Long Island MacArthur Airport guide

by Posted on

Introduction

Long Island MacArthur Airport (LIMA) serves as a convenient gateway to Suffolk County and the greater New York metropolitan area. Located in the town of Islip, the airport offers a less crowded alternative to JFK and LaGuardia while still providing easy access to Long Island’s beaches, vineyards, and business centers. This guide walks you through everything you need to know for a smooth trip—from airlines and ground transport to dining options and travel tips.

Overview

  • Airport Code: ISP

  • Address: 100 Arrivals Ave, Islip, NY 11751

  • Elevation: 99 ft (30 m) above sea level

  • Operating Hours: Open 24 hours; terminals typically staffed from 4:00 AM to midnight

  • Primary Runway: 06/24 – 7,000 ft asphalt

LIMA handled over 2.3 million passengers in 2023, with a growing focus on domestic leisure travel and seasonal charter flights.

Airlines & Destinations

The airport hosts a mix of major carriers, regional operators, and seasonal charters. Below is a snapshot of the current airline roster and their primary non‑stop destinations.

Airline Non‑Stop Destinations (Seasonal/Year‑Round) Typical Aircraft
American Airlines Charlotte (CLT), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Airbus A320 family
Delta Air Lines Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis‑St. Paul (MSP) Boeing 737‑800
Southwest Airlines Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Chicago Midway (MDW), Denver (DEN) Boeing 737‑700/800
JetBlue Airways Boston (BOS), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO) Airbus A320
Allegiant Air Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix/Mesa (AZA), Punta Gorda (PGD) (seasonal) Airbus A320
Frontier Airlines Orlando (MCO), Tampa (TPA) (seasonal) Airbus A320
Contour Airlines (Essential Air Service) White Plains (HPN), Newark (EWR) Embraer E175
Various Charters Seasonal service to Myrtle Beach, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard Varies

Note: Routes can change; verify with the airline before booking.

Ground Transportation

Getting to and from LIMA is straightforward thanks to several options:

  • Shuttle Services: Multiple hotel and private shuttles operate between the airport and nearby Long Island towns, as well as Manhattan.

  • Public Transit: Suffolk County Transit (SCT) Route 7 connects the airport to the Ronkonkoma Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station, providing access to Penn Station in roughly 90 minutes.

  • Ride‑Sharing & Taxis: Designated pickup zones for Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis are located curbside outside the arrivals hall.

  • Rental Cars: Major companies (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National) have counters in the baggage claim area; a short walk leads to the rental lot.

  • Parking: See the parking section below for rates and amenities.

Parking & Facilities

LIMA offers a range of parking choices to suit different budgets and trip lengths.

Parking Option Location Daily Rate Weekly Rate Notes
Short‑Term Garage Adjacent to Terminal $7 $42 Ideal for drop‑offs/pick‑ups; first 30 min free
Long‑Term Lot A Across from Terminal $5 $30 Economy option; shuttle runs every 10 min
Long‑Term Lot B Upper‑Level Elevator Access $6 $36 Covered spaces available
Valet Service Terminal Entrance $15 $105 Includes luggage assistance
Cell Phone Lot Near Arrivals Free (max 30 min) Free Perfect for waiting for arriving flights

Additional amenities include free Wi‑Fi throughout the terminal, charging stations, pet relief areas, and a family restroom with changing tables.

Dining & Shopping

Though compact, the airport provides a satisfying selection of food and retail outlets:

  • Cafés & Coffee: Starbucks (near gate B), Dunkin’ (concourse A), and a local favorite, Islip Bagel & Deli.

  • Sit‑Down Meals: The Landing Grill offers American classics (burgers, salads, breakfast all‑day).

  • Grab‑&‑Go: Hudson News, Market Fresh for salads, sandwiches, and snacks.

  • Retail: Duty‑free shop (limited to certain international charters), newsstand, travel essentials, and a small souvenir spot featuring Long Island‑themed gifts.

Tips for Travelers

  1. Arrive Early: While security lines are generally short, aim for 90 minutes before domestic flights and 2 hours for peak travel periods.

  2. Check Flight Status: Use the airport’s website or the FlyISP app for real‑time updates.

  3. Leverage the LIRR Connection: If heading to New York City, the SCT Route 7 to Ronkonkoma station saves on tolls and parking fees.

  4. Pack Smart: LIMA’s baggage claim is compact; consider carry‑on only for quicker exits.

  5. Explore Nearby: If you have a layover, the nearby Long Island MacArthur Airport Museum showcases aviation history, and the Connetquot River State Park is a short drive for a quick walk.

FAQ

Q1: Does Long Island MacArthur Airport have international flights?

A: Currently, LIMA does not operate scheduled international passenger flights; however, seasonal charter services occasionally fly to destinations in the Caribbean and Canada.

Q2: Is there a hotel on airport property?

A: No hotel sits directly on the airport grounds, but several hotels (e.g., Hilton Long Island/Huntington, Holiday Inn Express) are within a 5‑minute drive and offer shuttle service.

Q3: Are there facilities for passengers with reduced mobility?

A: Yes. The terminal is fully ADA‑compliant, with wheelchair assistance available upon request, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces.

Q4: Can I bring my pet through the airport?

A: Pets are allowed in the terminal if they remain in an approved carrier. Service animals are permitted everywhere. A pet relief area is located outside the departures hall.

Q5: What is the best way to get to Manhattan from LIMA?

A: Take Suffolk County Transit Route 7 to the Ronkonkoma LIRR station, then board a train to Penn Station (approximately 1.5 hours total). Alternatively, a rideshare or taxi takes about 1 hour depending on traffic.

Resources

Enjoy your trip through Long Island MacArthur Airport—where convenience meets a touch of local charm!

Rate this post

Published by admin