Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Fairbanks Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Quick Links
The folks in the office will even give you a little kit with a toothbrush, etc. if your pack didn’t arrive on the same plane as you. – Philip
FAI Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Fairbanks International Airport.
What to Expect
Fairbanks Airport (code: FAI) consists of a small but modern terminal. A few eateries and newsstands/gift shops are located on both sides of security. WiFi is available to help pass the time. There are no private lounges at this airport.
Sleeping in Fairbanks Airport
We do not yet have any recent sleep-related airport reviews. Past reviews described airport staff as friendly and accommodating to overnight sleepers. There were reportedly several sleeping options, including comfortable seating throughout the airport and assorted quiet nooks. Look for a corner nook near the big stuffed grizzly bear. For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels near the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Fairbanks Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours. Passenger screening points open two hours before the first flight departure.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Fairbanks Airport:
- La Quinta Inn & Suites Fairbanks – Free airport shuttle is available. » Check Rates
- Pike’s Waterfront Lodge – Free airport shuttle is available. For airport pick-up, collect luggage and then use the courtesy phone at the bottom of the elevator as you exit baggage claim. Pike’s is number 3 on the courtesy phone. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Fairbanks Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
At the time of this update, pay-per-use lounges were not available. If this information is incorrect, click here to update this airport guide.
Military Lounge
YMCA Military Lounge – For members of the military only. Location: Lower level, near baggage belts. Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM.
Drinking Water
A reader tells us that water bottle refill stations are available. (August 2024)
Food & Drinks
Two dining options are available: North Pole Coffee (Airside. 4:30 AM-10:30 PM) • The Local @FAI (Airside. Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM). Vending machines are available on both floors.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
A reader tells us there are outlets for charging mobile devices at the gate and on every other bench. There are four electrical outlets and four USB ports.
Showers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available throughout the airport terminal.
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside, 1st floor, next to the escalator • Landside, across from Ravn Alaska ticketing counter • Airside, next to TWIGS Alaskan Gifts.
Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts are available. Rate: unknown.
Duty-Free & Shopping – TWIGS Alaskan Gifts has two locations: 1st floor (landside) for the general public and another located airside for ticketed passengers. Hours: Daily from 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM.
Information Desk – Located in the Greeter lobby.
Massage Chairs – Location: near Gate 3. Rates: unknown.
Postal Services – Drop off your last-minute postcards to friends and family from the airport’s mailbox. Locations: Near Gate A • In the baggage claim area.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Bus
Fairbanks Airport is served by local transit bus route Yellow Line. For route map, schedule and fares, visit the FNSB website.
Car Rentals
Onsite car rental agencies include Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National/Alamo.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: La Quinta Inn & Suites Fairbanks • Best Western Plus Chena River Lodge • Bridgewater Hotel • Golden North Motel • Pike’s Waterfront Lodge • Sophie Station Suites • Super 8 Fairbanks.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Taxis and Shuttles
Taxis and shared-ride shuttles are available in the ground transportation area. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.