Fly PIA? Peoria airport boasts convenience, direct flights. Here's what you need to know

Chris Sims, Journal Star
·4 min read

Peoria first decided there was a need for an airport on May 19, 1932, when the votes made a clear path for 261 local businessmen to purchase 195 acres for what would be four shale runways, according to General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport.

Though the airport's control changed hands a few times, what was once known as Greater Peoria Regional Airport was dedicated as General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport on Oct. 10, 2008. The dedication in honor of Downing's military service was attended by his good friend and former presidential candidate Ross Perot.

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Here's what you need to know about flying in and out of Peoria International Airport:

Is Peoria International Airport big?

It's a small airport, with free parking and short wait times for the security checkpoint. The airport now consists of more than 3,500 acres and boasts the state's only 24-hour FFA control tour outside of Chicago, according to the website. The airport employs 26 full-time staff members.

What airlines fly out of Peoria?

Three airlines fly out of Peoria − Allegiant, American Airlines and United Airlines.

How many cities does Peoria International Airport fly to direct or nonstop?

The Peoria airport offers 14 nonstop flights.

  • Allegiant: Destin/Fort Walton (seasonal May – August); Denver (seasonal); Fort Lauderdale – (seasonal); Fort Myers/Punta Gorda; Las Vegas; Nashville (seasonal); Orlando/Sanford; Phoenix/Mesa; Sarasota (seasonal) and Tampa/St. Petersburg.

  • American Airlines: Charlotte, Chicago O’Hare and Dallas/Fort Worth.

  • United Airlines: Chicago O’Hare.

Where does PIA have connecting flights?

Charlotte, Chicago O’Hare and Dallas/Fort Worth.

Pictured is the main entrance to the ticket/check-in area of the new airport terminal at Gen. Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport.
Pictured is the main entrance to the ticket/check-in area of the new airport terminal at Gen. Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport.

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What times are flight arrivals at Peoria International Airport?

Click here for a list of arriving flights, their times and if they are on schedule.

What times are departing flights at Peoria International Airport?

Click here for a list of departing flights, their times and if they are on schedule.

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What is the PIA Premier Lounge?

The PIA Premier Lounge is a special spot to relax before flights at the cost of $125 per year. The lounge offers complimentary water and coffee, leather seating, television, semi-private work stations and monitors to track flight status. A keycard is required for access and may be shared among family and friends. Click here to register or call 309-697-8272 for more information.

How much is parking at Peoria International Airport?

Parking is free in the main lot to the north of the terminal or in the satellite lot to the west of the terminal. A shuttle service is provided from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The Premier Lot offers limited availability at $400 per year. Perks of this lot are a fenced-in area that is well lit and a short walk to ticket counters and the terminal. A parking card is transferrable between friends and family, and also allows access to the Premier Lounge. Click here to register or call 309-697-8272 for more information.

Does Peoria International Airport offer car rental?

Yes. Car rental is available through four separate entities. They are:

Tips for first-time flyers

Peoria International Airport offers a list of tips for people taking their first flight. Here's what to know before you go, according to the website:

  • Arrival is recommended two hours prior to your flight.

  • Dress comfortably and be sure to wear easily removable shoes.

  • Know your baggage restrictions. Be sure to check with your airline before you go.

  • Downloading the associated apps can help you skip the line unless you have a checked bag and allows you to print your boarding pass in advance.

  • Passengers can check in online up to 24 hours before a flight. It is recommended to do so no less than 45 minutes prior.

  • Be sure to have all travel-related documents ready and available. These include but are not limited to: TSA identification information, passport or visa if needed, and a driver’s license or state-issued identification (Real ID needed beginning May 7, 2025). Children ages 2 to 17 are not required to show an ID. However, a birth certificate is required for children under the age of 2.

  • Dry snacks are permitted.

  • Drinks can be purchased after the security checkpoint.

  • Suggested items for travel include a charged cellphone, a cellphone charger, headphones, predownloaded music, predownloaded movies and a travel pillow.

Chris Sims is a digital producer at Midwest DOT. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria International Airport: What to know, from direct flights to parking