Beyond its direct connectivity, ABE also acts as a significant economic driver for the surrounding communities, handling substantial air cargo operations alongside passenger services. With ongoing infrastructure projects, including new air cargo facilities and an upcoming on-airport hotel, ABE is continually investing in its future. This comprehensive travel guide aims to illuminate the various facets of ABE, from the airlines that grace its tarmac to the dining options that tantalize taste buds, ensuring a seamless journey for all who pass through its modern facilities. Let's get to the point!
Is Lehigh Valley International Airport your next go-to for seamless travel?
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ABE continually evolves to meet the needs of its growing passenger base, providing essential services and amenities designed for efficiency and comfort.
Airlines operating at ABE
Lehigh Valley International Airport is served by a reliable roster of airlines, connecting the region to key hubs and popular leisure destinations. Allegiant Air holds a significant presence at ABE, often utilizing it as a base and offering numerous direct flights to popular vacation spots, particularly in Florida. This includes destinations like Orlando/Sanford, St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Punta Gorda, and Fort Myers, with new service to Fort Myers beginning in November 2025. For travelers seeking connections to major domestic hubs, American Airlines operates flights through its regional affiliate, American Eagle, primarily to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), providing access to American's extensive network. Similarly, Delta Connection offers service to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), a crucial gateway for onward travel. United Express connects ABE passengers to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), further expanding national and international reach. The presence of these carriers ensures a diverse range of options for passengers, whether they are planning a leisurely trip or a critical business journey, underscoring ABE's growing importance as a regional air travel hub. Passengers can also utilize American Airlines' bus service, Landline, for seamless connections to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), effectively extending ABE's reach.
Operating terminal
Lehigh Valley International Airport operates from a single, consolidated passenger terminal, which simplifies navigation for travelers. This unified terminal design means that all arrivals and departures, regardless of the airline, are handled within one facility. The compact nature of the terminal contributes to a more efficient and less stressful airport experience, eliminating the need for inter-terminal transfers. Passengers can easily move between check-in, security, gates, and baggage claim without lengthy walks or shuttle rides. This streamlined layout is particularly beneficial for those with limited mobility, families traveling with young children, or anyone seeking a quick and straightforward transit. Recent upgrades, including an expanded TSA checkpoint and a new terminal connector, further enhance passenger flow. This thoughtful approach to airport functionality minimizes confusion and maximizes convenience for every traveler passing through its doors, solidifying ABE's reputation for ease of use.
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Airport lounges
While Lehigh Valley International Airport maintains a comfortable and efficient environment, it doesn't currently feature dedicated airline-specific lounges or third-party lounges commonly found at larger international airports. This means that travelers accustomed to amenities, such as Priority Pass or Plaza Premium lounges, won't find those options at ABE. However, ABE does offer a commendable alternative in the form of the Makala A. Ashmar Military Resource Center. This thoughtful facility provides a quiet and supportive space for active military personnel, veterans, and their families, offering complimentary snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi access, and a comfortable area to relax before or after their flights. For all other passengers, the main terminal provides ample seating, charging stations, and public Wi-Fi access, ensuring a comfortable waiting experience. The airport also strives to offer a variety of seating areas where travelers can relax, work, or simply unwind, including a sensory room and massage chairs for added passenger comfort. These accessible amenities highlight ABE's commitment to creating an inclusive and accommodating environment for all who travel through its doors.
On-site and off-site parking options
Lehigh Valley International Airport provides a variety of parking solutions to accommodate diverse traveler needs, from short visits to extended trips. Both on-site and off-site options are available, ensuring convenience and flexibility.
On-site parking at ABE is designed for ease of access to the terminal. The airport offers both Short-Term Parking and Long-Term Parking lots. The Short-Term lot is ideal for quick pickups, drop-offs, or very brief stays, located steps away from the terminal building. For those embarking on longer journeys, the Long-Term Parking lot provides a cost-effective solution with still relatively close proximity. Continuous shuttle services typically connect the Long-Term lots to the terminal, ensuring minimal walking. While official airport rates are set by the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority, it's always wise to check their official website for the most current pricing.
