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Albany International Airport
Categories: Hotels & Travel Airports Automotive Parking Hotels & Travel Transportation Airport Shuttles Airports, Parking, Airport Shuttles [Edit]
737 Albany Shaker RdAlbany, NY 12211
(518) 242-2200
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
About This Business:
Albany Park Ride & Fly serves the Albany International Airport (ALB) and offers a complete valet airport parking service. Staff at the offsite airport… read more »
57 reviews for Albany International Airport
57 reviews in English
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Review from Jane S.
San Jose, CA
1/16/2012
This airport is great! A small, modern, easy airport that's a pleasure to fly in and out of. I've flown in and out twice, and both times were great experiences. They've clearly put a lot of money and effort into it recently to make it a modern and welcoming place.
Security was super fast both times, less than a 5 minute wait once and no wait the second time. The Southwest check in lines have always been quick as well.
Once inside the terminal, there's a really nice Starbucks immediately ahead, plus some other restaurants nearby. Both times I've flown, my gate has been immediately to the right. There are about twenty great wooden chairs with comfy seats that look out the big windows onto the tarmac, and those are a great place to sit and chill while waiting for a flight. They also play instrumental mood music. And there's free wifi. I've never been to an airport so relaxing!
When I've flown in, the bags have arrived without a problem. Last time, there was a 10-minute wait or so, which was longer than it should have been, in my opinion.
The rental car area is in the parking garage immediately out the door, which is so handy!
And the first time I flew out of here, there was a golden retriever security dog chilling out! Adorable!! So major plus for that! -
Review from Frank Z.
Albany, NY
4/17/2012
First, let's talk from the perspective of a pilot:
The controllers here are really good. They can obviously get a little pissy if you are not paying attention to their instructions or are taking too long to reply, especially if they're busy, but they're great. Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of hearing some "fun" communications between ALB Approach and a dumbass of a skydiver pilot with a shitty radio. DON'T be an asshat, DO what the controllers tell you to do, and there won't be any problems. It's a pretty simple system.
The FBO -- Million Air -- is great. All of their locations are, but their people at ALB are top notch. BMW crew car? You bet. Fuel prices are reasonable.
From the perspective of a passenger:
The terminal and the airport grounds are very well maintained. It's small, yes, but it's kept very clean and it's comfortable.
Security screening can be iffy, apparently. I've personally never been held up for too long. From my experience as a passenger they tend to process people at a reasonable pace, even during peak times, although I've had friends who say they've had worse experiences with screening.
Parking is a tad expensive but it's nothing unreasonable. The parking area is attached to the terminal via a sheltered walkway. Also they accept E-ZPass Plus to pay for parking when you leave.
Baggage claim can be sluggish, but I've never had a serious issue with it. It's a small airport so you wouldn't expect a big wait for your baggage to show up, but I've waited around 20 minutes in the past. It's not common and it's not terrible, but it has happened. The only time a bag was lost wasn't their fault, so I certainly can't hold that against them.
A lot of reviews have mentioned the food/drink situation. There's not really much to add to that point. The hours for food and beverages in the terminal are pretty short.
I've never had an issue worth mentioning here as a pilot or as a passenger. This is one of the best airports that I've dealt with. -
Review from Chris B.
Red Hook, NY
1/1/2012
I like Albany International airport, because they are the smallest of the airports near
Me with the International part in their name. Although the airport doesn't send up big jets for most flights, it does send bigger small jets(still twin propeller) to different locations offering an Express service. The planes, when landing in other airports, normally inboard in a terminal for express flights. In this airport though, all flights board in 3 separate terminal group areas. The airport is always clean and maintained.
The baggage claim rarely looses luggage and there is rarely a hassle with security, much better than Newark, JFK or LaGuardia or Stewart International(Newburgh a 35 minute drive away). And for those irrisisstible people who want to view their relatives planes, there's even an observation deck on the un-ticketed side on another floor of the airport.
"it's small, but packs a tremendous punch, if you miss this airport in your list!" -
Review from Janette C.
Nashville, TN
4/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Small airport, quiant, easy to navigate. The only down side is that Dollar rental cars is off site (that is my prefered car rental co) ... but that is not the airports fault :)
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Review from Josh A.
Clifton Park, NY
Updated - 12/12/2011
I still like Albany International.
This downgrade is based purely on the RIDICULOUSLY slow baggage claim service that can really screw you. Went to pickup a family member, bags took 45 full minutes before they got out.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/31/2010
Albany is as low stress as airports come these days.
Loses one star for shutting down food/beverages… Read more »
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Review from Chas F.
