Salt Lake City International Airport [SLC] – Ultimate Terminal Guide

BY 

Amar Hussain

- UPDATED: June 10, 2021   |    3

1. Travel  / 
2. Airports

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Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) served over 26.8 million passengers in 2019, with around 370 daily commercial departures. SLC is the fifth-biggest hub for Delta Air Lines, accounting for approximately 70% of the airport’s operations.

Only an hour’s drive from 10 major ski resorts, SLC is Utah’s gateway for many winter sports enthusiasts. It is also home to Temple Square, the most popular tourist attraction in Utah, that draws 3 to 5 million tourists annually.

Quick Info

Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Terminals: 1 main terminal and 2 concourses
Airport Address: 776 N. Terminal Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84122
Distance From Downtown Salt Lake City: Approximately 6 miles (10 km)
Website: slcairport.com
Phone Number: 800-595-2442
Passengers Served: 26.8 million
Daily Departures: 370
Destinations Served: 96 non-stop destinations
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed here

Airlines Operating From SLC

Concourse A

• Delta Air Lines

Concourse B

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

Other airlines operate from Salt Lake City International Airport, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, flight operations have been canceled/reduced.   

SLC Airport Terminals

Salt Lake City International Airport unveiled phase 1 of its major airport expansion project in fall 2020. The “New SLC” has seen the old 5 concourses replaced with 2 linear concourses that will ease passenger congestion and allow for quicker connections.

The new main terminal is at the south end of the airport and is served by a new 4-lane road system for passenger pick-up/drop-off and ground transportation. A new parking garage is located across the roadway and is connected to the terminal via a pedestrian bridge.

Adjacent to the parking garage is the Gateway Center with quick-service airline check-in desks and car rental services.

Main Terminal

The terminal has 3 levels, with international arrivals on level 1, security and baggage claim on level 2, and check-in on level 3. Once through security, you’ll arrive at The Plaza, where a good selection of restaurants and shops can be found, along with access to the Delta Sky Club on level 3.

Level 1 — International Arrivals

International arrivals is on the lower level of the main terminal, with customs and immigration, baggage claim, and a security checkpoint for international arrivals connecting to onward flights.

Ground transportation is located outside the terminal, with rideshare pick-up areas, shuttle buses, and taxis.

Level 2 — Departures and Baggage Claim

Level 2 is connected to the Gateway Center and terminal parking lot via a pedestrian bridge with moving walkways. Baggage claim and a greeting room are on this level, as well as the consolidated security checkpoint for all concourses.

Level 3 — Check-In

Curbside drop off is possible outside of the terminal on level 3, and passengers will find airline check-in counters and self-serve kiosks located inside. After checking-in, passengers must take the escalator or lift to level 2 for the security checkpoint and other facilities.

Concourse A

Concourse A is located west of The Plaza and is used primarily by Delta Air Lines. Apart from access to the underground tunnel to Concourse B, all gates and facilities are on 1 level.

Concourse A has 25 gates numbered A1 to A20, A21/A21A, and A22 to A25/A25A. There are several shops and restaurants along the full length of the concourse, with many more opening soon.

Concourse B

Concourse B is connected to Concourse A via an underground pedestrian tunnel located between gates A13 and A15. All other airlines currently use Concourse B and its 23 gates numbered B1 to B22 and B24.

Moving walkways are positioned along most of the length of the concourse, along with a good selection of shops and restaurants.

Concourse Expansion

Originally scheduled for completion in 2024, the airport is now hoping to complete phase 2 of the expansion project as early as 2022. This will see the 2 concourses extended to create east and west sides, and a new central tunnel will replace the temporary tunnel that currently links Concourses A and B.

Inter-Terminal Transport

Walking

Both of the concourses within the secure area are interlinked via an underground tunnel, so passengers do not have to exit and re-clear security for flight connections unless arriving on an international flight.

The image above shows the distances and average walking times between concourses. This displays the existing Concourses A and B and the future concourses, once the development has been completed.

Security and Customs at SLC

SLC has 2 security checkpoints — the main checkpoint located on level 2 of the main terminal and 1 for international arrivals connecting to other flights. The main checkpoint is open 24/7.

Hot Tip: According to our study, Salt Lake City International Airport had the best average TSA security wait time of 9.1 minutes. Couple this with our best ways to get through TSA, and you’ll be on your journey in no time.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck lanes are available at the main security checkpoint from 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There is currently no TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center at SLC. The closest is located at IdentoGO, 3667 W. 1987 S., Bldg. 6, Salt Lake City, UT 84104-4904.

Global Entry

SLC has Global Entry kiosks for expedited clearance of pre-approved passengers.

