Sunset over Lake Michigan, Door County, Wisconsin
International airports are normally defined as having customs and immigration services. Their airstrips are generally longer to accommodate large aircraft. They are able to take regional and national flights and either serve international carriers directly or offer connections to foreign locations. Even if they do not have scheduled flights to international locations, they do provide customs facilities for such aircraft as cargo planes. Wisconsin has two designated international airports.
General Mitchell International Airport
Waiting for the storm to pass
General Mitchell International Airport is in Milwaukee. It is Wisconsin's largest airport and serves more than six million travelers annually. It handles 60 percent of passenger business in the state. It was named for Gen. Billy Mitchell, a Milwaukee native. It is smaller and less congested than O'Hare, so Chicago residents use it as a hassle-free alternative. Amtrak provides direct service between Milwaukee and Chicago. Mitchell is the home of Midwest Airlines. Locals view it as a regional airport because few international flights come through there. It does, however, offer direct service to Canada. Travelers appreciate its parking and hotel facilities. Packages are available that combine parking, hotel and flight in one price.
Austin Straubel International Airport
Austin Straubel International Airport is in Ashwaubenon, a village on the outskirts of Green Bay, home of the Green Bay Packers. It was named for Lt. Col. Austin Straubel, a local aviator who died during World War II. U.S. Customs opened offices in the terminal in 1988. The airport serves travelers on five major airlines, with direct connections to worldwide destinations. It is the third busiest airport in Wisconsin. Accommodations for travelers include parking, car rentals, restaurants, gift shops and a hotel. The Transportation Security Administration, part of Homeland Security, maintains operations at Austin Straubel.
Truax Field
Used for aviator training
Wisconsin has many other smaller airports, but one of the best known is Truax Field in Madison, the state capital. It is home to the 115th Fighter Wing, which provides combat support to U.S. forces worldwide. It was named to honor of Lt. Thomas L. Truax, who was killed in a training accident in 1941. Truax is part of the Dane County Regional Airport, home to six major airlines serving regional, national and international destinations. It is Wisconsin's second busiest airport.
Another Option
Amtrak train station
If flying is not your cup of tea, train travel is a fun alternative. Hop a coach at any of seven Wisconsin Amtrak stations and ride the rails all the way to the West Coast.
Tags: Austin Straubel, International Airport, airport serves, Austin Straubel International, busiest airport
