Car Hire Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport

Williams Gateway Airport Mini Guide

What can you Tell me About Mesa?
Mesa is a popular destination with tourists for attractions both inside and outside the city. Originally founded by the Mormon Church, it’s the third biggest centre for the church in America. The Mormon temple in the city dominates the city and is stunning when illuminated at night. For the adventurous, several activities outside the city will entice them to try tubing on the Salt River or a trek into the desert to discover the iconic Saguaro cactus, typified in so many cowboy movies. For a more sedate outdoor life, try a trip on the paddle steamer on Saguaro Lake.

What’s the Best way to get to Mesa?
Mesa has its own airport, originally called Williams Gateway Airport but now known as Phoenix Mesa Gateway. It only has one operator, Allegiant Air which flies to a dozen or more smaller airports nationwide. International arrivals will find it much easier to fly directly to Phoenix until improvements at Mesa are operational. The airport is currently an overflow airport for Phoenix but plans are in place to rebuild the terminal and add extra facilities so that services can be extended there. It’s on the outskirts of the city of Mesa and twenty miles from Phoenix. Local buses take passengers into both cities whilst a hire car from the airport can allow you to explore the area independently.

What is the Airport Like?
At the moment the terminal building is a temporary one, inherited from the military airfield that used to occupy the site. Initial plans are to extend the terminal to cope with the increasing passenger numbers prior to a rebuilding program due to start in the next 18 months. For now, it has the appearance of a regional airport but has done its best to offer reasonable facilities in a comfortable environment.

What Should I Expect When I Arrive at Phoenix Mesa Gateway?
You’ll start by having to walk from the plane to the terminal but at least you’ll get a feel for the temperature in the Phoenix area. The terminal is compact and facilities are easily found although there is an information point central in the arrivals hall should you need help. Car rentals are found directly opposite the baggage reclaim and your journey through the terminal should be swift as there are no immigration or security checks as the airport is purely domestic. Public transport can be picked up right outside the terminal building.

What Should I do on the day of my Departure?
Begin by dropping off your bags and collecting your boarding passes. There are only a few shops and restaurants around the terminal but it’s still more than you’d expect from a small airport. The Flightline market can help you with any travel goods or items for your flight. Another store, Arizona Highways offer regional gifts and products for souvenirs. For a nice meal at the airport, try the Copperplate Restaurant where traditional Arizonan food is served in comfortable surroundings.