The McChord Field (Joint Base Lewis-McChord) Airport: Your Entry to the Pacific Northwest
Introduction
Also known as TCM and located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, McChord Field (Joint Base Lewis-McChord) Airport has been instrumental for its region. It is home to the 62nd Airlift Wing, Air Mobility Command (AMC), with a mission of providing rapid global mobility in support of U.S. Government and allied forces around the world. If you are in the military, related to someone who is serving, or just visiting as a civilian passenger, then this airport will provide an interesting and easy travelling experience for your journey.
Airlines and Destinations
Although overshadowed by the military 62nd Airlift Squadron, which shares an operations area on this joint-use facility with McChord Field, it is predominantly a Military Operation and, as we commented yesterday, they only have eight passenger flights weekly. The airport was built primarily to support the 62nd Airlift Wing's C-17 Globemaster III airlifter, which is used in combat and humanitarian missions. It also supports military personnel, retirees, and their family members desiring to travel at low cost via the space-available (Space-A) program with regular flights around the continental United States.
Flight Volume and Passengers
McChord Field is a military airbase and does not publicize passenger or flight data to the same extent as commercial airports. The facility, however, is essential for the movement of troops and equipment as it sees a lot of operations by military aircraft on a daily basis. Its presence near the 62nd Airlift Wing also provides air mobility capabilities in terms of deploying personnel and crew as well.
How to Get Here
McChord Field is about 9 miles south of Tacoma, Washington, in Pierce County. It is easily reachable by car, public transport, and rideshare apps. Visitors can access the main entrance by taking Interstate 5 and State Route 7.
Parking
NOTE: McChord Field parking is restricted to official business only. Its passenger terminal is operational on a daily basis from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., admittance to which is confined solely to authorized individuals only. Guests need to be aware of this and will have to work parking through their military units or organizations.
Transportation Price
Pierce Transit Public Transportation and Parking Information: No public transit service to McChord Field as it is a military installation. Space-Available travel will continue to be an option from the TSC/PAX Terminal to and from Lajes Field for passengers on official orders, service members, retirees, and family members flying at no cost beyond their standard military entitlement.
Terminal Layout
The McChord Field passenger terminal is a military operational and space-available travel facility. The terminal has check-in counters, waiting areas, and limited facilities. The terminal is not available for public viewing as parts of the airport are still restricted.
Navigate the Airport
Getting around McChord Field is easy because the airport mainly caters to military personnel and those who have permission from that group. There are clear signs and directions, as well as airport staff to answer any questions. If you are not used to the airport, it is best that people get acquainted with its style and procedures before they go.
Getting Between Terminals
Claiming its place onboard as a single-terminal airport, there are no passenger terminals to maneuver at McChord Field. The air terminal is the central facility for all passenger movements, space-available travel operations, and military transportation.
Services and Amenities
The passenger terminal at McChord Field provides limited services and space-available amenities for military operations. These include check-in counters, lounges, and reduced food properties. Regardless, the different services are customized towards the military community's needs and might not be as comprehensive as you can find in commercial airports.
Restaurants and Shops
The McChord passenger terminal only has a few choices in dining and shopping, mostly serving the needs of military members and families. It will have basic food and beverage service, a limited range of duty-free shopping items, as well as souvenirs.
Security and Customs
As a military base, McChord Field has tight security on the premises. Some form of valid identification is required for all visitors to clear security before entering the airport facilities. The airport has no customs services, and it is used exclusively as an airport for domestic military flights.
Accessibility
Accessibility is important to the McChord Field and all of its services and establishments are available. The passenger terminal and surrounding areas are equipped for passengers with limited mobility, sight, or hearing. Guests should work with their individual military units or organizations to confirm access needs.
Travel Tips
Because McChord Field operates differently than most of the airports you may have visited or flown from, it is essential to know what those airport-unique actions and processes are when planning your trip. Space-A travel is unpredictable, you will need a flexible schedule, and be ready to get bumped. Also, it is advised that you coordinate with your military unit or organization to expedite the process and make sure everything goes together smoothly.