2/24/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I was surprised by the airport. No security on the outside, not complaining isn't a bad thing! But it's a decent sized airport for this seemingly ghost town.
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Review from Jon A.
7/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Strikingly small. The sort of small that gives you the idea of just showing up ten minutes before your departure. The sort of small that reminds you of Bob Hope getting off a plane out on the tarmac. Or Liz Taylor. Trouble is... small doesn't always mean an expedited security line. What small might just mean is: understaffed, underfunded so you get a longer wait than you would say at a mid-sized (Indy, well-funded) airport.
This airport had one security scanner / "guard," open when on a Friday morning. This airport gets the honor of making me re-think my notion that because it's small means it's quick. Granted... I really wasn't in a rush -- my expectations were off. And, granted... there was a meditation room. In fact, the first sign I saw in the airport was "meditation room (that way)." That settled me. Speaking of settling... if you happen to get delayed, say more than 90 minutes... walk across the street to the very first Shaker settlement in America. Yeah. It's right there. The whole thing. It has tours, or you can just wander around.
Experiences to find:
*The short walk from security to any gate (really, is this the smallest airport out there?)
*Meditation Room (make time)
Experiences to not find:
*The Nanny-style laugh by the woman that works at the bagel stand (read: not the meditation room). However she does have a purpose I suppose... to shine a bright light on how peaceful and "I'm not in an airport" meditation room.Listed in: Schroooooooooon!, Airports
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Review from Teri W.
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's an airport in Upstate NY, what can I say? There is nothing spectacular about this place, but it also wasn't horrible. Security didn't take too long, and I found my gate pretty quickly. It didn't seem like there were a lot of restaurant/bar options. I mean, I was 2 1/2 hours early for my flight, what else am I going to do but grab a couple of beers? Haha. I ended up at the Saratoga Springs place. The bartender was very friendly and the chopped steak salad I had was REALLY good.
Listed in: Road Trippin'
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Review from Dean D.
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Albany is a small, clean and easy airport to find your way around. They have some good shops and restaurants for a small airport. Things tend to flow well and security is relatively quick. My tip for the day still applies...Just strip down to nothing and things will go a lot smoother with the TSA folks. At least they didn't take my shaving cream and toothpaste this time.
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Review from Drew W.
Stillwater, NY
Since this is what I jokingly refer to as my office it is a true 5 stars. I fly 75% of the year and this airport rocks in comparision to others it's size. The fact that the Internet is free is a huge plus.
Security here is the same as most other airports but as long as you make sure you file the TSA guidelines and have everything ready to put in bins as you get to the table things will go much smoother for all involved.
I recommend Delta Airlines 9:20 am flight into DTW (Detriot). The check in lines are very short and security even shorter. -
Review from Bill D.
5/20/2011 6 Check-ins Here
I really hate airports, and this one should be no exception. It's your typical socialist realist dreary municipal second tier city airport.
But, it's small, convenient and heavenly days there's a Starbucks right at the A gates so it's perfect for when I have to hit Albany at 5 goddam am. Because I am so charming early in the morning. Yeah, really. Imagine what I was like in the military, only I'm a lot less so now. Or is it more so now?
The car rental people are great and the garage is right outside and across from the terminal. No stupid buses. I love this, thank you Albany. They even have *crossing guards* to make sure drivers stop at the pedestrian cross walks. Oh, you yankees are just precious.Listed in: Gimme a Ticket for an Airplane
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Review from Lis B.
5/25/2011
I'm giving this airport five stars. Everyone is very friendly, calm, and low-key. This one is small and convenient.
There aren't a ton of food choices - Starbucks, Silks Saratoga Bisro, an italian place and some smoothie bar that also serves sandwiches - but it's fine for what it is. There's also a Dunkin' before the security gates on the second floor. Two newsstands (with the same material) in different areas.
Clean, bright, and nice. -
Review from Freddy O.
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love how it's INTERNATIONAL because it flies to Canada! :) I actually enjoy the small airport environment. The few times I have been there, I still can't locate the water fountain, and I'm glad to find out I'm not the only one; other customers and employees too has a hard time. My biggest cringe is with the security lines -- only because the xray scanner the insist on using takes so much longer to get through, and it's hard to accept their methods when you can clearly see the old xray scanner right next to it...that they randomly select people to go through. Could be worse I guess!
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Review from Danika A.
7/23/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Albany International Airport is a no fuss airport. Even if you're on a time crunch, you can still park in the economy parking lot and expect to get picked up within 5 minutes of waiting for the shuttle. I like that it's small, so you don't have to take a shuttle across the airport then walk for what seems like 2 miles to get to your gate.
