Flying through Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) is relatively straightforward once you know the current airlines, nonstop routes, parking costs, transportation choices, and TSA requirements. The airport serves Alabama’s capital and surrounding River Region with a compact terminal, convenient parking, several ground-transportation options, dining, free Wi-Fi, and connections through major U.S. airline hubs.
Quick Answer
Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) is about 9 miles from downtown Montgomery. American, Delta, and United provide nonstop flights to Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Washington, D.C., and Houston. MGM also offers short- and long-term parking, rental cars, rideshare, taxis, bus service, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, dining, and accessible passenger services.
Key Takeaways
- MGM currently lists American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines as its scheduled passenger airlines.
- Current nonstop destinations are Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Washington National, and Houston Intercontinental.
- Published parking maximums are $14 per 24 hours for short-term parking and $12 per 24 hours for long-term parking.
- Ground transportation includes rental cars, Uber and Lyft, taxis, hotel shuttles, independent transportation providers, and The M Transit bus service.
- Plan to arrive roughly 90 to 120 minutes before departure and verify your flight, airline cutoff times, ID, baggage, and TSA requirements before leaving home.
Overview of Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM)
Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) is located at 4445 Selma Highway, Montgomery, AL 36108. The airport says it is approximately 9 miles, or about a 15-minute drive under normal conditions, from downtown Montgomery. You can confirm directions through the official MGM directions page.
MGM’s compact terminal keeps ticketing, security, gates, baggage claim, rental-car services, food, and passenger amenities relatively close together. Rather than offering international nonstop flights, MGM connects travelers to major U.S. hubs where they can continue to domestic and international destinations.
MGM is approximately 9 miles from downtown Montgomery, giving travelers access to Alabama’s capital without the scale and long terminal walks common at larger hub airports.
For general airport assistance, Montgomery Regional Airport lists its customer-service phone number as 334-281-5040 and email as customerservice@flymgm.com.
Airlines Operating at MGM
Montgomery Regional Airport currently lists three scheduled passenger airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. You can confirm the latest carrier and route information on MGM’s official airlines page.
| Airline | Current Nonstop Destinations Listed by MGM |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | Charlotte (CLT), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Washington National (DCA) |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta (ATL) |
| United Airlines | Houston Intercontinental (IAH) |
United Express service operated by SkyWest began between Montgomery and Houston on April 7, 2026. MGM announced the route with twice-daily service at launch. Airline frequencies can change seasonally or operationally, so confirm your exact departure before traveling.
Note: Southwest Airlines is not included in MGM’s current published airline list. Do not rely on older route information showing Southwest service to Atlanta, Orlando, or Nashville.
Flight Schedules and Destinations
MGM’s current nonstop network focuses on large connecting hubs rather than a long list of point-to-point leisure routes. That can still give you access to hundreds of onward destinations with a connection.
| Destination | Airport | Airline |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, Georgia | ATL | Delta |
| Charlotte, North Carolina | CLT | American |
| Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas | DFW | American |
| Washington, D.C. | DCA | American |
| Houston, Texas | IAH | United |
Flight times and frequencies can change, so check your operating airline before leaving for the airport. MGM also provides an online flight-status tracker for arrivals, departures, delays, and gate information.
Pro Tip: Check both MGM’s flight-status page and your airline’s app before driving to the airport. The airline is the best source for rebooking, boarding changes, baggage rules, and cancellation decisions.
Parking Options at Montgomery Regional Airport
MGM offers short-term and long-term parking within walking distance of the terminal. According to the airport’s current parking information, no parking-lot shuttle is needed.
| Parking Type | Published Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Term | $1 per 30 minutes; $14 maximum per 24 hours | Pickups, drop-offs, and shorter stays |
| Long-Term | $1 per hour; $12 maximum per 24 hours | Multi-day trips |
| Accessible Parking | Located in the short-term lot; $12 maximum per 24 hours | Eligible travelers needing closer accessible spaces |
MGM says parking is first-come, first-served and does not currently support advance reservations. The airport also states that valet parking is not offered. Both main lots are close enough to walk to the terminal.
If you drive an electric vehicle, MGM currently lists two high-speed Level 3 charging stations near its Intermodal Building.
Note: Parking prices and policies can change. Check MGM’s official parking page shortly before your trip, especially for a longer stay.
Transportation Services to and From MGM
You have several ways to travel between MGM, downtown Montgomery, local hotels, and surrounding communities.
- Uber and Lyft: MGM supports rideshare pickup from its designated passenger pickup area. Drivers drop departing passengers at the terminal curb.
