According to Airportix.com there are 123 airports in Montana.  Many of them are considered International. Sharetrans rated the top 12 largest airports and you might be surprised where your airport “lands” on the list.

Some of the criteria used is based on number of flights per year.  Cost to fly out of that destination.  Number of airlines that use that destination and how many cities they fly to.  They also analyzed passenger comments.

Here is a list of the top 6 with 2019 data and cost to fly to SLC and to Seattle.  I picked nonstop and used a range from any airline that offered the flight.  Times range from early morning to late evening.

#1 Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

• 1,573,000 passengers in 2019
• BZN is connected with 31 airports in 19 states.
• BZN to SLC for Wednesday April 5^th prices range from $204 to $269 (Delta)
• BZN to SEA for Wednesday April 5^th price is $99 (Alaska Airlines)

#2 Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)

• 928,000 passengers in 2018
• BIL is connected with 17 U.S. and in-state destinations.
• BIL to SLC for Wednesday April 5th prices range from $224 to $339 (Delta)
• BIL to SEA for Wednesday April 5th prices range from $136 to $203 (Alaska Airlines)

#3 Missoula International Airport (MSO)

• 907,000 passengers in 2019.
• MSO is connected to 6 destinations in 5 states.
• MSO to SLC for Wednesday April 5th prices range from $234 to $269 (Delta)
• MSO to SEA for Wednesday April 5th prices range from $153 to $224 (Alaska Airlines)

#4 Glacier Park International Airport (FCA)

• 365,000 passengers in 2019.
• FCA is connected to 7 destinations in 7 states.
• FCA to SLC for Wednesday April 5th price is $264 (Delta)
• FCA to SEA for Wednesday April 5th price is $139 (Alaska Airlines)

#5 Great Falls International Airport (GTF)

• 356,000 passengers in 2019
• GTF is connected to 6 airports in 6 states.
• GTF to SLC for Wednesday April 5th prices range from $314 to $404 (Delta)
• GTF to SEA for Wednesday April 5th price is $234 (Alaska Airlines)

#6 Helena Regional Airport (HLN)

• 238,000 passengers in 2019.
• HLN is connected to 3 airports in 3 states
• HLN to SLC for Wednesday April 5th price is $234 (Delta)
• HLN to SEA for Wednesday April 5th price is $116 (Alaska Airlines)

Why is Bozeman so much less expensive than the other major airports in Montana? My guess is volume.

In 2019 Bozeman had over a half a million more travelers that the #2 and #3 airport. They had over 1.2 million more travelers than Great Falls. 

Please note that since 2019 several airports have increased the number of flights and destinations that they offer.  The data is pre- pandemic and the flight costs are current. With the cost of fuel, time and possible hotel costs, is it more economical to pay the higher fees to fly out of the airport closest to you or is it worth it to take a road trip to Bozeman or Helena?

If you have a story idea or something you want to learn more about, give Randy a call at 406-788-3003 or send me an email at randall.bogden@townsquaremedia.com

CHECK OUT THESE AIRLINE TRAVELERS BEING NAUGHTY