Tri-Cities Airport | FAQs
PASCO

FAQs

Is my flight on time?

If you are the passenger, the airline should be contacting you by the method you selected when making the reservation to inform you of any changes to your itinerary. Anyone can check current flight status if you know the name of the airline along with the flight number. The most reliable source of information is the airline’s website. They all have a link to check the status of their flights. Our website also posts this information, check flight status, but may not be the most up to the minute. You can also call your airline and use their automated attendant to retrieve the same information.

What time should I arrive at the airport?

Typically, arriving 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time is recommended if you are needing assistance at the airline ticket counter or if your destination is international. Most airlines begin their boarding procedure approximately 45 minutes prior to departure so it is important you have checked in and have gone through screening by this time. Did you know you can check in for your flight and pre-pay for your checked baggage any time within 24 hours of your departure using your airline’s website or phone application? Your boarding pass can be printed by you or emailed and opened right on your smart phone! Also, you can use the airline’s KIOSK located inside the terminal to check in once you arrive at the airport to avoid having to wait in line.

What time do you open?

The airport is open to accommodate all inbound and outbound flights. As flight schedules change so do our hours. We are generally open from 2 hours before the first departure to one hour after the last arrival. We do not allow the public to spend the night in the terminal.

Why is my flight delayed?

There are many reasons a flight could be delayed. Delays caused by weather, mechanical issues or air traffic conditions at the airport that your aircraft is departing from will affect the arrival time, and hence the departure time of your scheduled flight.

How big can my carry-on bag be?

Size dimensions of carry-on baggage allowed in the cabin of the aircraft vary by airline. Most airlines have a maximum size of 9 x 14 x 22 inches, or 45 linear inches, but you should contact your airline to ensure what can fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If you are flying on multiple carriers, you must comply with the smallest allowed dimensions.

What can I bring in my carry on?

You are limited to a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is referred to as the 3-1-1 rule. Separating these items from your carry-on bag and placing them in the tote or tub at the checkpoint will help facilitate the screening process. Items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces should be placed in checked baggage. Click here for more detailed information from TSA’s website on other allowed or prohibited items.

Can I bring my medications?

· You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage.

· It is recommended that all medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. It is not necessary to present your medication to, or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form (See next bullet).

· Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process and these liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container. You may find it helpful to place these types of liquids in a zip-top type bag separate from your other carry-on items.

What are the rules about checking a firearm?

You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks. Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. Small arms ammunition, including ammunition not exceeding .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge, may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm. Click here for more detailed information from TSA’s website.

Can I bring apples/cherries/other food items on the plane?

Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on bag but it is included as part of the contents of your carry-on bag. All food must undergo x-ray screening and foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.

Can I check a case of wine for free?

Only Alaska Airlines offers their Mileage Plan™ members to check a case of wine with no baggage fee, thanks to their Wine Flies Free program. Otherwise, a case of wine can be checked as luggage on any airline for their standard baggage fee.

How much is parking?

Parking at the Tri-Cities Airport is handled by Parking Concepts Inc. (PCI). Parking rates can be found here on our website.

Can I get a copy of my parking receipt?

Just call the local PCI office at 509-547-8114. You will need to provide the date, time, exit gate and the last four digits of the credit card used.

How much is an airline ticket?

Each airline has specific locations they fly to and from that provide connections to other destinations. The price of an airline reservation is determined by which airline you choose and their specific route to get you there. Other factors may include your dates of travel and how far in advance you are trying to make your reservation. You can contact each airline by phone, visit their website, or use a travel agency to assist you. These agencies charge a fee, so if you are able to use the internet, information and pricing are easily accessible. Click here for links to airline information.

How much is a checked bag?

Baggage fees are set by each airline. Click here for links to airline information.

What I.D. do I need?

Adult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with an adult companion within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18 or unaccompanied minors.

Beginning in May 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.

Can I use my Washington State driver’s license or ID card for identification?

Yes, but beginning in May 2025, those with standard licenses will need additional documentation, like a passport, permanent resident card or military ID in order to board domestic commercial flights. Washington State gives residents the option of providing additional documentation to qualify for the “enhanced” license or ID card when applying for or renewing their driver’s license or ID. If this documentation is not provided to prove citizenship, the license or ID will be stamped as “non-compliant,” which makes them unacceptable for domestic air travel after May 2025. You will still be able to use your current, unexpired, enhanced driver’s license or ID card to fly.

I lost my I.D. Will I still be able to fly?

In the event you arrive at the airport without proper ID, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. By providing additional information, TSA has other ways to confirm your identity. You will be taken aside and be asked some questions to assist in this process, so be sure to allow additional time for the screening process.

Who do I contact if my bag is lost?

If you’re trying to track down lost or delayed luggage that had a final destination to PSC, you can call the local baggage claim for assistance:

Alaska..........................................................................509-547-9635 ext.2

Allegiant.......................................................................702-830-5856

Delta...........................................................................509-405-4533 (5 am to 7 pm local time)

United ........................................................................509-547-2236 ext.3

Avelo ..........................................................................346-616-9500

How do I find my lost item?

If you lost an item in the airport terminal, at the TSA screening checkpoint, in a parking lot or the area in front of the terminal, e-mail the PSC Lost and Found or call 509-547-6352 during our regular business hours. Please provide your contact information along with a detailed description of the lost item, including any special identifying characteristics and when and where it may have been lost.

Airlines operate their own lost and found offices and prefer you to fill out a form on their website. If you believe you may have lost your item during a flight, you will need to contact your airline directly.

Where do I pick up/drop off my dog that is being or has been shipped?

Live animals that are being shipped can be dropped off or picked up at that airline’s ticket counter. Live cargo will be available for pick up approximately 30-45 minutes after the actual arrival time of the flight. Please be sure to read your airline’s policies and recommendations for checking in live cargo.

Do you have a currency exchange?

There is no foreign currency exchange offered at our airport. These are mostly found at larger, international airports or can be pre-arranged at your own financial institution prior to your travel.

Is there a place to eat at the airport?

The airport terminal has four different locations to order food. The Grand Rendezvous located pre-security near the passenger greeting area, offers coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and other grab-and-go type items. Once through the TSA Security checkpoint you will find Jump of Joe, Columbia Express and the Columbia Bar and Grill. Explore Restaurants at PSC.