As other reviewers have mentioned, they don't have the most awesome selection of food and beverage options. However, it's pretty good for a small airport.
There area a ton of hotels and restaurants in the surrounding area as well. If you're coming into the upstate NY area, this airport is probably the most convenient (but maybe not the cheapest). -
Review from Megan E.
6/4/2011
I'm in love with Albany airport. I'm a terrible flyer, but I don't have to get nervous about flying at this airport because its impossible to get lost, and you get your baggage super quick.
Everybody in this airport is incredibly friendly. I've been here to fly a few times, and I've been on the airport tour for work. They have always been helpful, friendly, and made my trip more calm and relaxing.
There isn't a huge food selection but considering its probably not a huge layover airport thats not an issue for anyone. I mean I dont need to eat a meal out of the albany airport if I live near it. Theres a starbucks and that is enough for me -
Review from Andrew H.
Averill Park, NY
2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Albany is a smaller airport, but the atmosphere is nice. Waits are generally short, and staff at the united/continental gates always are great. Got a bodyscan and a Starbucks. Not a bad day.
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Review from Marianne C.
Hudson, FL
I have flown in and out of Albany Airport many times for many years since it is where I grew up and still visit often. It is a very small airport but they do a nice job. I don't know how they get away with calling it an INTERNATIONAL airport though. I have to actually chuckle at that.
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Review from Jen F.
6/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Pretty small, low key airport. Everyone is friendly.
The convenience store is a ripoff but what else is new in airports?
The rental car area is a bit of a walk from the airport. Be prepared to wheel. -
Review from Robert C.
Fort Montgomery, NY
12/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
A small local airport. We don't check bags and usually show up an hour prior to flight times with no issues.
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Review from Katie T.
1/15/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I have family in Vermont and frequent Albany Airport.
I love the staff here... even the TSA crew is smiling - whether it's 4 am or 1 am they are usually in good spirits.
I'm a huge fan of Silks just as you go through security, great place to grab a beer (a good beer) before you're stuck on the tarmac. -
Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
8/28/2010
I'm with Andrea R and others who give this airport 5 stars. This place is immaculate, it's a 3 minute walk from the rental car return to the terminal, and I'm adding this:
They play Mozart, Handel and other classical music. Now THAT is worth a few stars right there.
Relatively speaking, I found the place nearly empty compared to O'Hare or other larger airports. Security took less than 5 minutes.
And, when we returned to the gate after taxiing for take-off so the Sheriffs could remove an unruly, drunk asshole from the place, they topped off the fuel and even that was zippy.
I know the one-star naysayers have valid points, but I thought this place was a breath of fresh air.Listed in: Out of Town
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Review from Dan G.
10/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
http://www.youtube.com...
Worst toilet in Scotland.
The things I need from an airport are easy direct flights, convenient car rental, quick security, a place for a beer, Starbucks and clean bathrooms. Which one do you think was missing in Albany?Listed in: Come fly with me
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Review from carrie s.
Casselberry, FL
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
A nice clean well layed out airport.
Small but easy to get around -
Review from Lauren F.
Oakland, CA
12/19/2007
I just wanna pick it up and put it in mah pocket. The airport, I mean. It's so cute and sweet and friendly and it came up to me and gave me a lil lick on the cheek like a little puppy would upon first meeting. No, that was probably the snow fall outside, but the inside was warm like a tongue would be.
This airport is cute, well managed, and easy to navigate. Luggage right away upon arrival. Area for family to wave their goodbyes as we venture through security. Security that took all of 5 minutes to get through. I like it here. I imagine I'll be back at some point. I hope that it recognizes me and gives me the same warm greeting I received this time.
Woo Albany.Listed in: Hey yo...fughett about it..im…, Airports?
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Review from megan w.
San Francisco, CA
12/23/2006
Much like Albany itself, ALB is friendly, accessible, cute, accomodating, and pretty. I bet you didn't know it's a full-service international airport, did you? Most airlines fly there (or have a contract service who does, ie. United Express or American Eagle), even Southwest.
It's exceptionally well organized, and ridiculously easy to find the way from plane to baggage claim to the outdoors, where even if you arrive at three in the morning, the friendly Capitaland Cabs will be there to take you into town. Most area hotels run free shuttles, as well. -
Review from Andrea R.
5/27/2008
You know those small airports where you can arrive just a few minutes before your flight takes off and make it thru the check in and security lines within minutes (actually, what lines)? Well, this is it!
