by Daniel Treiman 
Ah, the great SRQ mystery—it’s a story that stretches back to the early days of aviation and combines practicality, quirkiness, and a dash of danger. So why is Sarasota’s airport code SRQ? Here’s the full story.
Back in the pre-World War II days, airports were assigned two-letter codes for aviation navigation. Sarasota’s airport was given “RS”—short, logical, and easy to remember. But as the aviation industry grew and radio navigation became more common, the need for a more coordinated system became apparent. By 1948, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) stepped in with a new three-letter code standard, assigning unique codes to every airport with scheduled airline service or a navigation facility.
At that time, Sarasota’s “RS” was changed to “SSO,” a new code that seemed distinctive and easy to recognize. However, things quickly went sideways—literally. Pilots using radios to navigate began misinterpreting “SSO” as the international distress code, “SOS.” The only difference was the length of the pause between the “O” and the “S” in Morse code. This led to some tense moments, as the skies above Sarasota were filled with confusion rather than calm. Imagine sending out a distress call, only to have everyone realize you’re just trying to land for lunch in Sarasota.
Clearly, something had to change. The IATA stepped in again and selected a new code to avoid further distress signals from the Sarasota area. They chose “SR,” based on the original “RS,” and added a “filter” letter—one of the less commonly used letters like Q, Z, or X. These letters were often tacked onto codes to make them more distinctive, much like how Los Angeles became “LAX.” So, around 1956, Sarasota became SRQ.
What’s fascinating is that Sarasota’s NDB (non-directional beacon) played a critical role in this decision. At the time, it was the only radio navigation facility between Tampa and Fort Myers, making it essential for pilots in the region. This high level of traffic, combined with the confusion caused by “SSO,” necessitated the swift change to a safer, clearer designation.
Since then, SRQ has taken on a life of its own. What began as a practical aviation solution has become a beloved symbol of the Sarasota-Bradenton area. Today, SRQ isn’t just an airport code—it’s an identity. Locals and visitors alike embrace it, and you’ll find it everywhere, from bumper stickers to business names. It’s quirky, memorable, and uniquely Sarasota.
So the next time you fly into Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, remember that its code—SRQ—wasn’t just chosen at random. It’s a story of aviation history, a brush with disaster, and a creative solution that turned into a cultural icon. Safe travels!
Want to dive deeper? Check out our Spotify podcast episode on this topic here !
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