General Information

What does SRQ stand for?

The SRQ designation has evolved from the pre-World War II, two-letter assigned codes of RS to its present global designation of SRQ. In the early days of aviation, radios were used for aviation navigation purposes, and codes were assigned to each aviation facility. During those days, there were not many facilities, but as the aviation industry grew the need for coordinated codes grew. The International Transport Association (IATA) assigned new three-letter codes worldwide. By 1948, use of these new codes was standard practice, and they were given to all cities with scheduled airline service and any associated navigational facilities. A city with only one airport needed only one code. At the same time, Sarasota’s RS was changed to SSO, considered to be very recognizable. Less-used letters (Q,Z,X) were added to more or less recognizable codes as “filters”. For example, the Los Angeles LA became LAX. When a city was served by more than one airport, the name of each airport was coded. While NYC was assigned to the city itself, each of its servicing airports had special codes: LGA for La Guardia, IDL for Idlewild– now JFK, and EWR for Newark. The Sarasota NDB (non-directional beacon) was the only radio navigational facility between Tampa and Ft. Myers. All aircraft fortunate enough to have radios routinely used it. Most private aircraft had neither radios nor instrument flight capability. The former Civil Aeronautics Authority flight service stations began getting reports of pilots misinterpreting Sarasota’s designation of SSO, for the International Distress code, SOS. The only difference was the length of the pause between the “O” and the “S”. Eventually, a change had to be made. Of the unused codes, IATA selected, as the best-unassigned combination of recognizable letters to replace SSO, the two letters SR, to which the “filter” letter Q was added. So around 1956, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport became SRQ. These three code letters today designate the area of Sarasota-Bradenton not only to the aviation world but also throughout the community.

Other answers to common questions:

Yes, vehicles are permitted to pull up curbside, but ONLY for ACTIVE loading and unloading. Vehicles left unattended at the curb will be towed.

Passengers or visitors needing assistance in locating an individual may contact the Airport's paging system by using one of the white courtesy phones located throughout the Airport. Passengers or visitors needing medical or foreign language assistance may choose from the list of available numbers conveniently located above each of the white telephones.

Passengers should arrive at the Airport at least one hour before the scheduled departure of a domestic flight and two hours prior to the scheduled departure of an international flight. 

SRQ is a self sufficient "Special Independent District" established by the state government that has NO ad valorem taxing authority within the counties and or the State of Florida. The Airport generates all of its revenues from its daily business operations.

The main runway used by the airlines is runway 14-32; it was extended to 9,503 feet in 2001. Runway 14-32 is long enough to handle flights to anywhere in the US or Canada with single aisle aircraft and to points in Europe with twin aisle wide-body aircraft.

Public Information

Is smoking allowed at the Airport?

Smoking is not allowed anywhere within the terminal. Of course, you may smoke outside, but we ask you to be respectful of others around you while doing so. 

Ground Transportation

Can I use a taxi service other than ALD Limo?

Yes, but you must call ahead and arrange for pick-up in the second lane of the Ground Transportation queuing area. A taxi starter will be available near the exit door to the Ground Transportation area to assist you. Several local hotels are available by direct line at the Reservation Center located in baggage claim. Other local hotels offer prearranged shuttle service. The courtesy shuttles may meet you in the ground transportation queuing area. Bus schedules are available under the SCAT ad in the baggage wing just past the rental car counters, at the information booth near the down escalator, and the information booth on the second level, as well as posted in the bus shelter in the ground transportation queuing area. No, the Airport does not offer shuttle service to other airports.

Badging

I am a new tenant of the airport, what do I need to do?

Your employer/FBO must authorize you to have a badge. Request the Security Access Application and have your authorized signer sign it at the bottom. Bring the form to the ID Badging office. Depending upon the requested access level, it may be necessary for you to have a Criminal History Records Check and for you to complete the SIDA and/or Driver training. Your employer must authorize you to have a badge. Request the Security Access Application and have your authorized signer sign it at the bottom. Bring the form to the ID Badging office. Depending upon the requested access level, it may be necessary for you to have a Criminal History Records Check and for you to complete the SIDA and/or Driver training. Your FBO or SMAA Properties must authorize you to have a badge. Request the Security Access Application and have your authorized signer sign it at the bottom. Bring the form to the ID Badging office and complete a computer based GA-Tenant Security training. Call Operations immediately (941-359-2770, ext. 4260) to report the loss. You must complete the Lost Badge Form and pay $50 for another badge. Yes, your additional employer must authorize you to have a badge. Complete the Security Access Application form and have your authorized signer sign it at the bottom. You do not have to fill a new Criminal History Records Check or complete the SIDA and/or Driver training if already done so. Bring the form to the ID Badging office. Yes, but first return your current badge to the ID Badging office. Then, your new employer must authorize you to get a new badge. Request the Security Access Application and have your authorized signer sign it at the bottom. Bring the form to the ID Badging office. You may not have to fill a new Criminal History Records Check or complete the SIDA and/or Driver training if already done so. Note: if you had SIDA/Sterile Area access with your original employer, and it has been more than 30 days since you left, we must resubmit your fingerprints. This will result in a fee charged to your new employer. First, should you have access to those doors/gates? The ID Badging office can tell you that. If you should have access, it is possible that a door/gate is out of service. Or, it could be operator error. In any event, contact the ID Badging office at (941) 359-2770 Ext. 4268. Contact the ID Badging office at (941) 359-2770 Ext. 4268 or Operations after hours at (941) 359-2770 Ext. 4260. Your employer must authorize this. Have that person contact the ID Badging office. Request the Security Access Application and have your authorized signer sign it at the bottom. Bring the form to the ID Badging office. Customs and Border Protection forms may also be necessary. See the requirements. See the fee schedule. Yes, but you must complete the Change Form. There may be a cost for this service. Badges expire the first of your birth month. For example, if your badge has 11/15 on the front, this means your badge will expire November 1, 2015. Don't wait until the last minute to renew your badge! If your badge expires prior to renewal, there is a 3-5 business day waiting period to receive your renewed badge.

TSA PreCheck

What is TSA PreCheck?

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