Travel FAQs

How early should I arrive at the airport before my flight?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends that you arrive at the airport two hours prior to the departure time for domestic and three hours prior to international flights. We encourage passengers to give themselves additional time during peak travel periods and inclement weather.

Can I escort a child or someone needing help to the gate?

The passenger's airline can issue a pass for someone to escort an unaccompanied minor child, an elderly person or someone with accessibility needs through the security screening checkpoint and to the gate. A pass can also be issued to meet passengers that need special assistance at the gate.

Please be aware that you are still required to show valid government issued photo identification. Allow plenty of time to complete this process with the airline at their ticket counter. It will be helpful if you alert the airline to this request when making reservations. Typically, the airline will only issue one pass. Therefore, you should not bring other children with you. 

What type of identification do I need to clear security screening?

Passengers over 18 years old will need to show current photo identification issued by federal or state government that contains your name, date of birth and an expiration date. For a complete list of acceptable documents and more details, visit the “Acceptable IDs” page on the TSA website at: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/acceptable-ids. The TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. 

What is REAL-ID? 

Starting May 7, 2025, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board a flight. To determine if a Utah driver license is REAL ID-compliant, look for a small star inside a gold circle and the outline of the state of Utah with the words, “UT USA” in the upper right-hand corner. The presence of the icon and words will indicate that the driver license is REAL ID–compliant.

Please visit the Security page for more information on REAL-ID.

I just got married and my ticket is in my new name, but my driver license isn't. What do I do?

The TSA requires that tickets match the approved government identification. Passengers who recently changed their names must have their airline ticket modified to match their government picture ID.

I only have a paper temporary ID. Will that work?

The TSA does not consider paper temporary IDs a valid form of identification. However, should you only have a temporary ID, we encourage you to also bring two other forms of ID (such as social security cards, birth certificates, marriage licenses or credit cards) with your name on it. The TSA can use these items to help verify your identity through a separate screening process. You will want to give yourself additional time to complete this process. If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.

I lost my identification. Will I still be able to make my flight?

In the event you lost or misplaced your identification, you may still be able to fly. By providing additional information, the TSA has other ways to confirm your identify, like using publicly available databases, so you can reach your flight. You will want to give yourself additional time to complete this process. If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. 

Do I need a passport to go to Mexico or Canada?

United States citizens are required to show a valid passport when traveling to Mexico and Canada as well as any other foreign destination. More details are on the United States Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov.

Is there a foreign currency exchange service at the airport?

Unfortunately, the Salt Lake City International Airport does not have a foreign currency exchange desk.

How can I get through security screening or customs more quickly and easily?

The TSA Pre-Check program allows passengers to get through security more quickly without having to remove shoes, belt or remove laptops from carry-on bags. Those interested in TSA Pre-Check must be U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents, must pass background check and TSA eligibility requirements and pay an $85 non-refundable fee. Applicants can pre-enroll online before visiting an application center, one which is located in the Terminal Two lobby of Salt Lake City International. For more information on Pre-Check, visit www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited customs clearance for low-risk travelers traveling into the United States. Applicants must complete background check and interview before enrollment and must pay a $100 non-refundable fee. Applicants can apply online and will be contacted regarding the interview process. Global Entry kiosks are available at Salt Lake City International. For more information on Global Entry, visit http://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry.

What can I bring in my carry-on bag?

Passengers are allowed to bring one quart-sized bag of liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes in carry-on bags through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. The TSA makes exceptions for medications and liquid needs for infants and children. 

A list of acceptable items and search function for permitted and prohibited items can be found on www.tsa.gov.

Where can I check for lost items?

Items found in the public areas of the airport, including the security checkpoints, are taken to the airport Lost and Found department on the third level of the terminal in the office area of the Salt Lake City Department of Airports administration. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). 

Click here to file a lost item claim. 

The following items will be held till the end of business day and then discarded due to health and safety reasons: food items and containers, drink containers, neck pillows, and any soiled clothing items.

As per City ordinances relating to lost and abandoned property, the City and airport presents notice that items will be disposed of, auctioned, or donated unless a proper claim is made by the owner on or before the 30th day of possession by the airport. Notice of disposition by public notice will take place after the expiration of thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of the property. The property shall be held by the airport and not disposed of for a minimum of eight (8) calendar days, after the date of posting and publication of the notice.

If you believe you lost your item on an airplane, please check with your airline. Visit our Lost & Found page for a list of airport contacts.

I need a wheelchair. What do I do?

This service is provided by each airline. Make the arrangement in advance when you make your airline reservation or ask for a wheelchair when checking in with the airline. Should you need additional assistance, contact the Airport Control Center at (801) 575-2401.

How do I pay for parking and what does it cost?

We encourage parking passengers to utilize the proper parking areas based on the length of time you will leave your vehicle. The short-term parking garage (hourly/daily parking) offers parking for those on quick visits to the terminal and shorter stays. The short-term garage fills up and occasionally closes, typically on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Long-term (economy) parking is offered for longer stays and is serviced by a shuttle bus system.

You can pay with a credit card as you enter or exit, or with a cashier at the exit plaza. For current parking rates and availability, call (801) 575-2887 or visit our Parking page.  

If you lost your parking ticket, please use the cashier booth to the far left when you exit the airport. There will be an Airport employee in the booth who can look up the necessary information.

What is the cost of light rail to downtown Salt Lake City and how often does it run?

Adult one-way fare for light rail/TRAX is $2.50 for passengers 6-64. Passengers 65 and older, Medicare card holders and pre-qualified persons with disabilities can ride TRAX one-way for $1.25. Fares are subject to change.

Trains typically run every fifteen minutes from approximately 5:45 am to 11:30 pm, Monday through Friday, with slightly scaled back service on Saturday and limited service on Sunday.

For the most up-to-date information about TRAX or bus service and fares, please visit the Utah Transit Authority website.

Can family or friends wait inside the airport for an arriving passenger?

Anyone picking up arriving passengers inside of the airport are encouraged to wait in The Greeting Room, which is located on the second level of the Terminal adjacent to the baggage claim area (click here to see its location on the Airport Map). The Greeting Room features comfortable seating, a rendition of the World Map as well as a history and art exhibit. Passengers arriving on domestic flights exit the secure area of the airport and walk by The Greeting Room on their way to the baggage claim area.

Passengers arriving on international flights will exit on the ground level of the Terminal near the bottom of the escalators (click here to see its location on the Airport Map).

Luggage information

Airlines are responsible for the luggage of their passengers. Typically, airlines allow passenger to check their luggage with the airline four hours before the scheduled departure time.

It is not possible to store bags in the airport or leave them with an airline.

If your luggage is delayed or lost, please contact your airline.