Tucson International Airport - airlines, deals, dining, parking!

Tucson International Airport is friendly, welcoming, easy to navigate, and exactly the right size - not so large that you feel frenzied, but big enough to offer plentiful flight options.

Although TUS encompasses 8,434 acres (there are 130 separate buildings on the airport complex that provide nearly 2.5 million sq. feet of space), the airport always manages to feel effortlessly peaceful.

If you're navigating to Tucson International Airport with your phone or a GPS, input 7250 S. Tucson Blvd.

AIRLINES SERVICING TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

There are currently eight airlines going to 19 nonstop destination airports from Tucson International Airport (TUS) with one-stop connections to more than 345 cities around the world. Click here for the full list of direct flights to/from Tucson.

The eight airlines that fly out of Tucson International Airport (TUS) are:

1. Alaska Airlines
2. Allegiant Air
3. American Airlines
4. Delta Air Lines
5. Frontier Airlines
6. Southwest Airlines
7. Sun Country Airlines
8. United Airlines

DINING AT TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

There are eleven restaurants at Tucson International Airport and many have a distinctly local flair. Experience an authentic Mexican food experience right at the airport - or opt for sandwiches, salads, burgers, or beer.

You won't find a McDonalds at the Tucson Airport! As the first designated UNESCO "City of Gastronomy" in the USA, Tucson takes its food seriously and even the airport restaurants offer excellent fare.

RESTAURANTS NEAR THE A GATES (Southwest, Sun Country, United)

• Beyond Bread (sandwiches, salad, pastries, breakfast options)
• Dunkin' (donuts, coffee, breakfast sandwiches)
• Empire Pizza (authentic New York style pizza)
• Sir Veza's Kitchen & Kantina (tacos, burritos, burgers, hot dogs, beer, margaritas, cocktails)
• The Maverick (American food, beer, wings, onion rings, nachos, salad, burgers)

RESTAURANTS NEAR THE B GATES (Alaska, American, Delta)

• Beyond Bread (sandwiches, salad, pastries, breakfast options)
• Brueggers' Bagels (bagels, breakfast, lunch, coffee, salad, soup)
• BUILT Custom Burgers (build-your-own burgers and burger bowls)
• El Charro Cafe (homemade Mexican food, sit-down restaurant)
• Thunder Canyon Brewstillery (beer, cocktails, full bar, sandwiches, salad, sliders)

RESTAURANTS PRE-SECURITY

• Barrio Brewing Company (Arizona's oldest brewery - craft beer, appetizers, salads, handhelds)

RESTAURANTS AT BAGGAGE CLAIM

• Arbuckles' Coffee (coffee, espresso, baked goods, fruit)

GLUTEN-FREE AT TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Beyond Bread offers a a gluten free wrap as a bread alternative on any sandwich or sandwiches can be made on a bed of lettuce.

SOUVENIERS & SHOPS AT TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

There are four shops at the Tucson Airport. Every store has local Tucson souvenir options from local artists/vendors such as cacti, candy, snacks, books, etc.

BOOKSTORES AT TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Although you can find books at all of the shops at the airport, Ink by Hudson has the largest library of options. As is the case with most airport bookstores, Ink by Hudson tends to feature hot titles, bestsellers, and magazines.

RENTAL CAR OPTIONS AT TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The Rental Car Center is just outside the east exit of the terminal.

The eight rental car options are: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty (courtesy shuttle).

HOTELS NEAR TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

There are sixteen hotels near the airport, but note that they tend to be "quick stay" options. In other words, they are ideal if you specifically want to be close to the airport or if you have business in downtown Tucson or at the University of Arizona.

If you want to be within two miles of the airport, we recommend Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Hampton Inn Tucson Airport, Hyatt Place Tucson Airport, Residence Inn Tucson Airport, Staybridge Suites Tucson Airport, or TownPlace Suites Tucson Airport.

If, however, you are looking for a luxury experience or would like to be closer to specific attractions, please peruse our hotel and resort profiles.

PARKING AT TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Parking at Tucson International Airport - whether short term or long term, for an hour or a week - is no problem.

Tucson Airport Authority has more than 7,500 parking spaces in six locations. TAA parking facilities and shuttles operate 24/7.

• HOURLY: $1 for every 30 minutes (under solar canopies; $13/day maximum)
• DAILY: $10/day (under solar canopies; intended for longterm parking)
• GARAGE: $3/hour or $10/day (near car rental center; either hourly or long term)
• ECONOMY: $4.50/day (long-term parking with complimentary courtesy shuttle available 24-hours a day)
• COVERED ECONOMY: $6/day (long-term parking with complimentary courtesy shuttle available 24-hours a day)

EasyPay offers parking customers the option to pay with a credit or debit card and depart using automatic exit gates. The exit gates of the Hourly, Daily and Economy lots are also staffed with cashiers for customers who prefer to pay cash.

If you prefer, you can reserve parking ahead of time. There is a $2 fee, but it limits interaction/touch points (an ideal option for anyone wanting to avoid additional contact).

LOUNGES AT TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The only lounge at the Tucson International Airport is the Military Lounge.

