Lopez Island Airport

Introduction

The Lopez Island Airport (IATA: LPS) is a quiet little airport located in the scenic San Juan Islands, located off the coast of Washington state. A publicly accessible airfield that has been serving Lopez Island as its main airport since 1950, fits perfectly into this description.

The Lopez Island Airport, amidst its beautiful natural boundaries, offers a calm and ancestrally inspiring beginning or end to any flight. When you're on a whirlwind tour of the island's quaint communities, trekking its rocky trails or hunting for some much-needed silence, this airport ensures there is always an avenue to marvel at Lopez Island's most wondrous sights.

Airlines and Destinations

Lopez Island Airport, on the small side, is served by several different airlines that have scheduled and non-scheduled charter flights. It is primarily served by San Juan Airlines with scheduled flights to and from nearby Bellingham International (BLI) and Friday Harbor (FHR).

The airport is also home to San Juan Airlines, and serves as a gateway for private charter flights most often carried out using Cessna 208 aircraft; seaplane operations through neighboring Fisherman's Bay/LPS Seaplane Base complement the main airport facility. The base, operated by Lake Union Air Service, Inc., adds seaplane operations to the airport and provides additional transportation options for passengers traveling to or from Lopez Island.

Passengers and Flights Count

Even though it is small, the Lopez Island Airport actually has quite a bit of air traffic year-round. Based on 2005 data from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)[1] and annual passenger figures[2], Bellingham International Airport handles just over 61,261 aircraft movements a year total, with approximately 620,000 served passengers.

These are impressive figures and illustrate the very significant contribution made to both tourism on Lopez Island, as well as for local residents and businesses by this important transport hub. With the increasing popularity of the San Juan Islands, this should continue to maintain demand for flying directly to and from Lopez Island.

How to Get Here

The airport is three nautical miles (6 km) south of the central business district of Lopez, in Seaplane Village.

For guests who choose to fly, the best way is to schedule a direct flight from one of those nearby regional airports (BLI and FHR) by choosing Lopez Island Airport (LPS). There are no direct flights to Lopez, but visitors can fly from major airports like Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) or Vancouver International Airport, BC and take regional flight/ferry service into the island.

Parking

The Lopez Island Airport has plenty of parking for short and long-term use. The terminal building is located along the apron and directly next to it, so that passengers can easily get to a car at the main parking lot. This makes it a budget-friendly option for island visitors, and parking is free.

Lopez Village is another option for those in need of a place to park if they anticipate peak parking use at other facilities. These alternate parking options can help if you plan on an extended stay as well as venturing out from the immediate airport.

Transportation Price

Transportation to and from the Lopez Island Airport is quite inexpensive, with a number of alternatives that cater to various budgets and tastes.

If you're arriving by air, the most convenient option is to take advantage of the airport's ground transportation services (i.e., taxi and shuttle services). The onsite airporter shuttle will take passengers to the nearby town of Lopez Village on a one-way ride for approximately $5 per person, and local or charter taxis have a fare range from about $10-$15 with established reservation representatives welcoming all flights at no landing fee; shuttles may arrive slightly more economical but are still available directly inside the terminal as well.

On the other hand, if you are thinking of an easier mode to seeing things around on your terms, then either rent a car at the airport or in Lopez Village from one of the rental agencies. Medium-sized or economy pricing for a daily rental are typically in the range of $50, which will allow more freedom, mobility, and independence during their duration on this island.

Terminal Layout

The Lopez Island Airport terminal building is a small one-story facility, which accommodates the passenger operations areas with their necessary functions and services. Even though the terminal is small, it was designed to make passengers feel comfortable and at ease.

The check-in counters, baggage claim area, and smaller passenger terminal lounge are located within the main terminal building where passengers will arrive. The terminal even has its own miniature concession stand serving a few drinks and snacks to go for those just passing through.

Though the terminal configuration is simple, there are a group of friendly and knowledgeable employees to help with any questions or needs passengers may have while in the facility.

Navigate the Airport

Getting around Lopez Island Airport is fairly simple, as it is small enough to be easily navigable with a convenient layout. With the main terminal building housing check-in counters, baggage claim area, and ground transport options all within easy reach on arrival.

Staff at the airport would offer advice on the best routes or how to get from one gate area if connecting flights were waiting. Clear signage throughout the terminal also assisted in directing passengers to different amenities and services.

Getting Between Terminals

The Lopez Island Airport is a single-terminal facility, which means passengers do not move between terminals. The one terminal building at this regional airport serves all carriers. The main terminal building is home to all arrivals, departures, as well as ground transportation services for the airport.

Services and Amenities

Small as it may be, the Lopez Island Airport still has all of the necessary services and facilities to offer a pleasant experience for its passengers during travel.

Apart from the check-in counters and luggage collection area, there is a small concession store located in the terminal building offering only basic refreshments and snacks. In addition, passengers have access to bathrooms and drinking water fountains.

For travelers who need to stay in touch, the airport provides access to free Wi-Fi that is available throughout the terminal and helps passengers continue being productive or entertained during their time at this travel facility.

Restaurants and Shops

There are no full-service restaurants or retail shops located inside the terminal building at Lopez Island Airport. Still, the nearby town of Lopez Village (a short drive from the airport) provides travelers with a mix of eating and shopping.

In the village, you will find a few cafes, some bistros, and eateries serving freshly prepared, locally-sourced food. The Gastropoda offers the ideal chance to taste some culinary examples from around the island and experience all of this with its lively culture.

Savvy shoppers are well catered for too, with a number of independent boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores throughout the village where it is easy to stock up on made-on-the-island offerings.

Security and Customs

Lopez Island Airport does not have customs or immigration services, as it is a domestic airport; however, passengers flying in from outside the country will have to go through customs and immigration at their initial stop, likely either Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Vancouver International Airport, before continuing on a plane bound for Lopez Island.

The security screening is handled by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and complies with general U.S. domestic air travel standards. Passengers should arrive at the airport with enough time to complete their security screening and get to the departure gate.

Accessibility

The Lopez Island Airport strives to provide a seamless experience for all fliers, regardless of abilities or needs.

The terminal building features ramps, wide doorways, and accessible parking for individuals with mobility-related concerns. Moreover, employees of the airport are advised to help passengers with special assistance as they may require aids for boarding or deplaning and transport in terminals.

Specific amenities include clear signage, audible announcements for the visually and hearing-impaired, as well as assistance on request.

Travel Tips

Follow these simple travel tips to make your visit to the Lopez Island as painless and convenient as possible.

• Fly off-peak: Book mid-week or early morning/late evening flights as these are usually quieter.
• Get there early: Be sure to build in extra time for parking, check-in, and security checks, especially during busier travel times.
• Keep it light: Limit your luggage to speed up the check-in and security processes.
• Know the airport: Check out a terminal map and layout as well as amenities prior to your arrival so when you get there, you can find what you need.
• Free Wi-Fi: Stay on work or entertained during your time at the airport by connecting to its complementary free Wi-Fi.

As you can see, these great tips make flying into Lopez Island Airport easier for travelers to move on to exploring all the island has to offer.