Appleton International Airport: Smaller Than You’d Expect, Better Than You’d Think
I had to fly into Appleton for a work thing last year, and I honestly didn’t know what to expect. A Wisconsin airport I’d never heard of? Figured it’d be one gate and a vending machine. Turns out, ATW (that’s the airport code – now you know) is actually pretty solid for what it is.
A Bit of Background
This airport’s been around since 1928, if you can believe it. Started as a grass field where private pilots would land their little planes. Then commercial aviation took off – pun intended – and they built an actual terminal in the 50s. The 70s brought paved runways and a modern building.
The name’s changed a few times too. Municipal Airport, then Outagamie County Regional Airport (try saying that three times fast), and finally Appleton International in 2014. The “international” part is a bit generous, but they do have some connections that’ll get you overseas eventually.
What’s Actually There
The terminal has the usual stuff: places to eat (nothing fancy, but enough to grab a sandwich), free Wi-Fi, and seats that aren’t completely uncomfortable. Charging stations are scattered around, which my perpetually dying phone appreciated.
Parking is easy. Short-term for quick drop-offs, long-term for when you’re leaving your car for a week. I’ve been to airports where finding your car afterward requires a search party – not here.
Rental cars are right in the terminal. Hertz, Enterprise, the usual lineup. Way more convenient than those shuttle-to-a-distant-lot situations at bigger airports.
Where You Can Fly
Delta, United, and American all have flights from here. You can get direct to Chicago O’Hare, Minneapolis, and Detroit. Those are all big hub airports, so from there you can connect to pretty much anywhere.
International flights directly from Appleton? Not really a thing. But one connection through Chicago or Detroit gets you to Europe, Asia, wherever. It works.
The Local Economy Angle
The airport creates a bunch of jobs around here – airline staff, concessions, ground crews. Helps local businesses too. They’ve been expanding the cargo operations, which brings more trade through the region. Good for Wisconsin, I guess.
They’re Trying to Be Green
LED lights everywhere, solar projects, stormwater management stuff. Recycling bins around the terminal. It’s nice that they’re making an effort. Not every small regional airport bothers.
Recent Changes
They’ve been renovating the terminal to handle more passengers without everything feeling cramped. New baggage handling system too, which means less standing around waiting for your suitcase to appear. Small improvements that actually matter when you’re tired and just want to get home.
Community Stuff
The airport does tours for school groups, which I think is pretty cool. Getting kids interested in aviation early. They also partner with local events and arts organizations. It’s more connected to the Fox Valley community than you might expect from an airport.
What’s Next
More expansion plans are in the works. Infrastructure upgrades, maybe some new routes. As more people in the region fly, the airport’s trying to keep up. Smart approach.
For a small Wisconsin airport, Appleton International does its job well. Is it going to win any awards for excitement? No. But it gets you where you need to go without too much hassle, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want.
Recommended Aviation Gear
David Clark H10-13.4 Aviation Headset – $376.95
The industry standard for aviation headsets.
Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge – $25.42
Essential FAA handbook for every pilot.
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