After dealing with the chaos of Chicago airports on a weekly basis I'm all about airports like this one. And the rental car area is attached to the airport so no need to hassle with vans- i love it! I wasn't really impressed by any of the food options, but they did have Coffee Beanery, which happens to be my favorite coffee.
Albany peeps- you have no idea how lucky you are! -
Review from Pete R.
San Diego, CA
4/29/2009 5 photos
It's a fact: It's the greatest small airport in the history of mankind.
For real! Albany Airport rules. It's probably the best thing about Albany altogether.
The terminal is small and nice and easy to navigate. Ticketing and baggage claim are on the same level (evidence of how small this airport really is) but there's no congestion or hassle between them. Inside the terminal there are local art and history displays, classical music playing, even a meditation room for chillin out! There's a little Saranac brew pub so you can have one last local brew before leaving town. Many of the gates have plugs and USB chargers in the waiting areas (thank you, Southwest), there's free Wifi throughout, and quite a few lounge chairs if you've got time to kill.
Outside, rental cars are right on site so you don't have to mess with shuttles. Parking is easy and cheap and close, and the parking garages match the terminal's nice architecture.
Southwest is the biggest player here, which is awesome, but most of the other majors also serve ALB. Granted, Albany isn't a hub city so if you're flying to the West Coast you're going to have to make a stop somewhere, but they do have lots of nonstops to East Coast destinations (particularly Florida) and of course direct flights to Vegas - essential!
The greatest small airport in the history of mankind! Good job, ALB. -
Review from Aaron D.
Anaheim, CA
2/24/2009
After having lived in California for a while - it was shocking to see the tons of people standing outside this airport smoking. People in Northern NY still smoke - whereas in many other places in the country people seem to have stopped.
This airport is kind of po-dunk for being International. By international I assume they mean they have flights to canada - which you could drive to from here.
Food and coffee suck a bit but are at least available. I have only been to one smaller International Airport and it had a lot more availability of flights.
All my flights from here have been to other places in small planes to get on a real flight somewhere. Typically JFK, Newark, or Dulles. Or Detroit if you tripped and fell onto a Northwest flight. Northwest helps everyone get to Detroit. -
Review from Eli G.
8/19/2008 2 photos
Decent enough.
I flew in and out of here over the weekend. No delays, no rude staff. Not much in the way of food options but it's a tiny airport so meh. If I'm ever going to upstate NY again, I'll probably fly into Albany.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
And the scary vibrating plane that took me into Newark:
http://www.yelp.com/bi... -
Review from Matthew P.
Philmont, NY
12/1/2008
Nick is so right about the airport being easy. I always had the option to fly out of Newark or Albany and I always favored the ease of Albany. I like to fly Southwest Airlines and they have a big presence in Albany. The airport is easy to get in and out of, affordable parking and a lot of flights.
I feel bad that all the good stuff to do is on the other side of the security gates and family have to wait for you on the other side of security...they redesigned the airport just before airline security changed. I wish those places could be utilized by families to hang out while waiting for flights. Hopefully someday we will be able to return to the social nature of airports. -
Review from Dave B.
Boulder, CO
2/12/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Pros - small airport, close rental cars, short security lines
Cons - slow/inefficient security lines -
Review from Erin M.
9/27/2008
+ It got me out of Albany
- It returned me to Albany
+ Quick security lines
- This was the first time I had to encounter the 3 oz. of liquid rule
+ I got out of it by...crying and got a bunch of liquids on a plane. (Wait...that SHOULD be bad.)
+Decently priced parking with a plethora of options. The economy parking though does not really end up worth it if you end up wayyyyy in the back, back, back parking lot, which is really a field somewhere in Schenectady (I swear it has to be!) simply because the trolley takes 15 minutes to get out there. Just park in the front outside parking. It's close and not that expensive.
+Not overwhelming in size or overloaded with restaurants and gets you where you want to go (OUT!).
+Did I mention it gets you OUT of Albany?Listed in: smALBANY, Girl on the Go
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Review from Fred W.
Berkeley, CA
7/8/2010
Find the meditation room, aka, the "Interfaith Prayer Room". It's an astonishingly peaceful place with running fountains and calm, still quietness. Worth seeking out when you're flying out, before you board, or on arrival, before you go to baggage claim.
I'm a HUGE fan of the Albany airport for this teeny room alone, and seek it out every time I fly in or out. -
Review from Ray A.
