MILWAUKEE — With vacations underway and the Republican National Convention (RNC) coming in July, a lot more travel is expected out of Milwaukee Mitchell International airport this summer.

What You Need To Know

  • Several airlines are adding more nonstop flights such as Raleigh-Durham and Philadelphia from Frontier Airlines, San Diego from Southwest Airlines on Saturdays, Dallas from Spirit Airlines, and Seattle from Alaska Airlines

  • There will also be eight more roundtrip flights from Washington-Dulles, two more Washington National, two more to Denver and one more to New York-La Guardia during peak arrival days leading up to the convention

  • Other flights intend to use larger planes to accommodate more passengers

  • There will also be staff and volunteers on hand at the airport to help guide travelers

Several airlines are adding more nonstop flights to accommodate the busy travel season.

These include new nonstop destinations such as Raleigh-Durham and Philadelphia from Frontier Airlines, San Diego from Southwest Airlines on Saturdays, Dallas from Spirit Airlines, and Seattle from Alaska Airlines.

Airport Director Brian Dranzik said during peak arrival days leading up to the convention, there will also be eight more roundtrip flights from Washington-Dulles, two more Washington National, two more to Denver and one more to New York-La Guardia.

“We’ve put a lot of attention pre-RNC into doing just a few upgrades where we can refresh the facility and making sure that we have an overall great first impression for those that are coming in from out of town,” said Dranzik.

Other flights intend to use larger planes to accommodate more passengers. There will also be staff and volunteers on hand at the airport to help guide travelers.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley believes this will be one of the most important events that Milwaukee ever hosts.

“This is going to be all eyes on Wisconsin. All eyes on Milwaukee and we all understand how important this election is and for me it is about showing what we can do to make sure that we can bring as many conventions and conferences back to Milwaukee, but again showing those who live and around MKE that this is the best place to travel from,” said Crowley.

Dranzik said the influx of travelers for the RNC will be great for the airlines to see.

“We’ve messaged our airline partners that this event is happening and they have responded in kind so I think as the city gets more large-scale conventions like this,” said Dranzik. “It will just improve the air service in and out of Milwaukee so I think we see this as a very positive thing for us going forward.”

It’s not just about making it easier for RNC attendees to come here, but also give those in southeastern Wisconsin more choices on places to travel.

For those wanting to learn more about the services that the county is offering are encouraged to click here. 

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