Conditionally approved applicants may arrange an interview at the airport’s Enrollment Center, located at the west end of level 1, near the international arrivals area. The Enrollment Center is open weekdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and interviews must be arranged in advance.

SLC also participates in Enrollment on Arrival and conditionally approved applicants may opt to conduct their interview when arriving into SLC. Enrollment on Arrival is processed daily from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Hot Tip: Considering Global Entry? These are some useful frequently asked questions about the program, and our expert answers on what to expect from the program.

CLEAR Security Program

CLEAR lanes and enrollment are available at the main terminal security checkpoint daily from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.

SLC Airport Lounges

Passengers have access to only 1 lounge at SLC — the Delta Sky Club. This is located on level 3 of The Plaza once you’ve cleared security and is open daily from 4:45 a.m. to 1 a.m.*

Access is possible with a Sky Club membership or for eligible premium cabin passengers, eligible frequent flyers, or credit cardholders.

*Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.

Hot Tip: Do you typically pay for day passes when flying from the airport? These are the best credit cards that give you complimentary lounge access.

Dining and Shopping at SLC Airport

At the moment, there are only 21 restaurants and shops open in the terminal and concourses, but when further developments are completed in 2022, passengers will have the choice of around 60.

Passengers can view a list of open shops and restaurants on the airport’s website.

SLC Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport for all guests and passengers. Users can connect by selecting “SLCAirport.wifi” from the available connections.

Charging Stations: Free charging stations are available in baggage claim, The Plaza, and both concourses.

Hot Tip: If you struggle for a Wi-Fi connection when traveling, then check out the best mobile Wi-Fi hotspots.

SLC Airport Lost and Found

Passengers who lose an item within the public areas of the airport or at security need to contact the airport lost and found office located at the west end of baggage claim on level 2. The office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Alternatively, passengers may browse items on the airport’s lost and found online gallery or submit a claim. This can be helpful if SLC isn’t your home base. If you’ve forgotten an item and your claim is approved, you can arrange to have the item shipped to you.

For items lost onboard an aircraft, passengers must contact the relevant airline.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

SLC has an information desk in the baggage area on level 2.

Children’s Play Areas

SLC currently does not have a children’s play area, which is why SLC didn’t rank in the top 10 kid-friendly airports in the U.S.

Baby Facilities

SLC has nursing rooms located in almost every women’s restroom across the airport.

Traveling With a Pet

SLC currently has 3 pet relief areas located inside and outside of the secure areas:

• At the west end outside the terminal on level 1
• Concourse A, near gate A9
• Concourse B, near gate B20

Unfortunately, SLC didn’t earn a spot in the best pet-friendly airports in the U.S.

Duty Free

SLC has 1 duty-free store 1 located in Concourse A, near gate A23.

Smoking Areas

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside of the terminals, at least 25 feet from the building.

Money

SLC has ATMs inside and outside the secure area:

Main Terminal:

• Gateway Center x 2
• International arrivals (level 1) x 2

Concourse A:

• Near gate A25
• Near gate A15

Concourse B:

• Near gate B12
• Near gate B16

SLC Important Phone Numbers

Airport Information: 800-595-2442

Paging:  801-575-2600 or “0” on a paging phone

Ground Transportation: 801-908-7204

Lost and Found: 801-575-2427

Parking: 801-575-2887

Travel to and From SLC Airport

Transport Options

TRAX Light Rail

Services operate to/from the temporary airport station and passengers can ride the shuttle bus every 15 to 30 minutes from the level 1 ground transportation area to the station. SLC is on the green line, and passengers can reach the city center and suburbs of Salt Lake County.

UTA Buses

Bus route 453 runs between Salt Lake City and Tooele and route 454 between Salt Lake City and Grantsville. Both services stop at the airport and offer a limited weekday service. Route 551 operates in the mornings from the airport to the International Center and from the International Center to the airport in the afternoon.

Buses run from the level 1 ground transportation area outside the main terminal.

Bus and light rail fares are $2.50 per one way ticket.

Shuttles and Limousines

SLC recommends these shuttle providers that have booking facilities at the airport:

• Alta Shuttle: 866-274-0225
• Express Shuttle Canyon Transportation: 801-596-1600
• Yellow Cab: 801-521-2100

Transportation can be arranged in advance or on arrival at the airport in the baggage claim area of the main terminal.

Taxis

Taxis operate from the airport but have attracted controversy over the lack of pricing regulation. Taxis are often not metered, and passengers have reported being charged extortionate rates when not agreed at the start of the journey.

The airport states that maximum rates for specific zones are enforced ($25 for journeys within 500 East and $30 outside of 500 East), but some passengers have reported being charged these maximum limits for just a few miles. Outside of these zones, there is no regulation at all, so agree on the rate before you leave!