Everett, WA
9/2/2009
At this point, I've flow in and out of Albany I.A. serveral time in the last 7 years to visit the inlaws and one thing I can say about this place is it's fairly consitent. I like Albany I.A. because it's not too big, modest in it's offerings, get's the job done and is wicked easy to navigate. Baggage claim is small and inoffensive, parking a breeze...
So here's my review:
*WARNING - YMMV (Your Milage May Vary) and one star is completely biased* Can you guess which?
1. Parking - 1 STAR - Way easy to naviage, park and located close to the main terminal and baggage claim.
2. Security - 1 STAR - Effecient....and because this airport is not so huge like Sea-tac, I believe they're alittle more thorough at this one...even checking the pack of cigarettes in my coat pocket.
3. Food - 1 STAR- It's a small airport, but they had essentials.
4. WiFi - 1 STAR- There is free Wi-Fi at Albany.
5. Smoking - 1 STAR - Though there is no smoking in the airport itself, I'll give the star because you can do it right outside of baggage claim and because of the size and ease of Albany I.A., it's security and navigation....you do have time to get that last smoke in before you board.
So Albany International Airport...you get 5 STARS! The first I.A. to get one from me!Listed in: YMMV, Don't leave town!
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Review from Derick F.
Schenectady, NY
9/19/2007
This airport is, for me, one of the great attractions of living in the Capital Region.
It took me 35 minutes to get from my apartment in Schenectady to the GATE last Friday afternoon -- that includes a 15 minute drive, parking, checking a bag, and going through security.
Contrast this to a few months ago -- I was flying out of JFK in NYC. I arrived an hour & 45 minutes before my flight left (after an hour in traffic), & if it hadn't been delayed by 90 minutes, I would have missed the flight.
To top it off, parking is cheap -- it ended up being cheaper than cabs since I was only going away for a weekend -- and you can pay for it with EZPass.
(Too bad US AIrways is an utterly miserable, perpetually delayed and thoroughly unpleasant airline.)
update: 42 minutes door-to-gate from Center Sq. Albany. -
Review from Caleb B.
Los Angeles, CA
10/8/2008
The old Albany Airport was like your typical Greyhound Bus Station (complete with toilet seat chlamydia.) The new Albany Airport (opened over a decade ago) still has that "new airport" smell. It's clean, it's quick, and is a nice way to arrive/depart New York's capital. In short, it's the antithesis of LAX. Thank God.
And shockingly enough there's an Interfaith Prayer Room aka good place to meditate before the chaos of Southwest envelops one's spirit.
_C$ -
Review from Brooke B.
Monte Rio, CA
7/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
From the moment I tried to return my rental car.... Till the moment I finally flew out.... From security screening... To baggage claim... This airport is "slow" and I'm not just talking about speed.
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Review from Brooke H.
2/8/2011 5 Check-ins Here
This is my kinda airport! Small, clean, friendly staff, easy to maneuver, parking is a breeze. Win, win, win. I flew into Albany from O'Hare and I simply despise huge airports like that. So flying in and subsequently back out of ALB was a pleasure. PLUS Albany Int'l doesn't have those stupid death machines of radiation to walk through!
What is it about smaller airports that lend itself to SUCH a friendly staff? Pretty much every employee I encountered at O'Hare seemed miserable and Albany could not have been more friendly, especially on my trip out when I was crying because I was leaving my long distance boyfriend and both the lady who checked my ticket and the lady at the x-ray machine were so friendly and sweet. The barkeep was very nice too - although I can't recall the name of the bar. The bathrooms were VERY clean and the gates were well kept too. I'm going back in a week and I'm sure it'll be the same experience. 5 stars. -
Review from Ashley S.
Panama City, FL
8/6/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Born and raised in upstate NY and have traveled through this airport a lot. I love the small airport feel and the familiarity of home. I always have a great experience in ALB. Small wait at security but It did go quick and I didn't mind the wait.
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Review from Nick P.
Saratoga Springs, NY
12/1/2008 1 Check-in Here
Albany International is one of the easiest airports in the country. It's small enough to get in and out in no time. The place itself is quite lovely with tile and classical music in the bathrooms and the hallways.
Parking is pretty easy. If your going for an hour or two you can be right outside the terminal. Free parking for a half hour. I've never had to wait long at security as it is pretty well staffed.
You may be able to save a few bucks by flying out of a different city, but there is so much less aggravation at this airport.
Albany is a small town. Once you get past hating that, there are some great things about it. It's easy to travel around, there are a lot of nice people that live here, good places to eat, and a stable economy from education and state jobs. Not far from the mountains and larger cities when you need it.
