Frequently Asked Questions

What are you doing to increase the frequency of flights from Bellingham and add more destinations? 

  • Adding new flights is very competitive due to a shortage of airline pilots, aircraft supply issues, increased competition from nearby airports like Abbotsford and Paine Field, and more low-cost carriers moving into the region. Airlines have dropped flights at BLI despite consistently strong demand and high load factors. To recruit new airlines, the Port highlights the benefits of BLI (including high load factors) and makes every effort to ensure the rates and fees charged to airlines are as low as possible. BLI is one of the lowest cost airports in the region, charging less than $4 per passenger compared to well over $20 per passenger at Vancouver International Airport (the national average for non-hub airports like BLI is $10.11/passenger). In addition to low fees, the Port offers incentives to new airlines such as revenue guarantees, fee waivers, marketing, and help with startup costs. The Port is in regular communication with the airlines and uses an experienced air service recruitment consultant (Volaire Aviation) with many years of experience and industry connections. It is a challenging situation, but over the long-term, Sea-Tac has limited capacity and BLI remains a convenient, cost-effective option with millions of potential passengers living within 50 miles. The Port is seeking grants and other funding opportunities to support the phased construction an International Arrivals Terminal capable of supporting commercial flights to Mexico and Central America. The Puget Sound Region is projected to run out of International Gate Capacity by 2035 and airline carriers have requested service from BLI to Mexico and Central America.  

Why did Southwest Airlines leave Bellingham?

  • Southwest Airlines and its non-stop flights from Bellingham to Denver, Las Vegas and Oakland were extremely popular with high load factors and continued overall growth, but Southwest left BLI to make systemwide adjustments in response to delays in the delivery of jets from Boeing.

Why is my plane ticket from Bellingham to Seattle sometimes so expensive?

  • Bellingham International airport has no control over airline ticket prices. Ticket prices are set by airlines based on a wide range of variables.

How early do I have to arrive at airport for my flight? 

  • Airlines require passengers to check in 2 hours prior to departure time; if you have a 5:00 am flight, the recommendation is to arrive at 3:30 am – this is the time that TSA and ticket counters open.

What are the ID Requirements to pass through security? 

  • Individuals under 18 are not required to show ID for check in or at TSA check points. Requirements for 18 and older are a government issued ID - some examples are: Driver License, TWIC, Passport, Military ID, and Nexus.

My ID is expired, can I still use it? 

  • You can use expired identification as long as it has been expired less than a year.

I am a Canadian citizen, do I need a passport to fly out of Bellingham International Airport? 

  • You do not need to show a passport at the airport as long as you are traveling within the United States. If you are traveling outside the US you will need to follow your airlines recommendations for identification.

What happens if I lost my ID? 

  • If you lost your ID and do not have any other government issued ID (see list above) you may bring two items with your name on it to verify who you are. Examples include a bill that is mailed to you, a prescription bottle, school id or a Costco card.

Can I bring liquids through the security checkpoint? 

  • Each passenger is allowed to bring onto the plane, one quart sized baggie, filled with 3.4 oz. or less of liquids.

Can I bring food through the TSA security checkpoint? 

  • You may bring food through TSA as long as it is in a solid form. Peanut butter, apple sauce and yogurt are considered liquids and will fall into the 3.4 oz. category. See the TSA website for more information.

What does it cost to park at the airport? 

Who should I contact if I lost an item in the airport or on an airplane? 

  • If you left/lost your item on the plane, you will need to contact the airline directly. If you left/lost your item on Port property or at TSA, please contact the Port of Bellingham by phone at (360) 671-5674 or fill out our online form.

Is there a shuttle service to Canada and/or Seattle? 

  • Yes, Quick Coach travels to and from Canada, their reservation numbers are: 604-940-4428 or 800-665-2122. web site is www.quickcoach.com.
  •  Airporter Shuttle travels to/from Bellingham and Seattle, reservations are: 866-235-5247 or 360-380-8800.

Does the airport have storage lockers? 

  • No, the Bellingham International Airport does not have lockers.
I am a nursing mother, is there a place where I can find some privacy? 
  • Yes, we have two ADA compliant Mamava lactation suites that are available post-security, next to Gate C and adjacent to Gate E. The Mamava pod can be unlocked by downloading the free Mamava app on iOS and Android devices here.