Need Dayton Airport - general info

[auger]

Can anyone tell me about the Dayton, OH airport?
Last night, we booked SW flights out of there to MCO for November.
I have never even seen the airport, so I have no clue if this was a smart move or one I will regret!
We normally fly from FNT or DTW.
So can anyone help me out with comparisons and general info?

Is the airport easy to access from I-75?
How big is it?
Do you consider it a pleasure or a pain to fly in and out of?
Is the parking lot safe for leaving my car?
How does it compare in size to DTW and FNT; large, busy airport like DTW, or small like FNT?
How does the TSA line compare to DTW and FNT?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[tobikaye]

Can anyone tell me about the Dayton, OH airport?
Last night, we booked SW flights out of there to MCO for November.
I have never even seen the airport, so I have no clue if this was a smart move or one I will regret!
We normally fly from FNT or DTW.
So can anyone help me out with comparisons and general info?

Is the airport easy to access from I-75?
How big is it?
Do you consider it a pleasure or a pain to fly in and out of?
Is the parking lot safe for leaving my car?
How does it compare in size to DTW and FNT; large, busy airport like DTW, or small like FNT?
How does the TSA line compare to DTW and FNT?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

To get to DAY from I-75 you will take I-70 W and there are many signs to help get there. It is not a large airport. I have left my car many times in the parking lot from 3-7 days with no problems. Since I have never been to DTW or FNT, I cannot compare. Since I live closer to DAY, I tend to fly out of there. Other than not having much to do, it is not a bad airport. I have never had a long wait to get through TSA.

 

[subtchr]

I concur with the PP. We live in suburban Dayton, and I fly out of there for work at least monthly.

I really like it. It's pretty small, but to me that is a good thing. Lines are never long, and it's a relatively short walk to either side of the terminal (Southwest flies from the A side). They recently added a few more vendors, as well. There is free wifi throughout the airport.

Parking is safe and cheap, from $6 per day for the economy lot to $16 for the garage. There is a shuttle from the economy lot, but I usually just park at the far end and walk in to the terminal, if the weather is okay.

The airport is actually in Vandalia, northwest of downtown Dayton. As previously noted, from I-75 it is one exit west on I-70. Easy approach and clearly marked entrances to parking.

Have a great trip!

 

[auger]

Thanks for the replies.
Sounds like it is more like FNT than DTW.
That is very good to hear!

Dayton is about an extra hour for us to drive, but the price difference over DTW was huge, and the flight times were more preferable to those out of FNT.

Not gonna like leaving home at 2:30 am to head for the airport, but... I'll be headed to WDW, so I think it'll be ok!!!

How early would you suggest we arrive before the 6:50 am flight?
At DTW, we would shoot for 2 hours, but FNT is smaller and we can get there 1-1 1/2hours prior with no trouble.

 

[leebee]

Last summer my DD was at a dance program at Wayne State but we flew in and out of DAY when we went to see her performance instead of DTW because of the prices! DAY is MUCH smaller and nicer than DTW; you should be able to get there an hour and a half in advance and be fine. Is there no chance of staying at an airport hotel the night before, so you don't start your vacation feeling VERY exhausted? Also, if there's weather predicted, I'd definitely drive to DAY the night before… just my opinion, of course!

 

[auger]

Last summer my DD was at a dance program at Wayne State but we flew in and out of DAY when we went to see her performance instead of DTW because of the prices! DAY is MUCH smaller and nicer than DTW; you should be able to get there an hour and a half in advance and be fine. Is there no chance of staying at an airport hotel the night before, so you don't start your vacation feeling VERY exhausted? Also, if there's weather predicted, I'd definitely drive to DAY the night before… just my opinion, of course!

Thanks for your reply! Everyone's input helps, but since you have experience at DTW, this is extra helpful!

We have considered overnighting, but, I have done this kind of driving for so many years, it's really no big deal for me.

Still, if I find a sleep-park-fly for a good deal, I may consider it. DD15 is always up for staying a night in a hotel!!

Anyone have any experience with any of these kind of hotels in Dayton?