Serving eastern Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) transforms the flying experience for more than 900,000 passengers each year. Located only three miles northeast of downtown Allentown, the compact terminal eliminates the stress of major Northeast hubs while delivering nonstop flights to key connecting cities and vacation destinations. Four airlines—American, Delta, United, and Allegiant—operate from ABE, each with a distinct network and pricing model. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to choose the right carrier, find the best fare, and navigate the airport with ease.

A Regional Gateway That Works

ABE began as Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton Airport and has continuously adapted since its first commercial flights in the 1930s. The facility’s single terminal, recently refreshed with enlarged seating areas, modern restrooms, and updated flight information displays, keeps everything within a short walk. Two runways handle regional jets and narrow-body aircraft efficiently, and ground operations rarely suffer from the congestion that plagues larger airports.

Parking is a key draw. A multi-level garage attaches directly to the terminal via a covered bridge, offering convenience for business travelers and anyone who values speed. A surface lot provides uncovered spaces at a slightly lower rate, while the economy lot, farther from the terminal, runs a complimentary shuttle and costs less than $10 per day. All lots accept credit cards and cash, and payment kiosks sit near the terminal entrances. For vacationers leaving a car for a week, the economy lot often beats the cost of a single ride-share round-trip from the outer suburbs.

Inside, the post-security concourse provides a full-service restaurant, a café, and a gift shop with reading material and travel essentials. Free Wi-Fi blankets the building, and a business workstation area near Gate 4 offers counter space, power outlets, and hard-wired internet. A private lactation suite with a comfortable chair and sink is available, and pet relief areas are positioned both pre-security and airside. TSA screening opens at 4:00 AM and typically takes less than ten minutes, even during weekday peaks. For full terminal details and current service hours, the Lehigh Valley International Airport website is always the best starting point.

Carriers That Connect the Lehigh Valley

Each of ABE’s four airlines serves a different need. The legacy carriers funnel travelers into the world’s largest connecting hubs, while the ultra-low-cost carrier specializes in point-to-point leisure routes. Below, we examine the aircraft, schedules, and loyalty programs that shape the Allentown travel landscape.

American Airlines: Two Hubs, Endless Possibilities

American Airlines runs multiple daily flights from ABE to both Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The morning departure to Chicago puts travelers into the terminal before 9:00 AM Central, making a full business day feasible without an overnight stay. Charlotte, meanwhile, unlocks the entire southeastern United States, along with an extensive roster of Caribbean and Latin American destinations.

All ABE routes are operated by American’s regional partners using Embraer E175 and CRJ-900 aircraft. These jets feature a two-class cabin with economy and first class, and the E175’s comfortable 2–2 seating means no middle seats. For passengers connecting to international flights, bags can be checked through to the final destination on a single ticket. American’s AAdvantage program awards miles based on fare spent, and elite members enjoy upgrades, priority boarding, and waived bag fees. Savvy travelers watch for weekly web specials and typically find the lowest fares if they book at least two weeks in advance.

Delta Air Lines: Atlanta as the Global Reformer

Delta Air Lines pins its Allentown strategy on five to six daily nonstops to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the world’s busiest passenger hub. Early morning departures from ABE arrive in Atlanta in time for same-day connections to Europe, while late-evening return flights let travelers maximize time at home. The route is flown primarily with Boeing 717 or Airbus A220 aircraft, both offering mainline comfort, overhead bins sized for full-size carry-ons, and Wi-Fi for purchase. On most flights, seatback entertainment provides a range of movies and TV shows.

Atlanta’s sheer connectivity—more than 200 destinations—gives Delta passengers access to the Southeast, Florida, the West Coast, and international cities like London, Paris, Tokyo, and São Paulo. The SkyMiles loyalty program rewards flyers on spend, and co-branded American Express cards can trigger free checked bags and priority boarding even without elite status. Delta consistently receives high marks for on-time performance and customer service, making it a dependable pick for both quick domestic hops and longer international trips.

