorda, Florida (PGD)
- St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida (PIE)
- Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida (VPS)
- Sarasota, Florida (SRQ)
Apart from the leisure-oriented routes of Allegiant Air, RFD is also a key cargo hub with UPS Airlines and Amazon Air moving large operations through the airport.
Passengers and Flights
The airport served more than 103,000 passengers in 2021 — up 22% compared to the previous year. On an average day, the airport receives about 10 to 15 arriving flights carrying over 200 passengers.
RFD has experienced ebbs and flows in passenger figures over the last few years caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but overall has been consistent with increasing demand for air travel. December 2021 was the all-time best month for passenger traffic at the airport in its history of operations.
Virtually all of its growth is in cargo, and RFD now ranks as one of the fastest growing cargo airports in the world. In 2021, the freight volume at the airport was more than 3.4 billion pounds (around 1.5 million tonnes), which placed it as the busiest cargo airport in the U.S. rankings, continuing to grow its air and ground traffic by expanding available infrastructure traversing between land-air trips involving Georgia transit services.
How to Get Here
The Chicago Rockford International Airport is about 68 miles northwest of the city's downtown, located just west off Interstate 90. Interstates 90, 39, and U.S. Route 20 provide smooth access to the airport.
For traveling from the Chicago area, follow I-90 West and exit onto Rockford/Belvidere (Exit 67). After that, just follow the signs to the airport, which is about a few miles from the interstate.
Parking
There are short-term and long-term parking lots available for travelers at RFD. Parking facilities at the airport are also very close to the terminal building, and the car park is a short distance for passengers.
RFD is one of the cheapest airports in terms of parking, with long-term lot daily rates beginning at just $2.75 per day. Travelers can utilize free baggage carts in the airport's baggage claim area.
Transportation Prices
Traveling to and from RFD is fast, hassle-free, and low-air-traffic congestion, which means getting a great value airfare at the same time. The airport is accessible by:
- Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft): $20-$40 to/from downtown Rockford (dependent on traffic)
- Taxis: For taxi service, rates from the airport to downtown Rockford normally begin at $25 each way.
- Car rentals also available when you land: Hertz, Avis, Enterprise operate out of RFD terminal building counters
The airport is served by the Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD), which provides bus services to and from the city of Rockford.
Terminal Layout
All flights at the airport are handled via a single terminal. There are really only two levels of the terminal: the top floor is for departures, and the bottom floor is for arrivals.
The terminal features an array of passenger facilities such as restaurants, cafes, shopping opportunities, and even duty-free shops. It has been set up to ensure a hassle-free experience with all amenities positioned in one place for the convenience of travelers.
Navigate the Airport
RFD is easy to navigate as the airport itself is of modest dimensions and very well laid-out. Once you arrive, passengers can follow the signs to areas such as baggage claim, rental car counters, and ground transportation.
Free baggage carts are located in the Baggage Claim Area to provide ease for travelers handling their luggage. We also have RFD staff available to answer questions passengers may have.
Getting Between Terminals
RFD is a single terminal building, so there are no passengers navigating between terminals. At the same facility, all arrivals and departures are processed, making it fast and efficient.
Services and Amenities
Chicago Rockford International Airport provides a variety of services for passengers to take advantage, such as:
- Restaurants and cafes - from fast food to dining-in options.
- Shops and retail: There are multiple shops, including a duty-free store that sells souvenirs, snacks, and more within the terminal.
- ATMs and money exchange: There are a few automated teller machines as well as currency exchange facilities within the terminal.
- Free Wi-Fi — You can surf the web using RFD's free, high-speed wireless internet service across the entire terminal.
- Business center: Opened 24 hours a day, the airport's business center provides group workstations to facilitate and complete your assignments or print materials.
- Nursing rooms: The terminal has private nursing rooms for the convenience of traveling families.
Restaurants and Shops
The terminal building at RFD features a complement of food and retail opportunities for passengers, including:
Restaurants and Cafes:
- Starbucks
- Chili's Too
- Quiznos
- Dunkin'
Shops:
- Hudson News (news, gifts, convenience items)
- Duty-free store
- Vending machines
The airport is home to an incredible array of food and retail offerings at every turn, so travelers have all the basics they need while away from home.
Security and Customs
RFD departing passengers will be required to undergo the usual security screening, including metal detectors and X-ray machines, as well as other additional measures. The security checkpoints at the airport are handled by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
RFD does not currently support international travel, as the airport only has domestic flights. Upon landing in the U.S., international arriving passengers must go through Customs and Immigration at their first point of entry into the country.
Accessibility
Chicago Rockford International Airport is dedicated to making the facility more accessible and inclusive for all travelers. The terminal building and facilities are specially designed to cater to passengers with special needs, some of which include:
- Handicapped Parking
- Ramps and elevators at various places in the terminal
- Accessible restrooms, Nursing rooms
- Support can be provided by airport employees upon request
- Assistive Listening Devices for Hearing Impaired
RFD also collaborates with local groups to ensure that the airport is inclusive and offers a fuller experience for fliers who need unique accessibility features.
Travel Tips
Here are a few travel tips to ensure that you get the most out of your experience at Chicago Rockford International Airport:
- Check flight status and get to the airport early on busy travel days.
- Use the airport's free baggage carts to carry your bags with ease.
- Get to know the terminal map and signage so you will move through the airport quickly.
- Discover the shopping, leisure, and dining options inside the terminal.
- Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi to stay connected.
- If you have special needs or requirements, ask the airport personnel for help.
If you use these tips, your trip to and from Chicago Rockford International Airport will be more enjoyable.