The Journey to the Smallest Commercial Airport in the United States
Welcome back to “The Way Away Traveler,” your trusted source for unique travel adventures and in-depth flight reviews! In September 2024, I embarked on a truly contrasting journey, traveling from the sprawling and energetic Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest, to the serene and intimate Dawson Community Airport in Glendive, Montana – the smallest airport in the United States. I remember standing at my gate in Atlanta, surrounded by the hustle and buzz of thousands of travelers, feeling the familiar rush of anticipation. Yet, as my flight descended into Glendive, a sense of calm settled over me. The contrast was surreal, almost like stepping into another world – where time slowed down, and the noise of modern life faded into the background.
At Dawson, there’s no rush to grab your bag or fight through the crowds. In fact, the airport is so small that the staff personally hands your luggage to you. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to step off a plane and be greeted by the vast open skies and the quiet charm of rural America, this story is for you. Let me take you through the highs and unexpected delights of this remarkable journey, one that gave me a fresh perspective on the beauty of small-town travel. You can catch the full video review mid-October on my YouTube channel, “The Way Away Traveler.”
The Journey Begins: Atlanta to Salt Lake City
On Friday, September 6, 2024, my adventure began at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). Known for its immense size and bustling activity, ATL is a marvel of modern aviation. With six concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, & F), a total of 192 gates (152 domestic & 40 international), Hartsfield-Jackson averages 286,000 passengers per day on nearly 2,100 arrivals and departures daily. Interestingly, ATL is credited with having the largest air traffic control tower in North America (398 feet / 121 meters tall) and is the fourth tallest in the world. http://www.atl.com
My first leg of the journey was onboard a Delta Airlines Boeing 757-300, flying from Atlanta to Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC). The Boeing 757-300 has an approximate range of 3,285 miles and is frequently used by Delta as a reliable aircraft with a spacious interior, offering a comfortable ride even for long-haul flights.
Flight Details:
- Airline: Delta Airlines
- Aircraft: Boeing 757-300
- Route: ATL to SLC
- Flight Time: 3 hours 36 minutes
- Date: September 6, 2024
Salt Lake City to Billings, Montana
Upon arrival in Salt Lake City, I had a brief layover before boarding another Delta Airlines flight, this time on a Boeing 737-900, traveling to Billings, Montana (BIL). The 737-900 is known for its efficiency and passenger comfort, making it a popular choice for domestic flights across the U.S.
Flight Details:
- Airline: Delta Airlines
- Aircraft: Boeing 737-900
- Route: SLC to BIL
- Flight Time: 1 hour
- Date: September 6, 2024
Exploring Billings, Montana
After landing in Billings, I had one day to explore the area before continuing my journey to Dawson Community Airport. Billings (the largest city in Montana – approximate population 122,000) is a charming city with a rich history and vibrant culture, making it a perfect place to relax and soak in the local atmosphere.
The Highlight: Billings to Dawson Community Airport
The pinnacle of this journey was the flight from Billings to Dawson Community Airport in Glendive, Montana. On the morning of Sunday, September 8, 2024, I boarded a Cessna 402C aircraft operated by Cape Air. This part of the trip was particularly exciting due to the unique experience of flying to the smallest commercial airport in the U.S.
Check-In with Cape Air: I have never flown with Cape Air before, so I went in with absolutely no expectations. To my surprise, checking in for my Cape Air flight to Glendive, Montana was seamless and quick. With no bags to check, I simply handed my ID to the friendly Cape Air agent, who swiftly printed my ticket. Also, Billings International Airport, known for its efficiency, lived up to its reputation. The TSA checkpoint, which opens early at 3:45 a.m., was a breeze to navigate with its three updated security machines speeding up the process. Within minutes, I was through security and ready for my flight, impressed by how smooth everything went from the start to finish.
About Cape Air: Cape Air is a regional airline that began operations in 1989, with its first flight connecting Boston, MA, to Provincetown, MA. Known for serving small communities, they expanded to Montana in December 2013. Cape Air operates a fleet of smaller aircraft, such as the Tecnam P2012 Traveller as well as Cessna aircraft and offers flights across the U.S. and Caribbean. With ticketing and baggage agreements with most major airlines, Cape Air provides seamless connections and cost-effective joint fares, making it a convenient option for passengers traveling to remote locations or connecting to larger hubs. To book flights with Cape Air, see https://www.capeair.com/
Flight Details:
- Airline: Cape Air
- Aircraft: Cessna 402C (actual aircraft pictured above)
- Flight Number: 9K 1751
- Registration/Serial Number: N402HG/402C1016
- Aircraft Age: 39 years
- Route: BIL to GDV
- Date: September 8, 2024
- Flight Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
- Round-Trip Cost: $72.40 (round trip)
Boarding my Cape Air flight to Glendive, Montana was smooth and timely, with only two passengers, including myself. The pilot, both professional and courteous, personally greeted us and took the time to clearly explain the safety procedures for the Cessna 402C prior to departure. With everything in place, we departed right on schedule, setting the tone for a relaxed and efficient journey ahead.
Dawson Community Airport: A Hidden Gem
The flight from Billings, MT. to Glendive, MT. was a quick, 1-hour picturesque adventure. Dawson Community Airport is located five miles northwest of Glendive in Dawson County, Montana, and spans only 413 acres. Despite its small size, the airport serves as an important hub for the local community. Cape Air is the sole carrier providing service to GDV, with two daily flights in and out of the airport. The current 3,700 sq. ft. building, “Dawson Community Airport Terminal” was completed in 2022 and houses a pilot lounge, a new baggage claim area, and TSA office space.
Dawson Community Airport Statistics
In contrast to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport’s 286,000 passengers per day, Dawson Community Airport (GDV) saw 2,177 passengers from January 2023 to December 2023 which averages approximately 6 passengers per day. Source: https://www.transtats.bts.gov/Data_Elements.aspx?Data=1
In August 2023, the United States Department of Transportation issued an “Order Selecting Air Carrier” for Cape Air to provide Essential Air Services (EAS) at five Montana communities including Glendive, Montana. According to the Order, Cape Air will provide EAS to Glendive, Montana for four years, starting January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2027.
Essential Air Service Program
The Essential Air Service (EAS) program was established following the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 to ensure that smaller, rural communities continue to receive scheduled air services despite deregulation, which gave carriers freedom over their market choices. Administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the program subsidizes air carriers to provide at least two daily round trip connecting small communities to larger hub airports. The eligibility for subsidies depends on specific criteria, including a cap on per-passenger subsidies and enplanement minimums, with exceptions for remote areas like Alaska and Hawaii. Air Carriers interested in providing EAS must bid competitively, with contracts often spanning two to four years, ensuring service continuity and access to the national air network.
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