Introduction
Roberts Field, known to most as Redmond Municipal Airport, serves an essential function of Central Oregon. This medium-sized airport is the main commercial passenger hub for Redmond and offers nonstop flights to a number of major western U.S. cities in addition to seasonal service to Dallas. Roberts Field is also a vital gateway for business and leisure travelers visiting the Deschutes County region, with its modern facilities, convenient amenities, and easy access.
Airlines and Destinations
Several major U.S. airlines operate flights to Roberts Field, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. These carriers provide nonstop service between Redmond and important hubs including Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Dallas-Fort Worth.
Its longest nonstop flights are the seasonal 939-mile DFW operation. There are 13 daily flights that connect Roberts Field to the national air transportation system.
Change in Passengers and Flights
Roberts Field was home to 364,921 passenger enplanements in 2017, a record high and an increase on the prior year's total of 306,517 according to data gathered by the Federal Aviation Administration. The steady increase of passengers using the airport reinforces its significance and validates a growing demand for air service in our region.
Commercial passenger flights and general aviation traffic make up aircraft movements. In addition to the Lancair facility, there is an aerial firefighting operation base located at Roberts Field.
How to Get Here
Roberts Field is just three miles south of Redmond, Oregon and convenient to Bend as well as all central Oregon. Located off of U.S. Route 97, the airport is located along the main north-south highway in Central Oregon, which provides easy road access from Bend, Prineville, and other nearby cities.
The airport is located about 150 miles southeast of Portland and 230 miles north of the California border. Interstate 84 and U.S. Route 20 also connect Prineville to the rest of Oregon, as do several other major highways that wind through the surrounding region.
Parking
The airport has parking areas for passengers. The main airport lot is free for the first 30 minutes, then $1 per hour up to 60 minutes. The first hour is free, then $2 per additional hour and a max daily rate of $24.
As well as the main car park, there is also an outdoor valet parking service offered by the airport. The most common arrangement is for travelers to drive up, hand the car off to an attendant who will park it on site and have it ready when passengers come back from their trip.
Transportation Prices
Roberts Field is a transport-friendly airport, making it very easy to access and depart from there at competitive prices. While a bit less appealing for those driving themselves, the above rates are quite reasonable, especially if parking needs to be quick or short-term.
Not to mention, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are popular as well — average fares range from $10-15 each way to/from downtown Redmond. Another choice is a taxi service that requires around $3.50 for starting and then adds in metered rates which start at roughly $2.50 per mile outside the first few blocks of downtown where you're likely hanging out anyway.
Cascades East Transit operates bus service to the airport from many locations in and around Redmond for travelers looking for public transportation. With fares of just $1.50 for one way, you can place it squarely in budget territory when compared to services like Flyaway and Super Shuttle which cost much more than that.
Terminal Layout
The single, modern terminal at Roberts Field offers an open and spacious layout. Passengers will be greeted by check-in counters designated for the airlines operating from this terminal, promising a hassle-free and convenient check-in service.
The terminal will have its ticketing area, TSA security checkpoint, and boarding gates as well as passenger amenities such as dining areas and a mix of catering facilities. The open floor plan and abundance of seating help it feel easy to maneuver, making your way through the terminal can be much more pleasant than at other airports.
Navigate the Airport
Roberts Field is very easy to navigate as this airport has clean, clear signs and a logical layout. Clever wayfinding hints begin from the moment you step into the terminal, directing you towards where to check in for your airline, an efficient lane through security, and the departure board.
Since all gates are located in a single concourse, the boarding area is easy to navigate after clearing security. There are plenty of information signs throughout the domestic terminal so passengers can see their designated gate and direct themselves accordingly.
Getting Between Terminals
Roberts Field is a small airport and has only one terminal, so you can walk to any of the gates. The building houses all airline operations, passenger services, and amenities ensuring a smooth travel experience for the passengers.
Services and Amenities
Facilities and services available at Roberts Field to provide passengers with a convenient travel experience. These include:
- Free Wi-Fi all over the terminal
- Charging stations for devices
- A children's play area
- A nursing room for mothers
- ATMs and Money Changers
- Luggage Storage and Trolleys
The airport offers commercial facilities for business travelers, including workstations and printers as well as conference rooms in a fully equipped business center.
Restaurants and Shops
Delaware North, the largest provider of on-the-go foodservice across America's airports and rail stations, has signed an agreement with Regional Elite Airlines Services LLC (REAS) to provide more dining choices for passengers at Redmond Municipal Airport/Roberts Field. It also features a full-service restaurant, coffee shop, and grab-and-go market offering meals and snacks.
The airport has a few retail stores providing souvenirs, gift items, and travel goods for those who are shopping. These include a newsstand, specialty gift shop, and convenience store to get travelers what they need while passing through the airport.
Security and Customs
Going through the security checkpoint at Roberts Field is fairly easy. The TSA screening area comes after the check-in counters, with proper signage leading passengers to the right lanes.
Roberts Field has no customs or immigration, as it is a domestic airport. Nevertheless, the airport offers a TSA PreCheck lane that will allow those who are eligible to pass through security more quickly and with less hassle.
Accessibility
Roberts Field is dedicated to ensuring your experience traveling back into Central Oregon certainly won't be as painful coming in. While the terminal building and its amenities are adapted for passengers with reduced mobility, aspects such as:
- Designated terminal parking spaces
- Ramps and lifts for easy passage
- Wheelchair-accessible restrooms and water fountains
- On-request assistive listening devices
- Service animal relief areas
Roberts Field trains its airport staff to handle the needs of passengers who may require extra care, ensuring a hassle-free journey through Roberts Field.
Travel Tips
For a smoother and more enjoyable overall trip to Roberts Field Airport, we suggest the following:
- Give yourself more time for security screening, particularly during busy travel periods.
- Check your flight status and gate information before going to the airport.
- Stay connected and productive using the airport's free Wi-Fi.
- Take advantage of the various dining and shopping options in the terminal.
- Don't hesitate to ask the friendly airport staff for help if needed.
- Explore the valet service provided by one of the airport-regulated operators for a curb-to-gate experience.
- Check your ground transportation plans ahead of time to avoid wasting time traveling to and from the airport.
With these tips in mind, the airport experience at Roberts Field Airport and to beautiful Central Oregon will be both seamless and stress-free.