IATA vs. ICAO: three letters or four?

The difference at a glance

Are all IATA location codes airports?

No. IATA also assigns codes to metropolitan areas and some transport connections, such as railway stations. A three-letter code can therefore refer to a location other than one individual airport.

That is why checking the full location name matters. A city search and a particular airport selection may describe different things.

How to check the code you have

1. Start with the code shown by your airline or booking provider.
2. Compare it with the full airport name and destination city on the same reservation.
3. Use the official IATA code lookup when you need to verify a three-letter location code.

Do not guess a second code by adding or removing a letter. Use the code system requested by the form or service you are using.

The codes behind our three Junk brands

Each pair identifies one airport. Our three profiles use the codes behind JunkPDX, JunkSEA and JunkBOI and also show their four-letter aviation identifiers.

This directory publishes only PDX, SEA and BOI. Each profile links to the official sources used to verify the airport identity behind its name.

How does this connect to the Junk brands?

We combine JUNK with a familiar airport code to identify a local brand: JunkPDX, JunkSEA or JunkBOI. This is our brand naming approach; it does not assign aviation codes or imply an airport endorsement.

Learn why we use JUNK + airport codes, then check each brand’s current service status. Airport information can be available even while local junk-removal booking has not opened.