Travel Tips & FAQ’S

For security information please visit Transportation Security Administration.

It is recommended that passengers arrive 1:45 minutes before flight time.

TSA Checkpoint closes 15 minutes prior to originally scheduled flight departure.

When does the airline terminal open and close?

The terminal opens at 4:00am and closes at 1:00am.  

The TSA checkpoint closes 15 minutes prior to each SCHEDULED departure time. If your flight is delayed, the checkpoint may still close 15 minutes prior to the originally SCHEDULED departure time. Additionally, if you leave the secured area after the checkpoint closes, you cannot re-enter. Don’t get left behind! If you don’t arrive prior to the closure of the checkpoint, you will miss your flight. For further security requirements and prohibited item information, visit Transportation Security Administration.

Taxi service can be obtained using the UBER or LYFT apps on your smartphone.

The City of Fort Smith offers bus service if scheduled one day in advance (479.783.6464 Monday thru Saturday, 8a-3p).  

To reach American Airlines, call 1-800-433-7300, or visit their website aa.com.

The airport is a local governmental facility; each airline leases space from the airport to operate their business. Since the airport and airlines are separate entities, the airport is not connected to the airlines’ phone or computer systems. Therefore, the airport is unable to connect calls to the airlines’ desk or access the airline computer systems to provide information such as reservations, lost bags, etc.  Airlines operate central locations that provide customer service by phone and internet for reservations, lost bags, etc. You must call the 800 numbers or go online to reach the airlines.  

Our 3 letter identifying code is FSM. Some websites require a 4 letter code, which is KFSM.

Each airline sets its own rates and schedules. Check with American Airlines by visiting their website aa.com or calling 1-800-433-7300.  

FSM is conveniently located in the heart of town.  Save yourself time, money and stress by flying local.  The costs of driving to a larger airport not only include fuel, higher parking fees, and wear and tear on your vehicle, but also the risk of traffic and delays on the interstate!  As we like to say, if you flew Fort Smith, you’d be home by now

Not at this time. The airport offers coffee and vending machines in the secured area past the security checkpoint.

Restaurant or concessions vendors interested in operating at the airport can call the airport administration office at 479.452.7000 ext. 50 for information.

Yes. For Information, call the airport administration office at 479.452.7000 Ext. 50 or send us a message.

Yes. The Fort Smith Airport has an FAA operated air traffic control tower.

For airline luggage requirements, visit the American Airlines website. 

Decisions to delay or cancel flights are made by the airlines, not the airport. You can contact your airline directly by visiting AA.com or calling 1-800-433-7300, or view the airport’s Flight Status webpage. This screen shows the flight display screen located in the airport terminal lobby at the Fort Smith Regional Airport.

For a list of items that are prohibited please check the TSA website.

Please contact the airport administrative office (479-452-7000 Ext. 50)

Yes. The high safety record achieved by regional airlines equals that of the major airlines. Jet engines power all regional aircraft, whether a turbo with propellers on the outside-or a turbofan with fans inside the engine casing. Turboprops are well suited to regional flights. They are designed to fly shorter distances more economically than large jets. Regional airlines operate under identical FAA regulations and safety standards as major airlines – including pilot training and rest requirements, safety equipment, and dispatching procedures.  Regional Airline Association

Check for up-to-date arrivals and departures by visiting the Fort Smith Regional Airport’s website Flight Status page, or checking with the American Airlines directly at aa.com or calling 1-800-433-7300.  American Airlines also has an app available on your smartphone that will send notifications of flight changes, including delays and cancellations, by phone notification, text or e-mail.

If you can POUR it, PUMP it, SQUEEZE it, SPREAD it, SMEAR it, SPRAY it or SPILL it. (Note: mascara and toothpaste ARE considered liquids.) For more information on other carry-on requirements, please visit the TSA website.

The airlines ask that you be at the airport one hour and thirty minutes before your flight. To check a bag, you must arrive at the ticket counter at least ONE HOUR before your flight.  Please Note: In Fort Smith the airlines close the ticket counters 45 minutes before each flight. If you are not checked in and clearing security by that time you will not make the flight.

American Airlines customers must call 1-800-433-7300 or visit AA.com to setup a claim for luggage delivery, or they can pick-up the luggage at the American Airlines ticket counter during local posted hours of operation.  Current hours of operation as of May 2024* are:

  • 8:00am – 12:00pm
  • 4:30pm – 7:00pm
  • 11:00pm – 1:30am

All luggage claims or questions must be handled with the airline employees.  Airport staff has no access to or information about luggage claims.

*Local operating hours are subject to change.  For guaranteed airline agent at ticket counter: click to check local flight DEPARTURES and arrive at the airline desk 1.5 hours prior to a flight departure.

To report a noise complaint, please call 188th Air National Guard Public Affairs at 479-573-5323.

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Fort Smith Regional Airport is the region’s newest and most convenient passenger terminal.

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