TVL has but one short runway, 18/36, and traffic is light enough where they can depart traffic in the same direction which they land it. TVL has had a spotty history of commercial airline service in the last few decades. Often an airline will start service to TVL with great fanfare and expectations, but after lots of light passenger loads and lost revenue, they pull out. Past airlines which have tried to make commercial airline service work at TVL include Air Cal (which once serviced the airport with 737's before its takeover by American, who then moved in the American Eagle prop-jobs), Reno Air, Holiday, Aspen, Golden West, and my all-time favorite, PSA (R.I.P.) Allegiant Air has twice tried to serve TVL but has suspended or withdrawn service shortly thereafter. In the summer of 1999 things were looking up for TVL: perhaps Tahoe's proudest-ever airline, Tahoe Air, began service in July to San Jose and L.A. But the smiles were short lived as Tahoe Air went out of business within a couple months. Most of the traffic at TVL is made up of privately owned light aircraft and bizjets. Don't expect too much at TVL, but if want to take your kids out to watch a departure or two, you may find yourself raising a flock of little spotters before you know it!
INDOORS:
-Tailspin Restaurant and Lounge. The airport hosts a small bar-and-grill with friendly service and a great view of the airport. If you're old enough, sit at the bar and have a cold beer while you watch planes roar off into the sky. Currently the bar is closed, but hopefully it will re-open soon.
OUTDOORS:
-Outdoor Observation Deck. You won't find an outdoor observation deck that gets you closer to the action than at TVL. The planes taxi up to a "gate" right below you (they don't have gates at TVL...they still use crew stairs to on/offload passengers), and the mountain backdrop is breathtaking. Sit out in the sun and enjoy yourself while you watch a few planes, and don't be afraid to bring the kids along.
SECURITY REPORT:
-C'mon, this is Lake Tahoe, not New York! Security doesn't exist here, nor will it ever need to.
