Wilmington International Airport - ILM

This international airport is kind of a misnomer as there is only 1 terminal here with 9 gates, but they only use 4 at any given time, most of the time. They say they fly to international destinations; however, during my visit I did not see any international flights going out. This area has had an airfield presence since 1928, according to a plaque inside the airport.

As far as food options, outside of security is slim. There are snack machines near ticketing and Port City Java, which has coffee and pastries mostly.

The security checkpoint is pretty simple, right in the center of the building when you enter the main entrance. It has a courtyard looking feel with a balcony with railings surrounding 3 sides on the 2nd level, similar to some other airports in the south.

Once inside security, they have a small deli/grill type thing they call a restaurant, a bar with some snack machines, some snacks by a souvenir stand right by gate 7 (strange location for a souvenir kiosk), coffee shop, Jimmy John's, and a snack area inside the gift shop. The restaurant serves mostly sandwiches, salads, and has a kid's menu. The one item which is closest to a normal sit-down restaurant is the shrimp n' grits. The restaurant also has a small bar at the rear.

In the center of the terminal, they have cornhole, and a large metal fake tree with seating around the perimeter.

The rental car area is off to the side of the airport, but not at the first parking lot next to the building. You have to walk past that to get to the 2nd parking lot.

Flying into Wilmington ILM was a breeze. Baggage claim was quick and easy, and family rooms, bathrooms, and nursing rooms were conveniently scattered throughout the quaint airport.

However, our return trip was a different story. TSA caused some issues when they tossed my toddler's organic milk box, claiming that she wasn't considered a toddler because she could walk. I tried to explain that she's 2.5 years old and questioned whether that made her an adult, but the agent didn't seem to care. My husband, not wanting things to escalate, just let it go while the TSA agent threw out the milk. Fortunately, I had packed the rest of her milk in our checked luggage.

I later checked the TSA website and found no mention of this "rule," which felt completely arbitrary.

Slowest luggage retrieval on the planet!
No toilet paper in women's bathrooms.
Do better!

We were trying to get from LaGuardia to RDU on standby & every flight was delayed or full. So, I decided to come here, get a rental, and drive home.

I had never been here before. It a tiny airport, but I like that compared to the hustle and bustle or the larger airports.

We didn't really have to deal with anyone outside of the rental car staff, so I don't have anything good/bad to say about that. I'd definitely fly in to this airport if ever in that crazy situation again.

Cute little airport that is easy to depart from or arrive at. Parking is easy and the terminal is well-maintained and incredibly easy to navigate. Bathrooms are ample and clean, and dining option are surprisingly good given that this is just a small regional airport (despite the name). If you're traveling to N.C. And Wilmington International Airport is an option, take it. 5-stars!

So cool here. It was time to renew my global
Entry so here we are and it's pretty awesome.

Flying to ATL this morning. X-ray machine broke down on pre chek side. Not to worry they shuffled all our bags to the other side quickly. I love this airport. Fast and friendly workers, quick lines and easy in and out. Reminds me of Burbank airport in CA, but much friendlier. Only airport I'll fly out of when leaving my town.

Super cute and small airport (great during the off season, but I can't imagine it at peak season). They have new terminals and some other construction still being done. They recently expanded TSA for four lanes- pretty upgraded from their previous one. Everything is clean and nice. Not a lot of eating options, but there's more than there were previously.

They have a family restroom and a mother's room, which is new.

Because it's small, it's quick to get in and out, including rental cars.

The best for going through security but be prepared to wait 30 min for your bags if you check. This happens every time. Get a new baggage contractor ILM!!

This airport is really small. Getting through TSA was annoying. There was only one agent and a decent sized line so getting through took some time. The airport was clean. There were not a lot of food options.