If you haven’t been to the Bellingham Airport lately, you are in for a treat. The entire terminal building has been completely remodeled with expanded ticketing, baggage claim and roomy gate areas. The charm of the airport’s smaller size, lighter traffic and easy access remains, but the improvements have given it the ability to attract more flights to and from more destinations. Here’s an overview of what to expect:
Where is Bellingham Airport?
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Bellingham International Airport is located just north of Bellingham city limits on the west side of I-5, accessible from ext 258. It is 18 miles south of the U.S./Canada Peace Arch border crossing. The address is 4255 Mitchell Way, Bellingham, WA. Click here for written directions to Bellingham Airport.
Parking at Bellingham Airport
Parking has also greatly expanded at the airport in recent years. The Port of Bellingham now offers 4 lots to choose from, and a total of 2,790 parking stalls. Each lot has competitive hourly and daily rates. Click here for specific parking information.
The Main Terminal Parking Lot, as the name implies, is closest to the main terminal building, and easily walkable. This is the airport’s original parking lot that most people are familiar with. Rates are $1/hour or $12/24 hours.
Economy A Parking Lot is near the main lot and offers a 24-hour free shuttle to the terminal. Rates are $1/hour or $8/24 hours.
Economy B Parking Lot is located on Airport Way, just before it turns into Mitchell Way. Rates are $1/hour or $5/24 hours, with a free shuttle to the terminal 24-hours a day.
Economy C Parking Lot off of Williamson Way is only open during peak airport traffic months. Rates are $1/hour or $5/24 hours, with a free shuttle to the terminal 24-hours a day.
Improvements inside the Terminal
The new Ticket Lobby features 20 ticket agent positions, with a separate over-sized bag drop and a separate Air Cargo Office. Gone are the days of long lines in a cramped space to get through ticketing and bag drop.
The spacious, 15,000-square-foot Gate Lobby now has 8 aircraft gates and comfortable seating for 858 passengers, as well as two food concessions on the secure side.
Many of us are also oo-ing and ah-ing over the new Baggage Claim Lobby (remember the old one?). The 10,000-square-foot area now boasts two modern bag claim devices with triple the previous capacity.
Food Options at Bellingham Airport
My suggestion is, if you are flying out of BLI, come early and come hungry. Delicious food options await you.
Halibut Henry’s operates espresso-stand-style cafes on both the ticketing side of the terminal, and in the secure gate area side, featuring Tony’s Coffee, hot soup, pastries and take-and-go salads, wraps, and sandwiches. The majority of their offerings are made fresh on site. Bakery items are from Bellingham’s popular Avenue Bread, and scones are from Barb’s Bakery in Ferndale.
Scotty’s Brown’s is a full service sit-down restaurant and bar on the secure boarding side of the terminal. As I said, come early, check your bags, go through security and spend your time enjoying a delicious pre-flight meal right in front of your gate.
The menu features breakfast all day long, as well as “two-handed” burgers and sandwiches, pizzas, soup and salads, street tacos, the famous Dragon Bowl and even Old School Chocolate Cake for dessert. I ordered the Chicken Quesadilla with Thai Coconut Curry Soup. It was amazing!
Scotty’s Brown’s is open all day, and stays open until the last flight leaves in the evening, so it is also a great post-flight option when arriving in Bellingham. But remember to stop before exiting through security.
Many passengers enjoy getting into “vacation mode” at Scotty Brown’s full service bar, which specializes in fun signature drinks like the fruity Bellini.
Airlines and Direct Flights
Current airlines that fly to and from Bellingham International Airport (BLI) include the following:
- Non-stop flights to/from: Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas, Honolulu, Maui
- Connections to/from anywhere Alaska Airlines flights via Horizon Air in Seattle
- Non-stop flights to/from: Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Palm Springs, Phoenix-Mesa, San Diego, Oakland
- Scheduled flights to/from: Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, Orcas – Eastsound, Lopez Island
- Charter flights available, including to Canada
Other Activities
The airport is also a great place for a fun adventure during your stay in Bellingham. Learn to fly while you’re here, or bring your camera for an incredible bird’s eye view.
Helicopter Tours are offered from Bellingham Aiport by Bellingham Aviation Services , which also provides flight training. Scenic helicopter tours range from 20 minutes to 60 minutes, taking in the spectacular beauty of the San Juan Islands, Salish Sea, Bellingham Bay, Nooksack Valley agricultural basin, and snow-capped Mount Baker. Flights can be scheduled by calling 360-255-3010, or visit bellinghamhelicopter.com.
Scenic Flight Tours are also offered by San Juan Airlines aboard their fleet of 3 passenger and 5 passenger Cessna aircraft. Several itineraries are available to choose from. To book a tour call 800-874-4434 or email info@sanjuanairlines.com.
Additional information about Bellingham Airport is available at flybli.com. Enjoy your trip!
