Planning a trip to the beautiful Black Hills and Badlands region of South Dakota? Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is your gateway to this stunning destination. A crucial part of your travel planning is knowing What Airlines Fly Into Rapid City. This guide provides a detailed overview of the airlines that serve RAP, helping you make informed decisions for your journey.
Major Airlines Serving Rapid City
Rapid City Regional Airport is serviced by several major US airlines, offering a range of domestic connections. Here’s a breakdown of the primary carriers you’ll find operating at RAP:
American Airlines
American Airlines provides a significant presence at Rapid City, primarily through its regional affiliate, American Eagle.
- Hubs & Destinations: American Eagle connects Rapid City to key American Airlines hubs, most notably Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). These hubs offer onward connections to a vast network of domestic and international destinations.
- Typical Aircraft: Expect to see regional jets like Embraer ERJ-145 and potentially larger regional jets depending on the route and time of year.
- Service & Amenities: American Airlines offers a standard level of service, with options to purchase snacks and beverages onboard regional flights. Connecting through DFW or ORD provides access to American Airlines’ full range of services and lounges for eligible passengers.
- Booking & Information: Visit the American Airlines website for the most up-to-date flight schedules and booking options.
United Airlines
United Airlines is another major carrier serving Rapid City Regional Airport, also primarily through its regional partner, United Express.
- Hubs & Destinations: United Express provides crucial connections from Rapid City to Denver International Airport (DEN). Denver serves as a major United hub, offering extensive connections throughout the western United States and beyond.
- Typical Aircraft: Similar to American Eagle, United Express typically utilizes regional jets such as Embraer ERJ-145 and potentially Bombardier CRJ aircraft on routes to and from Rapid City.
- Service & Amenities: Passengers can expect standard regional airline service on United Express flights. Connecting through Denver opens up access to United Airlines’ network, including Star Alliance partners, and amenities such as United Clubs for eligible travelers.
- Booking & Information: Check the United Airlines website for flight schedules and to book your trip.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines, through its regional carrier Delta Connection, also provides service to Rapid City Regional Airport.
- Hubs & Destinations: Delta Connection primarily links Rapid City to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). MSP is a major Delta hub, offering a wide array of connecting flights across the US and internationally.
- Typical Aircraft: Delta Connection flights to Rapid City are typically operated with regional jets, including Bombardier CRJ-900 and CRJ-700 aircraft, offering a slightly more comfortable regional experience.
- Service & Amenities: Delta provides a consistent level of service, and connecting through MSP allows passengers to access Delta’s extensive network, SkyTeam partner airlines, and Delta Sky Club lounges for members and eligible passengers.
- Booking & Information: Visit the Delta Air Lines website for booking and flight information.
Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air offers a different model compared to the legacy carriers, providing low-cost, point-to-point flights to leisure destinations.
- Destinations from Rapid City: Allegiant Air offers seasonal direct flights from Rapid City to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA). Phoenix-Mesa provides access to the Phoenix metropolitan area and surrounding attractions.
- Typical Aircraft: Allegiant Air operates an all-Airbus fleet, typically utilizing Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft on their routes.
- Service & Amenities: Allegiant Air is an ultra-low-cost carrier. Passengers can expect basic transportation, with ancillary fees for seat selection, baggage, and onboard refreshments.
- Booking & Information: Visit the Allegiant Air website for specific flight schedules and to book directly. Note that Allegiant’s schedule to Rapid City may be seasonal, so check availability based on your travel dates.
Choosing the Right Airline for Your Trip to Rapid City
When deciding what airlines fly into Rapid City and which to choose, consider these factors:
- Origin and Destination: Where are you flying from and what is your final destination? Consider which airline hubs align best with your travel plans for convenient connections.
- Price: Compare fares across different airlines, keeping in mind that ultra-low-cost carriers like Allegiant may have lower base fares but additional fees.
- Schedule: Check flight times and frequency to see which airlines offer schedules that work best for you.
- Loyalty Programs: If you are a member of an airline loyalty program, flying with that airline or its partners can earn you miles and benefits.
- Service Preferences: Consider your desired level of service. Legacy carriers like American, United, and Delta offer a more comprehensive service, while Allegiant focuses on budget-friendly travel.
Tips for Booking Flights to Rapid City
- Book in Advance: Especially during peak travel seasons, booking your flights in advance can often lead to better fares and availability.
- Be Flexible with Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, you might find better deals by flying on weekdays or during off-peak times.
- Consider Connecting Flights: While direct flights are convenient, connecting flights might sometimes be more economical. Explore connections through the hubs mentioned above (DFW, ORD, DEN, MSP).
- Check for Deals and Promotions: Keep an eye on airline websites and travel deal sites for any special offers or promotions on flights to Rapid City.
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) – Your Gateway to the Black Hills
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is a convenient and well-equipped airport serving the Rapid City area and the surrounding Black Hills region. While a smaller airport compared to major hubs, RAP offers essential amenities for travelers, including:
- Car Rental: Major car rental agencies are available at the airport, essential for exploring the Black Hills and Badlands.
- Ground Transportation: Taxis, ride-sharing services, and hotel shuttles provide transportation to and from the airport.
- Dining and Shopping: RAP offers a selection of dining and retail options for travelers.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
Conclusion
Knowing what airlines fly into Rapid City is the first step in planning your trip to this exciting region. American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Allegiant Air provide a range of options to reach RAP, catering to different travel needs and budgets. By considering your origin, destination, budget, and preferred service level, you can choose the best airline for your Rapid City adventure and get ready to explore the wonders of South Dakota.
