How we research destinations

Sources, in context

Airport records

FAA airport records support identifiers, airport names and geographic reference data. They are not a guarantee of current operational conditions.

Restaurant and operator websites

Official sources support published hours, menus, contact information, access and overnight arrangements. Each source is attached to the facts it supports.

AOPA

AOPA directory and destination articles provide research references and leads. Listing details still need current operator confirmation. Referencing AOPA does not imply endorsement or affiliation.

Community leads

Pilot suggestions and contributed restaurant inventories help identify potential destinations. A lead remains unconfirmed until evidence supports its details.

What the labels mean

Website checked [date]

We reviewed a published source on that date. This does not mean a phone call, a visit or confirmation that all details remain current.

Operator confirmed

A specific fact was confirmed by the operator and recorded with its date. This label is used only when that evidence exists.

Pilot reported

A contributor described an experience. Conditions can change and an individual visit does not establish current availability.

Search reference / research pending

A lead or search result needs follow-up. Unknown information stays unknown.

Airport dining and walking access

Regular airport dining results include on-airport restaurants and off-airport restaurants with a confirmed pedestrian route of ¾ mile or less. Clearly labelled access-unconfirmed candidates also remain discoverable. A straight-line distance, airport association or proximity on a map does not establish a walkable route.

Known longer walks, confirmed non-walkable restaurants and itinerary-only dining are excluded from regular airport dining results. Local restaurants for a day out appear with that itinerary and their own destination pages.

Prices, ratings and photographs

Restaurant price ranges estimate a typical main dish before drinks, tax and tip: $ under $15; $$ $15–$30; $$$ over $30–$60; $$$$ over $60. Menu-based ranges need a dated menu source and a stated basis. A site-owner-reported tier is identified separately and is not an independent menu check. These are not customer ratings.

Taxi to Table pilot reviews and Google Maps reviews are separately attributed. Neither changes the research status of a restaurant. Exterior photographs need permission and moderation; private Passport photos are not published as restaurant photos.

Any sponsored placement should be clearly identified and kept separate from research status and review scores. Payment is not evidence of verification.

What remains to be researched

Nationwide destination research is ongoing. An airport with no published destination is a gap in our coverage, not proof that dining, lodging or camping is unavailable.