- Taxi: The airport says taxi service is available outside baggage claim during MGM’s operating hours.
- The M Transit: MGM’s directions page states that The M provides bus service to and from the airport. Check current routes, fares, and operating times before depending on the bus for a flight.
- Hotel shuttles: Several nearby hotels offer airport shuttle service for guests. Request it when reserving your room and verify the schedule and any charge directly with the hotel.
- Independent transportation: MGM also lists independent cab and shuttle operators on its ground-transportation page.
For current pickup instructions and provider information, see MGM’s ground transportation page.
Rental Cars at MGM
Rental-car service is available on-site. MGM currently lists the following brands:
- Avis
- Alamo
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Dollar
- National
- Thrifty
Counter hours vary by company and day, so check your reservation if you are arriving particularly early or late.
Dining and Shopping at the Airport
MGM’s current terminal dining and shopping lineup is more specific than a generic selection of Southern restaurants. The airport’s official dining and shopping page lists these options:
- Runway 28: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, light snacks, and drinks.
- Dunkin’ Express: Coffee, donuts, and quick refreshments.
- Capital City Coffee & Gifts: Coffee, tea, light bites, locally themed merchandise, gifts, and travel items.
Concession hours may depend on the day’s flight schedule and staffing, so do not assume every restaurant or shop will be open for a very early or late departure.
Airport Amenities and Services
Beyond food and transportation, MGM provides several practical amenities that can make your wait or arrival easier. The airport’s services and amenities page currently lists free Wi-Fi, device-charging stations, accessible facilities, rental cars, dining, and passenger-assistance services.
- Free Wi-Fi: Complimentary internet access is available throughout the terminal.
- Charging stations: Charging ports are available around waiting and seating areas.
- Wheelchair assistance: Airlines can arrange wheelchair and luggage assistance. Contact your carrier in advance when possible.
- Accessible facilities: MGM lists automatic doors, accessible restrooms, elevators, and other accommodations for passengers with mobility needs.
- Skycap service: Curbside help with baggage handling and check-in is available.
Dining Options Available
If you want a meal, drink, coffee, or quick snack before boarding, your main published choices are Runway 28, Dunkin’ Express, and Capital City Coffee & Gifts. Checking the airport’s current dining page is useful if you are traveling outside normal meal times.
Transportation Services Offered
After landing, you can choose from on-site rental cars, Uber or Lyft, taxis, selected hotel shuttles, independent transportation providers, and The M public transit. If you need a hotel shuttle, arrange it directly with your property instead of assuming a shuttle will automatically be waiting.
Tips for a Smooth Travel Experience
A little preparation can make your trip through MGM easier, particularly during holidays or when you have checked bags.
- Allow about 90 to 120 minutes before departure: MGM has published guidance ranging from at least 90 minutes to 1.5–2 hours before a flight. Give yourself additional time during busy periods, when checking luggage, traveling with children, or requesting special assistance.
- Check in before leaving home: Use your airline’s website or app when online check-in is available and keep your boarding pass accessible.
- Verify your flight: Check MGM’s flight-status tracker and your airline app before heading to the airport.
- Review baggage limits: Carry-on dimensions, checked-bag limits, fees, and special-item policies come from your airline, not the airport.
- Have an acceptable ID ready: Adult domestic travelers using a state driver’s license or identification card should make sure it is REAL ID compliant or use another TSA-accepted form of identification.
- Pack for screening: Keep liquids and anything that may require separate inspection easy to reach.
Warning: Do not arrive at the airport at the last minute even though MGM has a compact terminal. Airline check-in and baggage-drop cutoffs occur before departure and may prevent you from boarding even if the aircraft is still at the gate.
Security Procedures and What to Expect
TSA, rather than the airport itself, controls passenger screening rules. Check the TSA security-screening guidance when you have questions about current procedures.
Screening Process Overview
- Have your identification and boarding information ready: As of May 7, 2025, a non-REAL-ID-compliant state driver’s license or identification card is no longer accepted by itself for normal domestic checkpoint identification. Review TSA’s acceptable identification list if you are unsure what to bring.
- Follow the officer’s instructions: Screening steps can vary with equipment, lane type, and your belongings.
- Expect the current shoes-on policy: DHS ended the general shoes-off requirement in July 2025. Most passengers can now keep shoes on during standard screening, although TSA may still require shoe removal or additional screening in particular circumstances.
- Keep liquids organized: Standard carry-on liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes generally must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or less and fit in one quart-sized bag.
