Five reasons the Gerald R. Ford International Airport makes traveling easy

When it comes to easy and efficient air travel, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is in a bit of a sweet spot.

It’s big enough to be serviced by five airlines and feature 24 nonstop flights to major cities, but small enough to be easy to navigate and get in and out of. And because Allegiant and Southwest are two of its airlines, fares have remained competitive.

“That’s a good mix for us,” said Tara Hernandez, marketing and communications director for the airport. “Allegiant and Southwest are two low-cost carriers. They have really driven the prices of airline tickets down because it’s been good competition.”

That is one of several reasons the Ford Airport can make your travel experience easy and enjoyable. Here are five more:

Therapy Dogs

Anxious? Scared? Stressed? Frustrated? Maybe petting a friendly dog will help. In 2013, the Ford Airport introduced volunteers from West Michigan Therapy Dogs Inc. The dogs and their handlers roam the terminals throughout the week to relieve stress for passengers or help greet military personnel returning home from service.

“We’ve had passengers travel with anxiety or a fear of flying, and the dogs would comfort them,” Hernandez said. “We’ve had requests for the dogs to help with children with autism. They go through security with them and help them all the way until they get on the plane.”

Little Free Library

Despite the prevalence of smartphones and tablets, many people still like to read an actual book on their flights. The Ford Airport is helping through its Little Free Libraries – one on each concourse.

Staff from the Kent District Library system visit regularly to ensure both kiosks are adequately stocked with books serving a variety of interests, ages or languages. People can take them for free.

“It’s sort of the ‘take a book, leave a book’ program,” Hernandez said. “We’ve had people mail them back to us saying they appreciated it.”

But mailing back is not necessary. People can simply pass them on to someone else, maybe through the ever-expanding network of Little Free Libraries.

If you have questions, you’ll find answers

The airport recently upgraded its Visitor Information Center, which Experience Grand Rapids staffs with people trained in the Certified Tourism Ambassador Program, giving them broad knowledge of the area and its services.

The ambassadors – in their signature green coats – spread throughout the terminal and concourses to answer any questions people might have, whether it’s about airport services or the city and surrounding area.

Hernandez said much of the airport staff also trained in the CTA Program, including police officers, parking staff and curbside security.