United Airlines: Direct Access to Chicago and Beyond

United Airlines operates up to four daily round-trips between Allentown and Chicago O’Hare, predominantly using CRJ-550 and Embraer 175 regional jets. The CRJ-550 is unique in its class: it caps seating at 50 passengers and includes a true first-class cabin, power outlets at every seat, and oversized overhead bins that accommodate standard roll-aboards without gate-checking. Chicago O’Hare serves as United’s primary gateway to the West Coast, Asia, and Europe, and a mid-morning flight can easily connect with afternoon transcontinental departures.

MileagePlus members earn miles redeemable across all Star Alliance carriers, and Premier status holders receive benefits like Economy Plus seating at booking and complimentary upgrades on eligible routes. For travelers whose itineraries include an international leg, checked luggage is transferred directly to the final stop. United’s schedule flexibility—with morning, midday, and late-afternoon departures—gives Allentown residents a robust set of options whether they are heading to a business meeting in the Loop or a vacation in Hawaii.

Allegiant Air: Nonstop Vacation Bargains

Allegiant Air operates point-to-point routes from ABE to a selection of leisure destinations that rarely appear on legacy carrier networks. Current nonstop offerings include Orlando/Sanford (SFB), Tampa/St. Pete (PIE), Myrtle Beach (MYR), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Nashville (BNA), Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ), Savannah (SAV), and Punta Gorda (PGD). Frequencies range from two to four flights per week, with seasonal boosts during spring break, summer, and the winter holidays.

Allegiant’s business model unbundles the fare: the ticket price covers only the seat and one personal item. Carry-on bags, checked luggage, advance seat assignments, and even a bottle of water add extra charges. This à la carte approach allows base fares to dip as low as $49 one-way during promotions, but travelers who pack light and bring their own snacks reap the greatest savings. The airline flies all-economy Airbus A320 family aircraft, and since Allegiant flights often do not populate on aggregator sites, it is essential to search the airline’s website directly. Bundling bags and seat selection during booking usually yields a discount over adding them later.

How to Uncover the Lowest Fares from ABE

Finding the best deal departing Allentown involves a blend of technology and timing. First, set up price alerts on Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner. These platforms let you view fare calendars and will notify you when prices drop for your chosen route. Because Allegiant’s point-to-point network often falls outside the major third-party systems, always check the Allegiant site separately when planning a vacation.

For legacy carriers, the prime booking window runs from three weeks to three months before departure. Traveling on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday routinely produces lower fares and emptier cabins. While hidden-city ticketing can occasionally offer a cheaper price, it violates airline contracts, risks losing frequent-flyer benefits, and can cause other travel disruptions if used repeatedly.

Loyalty programs provide immediate, no-cost advantages. Even without elite status, members of American AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, and United MileagePlus accrue miles on paid flights, and some fares include a free carry-on bag. Holding a co-branded credit card often waives the first checked bag fee—a perk that can easily cover the annual fee over a handful of round-trips. When comparing a nonstop Allegiant flight to a one-stop legacy itinerary, weigh total travel time, layover duration, and the hassle of connecting against the base fare. For international journeys, a one-stop trip via Atlanta, Charlotte, or Chicago from ABE is typically far less stressful than driving to Newark or Philadelphia and battling their parking, traffic, and security queues.

Parking, Ground Transportation, and Curb-to-Gate Efficiency

ABE’s location just off US Route 22 makes it a 15‑minute drive from downtown Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. Airport Road (Route 987) leads directly into the terminal complex, and traffic rarely backs up even during rush periods. For those who prefer to leave the car at home, ride-share services Uber and Lyft drop passengers at the departures curb, and local taxi companies offer flat-rate fares to surrounding communities.

Rental car counters from Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National are inside the terminal near baggage claim. Vehicles are parked an easy walk away, and reserving ahead through the company’s website or a travel platform is recommended during peak seasons. Electric vehicle owners will find charging stations in the parking garage on a first-come, first-served basis.

The airport’s small footprint translates directly to a low-stress experience. Most travelers arrive an hour before departure for early-morning flights and still have time to grab a coffee. During holiday weekends, adding 20 minutes is prudent. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes are available, further trimming wait times. This efficiency, combined with affordable parking, makes ABE a genuinely easier way to start any trip.

