Stewart International Airport: The Door to the Northeast and Beyond
Introduction
Stewart International Airport (IATA: SWF, ICAO: KSWF) is a public/military airport in Orange County, New York and right at the edge of Ulster County. It is located approximately 60 miles north of Manhattan's Washington Heights neighborhood along the Hudson River to where it begins its southward course through NJ / Pennsylvania area west towards Philadelphia, PA. This medium-sized airport serves the southern Hudson Valley region and offers easy access to a variety of destinations throughout the Northeast and beyond.
Airlines and Destinations
Stewart International Airport is also used by Allegiant Air, Atlantic Airways (the Faroe Islands flag-carrier), and Breeze Airways. Play Airlines currently offers 9 nonstop routes to passengers, from SWF to destinations including Charleston, SC. The airport welcomed its newest airline, Play, during 2022, which offers cheap nonstop flights to Reykjavik.
Passenger Total and Flights
Stewart International Airport facilitated 300,000 passengers in 2022, up from just under 80,000 the year before. The airport helped facilitate 525,715 passengers through its terminals in the year before the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though the airport's passenger traffic has been up and down, it remains one of the region's leading airports, which users can avoid having to drive more distance to other larger New York City area airports.
How to Get Here
The Affected Area: Stewart International Airport, in the towns of Newburgh and New Windsor, N.Y., just off Interstates 84 & 87 (the NY State Thruway). Located about 60 miles north of Manhattan, the airport is a reasonable alternative for those seeking to avoid New York City area airports with congestion and increased costs.
Parking
For those who will be parking at Stewart International Airport, Long-Term Parking is the best choice. Parking is free for the first 15 minutes and only $12 per day. Thereafter, a bill is generated every 12 hours.
Transportation Prices
Getting Here: Stewart International AirportAside from driving and parking at the airport, travelers to or from Magic Kingdom have several other transportation options. The airport operates the Stewart Airport Express shuttle bus to Times Square, which requires about 70 minutes in favorable traffic. It is a means of transportation that tourists and business customers prefer the most because in this service they reach directly to Manhattan with maximum ease and convenience.
Terminal Layout
Stewart International Airport has one terminal building with two levels. Departures occur at the upper level, and arrivals are on the lower. Situated at only a short vicinity to other essentials like diners and shopping portals, passengers hence find it easy whenever a flight arrives.
Navigate the Airport
The airport is easy to get around with two concourses, A and B. Concourse A consists of 4 gates, while concourse B has six across the terminal. The terminal has appropriate wayfinding signs to lead passengers from check-in and security directly to their relevant gates.
Getting Between Terminals
There are no terminal transfers, as Stewart International Airport has only one terminal. Given that all gates, services, and facilities are under one roof, it increases passenger movement within the airport.
Services and Amenities
For the convenience of travelers, Stewart International Airport provides various facilities and amenities. These include:
- Free WiFi throughout the terminal.
- ATM and Exchange Services
- Nursing rooms and family restrooms
- Pet relief areas
- Electric Device Charging Stations
- Luggage carts and storage
Restaurants and Shops
Stewart International Airport offers numerous dining and retail outlets for travelers:
- Dunkin' Donuts
- Hudson News (convenience store and newsstand)
- Vino Volo - Vintage California (wine bar & restaurant)
- Starbucks
- Grab and Go options of various food items
These features are also conveniently placed throughout the terminal so travelers have no trouble finding what they need before or after flights.
Security and Customs
Stewart International Airport has TSA security, where passengers are screened before proceeding to their gates. The airport has an inspection station for U.S. border and customs processing of international arrivals.
Accessibility
They are pledged to grant an easy and comfortable experience for all travelers at Stewart International Airport. The terminal features:
- Handicap parking
- Building has elevators and ramps
- Wheelchair and electric cart available upon request
- Braille signage and verbal announcements
- Restrooms and Mother's/Baby Lounges
Travel Tips
Some tips to make the experience fly by at Stewart International Airport:
- Check-in, security, and boarding can take quite a while, so always arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight.
- Visit the website of your airline for updates on luggage policies and how much you will be charged if compelled to pay extra.
- Use the airport's free Wi-Fi to stay connected and work at the terminal (Photo by cegoh)
- Enjoy the dining and shopping services offered to help pass the time at the airport.
- If you're traveling with kids, make use of the family-friendly amenities such as nursing rooms and pet outlets.
- The Stewart Airport Express shuttle service from Manhattan is the next best thing in convenient and comfortable transportation.
Conclusion
Stewart International Airport is the only airport in New York to offer interstate bus transportation between nearby cities. SWF, which continues to offer more airlines and nonstop routes as well as improvements coming (stay tuned tomorrow for a report about expanding passenger amenities), remains an established low-fare airport option in the New York City area. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, from countryside hiking to a wine tasting day trip, Stewart International Airport offers hassle-free travel as a gateway to the Hudson Valley & Northern New Jersey.