FAQs
Passenger Q&A
How much preflight time should I allow when planning my trip to the airport?
The airline check-in counters and TSA screening lanes open two hours before each flight. Since PGD is an originating airport for Allegiant, there are multiple flights departing between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. For these early morning flights, we recommend that passengers arrive at the airport two hours before their scheduled departure time. For more information, view a list of airlines and contact information.
Do airlines utilize passenger boarding bridges (PBB) at PGD?
No. Passengers at PGD board an aircraft by walking along the ground-level and up a gently-sloping ramp. However, safety standards require that lightning within a five-mile radius subsides before passengers, staff or crew begin the boarding or deplaning process. Even passengers at large airports experience lightning-related delays as ground crews cannot hook up the PBB until lightning subsides. Federal regulators, airport and airline staff all want to make sure our passengers get where they’re going safely.
Is PGD planning to utilize PBBs in the future?
PGD’s gently-sloping ramps are commonly employed at many small airports that have one-story terminals or support low-cost carriers. PGD is not planning to employ passenger boarding bridges (PBBs) in the near future due to significant investments required to modify its facilities, purchase and maintain associated equipment. PGD operates on a conservative budget so we can continue to attract/retain airlines that provide low-cost service options.
However, PBBs may be incorporated in the future if they are funded by an airline partner, or if becomes cost effective to add them during future renovations or capital improvement projects.
Are passengers allowed board or leave the plane during thunderstorms?
Safety standards require that lightning within a five-mile radius subsides before passengers, staff or crew begin the boarding or deplaning process. All personnel must vacate the ramp, cease airside ground activities and outdoor baggage handling while lightning is within a five-mile radius. Unfortunately, lightning in the area may lead to delays in flight arrivals, flight departures and delivery of baggage as well. We appreciate our passengers’ patience with the inconveniences caused by Florida’s unpredictable weather patterns.
Are pets allowed inside the terminal?
Animals (excluding service or law enforcement) are prohibited inside the terminal unless they are carried in approved travel containers. There are pet relief areas designated across from the terminal crosswalk in the short-term parking lot. Please remember to clean up after your pets. For more details, review the Airport Animal Policy.
What identification is required to clear security?
Passengers age 18 and older must present photo identification, such as a passport, driver’s license or military ID issued by a local, state or federal government agency. Passengers without proper identification may be denied boarding. For more information, call the TSA Contact Center toll free at (866) 289-9673 during the following hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m., and Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. You may also e-mail TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.
Can non-ticketed passengers go to the airline gates?
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations allow only passengers with tickets through security clearance areas and into the concourses. If you are assisting or meeting a child traveling alone, a person with a disability or someone else who needs your help, please contact your airline.
Can I bring electronic devices such as DVD player or laptop computer onboard the aircraft?
Yes, portable electronic devices are allowed in carry-on luggage, and will be thoroughly screened at the checkpoint. For a complete list of authorized devices, please visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website.
What can I take in my carry-on baggage?
For a complete list of authorized items, please visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website.
What transportation services are available?
Gulf Coast Car Service is the provider of ground transportation at PGD. They have a fleet of minivans on site and mobility options for special needs customers. Ride share apps, taxis/limos and other options are also available.
What are the food & beverage options at the airport?
The Snack Shack is located adjacent to the Bailey Terminal and is open to the public for fresh and frozen vending, plus casual seating. The Junction is located in the Terminal after you have passed through the security checkpoint. They have food, drinks, bar and gifts.
Vending machines are also located in the baggage claim area.
Is there an area for nursing mothers?
Yes, we have a Mother’s Room for breastfeeding parents at PGD’s Bailey Terminal. This small room is equipped with a changing table, comfy chair, outlet, side table, locking door and antibacterial. It’s located past security screening at the south end of the Terminal. Look for the sign across from Gate 2.
This is no sink or toilet, but there is separate Family Restroom nearby.
Where can I connect to the internet?
Anywhere inside the terminal! Punta Gorda Airport offers free Wi-Fi service.
Is there a place to store bags or other items?
No, current security procedures prohibit lockers or item storage in the airport terminal. All items must remain with their owner.
How do I request a wheelchair or other assistance for an elderly or disabled passenger or for a child traveling alone?
