Rockdale, Texas: Gateway to The Region at H. H. Coffield Regional Airport
Introduction
In the heart of Texas, you will find H. H. Coffield Regional Airport (IATA: RCK), an essential way for people to travel in and out of Rockdale and across its borders with 25 airlines offering multiple destinations throughout the year!! The airport, which was unveiled in May 1948, is a medium-sized transportation hub that links those flying back and forth between places near and far more than seven decades later. The H. H. Coffield Regional Airport is a personal gateway to business progress, family vacations, and weekend capers offered in style — and very close-by.
Airlines and Destinations
The Hondo-based airport may not have the route map of an international mega-hub, it still has a selection of airlines and destinations for passengers. The airport is now mainly served by a few regional and low-cost carriers, including:
- Allegiant Air — Which offers nonstop flights to popular leisure destinations such as Las Vegas and Orlando.
- American Eagle: Two hubs in Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago, connecting Rockdale with the network of flights through its regional affiliate American Eagles.
- Delta Connection, which serves as a catalyst to help you reach Delta's Atlanta hub and other destinations throughout the Southeast.
To satisfy the needs of both business travelers and general aviation enthusiasts, private flights and charters are accepted at H.H. Coffield Regional Airport in addition to these scheduled commercial service flights.
Passengers and Aircraft Movements
H. H. Coffield Regional Airport experienced a continuous increase in passenger traffic in recent years, and it recorded more than 100,000 enplanements by the end of the year in 2019. Despite the fact that air travel was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and early 2021, passenger numbers are back at pre-pandemic levels.
The airport generally handles at least 20 to 30 scheduled commercial flights per day along with private and charter operations. During peak leisure season, typically the summer months and major holidays, there is a lot of passenger business.
How to Get Here
Orientation
H. H. Coffield Regional Airport is just a few miles away from Rockdale's city center. There are multiple ways to reach the airport for travelers:
- Car: The airport is located just off State Highway 79. There is plenty of parking around the facility, with options for short-term and long-term to suit your needs.
- Taxi or Rideshare: If you don't plan on driving, taxis and services like Uber are always an option – ready to take you right in front of the airport (for a fee).
- Public Transport: The airport does not have dedicated public transportation, but the closest bus routes you can get from the Rockdale Transit System, which run routes to and from, consequently linking travelers at several locations within Rockdale.
Parking
There is plenty of space for both short- and long-term parking at the H. H. Coffield Regional Airport. The airport parking is controlled by LAZ Parking, which operates 24 hours per day and seven days a week.
This parking lot charges $3.00/hour with a daily maximum of $21. For extended stays, long-term parking will cost $3.00 per hour with a daily rate of up to $16.00.
Transportation Prices
The H. H. Coffield Regional Airport is located nearby and easily accessible while still being budget-friendly. One-way taxi fare downtown goes from $10 to $15 regularly, depending on the location. Rideshare services like Uber or Lyft range in price (it changes due to the time of day and how many people are calling for rideshares), but it generally falls within this budget-friendly rate.
If you plan on taking public transportation, the Rockdale Transit System costs $1.00 for a single one-way trip, so it is definitely an affordable way to get yourself to the airport.
Terminal Layout
The airport itself has no terminal buildings, but international and domestic flights are handled through separate passenger terminals. Passengers can also move through and access the various amenities and services of this relatively small terminal.
Entering the terminal, you will see that it is broken down into a large check-in area where, after ensuring your bags are the right weight and size (which better not get them over 50 lbs or about 23 kg, otherwise, it's time to unpack), you can then proceed through whichever counter belongs to your airline of choice. The terminal has departure gates past the security checkpoint and a minimal number of food selection/retail outlets.
Navigate the Airport
As the airport is relatively small in size, it's easy to quickly get from A to B when travelling through H. H. Coffield Regional Airport. We have given you a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the Airport:
- Arrive At The Airport Early — Most airlines will recommend that you are at the airport 1–2 hours before your scheduled departure.
- Simply where you will then check-in your baggage (if applicable) and get your boarding pass from the relevant airline.
- Hardexpert Guide: Head to the security checkpoint and present your ID in accordance with TSA guidelines.
- When you clear security, just follow the signs to your departure gate.
- Just sit and wait at the gate until your flight is called, and make sure to have your boarding pass in hand once on board.
Getting Between Terminals
Travelers will not be required to navigate between terminals, as the H. H. Coffield Regional Airport has one terminal only. All departures and arrivals are housed in the same small facility, making it a simple experience for anyone traveling.
Services and Amenities
The H. H. Coffield Regional Airport may not be as full-service and amenity-rich as large international airports, but it offers a comfortable environment for travelers nonetheless. Here are a few key services and amenities you will find at the airport:
- Free Wi-Fi: Maintain your online presence during your stay at the airport by connecting to the high-speed wireless internet free of charge.
- Vending Machines – Snacks and beverages are available through vending machines located throughout the airport.
- Bathrooms – the airport provides clean and well-kept restrooms for passengers.
- ATM — There is a cash machine in the terminal, if you require access to currency (Location: Landside).
- Rental Cars: Hertz and Avis have desks in the terminal where you can pick up or drop off your vehicle.
Restaurants and Shops
While the dining and retail options are limited at the H. H. Coffield Regional Airport, there is still something available to fulfill your needs when you enter an airport. The terminal currently features a small café that serves light snacks and drinks and a newsstand/gift shop.
If you are looking for more selection of dining and shopping, Rockdale is a nearby town with great local Mediterranean restaurants/cafes that feature plenty to choose from.
Security and Customs
The security checkpoint at the H. H. Coffield Regional Airport is not too difficult to negotiate, as passenger traffic amounts are moderate. Follow the standard security process, such as arriving early at the airport:
- A) Show a valid government-issued ID and boarding pass.
- Take off your shoes, belt, or any metal on your person.
- Place carry-on items, including laptops and liquids, in the complementary bins provided for X-ray screening.
The H. H. Coffield Regional Airport primarily serves domestic flights, so it has no customs or immigration procedures for passengers to worry about. But if you are travelling to outside the country, be sure to check for immigration and customs requirements at your flight's point of departure.
Accessibility
The H. H. Coffield Regional Airport is dedicated to making its services accessible for everyone who needs accommodations or help during travel. This includes the following accessibility features inside the terminal:
- Reserved parking spaces for valid handicap placard or license plate.
- Ramps / elevators to cater to ease of access throughout the terminal gates.
- Wheelchairs available on request.
- Available restrooms.
- Braille signage and other visual cues to help travelers who are blind or vision-impaired.
Travel Tips
To make your trip experience at H. H. Coffield Regional Airport hassle-free and enjoyable, consider the following tips:
- To save some time at the airport, check-in online or via your mobile airline app.
- Arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Travel light and only bring carry-on luggage.
- Always keep an eye on your flight status and any delays or gate changes by checking the airline's website or mobile app.
- Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi at the airport to stay connected.
- Get to know the layout and services available at the airport before you leave home, for a smoother time in transit.
- Be respectful of the airport staff and your fellow passengers.
With a few simple tricks and the use of all that H. H. Coffield Regional Airport has to offer, you can have quite an easy time on your next business or leisure trip.