October 15, 2019 —When you decide you need to fly away for a
while, what airport alternatives do you face?
You can fly out of Roanoke, Charlottesville,
Dulles International, Richmond International, or
Shenandoah Valley Regional airport at Weyer’s
Cave, ten miles north of Staunton. Airlines,
distances from Kendal, and parking fees and
services differ across this list.
The closest airport to Kendal is Shenandoah
Valley at Weyer’s Cave, 52 miles away, and the
only airport listed above which offers free parking.
It provides both parking shuttles and wheel
chairs. Via Air, however, is the sole carrier, with
service only to Charlotte, North Carolina (a
major hub), and Orlando, Florida.
The next closest airport is Roanoke, located
56 miles away. The major carriers are American,
Delta, United, and Allegiant. Wheel chairs are
available, long-term parking costs $9 a day, but
there is no parking shuttle to the terminal — there
is a number to call for assistance.
The Charlottesville airport is just over 77
miles away and is served by American, Delta,
and United. Economy parking is $9 a day, and
both airport shuttles and wheelchairs are
available.
The greatest choice among airlines and
destinations occurs at Richmond and Dulles, 144
and 177 miles distant, respectively. Parking is
$9 daily at Dulles, and $7 daily at Richmond.
Both offer parking lot shuttles and wheelchairs.
If you are partial to Southwest or JetBlue, these
airlines operate out of both Richmond and
Dulles.
Your choice primarily involves a tradeoff
between ground distance and the variety of
flights offered. Flights from Dulles to a given
destination are generally cheaper than flights
originating at other airports with connections to
Dulles. When you book a ticket, order a free
wheelchair as needed at the same time, and plan
to tip your service person on flight day. Remember
where you parked, and make sure you pay
for your parking before leaving the terminal
building. The drive to Dulles and higher parking
fees may well be worth the variety of choices
among airlines and destinations offered there.
— Written by Maureen C. (adapted from an article originally published in the February 2017 Residents’ Newsletter)
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