Please check with the airline that issued the ticket for the person who is traveling. View a list of airline phones numbers and Websites.
Who do I contact regarding lost items?
Please click here for a list of contact information.
How can I check on the status of a flight?
Flight Information Display Systems are located throughout the terminal and provide information about flight arrivals and departures. The same information is available in real time on Arrivals webpage. Please note, it is highly recommended that you contact the airline directly for the most current flight status information.
What are the parking options at PGD?
The airport offers two parking options: Long-term parking and short-term parking. There are no parking garages. For parking fees and a locator map, click here. The curb is not a parking option — vehicles left unattended at the terminal curb will be towed.
Is there a cell phone lot?
Just drive in the main entrance and take a right on Golf Course Blvd (the first intersection). Take your first left into the cell phone lot and wait there for your passengers to arrive. Another option is the short-term parking lot, where the first hour is free if space is available.
Where can I find a hotel nearby?
Please click here for information on nearby hotels.
Does PGD use a security contractor for screening?
PGD participates in the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Screening Partnership Program, which contracts security screening services at commercial airports to qualified private companies. These companies run screening operations under federal oversight and must comply with all TSA security screening procedures.
Where can I smoke inside the airport?
Nowhere. Smoking is prohibited inside the airport terminal.
Which airlines serve the airport?
View a listing of airlines, phone numbers and links to their Websites.
Where can I find an ATM?
The ATM is in the baggage claim area.
Community Q&A
Am I allowed to fly my drone near the airport?
Generally, no. The Federal Aviation Administration’s informative website will help you find out what rules and regulations apply to your specific situation.
How is this website compliant with ADA accessibility guidelines?
This icon at the bottom left side of each webpage opens a customizable Accessibility Adjustments toolbar.
What should I do if I am concerned about aircraft noise?
PGD strives to be a good neighbor and requests that aircraft use our noise abatement arrival and departure procedures. Learn more about our Noise Mitigation Program.
Can aircraft engine emissions cause soot on my home?
Aircraft emissions have not been found to create soot on homes. There have been various research projects conducted at airports in which the researchers collect samples from exhaust plumes behind aircraft. The studies have yet to conclude that the particulate matter emissions from aircraft are significant contributors to the material deposited on surrounding communities (Task 5: Investigating air emission impacts on the community, 2006). The black roof stains are classified as a black algae, called Gloeocapsa magma, a cyanobacteria (Clark, 2013).
The recent prevalence of the black algae may be due to the increased usage of limestone in shingles (“Black or Green Algae Stains on Asphalt Roof Shingles,” 2018). Blackened roofs are more common in warm, humid climates and are most often mistaken for dirt, moss, or granule loss (Algae discoloration of shingles, 2017).
In 2006, the Broward County Aviation Department conducted a study to analyze the air emissions impact on their community from their airport. The researchers were unable to identify any particulate matter that looked representative of known aircraft engine-generated particles. The materials that were found did not include any petroleum hydrocarbons or similar compounds. The study noted that there is particle matter being deposited on homes and buildings, however; the particulate matter found is not aviation related (Task 5: Investigating air emission impacts on the community, 2006).
It is important to note that there are multiple sources of particulate matter that could potentially stain roofs in our community. The sources include fungi, pollen, industrial emissions, diesel and gasoline exhaust, dust (including rubber dust from I75 or US41), and ash. The ash is especially notable, as there are regular controlled burnings in our nearby conservation areas to prevent forest fires.
References
Algae discoloration of shingles (13). (2017). Retrieved from Canadian Asphalt Shingle
Manufacturers’ Association website: https://inspectapedia.com/roof/Algae-Discoloration-of-Shingles-CASMA.pdf
Black or Green Algae Stains on Asphalt Roof Shingles. (2018). Retrieved from https://inspectapedia.com/roof/Shingle_Algae_Stains.php#Cause
Clark, P. (2013, June 18). Roof algae: The prehistoric organism that streaks your shingles.
The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/metro/urban-jungle/pages/130618.html
Reid, A. (2015, September 30). Beginning of sugar cane harvest reignites field burning debate.
Sun Sentinel. Retrieved from https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-cane-burning-resumes-20150930-story.html
Task 5: Investigating air emission impacts on the community. (2006). Retrieved from Broward County Aviation Department