Dumb question from new flyer: Can you go to the airport and just look around?

[traces7]

I've only flown once and that was 20 years ago! We're going to take a test drive to the airport before our flight to time it and see how long it takes for sure. I was wondering if we could actually get out and at least see the check in area. I know we can't get to where the planes load, but can I get a little bit of a look around and find out where we have to go? We're flying out of General Mitchell in Milwaukee. Thanks for the help!

 

[bavaria]

Definitely! I go to my large local airport all the time for business meetings, meals, or shopping, not just to fly out... sounds like your airport may be fairly small, but I say go for it! Good idea to make yourself comfortable...

 

[polly p]

yes you can look around you just can't go to the terminals without a boarding pass, but you can go everywhere else.

 

[justplaingoofy]

Yes, you can! Just make sure on your day of departure you check what the airline recommends for time for you to arrive at the airport.

most airlines/airports are 2hrs.. Sometimes we go a little early incase of traffic or accidents, etc. Also, make sure you are at the gate early. Some people think if their flight is leaving at 8am, that is when they board. Airlines usually start boarding :45-:30 min prior to departure time. Alot of airlines no longer give you food on your flight. You may want to check because you can grab some food and take it on the plane with you and it does not count towards your carry on quantity that you are allowed.

Its great that you are doing your homework so that their will be no "unexpected!" Good job!

 

[katiedid0801]

I've only flown once and that was 20 years ago! We're going to take a test drive to the airport before our flight to time it and see how long it takes for sure. I was wondering if we could actually get out and at least see the check in area. I know we can't get to where the planes load, but can I get a little bit of a look around and find out where we have to go? We're flying out of General Mitchell in Milwaukee. Thanks for the help!

Very nice little airport! There's a very good bookstore there (can't remember the name) if you want to do a little shopping on your test run.

 

[paladin]

Here's their website if you want to check it out before you actually go to the airport. http://www.mitchellairport.com/

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

yes you can look around you just can't go to the terminals without a boarding pass, but you can go everywhere else.

I know what "polly p" is trying to say — you can not go into the concourses where the gates are, because those parts of the airport behind the security checkpoints. You can go into the terminal itself, including all public areas that are not behind the security checkpoints.

Only passengers with boarding passes are allowed through the security checkpoints. (There are a few exceptions.)

Surprisingly, the terminal guides at http://www.mitchellairport.com/ do not show where the security checkpoints are. I've never been inside the terminal at General Mitchell Airport in Milwaukee. I assume the museum, the shops, and the restaurants are all before the security checkpoints, so you can see those in addition to the ticket counters and baggage claim.

General Mitchell Airport enjoys an excellent reputation. I know people in the northern suburbs of Chicago who prefer to fly from Mitchell instead of from Chicago-O'Hare.

 

[WIDisneyFan]

Very nice little airport! There's a very good bookstore there (can't remember the name) if you want to do a little shopping on your test run.

I fly out of Mitchell on a very regular basis and the book store is GREAT The store could best be described as a second hand book store but unlike anything I have ever seen in an Airport - it is definately worht a visit.

As for the original question you can definately stop in and take a look around. If you have any other questions on Mitchell feel free to drop me a PM and I will be more than happy to share what I know