SLC Media Guide

The procedure for the Salt Lake City Department of Airport (SLCDA) is to facilitate the needs of the news media and its coverage of events on Airport property when possible. However, the responsibility of safeguarding lives and property takes precedence in all situations. SLCDA is also responsible for preserving incident sites for investigation and preventing evidence from being destroyed or disturbed.

SLCDA can only provide information within its jurisdiction as the Airport operator and will only respond when the actions or property of SLCDA are involved. This includes the Airport Police Bureau and Fire Department. All inquiries for these areas should be directed to the SLCDA Communication and Marketing Director.

The media should direct requests for specific information to the airline, company or agency involved. SLCDA does not represent the airlines, government agencies (CPB, FAA, FBI, TSA) or private companies. In the case of a major aircraft accident, information will be distributed by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and/or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

As a rule, the cause of an accident or aircraft crash will be released by the NTSB after an investigation has been conducted. Other agencies or entities are directed not to speculate about the cause of an accident or to discuss details. The NTSB also operates a family assistance center intended to provide information to the families of those involved in an aircraft accident.

The passenger manifest (a list of passenger names and crewmembers on an aircraft) is released by the airline, not the Airport. Initial confirmation of any deaths resulting in the crash of a plane is made by the coroner, medical examiner or a designated law enforcement agency. Information will not be released until there is confirmation that family members have been notified.

SLCDA will not speculate regarding cause or other details of an incident or event. Sensitive security information will be guarded and is subject to federal regulation.

The FAA is responsible for air traffic control. Inquiries about aircraft operations or delays in the air traffic system should be directed to the regional public affairs office. The FAA reports aircraft delay information at: www.fly.faa.gov. Real-time flight information is also available on the airport website, under the Arrivals and Departures tab.

As private companies, each airline has its own communication team. A list of contacts for the airlines operating at Salt Lake City International Airport is below. The Air Transport Association maintains a list of airline media contacts. They can be reached at (202) 626-4172. Reporters should contact the airline for information specifically dealing with airline operations.

Information pertaining to the security screening process is handled by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). All inquiries regarding any aspect of security screening, threat level, etc. should be directed to the local public affairs office.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has jurisdiction over incidents that occur onboard an aircraft, hostage taking, hijacking and other federally regulated criminal activity.

Initial Response 

Initial briefings from SLCDA will consist of the following information if it is available: general nature of the incident, airline involved, flight number, type of aircraft and destination/origin. During major incidents or long-term situations, information will be posted on the Airport’s website at: www.slcairport.com and via social media (Twitter, Facebook).

The following information will be provided when the incident is not airline or aircraft related: type of incident, agency involved, contact person, number of persons involved and location.

The media will be referred to the airlines, other Airport tenants or federal agencies for detailed information or follow-up. Contact information is listed below.

As confirmed information develops, applicable updates will come from SLCDA or from the airline, company or organization involved.

Weather Impact 

Adverse weather conditions could impact Airport operations due to airfield condition, visibility or other reasons. The Airport does not typically close during most inclement weather conditions. At times, there may be a slow down or suspension of aircraft operations in order to clear snow and ice from the airfield or to wait for conditions to improve. Operations may also be delayed to accommodate aircraft de-icing.

Heavy rain or fog does not usually close the Airport; however, some aircraft may be delayed until the weather changes. Some airlines will divert flights during heavy fog to other airports.

SLCDA will issue alerts via social media or a news release if weather conditions cause major disruption to airport operations.

Media Badging

When covering routine news stories at the Airport, identification will not be required although it may be to your advantage to carry it. To access the terminal, airfield or other secure area you will be required to have a temporary airport pass. Contact the Communication and Marketing director with the name and date of birth for the reporter and/or photographer at least 24-hours in advance. You will be required to go to the Airport’s Badging Office to pick up the badge. After obtaining the badge, you will only be allowed to enter these areas with a sanctioned escort. It is recommended that you send the minimum number of people necessary to cover the event (i.e. one reporter and one camera operator). Also, it is in the media outlet’s best interest to use vehicles with company identification while covering news at the airport.

Emergency Categories 

Alert 1 (Minor Difficulty) an Alert 1 indicates that a potential emergency exists that may require the dispatch of emergency equipment and personnel - a standby situation.

Alert 2 (Major Difficulty) an Alert 2 indicates that a situation exists that requires the immediate dispatch of emergency equipment and personnel.

Alert 3 (Accident) an Alert 3 indicates that an accident is imminent or has occurred requiring the immediate response of emergency equipment and personnel.

News Conferences 

The location for news conferences will be determined in relationship to the incident.

Transportation 

Arrangements for live coverage will be made if the situation can accommodate it. News media will be allowed as close to the incident when possible, consistent with security, safety and rescue requirements. News helicopters may not be permitted to fly within the designated Airport emergency area. In some cases, pool coverage may be required. Access may be limited to once a day as opposed to each newscast or publishing.

Parking of News Media Vehicles

While covering news at Salt Lake City International Airport, the best parking option is in the short-term level of the parking garage. In addition, a lot designated for media is available north-west of the parking garage by the car rentals. It is accessible from either the passenger pick-up lane or the car rental return lane. For special access or for live broadcasts, please call the Communication and Marketing director at (801) 209-5774 or Landside Operations at (801) 647-5159, to have the barriers removed from the lot in order to access it.

News Media Access 

News media access to the public areas of the Airport is the same as for the general public.

Access to an Airport tenant’s leased area must be arranged directly with the tenant (including the airlines). The Airport’s Communication and Marketing director can assist with this coordination.

Filming is permitted in the lobby areas of the terminal if it does not disrupt passenger processing, including distracting the security screening agents. Close shots of the screens at the security screening checkpoints are not permitted.

Useful Phone Numbers 

The following phone numbers are provided for your reference in reaching the appropriate individuals and agencies in covering news at Salt Lake City International Airport. Please be aware that this information is subject to frequent change.