Tips for Your Trip out of Waterloo Regional Airport in Waterloo, Iowa
Serving as a local, convenient alternative to larger regional and hub airports, Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO) in Waterloo, Iowa provides twice-daily American Airlines service to O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago, Illinois. Once there, passengers can access a host of domestic and international destinations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and overseas. The dedicated Airport Staff is standing by to help passengers from throughout the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro area and Cedar Valley Region plan a trip to remember. Browse through travel tips, read FAQs, or contact us for more information.
Traveling with American Airlines
American Airlines provides twice-daily service to and from ORD through its wholly-owned regional airline affiliate, Envoy Airlines, on the Embraer Regional Jet (ERJ-145). Here’s what you should know before the day of your trip:
Your Rights and Responsibilities
Review the conditions of carriage, which includes all passenger rights and responsibilities.
Boarding Information
Ensure you are at the gate and ready to board at least 15 minutes before your flight. If you’ll be accessing an international destination at ORD, ensure you’re at the gate 30 minutes before departure. American Airlines closes the doors to all aircraft 10 minutes before departure, and once it is closed, it is not reopened unless there is an urgent security, safety, or health issue. Check your boarding pass for the correct boarding time. If you’re not at the gate at that time, you may lose your seat to a standby passenger.
Cargo and Carry-Ons
All carry-on items must fit under the seat in front of you or in the aircraft’s overhead bins. When bins are full or bags are too big, American Airlines staff will gate-check them. Upon arrival to ORD or your final domestic or international destination, American Airlines’ baggage service office can assist if your bags are missing or something you checked became damaged during travel.
Flight Information
Waterloo Regional Airport maintains a twice-daily departure and arrival schedule to and from ORD. This schedule varies throughout the year. Please call American Airlines at 1-800-433-7300 to confirm the anticipated departure and arrival times.
You should also download the American Airlines mobile app for Apple and Android devices. They have a tracking feature for your cargo, as well as mobile boarding passes and other helpful features. Learn more about flying with American Airlines.
Utilizing Waterloo Regional Airport
Is it your first time at Waterloo Regional Airport? Here are some tips for navigating the facilities and preparing for your flight:
DHS/TSA Security Checkpoint
At Waterloo Regional Airport, the hassle-free security checkpoint is complete with TSA’s Pre-Check program. Before your trip, consider the following advice:
- Passengers over the age of 18 must have an acceptable U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID. Beginning on May 7, 2025, all air travelers will be required to have a REAL ID.
- Ensure that your cargo and carry-ons do not contain any prohibited items.
- Follow the 3-1-1 rule for packing liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols as follows:
- It must weigh 3.4 oz or less.
- All items must be placed in one quart-sized, zip-top, clear, plastic bag.
- One bag per passenger is allowed in the screening bin for these items.
- It’s recommended to wear slip-on shoes that are easy to remove and replace quickly.
- Pets must be removed from their carrying cases so their case can be screened by the X-ray equipment, so remember to have a leash on hand and ensure your furry friend is wearing their collar.
After you pass through security, there are two unisex restrooms and comfortable seating available while you relax and await your flight.
Finding Waterloo Regional Airport
Waterloo Regional Airport is located at 2790 Livingston Ln, Waterloo, IA, 50703. We can be found just off State Hwy 218, north of Airline Hwy, south of Dunkerton Rd, and between Leversee Rd and Wagner Rd. Once here, passengers can utilize the close-in, self-park system, and on-site Avis-Budget car rentals. Public and private transportation is also available to and from Waterloo Regional Airport.
For more travel tips or information about the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro area and 14-county Cedar Valley Region, contact the Airport Staff today.
