Tim Unruh
August 9, 2022
Whether for the first-time air traveler or a veteran, airline workers at the at Salina Regional Airport’s M.J. Kennedy Air Terminal are proud to serve most any need.
“There are hundreds of destinations just a connection away, and for the small-town friendliness and feel that you get at Salina, it’s a hidden gem,” said Steph Flanagan, general manager of the SkyWest Salina station. The SkyWest staff operates United Express flights Salina to Chicago O’Hare and Denver International airports.
The Denver hub connects to 165 destinations, from Albuquerque to Williston Basin (North Dakota), not to mention Honolulu; Aspen, Colorado; Boston; Palm Springs, California; New York City; and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. International connections are to 16 destinations across eight countries, including Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, The Bahamas, Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras and Belize.
Chicago connections include 157 domestic destinations from Key West, Florida, to Fargo, North Dakota, Phoenix, Louisville, Tampa, Tulsa, and Tucson. There is a connection to Yellowstone International Airport in Bozeman, Montana, along with Detroit Metro Airport and Portland International. Once at O’Hare, there are also 43 international destinations across 27 countries, from Aruba to London, Mexico, Italy (Rome and Milan), Iceland, Israel, Ireland, and Switzerland, just to name a few.
All of the above journeys can originate from SLN, nestled near the intersection of Interstate highways 70 and 135 in north-central Kansas, in a relatively small town with big ambitions, loaded with friendly folks aiming to please the flying public.
“For the first-timers, this is a traveling 101 station where they can get their feet wet without being overwhelmed. We’re the people to ask. We have maps at the counters to show passengers who are a little more anxious what to expect when they land at Denver or Chicago,” Flanagan said. “We say ‘Ok, you’re going to land at this gate and this is how you’re going to get to your next gate.’ We can take the time to see where their connections are and help them navigate the process.”
With free parking — space is expanding as well — plenty of room to maneuver, and guidance from friendly staff and Transportation Security Administration officials, Flanagan said, air travelers with all ranges of experience can enjoy a smooth transition.
“All travelers appreciate the ease, recognition and quickness,” she said. “I hear all the time how much they love to come home, pick up their bags and go to their cars that have been safe here for weeks. There are so many perks. It’s simple and super convenient.” Just remember this. “Always show up an hour before takeoff, and if you’re checking bags, maybe even a bit earlier,” Flanagan said.
