Lehigh Valley International Airport guide
Lehigh Valley International Airport: Your Complete Travel Guide
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) serves as a convenient gateway for travelers heading to the Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton region of Pennsylvania. Whether you’re flying for business, leisure, or visiting family, this guide covers everything you need to know to make your trip smooth and stress‑free.
Overview of the Airport
Located just three miles northeast of Allentown, ABE handles over a million passengers each year. The airport features a single terminal with two concourses, offering a range of services designed to keep travelers comfortable. Free Wi‑Fi, charging stations, and a variety of dining options are available throughout the terminal.
Terminal Facilities
- Check‑In Counters: Situated on the departures level, with self‑service kiosks for major carriers.
- Security Checkpoint: TSA PreCheck lanes are available for enrolled travelers.
- Baggage Claim: Located on the arrivals level, with baggage carts available for rent.
- Restrooms & Family Areas: Family‑friendly restrooms and nursing rooms are provided near the central atrium.
- Business Center: Workstations, printing services, and meeting rooms can be rented by the hour.
Airlines and Destinations
ABE is served by several major and regional airlines, offering nonstop flights to key hubs across the United States. Below is a quick reference table of current airlines and their primary destinations.
| Airline | Nonstop Destinations (Sample) |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | Charlotte (CLT), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis‑Saint Paul (MSP) |
| United Airlines | Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Denver (DEN), Washington Dulles (IAD) |
| Allegiant Air | Orlando/Sanford (SFB), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix‑Mesa (AZA) |
| Frontier Airlines | Orlando (MCO), Tampa (TPA), Las Vegas (LAS) |
Note: Routes are subject to change; always verify with the airline before booking.
Ground Transportation Options
- Rental Cars: Major companies (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz) operate counters in the baggage claim area.
- Ride‑Sharing: Uber and Lyft pick‑up zones are clearly marked outside the arrivals doors.
- Taxi Services: Local taxi companies provide flat‑rate fares to downtown Allentown and surrounding areas.
- Public Transit: LANTA bus routes 101 and 102 connect the airport to Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton stations.
- Hotel Shuttles: Several nearby hotels offer complimentary shuttle service; advance reservation is recommended.
Parking at ABE
The airport provides both short‑term and long‑term parking options. Rates are competitive, and a free cell phone lot is available for those waiting to pick up arriving passengers.
| Parking Type | Daily Rate | Weekly Rate | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short‑Term | $2.00/hr | $12.00/day | Directly across from terminal entrance |
| Long‑Term | $1.00/hr | $6.00/day | Adjacent to the terminal, shuttle‑served |
| Economy Lot | $0.75/hr | $4.50/day | Further out, shuttle runs every 15 min |
| Valet Service | $5.00/flat | — | Available at the terminal curb |
All rates are subject to change; check the airport website for the latest pricing.
Dining and Shopping
Travelers can enjoy a variety of food and retail options without leaving the secure area:
- Breakfast & Coffee: Starbucks, Dunkin’, and a local bakery offering fresh pastries.
- Lunch/Dinner: Grab a burger at Five Guys, enjoy Asian cuisine at Panda Express, or sit down for a classic American meal at the airport’s full‑service restaurant.
- Snacks & Convenience: Newsstands, candy shops, and a duty‑free store stocked with travel essentials and souvenirs.
- Retail: Travel accessories, books, and Pennsylvania‑made gifts are available in the concourse shops.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Arrive Early: Aim for at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and 2 hours during peak travel periods.
- Use TSA PreCheck: If you’re enrolled, keep your boarding pass and ID handy to speed through security.
- Monitor Flight Status: Check the airport’s real‑time flight information displays or the airline’s app for updates.
- Stay Connected: Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the terminal; look for the “ABE-FreeWiFi” network.
- Know Your Ground Transport: Pre‑book rental cars or hotel shuttles to avoid last‑minute hassles.
Nearby Attractions
If you have extra time before or after your flight, consider exploring the Lehigh Valley’s highlights:
- America on Wheels Museum (Allentown) – A fascinating look at automotive history.
- The Banana Factory (Bethlehem) – Arts studios, galleries, and a café.
- Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom – Family‑friendly amusement park and water resort.
- Lehigh Valley Zoo – A compact zoo perfect for a quick visit with kids.
- Historic Bethlehem – Walking tours of the 18th‑century Moravian settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Lehigh Valley International Airport have international flights?
A: Currently, ABE operates primarily domestic flights; however, occasional seasonal charter services to Canada and the Caribbean are offered.
Q: Is there a hotel inside the airport terminal?
A: No, there are no hotels inside the terminal, but several hotels are within a short drive and provide complimentary shuttle service.
Q: Can I bring my pet through security?
A: Yes, pets are allowed in carriers that can be stowed under the seat; service animals accompany their handlers at all times.
Q: Are there charging stations for electric vehicles?
A: The airport does not currently offer EV charging stations in the parking lots; nearby hotels and public charging sites are available in Allentown.
Q: What should I do if I lose an item at the airport?
A: Visit the Lost and Found office located near the baggage claim area or submit an online report via the airport’s website.
Resources
- Lehigh Valley International Airport Official Site: https://www.flyabey.com
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Guidelines: https://www.tsa.gov
- LANTA Public Transit Schedules: https://www.lantabus.com
- Allentown Chamber of Commerce Visitor Guide: https://www.allentownchamber.com
- Pennsylvania Tourism – Lehigh Valley Region: https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley
Enjoy your journey through Lehigh Valley International Airport, and safe travels!
