ⓘ COVID-19 UPDATES: Impacts, resources, and Safety at GFIA. MORE INFO ›

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We are Ready.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport has worked closely with health experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, local, state and federal governments, along with airline partners to ensure the safety and well-being of our passengers, guests and employees. While many businesses and organizations closed their doors, Ford Airport remained open, a critical link to the health – and economic recovery – of our region.

As of June 1, all Michigan residents are again able to travel freely in – and beyond – our state. Over the past several months, our team has been working hard to develop and implement new safety and sanitation protocols throughout our facility to ensure every step of your journey is safe — from arrival to departure and everything in between.   

We are ready when you are – and we can’t wait to see you again soon.

FORD AIRPORT’S COMMITMENT TO YOUR HEALTH & SAFETY

At the Ford Airport, we believe traveling, whether for business or pleasure, is essential to our well-being. We have prepared our facility with extra sanitation measures and protocols to help you get where you’re going safely and with peace of mind by:

  • Reliance on continuous cleaning protocols to disinfect and sanitize high-traffic areas for our employees, tenants, and guests, including bathrooms, airline kiosks, TSA bins, etc.
  • Partnership with private industry and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to pilot use of leading-edge robotic technology as a pilot program, to dispense FDA-approved disinfecting materials through a multi-head electrostatic sprayer array
  • Placement of hand sanitizer stations throughout the terminal, pre- and post-TSA screening
  • Installation of custom plexiglass shields at all interaction points, including ticket counters, rental car facility, etc.
  • Offering personal protection equipment such as facial coverings to guests in concession areas and through vending machines
  • Use of visual clues to reinforce physical distancing throughout the airport through floor clings, stanchion toppers, wall decals and computer monitors
  • Placement of signage throughout the terminal – overhead, wall-mounted, door-placed – reminding guests about ways to limit the spread of COVID-19
  • Installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems that improved indoor air quality and temperature comfort
  • Requiring all team members and guests to wear facial coverings in accordance with directives from TSA and the State of Michigan.

For a complete list of our measures and protocols, please read our Preparedness and Response Plan.

WE NEED YOU ON BOARD

We need the help of all travelers and guests to ensure our safety measures and protocols are successful on top of everyday operations. Here’s what you can do:

  • Federal law requires all guests over the age of two to wear a facial covering over your nose and mouth at all times while on Airport property. If you forget your facial covering, you may purchase one at sites throughout the terminal.
  • Bring your own hand sanitizer – and be sure to use it frequently. TSA is temporarily allowing passengers to bring hand sanitizer containers up to 12 ounces in size in your carry-on — which is much larger than the standard 3.4 ounces (100 ml) previously allowed. The 3.4-ounce rule still applies to other liquids in your carry-on. More information is available on the TSA COVID-19 response webpage.
  • Do not place personal items like phones, wallets and keys in provided bins for screening at TSA checkpoints. Secure these personal items in your carry-on bag prior to screening.
  • Download mobile boarding passes when available prior to arrival to limit the amount of exchanges you make with employees.
  • Arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to allow for new check-in and security processes.
  • Maintain a physical distance of six feet from others at all times in the airport terminal.
  • Remain home and avoid travel if you have recently been diagnosed with or are currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Hold identification documents up for employees to check, rather than passing the documents to them.
  • Consult your airline website for additional information, guidance and support.
  • Quarantine at home for 14 days if you’ve recently had close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
AIRLINE COVID-19 RESPONSES & FLIGHT STATUS

We encourage you to visit individual airline websites to learn more about their COVID-19 responses and protocols as well as find information on your flight status and affected amenities.

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Concessions & Amenities
Last Updated: 2/2/2021

Our concession partners are here to provide you with travel necessities, meals, snacks, and more. Many are offering personal protective items for purchase. Some concessions have limited hours. Please see the list below for current offerings and operational hours. At this time, airport lounges/clubs are closed.

OPERATION STATUS
Pre-Security
  

COVID Test Site

 Open (4:30 am - 8:00 pm)

Destination Michigan Store

 Closed
Leinie Lodge Closed
Starbucks Closed
Visitor Information Desk Open
Post Security
  
Prospect Hill by Founders Open (11:00 am - Last Flight)
Starbucks Open (4:30 am - 1:00 pm)
Touch of Grand Rapids Open (Limited Hours & Days)
Concourse A
  
Concourse A Bar Closed
Great American Bagel Shop Closed
News & Gifts Open (4:30 - Last Flight)
Concourse B
  
Great American Bagel Shop Open (4:30 am - 12:30 pm)
News & Gifts Open (4:30 - Last Flight)
MI Tap Room Open (Limited Hours & Days)

 

HOW WE'RE SUPPORTING THE BATTLE AGAINST COVID-19

We’re doing our part to be part of the solution.

On April 13, Southwest Airlines donated 30 boxes of snacks to the teams at Spectrum Health as its employees put in long hours to battle COVID-19 in West Michigan.

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On April 10, a Delta Air Lines flight landed at Ford Airport from Los Angeles International Airport with more than a half a million surgical masks weighing more than 5,000 lbs.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I get a COVID test at the Airport's test site?

To better serve travelers and the West Michigan community, the Ford Airport has partnered with TACKL Health to host a new COVID-19 testing site in the Airport's Economy Lot.

The drive-up, no-appointment-needed site will offer both rapid antigen tests, which provide results in 15 minutes, and molecular PCR tests, which provide results in 24-48 hours. The testing site is open from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

Those wishing to be tested do not need to have COVID-19 symptoms or a doctor’s referral.

For more information, please visit Tackl Health's website or call 616-816-1820.

What is the airport doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

The Ford Airport is committed to the safety and well-being of travelers, guests and employees. We have an internal team focused on monitoring and responding to the spread of coronavirus. We are drawing on a number of trusted healthcare sources for our information, including the CDC, our state health department and our county health department.

We have expanded sanitation and disinfecting protocols in place aligned with best practices when it comes to reducing the risk of transmission.

Why aren’t you screening passengers for COVID-19?

Thirteen airports are currently identified by the Department of Homeland Security to screen passengers for the coronavirus, and Ford Airport is not one of them. DHS, Customs and Border Protection and the CDC are located at each of these ports of entry to handle the on-site screening of passengers from specific regions and countries at these airports. Ford Airport does not yet have direct international airline service, so passengers coming from another country are screened at their port-of-entry airport.

Is it still safe to fly?

Yes. We echo the assurances from leading health officials who affirm that “healthy Americans can confidently travel in this country.” Of course, travelers in high-risk categories should consider rescheduling travel plans until after the outbreak has been contained. Additionally, all travelers should be aware of conditions in the region or country of their destination.

For more information, visit the CDC’s travel resources.

What is the risk of getting COVID-19 on an airplane?

The CDC reports that because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses and other germs do not spread easily. Although the risk of infection on an airplane is low, try to avoid contact with sick passengers and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

For more information, visit the CDC’s resource on Exposure Risk During Travel

What if I have been diagnosed or come in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19?

We ask that anyone with symptoms, a diagnosis or who has come in contact with someone with symptoms or a diagnosis please stay at home for the safety of our passengers, guests and employees.

If you’ve recently had close contact with someone who has COVID-19, the CDC recommends quarantining for 14 days in your home and avoiding air travel.