Department of Transportation airfare statistics released in May show that GTF’s airfares rose less than a half percent during 2016. GTF’s average roundtrip airfare for the year was $391.40.
For the fourth consecutive year, GTF had the lowest average airfare of any commercial service airport in Montana. Compared to all 421commercial service airports in the US, GTF ranked as the 157th least expensive which puts the airport at the 37th percentile.
Increased competition over the past four years has helped to stabilize airfares in Great Falls. Much of the success is attributable to the investors in the Low Cost Airfare Initiative, who helped to realize new routes like United Airline’s summer Chicago flights. In addition to more Chicago flights, Alaska Airlines has added additional Seattle flights this summer and Delta has added large mainline aircraft to their Minneapolis hub. As a result, the airport expects record numbers of passengers on our network airlines this summer.
With all the additional seats, GTF may experience congestion at the checkpoint. Nearly 300 passengers will depart on flights before 7:30 am each day. GTF received new state-of-the-art equipment in the checkpoint that should help facilitate screening; however, it is important that passengers flying out on early flights this summer arrive 2 hours early to ensure they make their flight. Airline check-in closes up to 45 minutes prior to the scheduled flight time so please arrive early.