Ride Services

App-based ride services such as Uber or Lyft are permitted to operate to/from SLC. Drivers may pick-up passengers from the ground transportation area on level 1 outside the main terminal. Passengers may be dropped off on level 3 at check-in.

Directions by Car

Arriving From Downtown Salt Lake City

Take 500 S/Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. until you reach a fork where you keep right for the I-80 E/I-80 W slip road to Cheyenne/Reno/S.L. International Airport. Continue onto I-80 W and take exit 115 B towards Salt Lake International Airport where you’ll merge onto Terminal Drive.

SLC Car Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

The parking garage is connected to the main terminal via pedestrian walkways from the Gateway Center. Different types of parking are available on various levels:

• Premium reserved parking (level 2): $40 per day
• Daily garage parking (levels 2 and 3): $20 per day
• Hourly garage parking (levels 2 to 5): $5 per hour
• Walking E lot: $5 per hour

Economy parking is located further away from the terminals with a courtesy shuttle service operating to and from the parking lot. Daily parking costs $10 with the ability to reserve a space in advance for an additional $3 per day.

Hot Tip: Electric charging points are located in all parking lots if you’ve got an electric car to charge up while you’re away. Dual ports are available in the economy parking lot and on every level of the parking garage.

Pick-Up or Drop-Off Parking

Family and friends picking up passengers may use the Park and Wait Lot on Terminal Drive, southeast of the terminal. As an alternative to waiting for a phone call from the passenger, the lot has large screens that indicate when a flight is “ready for pick-up.”

SLC has a split-level road for vehicles picking up or dropping off passengers. Departing passengers should be dropped on the elevated roadway for access to level 3 check-in. Vehicles collecting arriving passengers should remain on the lower level roadway for curbside pick up from level 1 arrivals.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

Long-term parking at SLC is reasonably priced, but you can get it cheaper if you’re prepared to park a little further away at an off-site parking lot.

Daily parking starts at just $5.75 when booking with a third party site such as airportparkingreservations.com. Most of these external sites provide courtesy shuttle services to/from the airport, so you don’t need to worry about transportation.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

There are 135 parking bays in the parking garage opposite the terminal for those with disabilities with a charge of $10 per day. Further parking is available in the economy parking lot with bays situated next to every shuttle bus stop.

Passengers can contact 801-575-2887 for parking assistance.

Parking Contact Number

General Parking Inquiries: 800-468-6294

Car Rentals at SLC

SLC’s rental car counters are located in the Gateway Center opposite the main terminal. Passengers can access the Gateway Center by walking across the pedestrian bridge from level 2 in the terminal. These rental car companies are based at the facility:

These off-airport rental agencies operate shuttle buses to and from SLC:

Hot Tip: Check out these credit cards that include rental car insurance as a benefit to avoid paying expensive insurance through the rental agency.

SLC Airport Hotels

SLC does not have any hotels on airport property, but the closest is only 1.5 miles away. Most of the hotels closest to the airport are 2- or 3-star, so if you’re looking for a little more luxury, you’ll need to venture into the city.

Nearly all hotels offer courtesy shuttle services to and from the airport, so even if you’re a little further away, you’ll still have easy access to the airport and could even book an accommodation and parking package.

Airport Hotels

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Hampton Inn & Suites SLC Airport offers the best of both worlds: close access to the airport and easy access to attractions like Temple Square, museums, and the Hogle Zoo. Guests are just a few minutes from their airport via the 24-hour hotel shuttle and receive complimentary breakfast each morning. Hilton no longer published an award chart, but you can expect award nights to cost somewhere between 20,000 to 30,000 points per night.

The Hyatt Place SLC is both near the airport and 7 minutes west of downtown Salt Lake City. The hotel offers 24-hour front desk assistance, a business center with audiovisual equipment, a fitness center, elevators, a heated pool, meeting facilities, a spa and sauna, and a complimentary breakfast each morning. The property is a Category 2 Hyatt hotel, meaning award nights start at just 8,000 points per night.

The SpringHill Suites SLC offers a free 24-hour shuttle to the airport and a complimentary breakfast — buffet or to-go. The hotel is also near several attractions and can be the perfect starting point for visits to Energy Solutions Arena, Gateway Plaza, Temple Square, and Salt Palace Convention Center. Award nights at the hotel start at 20,000 points for off-peak nights, 25,000 points for standard nights, and 30,000 points for peak nights.

Hot Tip: If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, or World of Hyatt points.

Final Thoughts

Despite ongoing construction work since 2014, SLC has maintained strong on-time performance for departures, and the airport’s efficiency should only improve with the unveiling of its new facilities.

The new linear concourses will provide convenient access to passengers to connect inside the secure area and allows for expansion if a third concourse is required for future growth.