William R Fairchild International Airport

William R. Fairchild International Airport: Your Pacific Northwest Gateway

Introduction

Located in the Olympic Peninsula, William R. Fairchild International Airport (IATA: CLM) is a key travel gateway for Port Angeles and its various neighboring visitors. This midsized airport (only 3.5 miles northwest of downtown Port Angeles) offers quick, easy access to the scenic beauty and outdoor recreation that has made Washington State one of America's most popular travel destinations!

Airlines and Destinations

William R. Fairchild International Airport may not be the largest or busiest airport in the state, but it still has plenty of flights making their way up here. Horizon Air, a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines, is the only commercial airline that currently serves (or leaves) the airport. Horizon Air offers daily nonstop service between CLM and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) where guests can connect to Alaska Airlines' global network of 17 airline partners.

Regular passenger and charter flights are provided by Horizon Air, while local pilots use the airstrip for private general aviation purposes. The existing airport has two runways, 13/31 and 9/27, capable of supporting small private planes to mid-sized regional jets.

Number of Passengers Carried & Number of Flights Flown

William R. Fairchild International Airport handles, on average, about 50 thousand enplanements per year and has consistently ranked as one of the more reliable small airports for passenger traffic in recent years. August, when the summer tourism season is at its peak and thousands of travelers make their way to the Olympic Peninsula.

The airport sees approximately 25,000 operations annually (both commercial airlines and general aviation). Although only a small fraction of the number of flights at major hubs, the airport hosts efficient operations from its central location that many travelers choose when flying to or within this region.

How to Get Here

Driving

The airport sits right off of State Route 112, a.k.a. Strait up the Juan de Fuca Highway. It is well-signed from the main highway and easily accessible for visitors. Parking is possible on-site and free of charge for all cars, both short-term parking and overnight car park.

Public Transportation

There is a bus route operated by the Clallam Transit System, linking the airport with Downtown Port Angeles and other important areas. The bus is available at the assigned stop near the airport terminal for passengers.

By Taxi

Foot Passenger Pick Up / Drop Off Phone: 888-281-0313

By Shuttle or Taxi

Several local transportation companies offer service to and from William R. Fairchild International Airport. The two could be especially handy for incoming passengers or those requiring transportation to their ultimate destination.

Parking

You can also appreciate ample, affordable parking at William R. Fairchild International Airport. In 2011, the airport opened a new single-point facility offering both short-term and long-term parking options in one centralized location. Short-term parking rates start at $2 per hour, and long-term parking is available for as low as $10 per day, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers.

The lot is securely surfaced in an open, well-lit area with the airport terminal just a few steps away from all parking bays for hassle-free arrivals and departures. There are also handicap-accessible spaces if you have a valid permit.

Transportation Prices

Due to the availability of numerous transport options, it is usually budget-friendly and quite easy for visitors to travel in and out of William R. Fairchild International Airport. Fare options include a one-way ticket on the Clallam Transit System for as low as $1, and local shuttle/taxi/Uber/Lyft services are generally around $10-$20 per one-way trip to/from the airport.

Drivers will also appreciate the extremely economical parking rates at PFO airport, whether they decide to park for just a few days or much longer. Generally, travelers will pay a nominal amount to enter the terminal and complete their journey through another available option.

Terminal Layout

William R. Fairchild International Airport has a relatively no-frills and simple terminal building which caters to the area's small aircraft traffic with a view towards streamlined and efficient transportation for passengers. The small, single-level terminal contains the usual necessities such as ticketing counters, a security checkpoint, and baggage claim along with minimal food & beverage options.

The station is so well organized that even though it's small, everything here has had a great deal of thought and attention put into it to make the place easy for travelers. The open design and abundant natural lighting of the terminal are meant to create a friendly ambiance that greets world travelers on their much-anticipated trips.

Navigate the Airport

The airport is small and easy to work your way around. The main terminal building houses ticketing counters, a security checkpoint, and baggage claim, making passenger arrivals quick.

There are very few concessions after passing through security at this airport, but what is there looks modern. Even though the amenities are limited in selection when compared to other major airports, it benefits from a compact design of its terminal building which facilitates quick access to all passenger services.

Getting Between Terminals

Since William R. Fairchild International Airport is a single-terminal facility, layover concerns would be minimal as the latter does not have to transfer to different terminals. With all arrivals, departures, and connections conveniently made within the same terminal building, traveling is a convenient process.

Services and Amenities

Of course, William R. Fairchild International Airport doesn't offer quite as many services and amenities (given its significantly smaller size) than larger airports provide. These include:

• Terminal-wide free Wi-Fi.
• Food and drink (cafeteria, vending machines)
• Basic restroom facilities
• A business center with workstations and charging stations
• Minimal waiting areas for passengers, lounges revolve around the security checkpoint

General aviation users can also take advantage of services such as fueling, aircraft maintenance, and ground handling assistance.

Restaurants and Shops

Although meager with regard to restaurants and shopping, there are some basic amenities available for passengers waiting on flights at William R. Fairchild International Airport. There is no food and beverage option available in the terminal, just a small café serving snacks & light meals (hot/cold beverages).

On the retailing front, a nearby small-scale gift shop offers some essentials in terms of souvenirs, essential travel necessities, and local products. For those passengers seeking an even more extensive retail experience, the terminal lacks retailers and boutiques of any kind beyond its doors.

Security and Customs

The security checkpoint at William R. Fairchild International Airport is relatively easy to navigate, as this small airport hasn't been dealing with quite the same level of volume that many larger and busier airports deal with. Travelers should anticipate typical Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security formalities, such as the screening of carry-on and checked luggage, body scans, or metal detectors for passenger planes.

As William R. Fairchild International Airport sees overwhelmingly domestic flights, there is no established customs department on the field. Internationally arriving passengers, however, will still have to clear customs at the first place in America where they exit their flight (Visa does not operate U.S. customs).

Accessibility

William R. Fairchild International Airport is a welcoming place, whether you require assistance due to disabilities or other special needs. The airport terminal building and its components are designed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), meaning that all public areas of this facility are accessible for passengers using a wheelchair, mobility aids, or other assistive devices.

The airport has designated accessible parking throughout the car park, as well as ramps and lifts in place to make corridors wide enough for easy movement through all parts of the terminal. The airport staff is trained to give personalized support, and it helps a lot if passengers needing special assistance inform them that they need help.

Travel Tips

• Plan to be at the airport 1 hour before departure for parking, check-in, security clearing.
• Always check with the airport either on their website or various social media channels in case of any alerts that may prevent you from traveling.
• Limit the number of carry-on items (easier to take your shoes off and put them back on).
• Please also be sure to inform the airline ahead of time if you need special assistance or have any accessibility needs to create access accordingly.
• If you will not park at the airport, look into shuttles or taxis for transportation.
• Make the most of your flying experience by becoming familiar with airports ahead of time.

By remembering some of these tips, you too can have an easy, stress-free ride through William R. Fairchild International Airport and out to enjoy the grandeur that is the great Pacific Northwest.