Exploring Travis AFB Airport: Gateway to the Pacific- The Blog
Introduction
In the heart of California's Solano County, Travis Air Force Base (IATA: SUU) serves as a "Gateway to the Pacific," functioning with more cargo and passenger traffic than any other military air terminal in the United States. This midsized airport is the "Gateway to the Pacific," facilitating humanitarian and military missions across our nation and around the world.
Airlines and Destinations
Travis AFB is mainly used as a military airfield for the United States Air Force. The 60th Air Mobility Wing — the host unit on base — operates a mix of C-5 Galaxies, KC-10 Extenders, and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. Recent CONUS and OCONUS flights are performed from this airport, which does not provide commercial passenger service but supports the Space A Terminal at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
Since Travis AFB is a military airfield, the passenger and flight data there would be reported differently than at commercial airports. But the base is known for its large footprint in the San Antonio area and more than 14,000 active-duty personnel at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. More than 12,000 military and civilian jobs are generated by the base each year, according to information released Saturday. The economic impact of Travis Air Force Base on Solano County is over $1 billion annually.
How to Get Here
There are many ways in which travelers can access Travis AFB Airport. The nearest airport is Sacramento International Airport (SMF), located about an hour's drive from the base, for those traveling by air. Available ground transportation options include Uber, Lyft, as well as taxis and shuttle services. The Sacramento airport is linked by the 42A or 42B bus to the town's Amtrak station, roughly a twenty-minute trip followed by another thirty-five minutes on an apparently infrequent train.
Parking
Public Parking is not available at Travis AFB Airport as it is a military base. When arriving at the airport, all visitors and staff must comply with access-control policies in force at the time of visit.
Transportation Costs
Costs for land transportation to and from Travis AFB Airport depend on the passenger's starting location and the service provider. Travelers are encouraged to do their research and choose an option that best suits them in terms of both appropriateness and cost-effectiveness.
Terminal Layout
Travis AFB Airport is a military airfield located southeast of the city with three runways: 14/32, 3L/21R, and 3R/21L. The layout and facilities are operated in support of U.S.A.F. requirements only, including parking/maintenance for C-5 Galaxy aircraft, travelers, private team-only flights, and static R&M operations.
Navigate the Airport
This is a military airfield that you can't just show up to and fly out of, but I still thought some people might like seeing it. The airport is only accessible by permission, and all visitors need to comply with the related regulations and steps when entering the base.
Getting Between Terminals
Since Travis AFB Airport is a single-terminal military airfield, there are no multiple terminals. Ground control manages the movement of passengers and personnel between different facilities within the airport's jurisdiction.
Services and Amenities
Travis AFB Airport is equipped to help military personnel and authorized visitors with airport services available. These residents are served primarily by the David Grant USAF Medical Center, a 265-bed teaching hospital providing care for active-duty and retired military personnel.
Restaurants and Shops
Most of the airport's dining and retail offerings cater to the base's military population. Limited food and beverage options as well as basic amenities and supplies can be found at its facilities.
Security and Customs
Travis AFB Airport is a military installation that has strict regulations on security. Visitors would be required to undergo proper screening and clearance before they enter the airport premises or its facilities.
Accessibility
Travis AFB Airport is for the use of military personnel and authorized visitors. The facilities and services of the airport are designed to be in service with United States Air Force requirements.
Travel Tips
Travis AFB Airport is an active Air Force Base, and as such, access to the base can be incredibly difficult for most types of civilian passengers. We suggest exploring and preparing for how best your airport access experience can become easy and convenient.