austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Salt Lake

Traveling is fun, except for maybe that part where you have to use an airport. But aside from the comically long walk between gates, SLC International is a joyful experience. Let’s explore how the airport makes money, why Delta loves Salt Lake, and how much time we’ll save with the new concourse tunnel.

The airport’s budget is bigger than the entire city’s general fund, $520 million and $448 million in 2023, respectively. Contrary to what some might think, none of that money comes from taxpayers. To put it concisely, funding from the airport comes from a combination of user fees, airline rental agreements, and rent from concession vendors.

The task of picking flight destinations is mostly up to airlines; the airport has very little to do with that. But SLC International does get involved when it comes to trips abroad. “We particularly focus on international destinations. We'd like to see more,” said Bill Wyatt, executive director of Salt Lake City’s Department of Airports.

As far as how airlines choose routes, that depends on the financial viability of a particular destination. Wyatt adds that an airline expanding routes to certain destinations forces other airlines to adjust their fares to stay competitive, meaning better prices for travelers.

Delta Airlines’ longtime hub is in Atlanta, and they’ve primarily served east coast travelers. Their roots in Salt Lake go back to 1987, when they merged with Western Airlines to expand service to the western United States. “Salt Lake is what makes the west coast work for Delta,” says Bill Wyatt.

Many a joke has been made at the expense of the very long walk between Concourses A and B — so much so that the airport itself decided to get in on the fun and 

, but how will it work? Although the fresh tunnel is not yet open to the public, Wyatt said that he walks it regularly and can do it in about seven minutes. It will open in mid-October, so start planning what type of airport shenanigans you want to get into with all that extra time.

Listen to our full interview with Bill Wyatt to learn more about planned improvements at the airport, new direct flights from SLC, and why he makes 

Answering Your Questions About the Salt Lake City Airport

What Salt Lakers have been wondering. We break down why things in Salt Lake City are the way they are and how they work.

Salt Lake, Explained

Whether by bike, bus, or train, how do you get around SLC? If you’re new to town, here are some tips on navigating our city’s modes of transportation.

Salt Lake City has made efforts to try to make our streets more pedestrian and bike friendly despite being a car-centric city. Salt Lake City’s 

, for example, is a pop-up concept that would add more biking and walking trails. And the 

If you haven’t committed to bike ownership quite yet, but want a more convenient way to get around downtown, you can grab a 

, about 30 minutes long, that will take you past all 60 murals of South Salt Lake Mural Fest.

Stay vigilant. Utah drivers are notoriously … 

. Assume that drivers aren’t looking out for you, because most of the time they aren’t.

The Utah Transit Authority is our public transportation system. They offer buses, light rail trains (TRAX), and commuter trains (FrontRunner).

The FrontRunner doesn't run on Sundays. And all UTA services don’t run later than 1 a.m.

 is a great deal for all Salt Lake City residents. It's $42 and you get a subsidized pass that gives you unlimited access to most of the modes of transit, and discounted access to FrontRunner.

: Johnnae Nardone of Sweet Streets makes the case for the 

 with her family of 6. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Once you master the grid system, it’s fairly simple to navigate your way around. Everything is based off of the LDS temple in coordinates. When you’re at 2100 S., you are 21 blocks south of the temple. If you are at 600 E. you are six grid lines over, eastward, from the temple.

If you see this sign you can park here but you’ll have to pay, Monday-Friday between 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., for a maximum of 2 hours at $2.25/hr. You can pay at a pay station or through the 

. On Saturdays you can park for free for 2 hours and Sundays are free all day. If you have a hybrid or EV, 

When a light turns green, look both ways before you hit the gas. It’s likely there will be a car or two that runs the red light.

 Or at least car-light? City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta and lead producer Emily Means weigh out the 

Do you have a life hack for getting around Salt Lake?

Share your tips

Whether by bike, bus, or train, how do you get around Salt Lake City? If you’re new to town, here are some tips on navigating our city’s modes of transportation. 

Tips for Getting Around Salt Lake City

How to Navigate Around Salt Lake Like a Local

Tips and tricks for living your best Salt Lake City life, by locals, for locals.

transportation

Answering Your Questions About the Salt Lake City Airport

How to Navigate Around Salt Lake Like a Local

Latest articles

Answering Your Questions About the Salt Lake City Airport

How to Navigate Around Salt Lake Like a Local