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Air Travel

Air Travel

Idaho, USA

Airports & Airlines

Main Airports

Spokane International Airport (GEG): Located about 35 miles (56 km) west of Coeur d'Alene, in Spokane, Washington. This airport counts as the main and most convenient choice for travelers heading to Coeur d'Alene. It handles a wide range of domestic flights. Coeur d'Alene Airport (COE): A smaller regional airport mainly for general aviation, including private planes and charter flights. Commercial service from COE is very limited, making GEG the practical choice for most visitors.

Airport Overview

  • GEG is the main gateway for Coeur d'Alene.
  • GEG is 35 miles (56 km) west of Coeur d'Alene.
  • COE is mainly for private flights, limited commercial options.

Airlines & Routes GEG

Spokane International Airport (GEG) hosts several major U.S. Airlines, connecting to many cities across the country. Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Typical Routes: GEG offers direct flights from major hubs like Seattle (SEA), Portland (PDX), Salt Lake City (SLC), Denver (DEN), Phoenix (PHX), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Chicago (ORD), Minneapolis (MSP), and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW). This network allows good connectivity for domestic travelers.

International Connections

  • No direct international flights to GEG.
  • International travelers connect via major U.S. Hubs.
  • Common connecting hubs: SEA, LAX, ORD.

Flight Availability

Flight prices and availability fluctuate significantly throughout the year. Booking several months in advance is good for best prices during busy periods.

Price Fluctuations

Peak summer season (June-August) has the highest fares and fuller flights due to increased demand. Holidays also cause prices to rise.

Best Deals

Better deals are often found during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or the low season (winter, excluding holidays).

Airport Services & Transfers GEG

Airport Facilities

  • Various dining options, from fast food to sit-down restaurants.
  • Retail shops for souvenirs and travel necessities.
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
  • Charging stations for electronic devices.

Ground Transportation to Coeur d'Alene

  • Rental Cars: Most convenient; major companies at GEG.
  • Shuttle Services: Private companies offer direct service (advance booking recommended).
  • Ride-sharing/Taxis: Uber and Lyft available from GEG.
  • Public Transit: Limited and time-consuming, not practical for most.

Affiliate Flight Resources

Flight Deals

Discover affordable flights with Dollar Flight Club.

Comparison Tool

Compare flight options and prices using Skyscanner.

Compensation

AirHelp can assist with compensation for delayed or canceled flights (up to €600).

Land Transportation

Driving & Road Conditions

A valid driver's license is needed to operate a vehicle in Idaho. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) with their home country's license. Check with your rental car company for specific requirements. Interstate 90 (I-90) is the main east-west route, connecting Spokane and Coeur d'Alene. Roads in and around Coeur d'Alene are generally well-maintained.

Driving Safety

  • Drive on the right side of the road; seatbelts are mandatory.
  • Obey clearly posted speed limits.
  • Cell phone use without hands-free is prohibited while driving.

Border & Public Transit

Border Crossing: Not applicable for travel within the U.S. From Canada, border crossings exist north of Coeur d'Alene (e.g., Eastport, ID/Kingsgate, BC). Standard international border procedures apply. You will need a valid passport and potentially an eTA for Canada. Train: No direct Amtrak service to Coeur d'Alene. Nearest station is Spokane (SPK). Bus: Greyhound offers intercity bus service to Spokane. From Spokane, local connections to Coeur d'Alene are limited.

Transit Notes

  • Amtrak to Spokane, then ground transport to Coeur d'Alene.
  • Greyhound to Spokane, then taxi/ride-share to Coeur d'Alene.
  • Winter road conditions (Nov-March): Snow and ice. Check 511.idaho.gov.

Wildlife & Driving

Deer and elk can pose a hazard, especially at dawn, dusk, and night, notably on rural roads. Drive cautiously and be aware of wildlife crossing signs.

Car Rental Resource

  • DiscoverCars.com for car rental options.
  • Valid driver's license and credit card for rental.
  • Book rental car in advance for better rates and availability.

Sea & River Arrivals

No ferry services or cruise ports exist for main transportation to Coeur d'Alene. Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises provide scenic tours on the lake, but these are recreational experiences, not a mode of arrival or departure. The Spokane River flows out of Lake Coeur d'Alene, but it is not for commercial passenger transport into or out of the city.

Water Transport Notes

  • No formal sea or river ports for direct travel.
  • Lake cruises are for leisure, not transit.
  • Recreational kayaking/paddleboarding on Spokane River.

Departure Information

  • No specific exit fees or taxes upon departing the U.S. From GEG.
  • Domestic flights from GEG: Arrive 90-120 minutes before departure.
  • International connections: Arrive at connecting U.S. Hub 2-3 hours before international flight.
  • TSA PreCheck/Clear available at GEG for expedited security.
  • GEG departure area: restaurants, cafes, gift shops, Wi-Fi.
  • Check flight status before heading to the airport.

Travel to Coeur d'Alene

Visa Services

For visa applications: Use services like IVisa for consumer visa applications. VisaHQ offers direct visa and passport services.

Visa & Passport Services

  • IVisa for streamlined applications.
  • VisaHQ for direct services.
  • Check specific country requirements.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended. Options include World Nomads for adventurous travelers. SafetyWing is designed for digital nomads and remote teams. Insubuy provides medical and travel coverage for foreigners visiting the U.S. (commission-based, 30 days cookie).

Insurance Providers

  • World Nomads for adventure travel.
  • SafetyWing for digital nomads.
  • Insubuy for U.S. Visitors' medical/travel coverage.

Water Filtration

For water filtration products, see LifeStraw. Tap water in Coeur d'Alene is safe to drink.

First Aid

First aid supplies for travelers are available at Adventure Medical Kits.

Anti-Theft Bags

Anti-theft bags and travel security products are available from Pacsafe.

Connectivity

VPN Services

For secure internet access, especially on public Wi-Fi, consider a Virtual Private Network (VPN). NordVPN is a popular consumer VPN service. ExpressVPN is another strong VPN option for travelers.

Benefits of VPN

  • Secure your online data.
  • Protect privacy on public networks.
  • Access geo-restricted content.

ESIM Services

An eSIM provides easy mobile data access without needing a physical SIM card. Airalo is a good option for travelers to purchase and manage eSIMs for various destinations, including the U.S.

ESIM Advantages

  • No physical SIM card needed.
  • Instant mobile data access upon arrival.
  • Often more cost-effective than international roaming.

Electronics Retailers

General Electronics

For general electronics, Amazon is a main consumer retail platform with a wide selection.

Camera & Video Gear

B&H Photo is a specialized camera and electronics retailer for photo and video equipment.

Travel Bags

Nordace sells modern travel bags and accessories for organized packing.