Passenger numbers to and from Pocatello Regional Airport are continuing their climb skyward.
New figures compiled by airport staff show the number of travelers into and out of the airport at 6,594 for the month of June, up nearly 70 percent from the same time last year. June also saw the airport’s load factor, industry speak for average number of occupied seats on a flight, at just over 80 percent.
“We want the load factor as high as possible,” explains David Allen, Pocatello Regional Airport manager. “It’s an indicator to us that more and more people are discovering the benefits of flying from Pocatello but it’s also a gauge that airlines use when they determine where to place new flights. At 80 percent, we’re showing we not only have the demand to handle more, we’re ready for more.”
The count also shows that since a third weekday flight to Salt Lake City International Airport from SkyWest Airlines was added to the schedule in early March, the number of passengers is up by 42 percent. March through June 2015 saw 15,989 people take to the skies, while the same time period in 2016 had 22,675 take flight.
“We know it’s not always reasonable to fly from Pocatello but it’s important that you always, always check the fare from Pocatello before you book your flight,” Allen said. “If the round-trip fare mark-up is $200 or less, which it is quite often, and you factor all the other costs of driving to Salt Lake City like parking, gas, time, effort, to name a few, you’ll likely be better off flying from Pocatello.”
When flying in or out of Pocatello, travelers are extended a multitude of free amenities including the ever-popular free parking. Travelers can also take advantage of the free Wi-Fi, shoe-shine station by Meyers Shoe Repair, book sharing center courtesy of the Friends of the Marshall Public Library, a water refill station from Culligan Water Conditioning of Pocatello, complimentary coffee and a children’s play area from Pocatello Regional Airport.
Beyond the free amenities, the airport is also giving back to travelers in the form of free tickets. In June, Bobbi Hurst was the recipient of a free round-trip ticket worth $500. Hurst won the ticket by participating in a drawing on the airport’s Facebook page. Later this summer, the airport plans on giving away another ticket via the page.
