FAQ

What are the airport's hours of operation?
The airport terminal building never closes. However, each business operator sets its own hours of operation. For specific information on one of our airport tenants, check out the information on our Tenant Directory page.

What do I do if I am picking someone up or dropping someone off?
Please remember that the terminal building curb front is limited to immediate pick-up and drop-off only. Vehicles may not park or wait at the terminal curb front. If you are picking someone up and they are not ready and waiting on the curb, we suggest parking in the cell phone lot located south of Oostema Blvd., one block east of the airport entrance. You may wait in your vehicle for your passenger to call and then proceed to the curb front to pick them up. If this arrangement does not meet your needs, you can park in short-term parking on Level 1 of the parking garage so that you may leave your vehicle. Drivers should be aware that vehicles entering the terminal curbside or parking facilities may be subject to inspection.

Where can I smoke at the airport?
In accordance with City of Grand Rapids ordinance, all areas within the terminal building are designated as smoke-free.  Smoking is permitted outside in designated areas only. View a map of these locations.

Is there a lost and found office at GFIA?
The airport's lost and found is located in the police office in the Grand Hall of the passenger terminal building. Throughout the day you may stop in or speak with one of the police officers in the Grand Hall. Otherwise, you may call 616-233-6015 for additional assistance.

What are some of the passenger amenities offered at the airport?
Airport amenities include a range of food and beverage options, skycap service, two complimentary business centers, FREE WiFi access throughout the passenger terminal building, a shoe shine center, a Kids Port play room, conference and meeting rooms, a gift shop, and a staffed visitor information desk. Visit the Passenger Services portion of the site for information on these and other available amenities.

Can meeting space be rented at the airport passenger terminal building?
There are five conference/meeting rooms of varying sizes and amenities available for rent by the public.

Need information on traveling with a pet?
Check with your airline for specific information about prices, shipping requirements, and restrictions for all pets and live animals. Our airline pages contain a link to each airline's pet transport policies. Please be aware that all animals must be in travel carriers when in the passenger terminal building. (This does not apply to assistance animals.)

How large of a carry-on am I allowed to bring on board the plane?
General size guidelines are listed on each airline's page on our website. However, individual airline policies regarding carry-on luggage may vary. If you have more specific questions, we recommend that you contact your airline directly.

Where do I go for lost or damaged luggage?
Contact your airline directly regarding lost or damaged luggage.

Where can I get information on job opportunities at the airport?
If you are interested in a position with the Kent County Department of Aeronautics, check out our Employment page. If you are interested in a position with an airline or other airport tenant, please contact them directly.

I collect airport pins, postcards, brochures, souvenirs, and other airport memorabilia. Could you send me any of these items for my collection?
Unfortunately, we are not able to send out airport souvenirs due to the large number of requests for such items. However, when you are visiting, check out the News & Gift shop in the Grand Hall to see what is available.

Who manages and operates the airport?
Gerald R. Ford International Airport is managed and operated by the Kent County Department of Aeronautics, under the direction of the Kent County Aeronautics Board, a six-member body appointed by the Kent County Board of Commissioners with the responsibility for policy setting and general oversight of the airport.

Who manages and operates the passenger security screening checkpoints?
The Transportation Security Administration is responsible for the screening of passengers, carry-on baggage, and checked baggage.

How do I register an airline, checkpoint, or noise complaint?
Visit the Contact GFIA page for details on how to register a complaint.

What is the official 3-letter identifier for Gerald R. Ford International Airport?
GRR is the official airport designator for Gerald R. Ford International Airport. The international identifier is KGRR.

Why is it Gerald R. Ford International Airport?
The designation of International for an airport is not related to flight activity. Gerald R. Ford International Airport received this designation in 1977 when the U.S. Customs and Border Protection opened its offices at the airport.

How many local tax dollars go to support the airport facility.
The airport is financially self-supporting and receives no funding from property taxes, general funds, or special taxes. Airport operations generate local net airport revenue, rather than spend valuable tax dollars. GFIA's capital projects are funded through various sources, including earned surpluses, revenue bonds, passenger facility charges, and grants under the federal Airport Improvement Program and the Michigan state aviation grant program. Operational requirements are met through rates and charges assessed to airport tenants and airport patrons for the use of airport services and facilities.

What role does the Department of Aeronautics play in determining the level of air service at GFIA?
Quality air service is critical to West Michigan's economy, and the Department of Aeronautics is involved in ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the level of air service at the airport. Department of Aeronautics staff meet on a regular basis with the airlines that currently serve the airport, as well as airlines not currently serving GFIA. While the Department of Aeronautics is not able to directly set airfares, routes, or flight schedules, the cooperative relationships we maintain with our airline partners allow us to help build and maintain quality sustainable air service offerings for West Michigan.