Tucson International Airport’s Military Lounge is equipped with chairs, sofas, TV, movies, microwave, coffee pots, a refrigerator, and snacks. It also has access to the airport’s free WiFi and there are charging stations for electronics. The Military Lounge is intended to be a comfortable respite area while members of the military wait for flights or ground transportation pick-up.

TRAVELING WITH KIDS - TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Are there family restrooms?

Yes. Three are located pre-security: two adjacent to the Welcome Lounges in Baggage Claim on the lower level and one is on the east side of the Center Point on the ticketing (second) level. Post-security, the women’s and men’s restrooms on both concourses are designed so a portion can be closed for private family use to accommodate people with special needs. To request this service, please call (520) 573-8182. Signage at the restrooms also contains these instructions. There are plans to construct an individual family restroom on each concourse post-security.

Is there a nursing lounge or mother's area?

Yes. There is a 50sqft Mamava breastfeeding/pumping pod on each concourse. The 4-foot by 8-foot suites have a locking door, electricity, a fold-down table, and bench seating. Although they are not air-conditioned, they are well-ventilated and maintain the same temperature as the terminal. The suites are meant for individual use but can accommodate a nursing mother, her baby, and other children since there are two benches inside. Download the Mamava app in advance to gain access to the suite.

“Whether they’re flying for work or leisure, we’re happy to now provide these suites for our traveling moms that deserve a clean and comfortable space of their own,” said Bonnie Allin, President and CEO of the Tucson Airport Authority. “We’ve heard from our traveling moms that they wanted this privacy, and we’re thrilled to be able to have Mamava suites now readily available.”

Note that the breastfeeding/pumping pods do not have sinks and are not meant to be used for changing diapers.

Do any of the restaurants offer children's menus?

Yes.

Beyond Bread offers half PB&J sandwich or half grilled cheese sandwich for $3.50. Includes choice of chips, baby carrots, or an apple.

Sir Veza's Kitchen & Kantina offers three "Kid Fixes" ($6.95 each) - hot dog, cheese quesadilla, or bean burrito. Served with fries or fruit.

El Charro has an option for ninos as well - hot dog, quesadilla, or gluten-free chicken strips for $6.95. Served with fries.

Is there a playground or space for children?

Good news! Tucson International Airport is working on developing children’s play areas as part of the ‘A Brighter TUS’ terminal renovation project.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR NEXT FLIGHT DURING COVID-19

The Tucson Airport Authority requires all people who enter the TUS terminal adhere to social distancing guidance. Face coverings are required due to a federal mandate, which requires them in airports nationwide. That mandate is currently set to expire on May 11, 2021.

Tucson International Airport has also taken the following safety/heath precautions:

• Transparent acrylic shields have been installed in multiple places where face-to-face interactions are common like ticket counters, boarding gate counters, rental car counters, and TSA security.
• Distance dots have been placed in areas that are usually crowded like TSA security, baggage claim, and jet bridges. Similar messages are now on seatbacks around the terminal to encourage everyone to maintain a safe distance.
• 23 additional hand sanitizing stations throughout the airport.
• Extra soap is stocked in the bathrooms and custodial crews clean the bathrooms several times a day.
• High touch areas are disinfected multiple times each day.
• Signs encouraging good hygiene and safe distancing are all over, including airport entrances. Additional signs for bathrooms and elevators are on the way.
• Paper cups are available next to filling stations for water bottles. Water fountains are temporarily closed.
• Shuttle buses have a new way of loading and unloading passengers to limit contact and maintain distances. The shuttles are also disinfected after every trip.
• The airport has two free COVID-19 test locations. One is in the terminal for passengers. Current hours are 12:00pm – 7:00pm daily. The other site is at 6868 S Plumer Avenue and is open to the public. Current hours there are 10:00am – 2:00pm on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Register here.

TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT FLIGHT AT TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

You're going to love TUS!

These are some of our top tips to help you have the best possible experience at the Tucson International Airport.

1. Subscribe to email newsletters from the Tucson Airport Authority, TucsonTopia, and each of the airlines that service Tucson. These emails will provide you with great information about Tucson (hotels, restaurants, things to do) - plus details about flight deals and sales!
2. When should you arrive at the airport before your flight? Each airline has its own recommendation but a good guideline is to be at the airport 90 minutes before scheduled departure for a domestic U.S. flight and 2 hours before departure for an international flight. Allow more time if you have special circumstances and around holidays.
3. Thinking about flying from Phoenix instead? Use the Tucson Airport cost calculator before you book your flight! You may be surprised to find that Tucson offers the flexibility, affordability, and calm that you are looking for. Tucson resident Laura Evans had this to say, "The cost of getting a flight out of TIA in recent years is comparable to larger airports and more convenient then spending time on the road to get to PHX to catch a flight."
4. Need to access the internet at the airport? Fly-Tucson-Free-WiFi is available throughout the terminal.
5. Bring a reusable water bottle! Free water filling stations are located near water fountains on the concourses for passengers to fill their empty water containers after clearing TSA security.

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On behalf of the entire TucsonTopia crew, we hope you have a fantastic flight!