You want to get to the U.P. but you don’t want to drive six hours from Detroit or Chicago. I get it. Honestly, those bridge crossings can be a lot. So you start looking for flights to Marquette Michigan.
But here is the thing. Most people think they can just hop on a flight from anywhere and land right in the middle of town. That isn't how it works up here. You’re actually flying into K.I. Sawyer, a former Air Force base about 20 minutes south of the city.
The airport code is MQT, and it’s basically the gateway to the Northwoods. If you’re coming from a big city, the size of Sawyer International might shock you. It’s small. Like, "one-gate-at-a-time" small. But it’s efficient.
The Big Shakeup: United Is Finally Here
For the longest time, your options were Delta or American. Period. If you didn't want to fly through Detroit or Chicago O'Hare, you were sorta out of luck.
Starting May 21, 2026, everything changes. United Airlines is officially joining the party. They are launching service between Marquette and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) using the Bombardier CRJ-550. This isn't just one flight either; they’re looking at three daily rotations.
This is huge for anyone who has Star Alliance miles burning a hole in their pocket. It also means more competition, which usually keeps those prices from spiraling out of control during peak hiking or skiing seasons.
- Delta: Connects you through Detroit (DTW) and Minneapolis (MSP).
- American Airlines: Still a powerhouse with daily runs to Chicago (ORD).
- United: The new kid on the block (as of May 2026) connecting to Chicago.
Why You Should Never Fly on a Friday
If you’re hunting for a deal, do not book your flight for a Friday. Seriously. Everyone wants to start their "Up North" weekend then, and the airlines know it.
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Data from 2025 and early 2026 shows that Thursdays are often the sweet spot. You can save around 16% on average just by shifting your arrival by 24 hours. Plus, you get an extra day of beer at Blackrocks Brewery before the crowds arrive.
July is weirdly one of the cheaper months to fly. You’d think it would be the most expensive because the weather is perfect, but the volume of flights actually helps keep the per-seat cost down. February is the opposite. It’s cold. It’s snowy. But if you're a skier heading to Marquette Mountain, you might find some last-minute steals if a blizzard scares off the casual travelers.
The Reality of Ground Transportation
You landed. Great. Now what?
Don’t expect an endless line of Ubers waiting outside. This isn't LAX. While Uber and Lyft exist in Marquette, they are notoriously spotty at the airport.
- Rent a car: This is basically mandatory if you want to see Pictured Rocks or any of the waterfalls. Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise are all right there in the terminal.
- The Taxi Situation: Checker Transport is the main player. A ride into downtown Marquette will usually set you back about $40 to $50.
- Marq-Tran: There is a bus, but it's... well, it’s a rural bus. It’s cheap ($1.60), but you have to be patient and check the schedule because it doesn't run every ten minutes.
A Pro Tip on Security
TSA at MQT is usually a breeze. We’re talking 10 to 15 minutes. But don't let that fool you into arriving five minutes before boarding. Because there are so few flights, if you miss yours, you aren't just waiting an hour for the next one. You might be staying the night in Gwinn.
Comparing Your Hub Options
Where you connect matters more than you think, especially in the winter.
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Detroit (DTW) is generally the most reliable. Delta runs a tight ship there, and even in a snowstorm, Detroit knows how to move planes. Chicago (ORD) is where things get dicey. If O'Hare gets a dusting of snow, the regional jets to Marquette are often the first things to get delayed or canceled.
If you are flying American or the new United route, just keep a close eye on the weather. If you see a storm brewing in Northern Illinois, maybe pack an extra pair of socks in your carry-on. You might be spending some quality time in Terminal 3.
Is it Cheaper to Fly to Green Bay?
This is the age-old question for U.P. travelers. Sometimes you’ll see flights to Marquette Michigan for $500, while a flight to Green Bay (GRB) is only $250.
Is it worth the three-hour drive? Honestly, usually not. Once you factor in the cost of a one-way car rental or the gas and time for a round trip, you’re better off just paying the premium to land at Sawyer.
The only exception is if you’re traveling with a huge family. Four people saving $200 each is $800. That buys a lot of pasties and smoked whitefish.
What to Expect at Sawyer International
Don't come hungry. There is a small cafe called the Northern Gate, but it’s mostly snacks, coffee, and cold sandwiches. It’s charming, but it’s not a full-service restaurant.
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They do have free water filling stations, which is a nice touch. And the parking? It’s probably the easiest airport parking you’ll ever experience. You can park, walk into the terminal, and be at the ticket counter in under three minutes. No shuttles, no massive parking garages, just a flat lot and some fresh air.
Winter Travel Reality Check
Let's talk about the snow. Marquette gets a lot of it. Like, 150 to 200 inches a year.
Sawyer International is remarkably good at clearing the runway. They have massive equipment designed specifically for this. Most cancellations aren't actually because of the Marquette weather; they happen because the "inbound" plane couldn't get out of a different city.
Always check the status of the plane coming to Marquette. If it's stuck in Detroit, it's not picking you up.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
If you’re ready to book, follow this checklist to avoid the usual headaches:
- Book 28 to 40 days out: This is the statistical sweet spot for domestic regional flights like MQT.
- Target May 2026 or later: If you want the most airline choices, wait for the United launch to ensure you have three carriers to choose from.
- Download the airline apps: Push notifications for gate changes and delays are much faster than the airport monitors.
- Reserve your car rental immediately: During NMU graduation or the Ore to Shore bike race, car rentals sell out completely. Do not wait until you land.
- Check the "Whole Month" view: Use tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to see if flying on a Tuesday vs. a Sunday saves you enough to pay for your entire hotel stay.
Marquette is one of the coolest spots in the Midwest, and while the flights can be a bit of a puzzle, once you’re on the ground, the lake breeze makes it all worth it.