Welcome to the James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport. This tiny airport is located only a couple of miles southeast of Ames, IA. After a vote in 1943, it initially began with two turf runways. A new terminal and hangar opened in 2017. This update allows passengers to enjoy an improved experience. It is named after James Herman Banning, an African American who became the first black person to be granted a pilot's license in Iowa State University as well. Discover Ames Municipal Airport!

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James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport lies only 2 miles to the southeast of Ames, IA. After a vote in 1943, it began with two turf runways. The airport was renovated, adding a new terminal and hangar in 2017. Named for the first African American pilot, James Herman Banning, he had graduated from Iowa State University. Guests can have a relaxed trip and get on flights very easily. Ames Municipal Airport provides ease for those flying in and out.

Basic information about airport

Airport code: KAMW
Type: small
Continent: NA
Country code: US
Country: United
City Ames
IATA: AMW
Longitude: -93.621803
Latitude: 41.992001

Ames Municipal Airport on Google Maps

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Discovering Ames Municipal Airport: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction

Two miles southeast of Ames, Iowa, lies the James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport (IATA: AMW), which is an important link for travelers in the area. While it was founded in 1943, the airport has seen some major changes along the way — including renovations that saw a new terminal and hangar open at YNG in April of 2017. The airport was formally renamed in 2023 for James Herman Banning, an Iowa State University alumnus and the first African American to hold a pilot's license. In this article, we will look at Ames Municipal Airport, including the airlines and destinations it serves, as well as the services that the airport provides, making sure you have all the information in hand for easy travel.

Airlines and Destinations

Ames Municipal Airport primarily offers regional flights, connecting to key destinations in the Midwest. While the airport does not have as deep a hub-and-spoke structure, it provides important services that assist both local residents and tourists. Fast access to major urban centers—with airlines traveling from AMW—makes it a logical choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Passengers and Flights

Ames Municipal Airport is a midsized airport that has medium traffic from flights and passengers. Although the latter passenger numbers can vary by season, thousands of travelers come through each year. Flights are scheduled more for the convenience of local people, although at a frequency that allows residents to travel by air if need be.

How to Get Here

You can easily get to Ames Municipal Airport due to its advantageous location. There are roads all the way to the terminal, and you just follow signs for… well, a car park. The Des Moines International Airport — about 40 miles from Nevada for those coming in from further afield — gives you more options by air.

Parking

Travelers will find plenty of well-maintained parking facilities at Ames Municipal Airport. The lot is located conveniently within walking distance to the terminal, which allows for an easy exit strategy when getting back from your trip. It includes short-term and long-term parking for visitors who can select according to their trips.

Transportation Price

The cost of transportation both to and from Ames Municipal Airport can vary based on multiple factors, including the type of travel mode used. Taxis and rideshare services are also affordable ways to get around, with prices reflecting the airport’s relative closeness to the city. Local shuttle services may also be able to provide pricing for group accommodations, as well as times for specific events in your area.

Terminal Layout

Ames Municipal Airport's terminal is designed for passenger comfort. A simple and unambiguous layout, well-placed signage paired with a clearly laid-out organization of all important services provide for ease of accessibility. The airport has lots of seating areas, and they are just the type that travelers would probably enjoy, with amenities designed to attend to all their special needs so as not to get bored waiting for flights.

Navigate the Airport

The layout of Ames Municipal Airport makes it easy to find your way around, due in no small part to its diminutive size. Upon entering the terminal, passengers find check-in counters and a security checkpoint in very close proximity to boarding gates. Airport personnel are also available for any inquiries and issues should you require their assistance, allowing smooth travel from the start to your destination.

Getting Between Terminals

Its single terminal at Ames Municipal Airport means passengers do not have to hustle their way in transferring between several terminals. This simplicity adds to the travel experience, where travelers can access any facilities at the airport almost in no time.

Services and Amenities

Ames Municipal Airport provides an array of services and amenities to ensure that travelers enjoy a great flying experience. The terminal is fully Wi-Fi enabled so that passengers can access free Wi-Fi throughout the area, ensuring they stay connected while waiting for their respective flights. The airport also provides a business center, with meeting space and workstations designed to meet the demands of corporate travelers.

Restaurants and Shops

While Ames Municipal Airport doesn't have a huge variety of places to eat, it does offer some snacks and drinks. With dining and shopping venues in the nearby city of Ames, there is no shortage of places to grab some food or do a little grocery shopping before or after your flight. The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co. and Fuji Japanese Steak House are also located just a few minutes away from the airport, which adds to their popularity among local businesses conducting business in Grand Island, NE, as well as travelers headed for or coming into town through Central Nebraska Regional Airport (GRI).

Security and Customs

The security at Ames Municipal Airport is regulated by federal legislation to ensure the safety and well-being of passenger travel. We ask that people arrive at the airport with enough time to go through the same security process all air travelers now have to deal with. The site will act as a regional airport with no need for customs services, enabling domestic flights to flow through more easily.

Accessibility

Ames Airport is committed to being accessible and friendly for travelers of all needs. The terminal features ramps, elevators, and parking spaces reserved for the disabled. Furthermore, airport staff are prepared and trained to support passengers with limited mobility wherever possible so that everyone can experience pleasant travel.

Travel Tips

In the course of enjoying your time at Ames Municipal Airport, here are a few travel tips:

  • Arrive Early: Be sure to check in and go through security with enough time to get to your flight.
  • Keep In Sync With Your Flight Status: Repeatedly check your flight status from the airport website and the available tracking sites.
  • Pack Smart: Review TSA guidelines so you don't have any issues when going through security.
  • Sneak In Some Sightseeing: Another thing my mother and I did before her flight out of Kansas City was take a trip up there because the sights were so beautiful.
  • Get On the Net: Make sure to use your free 60 minutes of internet at Luton to check in with family and friends or get some work done.

Conclusion

Ames Municipal Airport (AMW) is a small-town air gateway, but it also offers a few key services to travelers. Due to its accessible layout, passenger-friendly terminal, and dedication to the comfort of air passengers, AMW has emerged as a perfect airport for travelers flying in or out of Ames, Iowa. This airport boasts a vibe whether you are flying for business or pleasure and has amenities ensuring a conducive travel experience.