Capital Region International Airport
What to Expect When Flying Out of Lansing, Michigan
Jan 30, 2009
Since the horrific events of September 11, 2001, airport guidelines and procedures have changed tremendously. Although many understand the need for these changes, most will agree that stricter guidelines have resulted in many inconveniences for travelers. Consequently, some are opting to fly out of less busy airports such as the Capital Region International Airport (a.k.a. Capital City Airport ) in Lansing, Michigan.
Location and Directions to the Lansing Airport
Capital City Airport is located in Lansing, the capital of the state of Michigan. The city of Lansing is an hour and a half northwest of Detroit, and about fifty minutes or so southeast of Grand Rapids. The airport is easily accessible from interstates 96 and 69, as well as U.S. Route 127.
Basic Information About the Lansing Airport
Airlines servicing the Lansing airport include NWA, Delta and United Airlines. The Capital City Airport offers many of the conveniences of larger airports including ATM machines, a gift shop (Capital Market), restaurants (The Spartan Pub and the Cafe Lan), short and long term parking, taxi/limo services and on-site car rental.
The Positives of Capital Region International Airport
There are many reasons to choose Capital City over Detroit Metro including:
- Shorter check-in lines.
- Less hustle and bustle, a more relaxed environment.
- Very courteous (and less stressed) staff.
- Lower parking costs.
- Closer parking options.
- Shorter walking distances from destinations in the airport.
- Parking shuttle.
- Complimentary internet access (wi-fi) throughout the airport.
- Less traffic getting to and from the airport.
The Negatives of Capital Region International Airport
Although there are many reasons to choose to fly out of Capital Region, there are some disadavantages as well. Some of these disadvantages include:
- Fewer flights and airline options.
- Very few direct flights.
- Most flights are short (typically with connections in either Detroit or Chicago), thus planes are often puddle jumpers (a problem for some travelers).
- Fewer dining and shopping options within the airport.
- Limited seating in the airport terminal. Passengers are oftentimes found sitting on the floor.
The airport is on the outskirts of the city and just a few miles from downtown Lansing and the city of East Lansing. Hotels within just a few miles of the airport include the Sheraton Lansing, Holiday Inn West and the Courtyard by Marriott East Lansing. Many of these hotels offer discounts to travelers flying out of Capital City, as well as complimentary airport shuttles and free overnight parking.
When deciding whether to fly out of Capital Region International Airport, one must first weigh out the pros and cons. The pros and cons will vary considerably based upon travel destination, dates and times, personal taste, etc. Additionally, some flights cost less out of Capital Region, while others might cost more in comparison to Detroit Metro.
 |
