Need Albuquerque airport help

[Rajah]

I'm going to be flying from Farmington NM to Albuquerque to catch my connection back home, and I need to know if anyone knows -- if I fly in on Mesa Air, do I have to go *back* through security before I can catch a Southwest connection?

I have two options for my return from Farmington. One gives me 5.5 hours waiting time between connections, the other gives a little over an hour. I'd *much* prefer the hour flight, but if I have to get my bags again and go back through security, I don't think that would be long enough.

Does anyone know?

 

[mickeyfan1]

If this is a connection that was made via the airline, then no, you don't need to recheck. I would contact both Southwest and Mesa Air to make sure though. If you made the arrangements for your flights on your own, then you will most likely have to claim your bags, take them to SWA and go through security again. ANd an hour may not be enough time.

 

[Rajah]

Thanks. I finally found the phone number for the information and unfortunately, SWA is the only airlines they don't have "trusted baggage" status with so yeah, I'll have to pick up and re-check. Which means 5.5 hours in the airport. Bleah.

 

[NMAmy]

Hey, I lived in Farmington for 15 years! I've made that flight countless times because dd's dad still lives there and I go back to visit friends from time to time and take her back and forth.

Last time I went, you did need to go back through security to get to the main terminal at the Sunport. Mesa's gates are on the outside of the main terminal's security checkpoints.

Looking at the bright side--if you have a longer layover, you can have a meal at Garduno's. It's delicious.

Have fun in Farmington! Wave to dd for me--she's there right now.

 

[Rajah]

Yeah, but *5* hours? *thunk*

That's not *quite* long enough to run out to Old Town for some shopping, either.

My grandparents live in Farmington, and we'll probly only be there a couple of days before going up to the land in Pagosa springs, then back down to Farmington.

I'm not looking forward to the Mesa part -- small planes scare me to death. This'll be the first prop plane I've been on.

 

[NMAmy]

I know what you mean. It's kind of disconcerting when the pilot and co-pilot turn around to chat with you. I always want to say--Turn around and pay attention, fella!

I used to love living in Farmington when you were expecting guests--you just watch the plane fly over, hop in your car, and pick them up at the airport. My mom was all nervous that I wouldn't be able to find her--I mean, there's an arrival gate and a departure gate. It's hard to lose someone.

Have a great time in Farmington! I'm hoping to make a trip back there myself soon.

 

[SetzKitten]

Could you rent a car in Farmington and drive to ABQ? Between the time you spend arriving early at Farmington and the 5.5 hour wait at ABQ, you might be able to save a little time, plus get to see the beautiful countryside.

 

[NMAmy]

Could you rent a car in Farmington and drive to ABQ? Between the time you spend arriving early at Farmington and the 5.5 hour wait at ABQ, you might be able to save a little time, plus get to see the beautiful countryside.

That's a pretty good idea but it is an awfully lonely ride. To the OP: They've widened 44 to two lanes each way (which is SO much nicer than it used to be) but there is nothing between Farmington and Albuquerque except for Cuba. If you do drive, be sure to take a bathroom break there. And pack snacks.

It takes about 3.5 to 4 hours even with the road widened. Personally, if it were me, I'd rather take the flight and wait in the Sunport for 5.5 hours. I've done it both ways.

 

[Rajah]

Could you rent a car in Farmington and drive to ABQ? Between the time you spend arriving early at Farmington and the 5.5 hour wait at ABQ, you might be able to save a little time, plus get to see the beautiful countryside.

That's what I usually do, but I've never done it solo and both my grandparents and my mom begged me not to drive unless I had no choice. Though the drive would've been my preference (I actually like that drive, believe it or not), I opted to make the family happy.

 

[perdidobay]

Just popping in to say I like that drive between Farmington and Abq too...I love it esp. around sunrise or sunset.
Have a great time in New Mexico and Colorado. I'm jealous