Insider Tips for a Seamless Experience

Even the most seasoned travelers can benefit from a few local pointers. The Lehigh Valley Tap Room, the sole full-service restaurant post-security, serves local craft beer and a menu of sandwiches and salads; it opens alongside the first flights and stays open until the last departure. A quick-serve café near the gates sells coffee and grab-and-go items for passengers in a hurry. If you need to work, head to the workstation area near Gate 4—outlets are plentiful and the background noise is minimal.

Pet owners should be aware that while the airport provides outdoor relief areas and an indoor station for service animals, each airline sets its own in-cabin pet rules. Check the carrier’s policy before booking. Nursing parents will find a dedicated Mamava pod with a locking door, comfortable seating, and an electrical outlet, ensuring privacy and comfort before a flight.

For frequent flyers, the combination of loyalty programs and credit card perks can transform the ABE journey. The United℠ Explorer Card, for instance, offers priority boarding and a free checked bag, while the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card provides similar benefits on Delta. When you are a regular on the Atlanta or Chicago corridor, those small upgrades quickly add up. Finally, always double-check your flight status on the airline’s app before leaving home, as ABE’s small schedule means that a single delay can ripple, but the airport’s operations team is adept at resolving issues fast.

How ABE Compares to Larger Northeast Alternatives

Travelers in the Lehigh Valley enjoy access to three larger airports within a 90-minute drive, but the calculus of convenience often favors ABE. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) lies roughly 75 minutes south via the PA Turnpike Northeast Extension. As an American Airlines hub, PHL offers nonstops to Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, yet the daily trek involves thicker traffic, steeper parking fees, and longer security lanes. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) sits about 75 minutes east on I-78; its United mega-hub opens an even broader international map, but crossing state lines and paying premium parking rates can erode any base-fare savings. Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), at roughly 90 minutes west, provides a smaller network than ABE and rarely justifies the extra drive.

For domestic business trips and most international connections, flying out of Allentown saves significant time. The lower parking costs and faster security processing often make ABE the true value leader, especially when a single stop in Atlanta, Charlotte, or Chicago delivers the same global access that would otherwise require a long drive and a pricey airport experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many airlines operate from Lehigh Valley International Airport?
Four scheduled carriers—American, Delta, United, and Allegiant—serve ABE.

Does ABE offer nonstop international flights?
No international flights depart directly from ABE, but one-stop itineraries through the legacy hubs put most world destinations within easy reach on a single ticket.

Which airline typically offers the lowest fares?
Allegiant Air frequently advertises base fares under $50 one-way on vacation routes, though the total cost rises with add‑ons like bags and seat selection.

What are the cheapest days to fly from Allentown?
Tuesday and Wednesday departures consistently price lower than weekend flights. Traveling during the off-peak periods of late January, early February, and early September also yields better deals.

How long is the TSA wait at ABE?
Average wait times hover between five and ten minutes. During heavy holiday travel, lines can stretch to about 20 minutes, which is still far shorter than at large hubs.

Is electric vehicle charging available?
Yes, EV charging stations are installed in the parking garage on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I rent a car at the terminal?
Five agencies—Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National—have counters inside near baggage claim, and their vehicles are parked within walking distance.

What pet policies apply at the airport?
Leashed pets are welcome throughout the terminal. A pre-security outdoor relief area is provided, and an indoor station serves service animals beyond security. Each airline has its own in-cabin pet rules, so check with your carrier before the travel date.

The Allentown Advantage

Lehigh Valley International Airport brings together the convenience of a regional field and the connectivity of a global network. By flying from ABE, travelers sidestep the congestion and costs of Philadelphia and New York while still tapping into American’s Charlotte and Chicago hubs, Delta’s Atlanta megaplex, United’s Chicago gateway, and Allegiant’s leisure-focused nonstops. The airport’s intentional simplicity—affordable parking, short walks, reliably fast security—strips away the usual friction of air travel.

Whether you are catching a 7:00 AM business meeting in Chicago, connecting to a European vacation via Atlanta, or snagging a $49 fare to the Florida sun, ABE delivers a calm, efficient, and surprisingly economical start to your journey. Before you book your next trip, look local: the Lehigh Valley’s own airport is ready to get you there with less stress and a very competitive bottom line.