Illini Flyer Newsletter

Illini Flyer

Fly Champaign-Urbana News & Updates

2023 | Spring/Summer

Director's Corner

Tim Bannon, AAE - Executive Director

University of Illinois – Willard Airport

Willard Airport is gearing up for a busy summer – one of the busiest in the last decade. With new, larger jets now operating all flights, American Airlines will offer approximately 50% more seats than the last couple of summers. TSA checkpoints will be busy, make sure to check-in and drop off your checked baggage at least 45 minutes before your flight departs.

If you don’t want to check a bag, you can carry-on with more ease than ever before. All flights at Willard now have dual-class aircraft, with larger overhead bins. That means you likely won’t have to gate-check your roll aboard.

Fly Champaign-Urbana

Bigger Planes Are Here!

All flights at Willard Airport are now operated by larger jets. Flights to Dallas/Ft. Worth are operated by Embraer ERJ175 aircraft, which has 12 first class seats, and 64 economy class seats, in a comfortable 2-by-2 seating layout. All flights to Chicago O’Hare are operated by Embraer ERJ170 aircraft, which has 12 first class seats, and 58 economy class seats, also in a 2-by-2 layout.

Willard Records Best Year Since Pre-Pandemic

You might have noticed that flights at Willard Airport have never been as full. American Airlines has filled 86% of all available seats in Champaign-Urbana over the last year. That’s never happened before in the history of the Airport.

Summer Travel Tips: Make Sure to Drop Your Bags On Time

American Airlines has changed its checked bag drop policy, even if you checked in online. You must drop your bags at Willard Airport, and all other airports in the system, at least 45 minutes before your flight is scheduled to depart, or they will not be accepted.

With a busy summer travel season expected, we have some tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

FAA Inspection –

Another Perfect Score.

For the second year in a row, Willard Airport scored a perfect inspection by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In April, after multiple days of scrutiny, inspectors didn’t find a single discrepancy, validating the tireless efforts of the Willard team in working to keep the airport safe.

Breaking Ground on the

New Rental Car Wash Facility

Willard Airport and its rental car company tenants are breaking ground on a new rental car wash facility that will process cars more quickly and provide much better customer service to those visiting east central Illinois.