Prohibited Items List
There is no reliable one-sentence list that covers every item. TSA rules differ depending on the object and whether it is in a carry-on or checked bag. Most knives, firearms in carry-on baggage, explosives, and many other dangerous items are prohibited at the checkpoint, while some tools and other objects have size-specific rules.
Before packing an unusual item, search TSA’s official What Can I Bring? database.
For liquids, the standard carry-on limit is 3.4 ounces or 100 mL per container in a quart-sized bag. However, TSA permits reasonable quantities of medically necessary liquids above that size when properly presented for screening. Review the current TSA liquids rule before travel.
Note: The TSA officer at the checkpoint makes the final determination about whether an item can pass through security. If an item is unusual, check it before you leave home rather than relying on a general packing list.
Local Attractions Near Montgomery Airport
If you have extra time in Montgomery, the airport is a convenient starting point for several historic and family attractions. MGM says downtown Montgomery is roughly 9 miles from the airport under normal driving conditions.
- Civil Rights Memorial Center: An interpretive center and memorial focused on people who lost their lives during the Civil Rights Movement.
- Montgomery Zoo: A family-oriented wildlife attraction with animal exhibits and educational experiences.
- Old Alabama Town: A collection of preserved historic buildings that explores life in Alabama during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
- The Legacy Museum: An Equal Justice Initiative museum examining the history of slavery, racial terror, segregation, and mass incarceration in the United States.
Hours, admission policies, timed-entry requirements, and closures can change, so check each attraction’s official site before planning your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Montgomery Regional Airport’s operating hours?
MGM’s current passenger information does not publish one universal terminal opening-and-closing schedule for every day. Airline counters, rental-car desks, taxis, restaurants, and other services have their own hours. If you have a very early or late flight, confirm your airline’s schedule and contact MGM customer service at 334-281-5040 if you need specific terminal-access information.
Is there free Wi-Fi available at MGM?
Yes. Montgomery Regional Airport states that complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Charging stations are also available around passenger waiting and seating areas.
Can I bring my pet to Montgomery Regional Airport?
You may be able to travel with an eligible pet, but the rules come from your airline. American, Delta, and United each have their own requirements covering eligible animals, carrier size, reservations, fees, and destination restrictions. Check your operating airline’s current pet policy before arriving at MGM rather than assuming any pet or carrier will be accepted.
Are there hotel options near Montgomery Airport?
Yes. There are hotels in the Montgomery area, and MGM states that several nearby properties offer airport shuttle service for guests. Ask the hotel about availability, required reservations, pickup instructions, operating hours, and any fee when you book.
What should I do if my flight is delayed or canceled?
Check your airline’s app or website and MGM’s flight-status tracker first. If your flight is canceled or the delay threatens a connection, contact the operating airline for rebooking or refund options. Keep your booking reference available and follow the airline’s instructions before leaving the airport.
How early should I arrive at Montgomery Regional Airport?
A practical target is about 90 to 120 minutes before departure. MGM has published guidance ranging from at least 90 minutes to 1.5–2 hours. Allow extra time for holidays, checked luggage, children, special assistance, parking, or anything else that may slow you down.
Can I reserve parking at MGM in advance?
No. MGM currently states that short-term and long-term parking are available on a first-come, first-served basis and that advance parking reservations are not offered. The airport also does not currently offer valet parking.
Is there public transportation to Montgomery Regional Airport?
Yes. MGM’s official directions information says The M Transit provides bus service to and from Montgomery Regional Airport. Check the transit system’s current route, timetable, and fare information before your trip because public-transit schedules can change.
Conclusion
Montgomery Regional Airport can be a convenient starting point for trips from Alabama’s River Region when you plan around its current routes and services. American, Delta, and United connect MGM with five major hubs, while nearby parking, rental cars, rideshare, taxis, transit, dining, free Wi-Fi, and accessible facilities keep the airport experience relatively simple. Before leaving home, confirm your flight status, airline baggage rules, acceptable ID, TSA requirements, parking information, and any transportation or hotel shuttle you plan to use.
Sources
- Montgomery Regional Airport — Airlines — current airlines and nonstop destinations.
- Montgomery Regional Airport — Parking — parking rates, accessible parking, reservations, valet policy, and EV charging.
- Montgomery Regional Airport — Ground Transportation — rental cars, rideshare, taxis, and hotel shuttle information.
- Montgomery Regional Airport — Dining and Shopping — current terminal restaurants, coffee, and retail options.
- Transportation Security Administration — Acceptable Identification — current checkpoint identification and REAL ID requirements.
- Transportation Security Administration — Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule — current carry-on liquid restrictions.