Beyond the immediate airport grounds, numerous off-site parking providers cater to ABE travelers, often offering highly competitive rates and additional services. These independent facilities, typically located just a short drive from the airport, specialize in long-term vehicle storage. Many of these lots offer complimentary shuttle services directly to and from the terminal, operating on a frequent schedule. Some popular choices include hotels near the airport that offer park and fly Allentown PA packages, allowing travelers to combine an overnight stay with extended parking, often at a reduced rate. For those specifically looking for cheap parking near Allentown Airport, comparing options through platforms like ParkingNearAirports.io can be highly beneficial. These platforms often list various independent lots and their current rates, allowing travelers to secure reservations in advance and potentially find discounted prices. These off-site options often boast added security features and are a favored choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking reliable and secure parking for the duration of their trip.
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Hotels nearby
The area surrounding Lehigh Valley International Airport offers a good selection of hotels, catering to various budgets and preferences. These accommodations are particularly useful for early morning departures, late-night arrivals, or those looking to break up a long journey. Many hotels in the vicinity provide complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport, significantly enhancing convenience for travelers.
Prominent hotel brands with a strong presence near ABE include the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Allentown Bethlehem/Lehigh Valley Airport and the Days Hotel by Wyndham Allentown Airport/Lehigh Valley, both offering comfortable rooms and a range of amenities. The Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Bethlehem Airport is another popular choice, known for its modern facilities and on-site dining options. For travelers seeking extended-stay options, the Sonesta ES Suites Allentown Bethlehem Airport provides suites with kitchenettes, ideal for longer visits. Budget-friendly yet reliable options, such as the Holiday Inn Express Bethlehem, are also available, ensuring that there's a suitable choice for every traveler. Many of these hotels also offer attractive "park and fly" packages, which bundle overnight accommodation with extended parking at the hotel, often proving to be a more economical solution than airport parking for longer trips.
Dining and shopping options
Lehigh Valley International Airport, despite its more modest size compared to larger hubs, provides a selection of dining and shopping options designed to meet the immediate needs and desires of its passengers. The airport has been proactive in enhancing its concessions to improve the overall passenger experience.
For dining, ABE offers a mix of quick-service and casual sit-down options. Travelers can grab a sandwich from Which Wich Superior Sandwiches, known for its customizable offerings. For those craving something more substantial or a hot meal, the airport features a café and bar, serving a variety of hot food items, snacks, and beverages. The PA Pub Café & Spirits is a popular spot for a pre-flight drink or a casual meal, offering typical pub fare, such as Philly cheesesteaks and chicken tenders, alongside craft beers and mixed cocktails. There are also smaller kiosks and convenience stands for coffee, pastries, and other grab-and-go items, perfect for travelers on a tight schedule.
In terms of shopping, ABE focuses on providing essential travel items and local souvenirs. The Spirit of Lehigh News & Gifts store is the primary retail outlet, offering a range of newspapers, magazines, books, snacks, beverages, and last-minute travel necessities. This is also the place to find a selection of local gifts and mementos from the Lehigh Valley region, allowing travelers to take a piece of Pennsylvania home with them. While the retail footprint isn't as extensive as in larger airports, the offerings are thoughtfully curated to ensure passengers have access to what they need before their journey.
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Conclusion
Lehigh Valley International Airport stands as a testament to efficient and traveler-friendly regional air travel. Its single-terminal operation, coupled with a growing list of airline partners and a commitment to passenger comfort, makes it an increasingly attractive option for those seeking a less congested travel experience. From managing Lehigh Valley International Airport arrivals to ensuring smooth departures, ABE continuously works to streamline processes, including recent upgrades to security checkpoints and an enhanced focus on passenger flow. The availability of diverse parking options, including convenient off-site solutions found via resources like ParkingNearAirports.io, along with a range of nearby hotels and essential dining and shopping choices, further enhances its appeal. As ABE continues to expand its services and routes, including new direct flights and ongoing infrastructure improvements like the upcoming on-airport hotel, it solidifies its role as a vital link for the Lehigh Valley, providing accessible and pleasant air travel for residents and visitors alike, reinforcing its position as a key regional asset. Its continuous modernization efforts, such as the newly opened terminal connector and upgraded TSA technology, underscore its dedication to a superior passenger experience.
