Langley Air Force Base (LFI)

Common Complaints

• Traffic and Commute: Significant complaints about heavy traffic and potentially long commutes, particularly when navigating tunnels like the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.
• Off-Base Living Concerns: Some areas off-base, such as Newport News, are cited for crime concerns, with recommendations to live in Yorktown or on-base housing.
• Slow Administrative Services: The Military Personnel Flight (MPS) for services like DEERS/ID card updates is often reported as slow, with many recommending the Fort Eustis location for faster service.
• Unpredictability of Space-A Travel: Space-Available (Space-A) travel is highly unpredictable, involving long wait times, uncomfortable seating on cargo planes, no guaranteed seats, and potential unexpected flight diversions. Travelers must be flexible and prepared for commercial alternatives.
• Limited Public Transportation Amenities: While public transportation is available outside the West Gate, bus stops typically lack shelters.
• Base Access for Visitors: Non-DoD ID card holders require a sponsor and must go through a Visitor Control Center (VCC), with visitor pass requests ideally submitted 10 business days in advance, indicating a more complex entry process than a commercial airport.

Overall, Langley Air Force Base offers a good quality of life and resources for its stationed military personnel, especially concerning local attractions and some on-base services. However, for those utilizing the base for travel (primarily Space-A), significant flexibility and preparedness for potential inconveniences are essential due to the nature of military air travel and base access procedures.