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Best International Airlines at Allentown, Pennsylvania: Top Carriers, Routes, and Travel Tips
If you’re planning to fly internationally from Allentown, Pennsylvania, you might be surprised by how convenient and traveler-friendly the experience can be. While Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is smaller than major hubs like JFK or Philadelphia International, it offers efficient connections to top international carriers including United Airlines, KLM, Aeromexico, WestJet, and Korean Air—mainly via partner hubs.
Flying out of a smaller airport like ABE can significantly reduce the stress, time, and congestion often associated with larger terminals. With streamlined check-in, shorter security lines, and lower parking fees, your international trip can start on a much more relaxed note.
This guide breaks down the best airline options, booking strategies, common destination routes, and what to expect from the Allentown airport experience as an international traveler.
Why Consider Flying Internationally from Allentown?
- Convenient access to international airlines via major U.S. hubs.
- Less crowded terminals with faster check-in and security.
- Competitive fares on long-haul flights, especially when booked early or during promotions.
- Reliable connections to major global cities through partner networks.
Key Takeaways
- You can connect to major global destinations through United and other partners at ABE.
- Smaller airports like ABE can offer smoother, more relaxed travel experiences.
- Booking through trusted airlines or third-party sites can help you find great deals.
- Amenities like therapy dogs, play areas, and quiet spaces add to ABE’s traveler-friendly appeal.
Overview of International Airline Access at ABE
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is not a large international gateway, but it plays a valuable role as a feeder airport into larger hub systems. Through connections in cities like Newark, Washington D.C., and Atlanta, travelers from ABE can easily access long-haul international flights.
Major Airlines Serving ABE with International Connections
| Airline | Connection Hub | International Access Point | Alliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | Newark (EWR), Dulles (IAD) | Europe, Asia, Latin America | Star Alliance |
| American Airlines | Philadelphia (PHL), Charlotte (CLT) | Europe, Caribbean, Central America | Oneworld |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW) | Europe, Asia, South America | SkyTeam |
| Allegiant Air | Seasonal/leisure routes | Limited international (via connections) | N/A |
While United Airlines is the most robust option for global connectivity, both Delta and American offer competitive alternatives via their respective hubs. International carriers like KLM, Korean Air, and Aeromexico can be accessed through codeshare arrangements at connecting airports.
United Airlines: The Most Direct International Gateway
United Airlines offers frequent service from ABE to its major hubs—Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Washington Dulles (IAD). From these points, United provides direct flights to more than 100 international destinations.
Example Itinerary:
ABE → EWR → London Heathrow (LHR)
ABE → IAD → Tokyo Narita (NRT)
Expert Tip: Booking on a single itinerary through United ensures checked luggage is transferred smoothly and that you’re protected if delays occur on the domestic leg.
United’s network allows travelers from ABE to reach cities across Europe, Asia, and Latin America with just one stop.
International Destinations You Can Reach From ABE
Though direct international flights from Allentown are limited, you can still access a wide range of destinations through seamless connections.
Europe
- London (LHR)
- Paris (CDG)
- Frankfurt (FRA)
- Amsterdam (AMS)
Asia
- Tokyo (NRT)
- Seoul (ICN)
- Beijing (PEK)
Latin America
- Mexico City (MEX)
- Bogotá (BOG)
- Lima (LIM)
Realistic Scenario: A traveler flying to Paris from Allentown might book ABE → EWR → CDG, with minimal layover times and all legs covered by the same airline alliance.
Booking and Fare Strategies
Booking international flights from Allentown is straightforward, but savvy travelers know how to unlock better fares and fewer restrictions.
Booking Direct with Airlines
Booking directly with airlines like United or Delta gives you several advantages:
- Easier changes and refunds
- Access to special promotions or bundled services
- Ability to earn and use frequent flyer miles
Example: United sometimes offers fare discounts of $100–$150 on select international routes when booking directly, especially during seasonal sales.
Finding Deals Through Third-Party Sites
Third-party platforms like Expedia, Travelocity, and Skyscanner can offer price comparisons and alternative routing options.
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Expedia | Easy to bundle hotels, car rentals | Change/cancellation policies may vary |
| Google Flights | Great for visual price comparisons | Requires booking through external site |
| Kayak/Skyscanner | Flexible date search, fare alerts | Some smaller OTAs may lack customer support |
Tip: Always compare the final fare (after fees and taxes) before clicking “book.” A $50 difference might not be worth a rigid cancellation policy.
Credit Card Points and Loyalty Rewards
Travel rewards cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Amex Platinum allow you to transfer points to partner airlines and book business or economy seats from ABE via partner programs such as Aeroplan or Flying Blue.
Example: Use 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points to book an economy flight to Europe via United or KLM, saving hundreds off the sticker price.
What to Expect at Allentown Airport for International Travel
Traveling through ABE is typically quicker and less stressful than passing through larger airports.
Check-In and Security Process
- Arrive 2.5 to 3 hours before your international departure.
- TSA security screening is generally efficient, even during peak hours.
- Immigration and customs are typically handled at your connecting airport (e.g., Newark, Dulles).
Pro Tip: Enroll in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry if you travel frequently—especially for international trips. ABE supports TSA PreCheck lanes during high-volume times.
Passenger Amenities and Travel Perks
While ABE doesn’t have a dedicated international lounge, the airport offers helpful amenities that enhance your travel experience:
- Massage chairs on Level 1
- Children’s play area and sensory room for families
- Pet therapy program with certified therapy dogs
- Occasional live music performances during holidays or busy periods
- Free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and quiet work areas
Tip: Ask your airline if you qualify for lounge access at your connection airport (e.g., United Club at EWR or Delta Sky Club at ATL).
FAQs
Is Lehigh Valley International Airport a good choice for international travel?
Yes. While ABE doesn’t offer direct long-haul flights, it connects efficiently to international hubs like Newark and Dulles, offering convenience and reduced stress compared to larger airports.
Which airlines provide the best international connections from Allentown?
United Airlines leads with the most global reach, especially through Star Alliance partners. American and Delta also offer strong international routing options via their hubs.
Are flight prices from ABE competitive with larger airports?
Surprisingly, yes—especially when booked early or during airline promotions. Fares from ABE can be on par with or even cheaper than those from JFK or PHL once you factor in ground transportation and parking.
Can I use travel rewards points when booking flights from Allentown?
Absolutely. Points from Chase, Amex, and airline loyalty programs can be used to book international travel originating from ABE, especially through alliance partners.
5-Step Quick Checklist for Booking International Flights from Allentown
- Choose your airline alliance (e.g., Star Alliance with United) to maximize loyalty rewards.
- Book early or track prices using Google Flights or Expedia for the best deals.
- Confirm layover airports and check if you’ll clear customs at the connection point.
- Use travel credit card rewards to save on airfare or upgrade your cabin class.
- Arrive early and use ABE’s traveler-friendly amenities to start your trip stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Lehigh Valley International Airport might not be the first name that comes to mind for international travel—but it deserves a second look. With reliable service from major airlines, smooth connections to global hubs, and an easy-to-navigate terminal, ABE can offer a surprisingly efficient gateway to the world.
By booking smart, leveraging loyalty programs, and knowing what to expect on the ground, travelers from Allentown can enjoy a high-quality international travel experience with fewer crowds, shorter lines, and less hassle.
For additional travel planning tools, visit:
- TSA PreCheck for expedited security options
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection for international entry rules
- IATA Travel Centre for up-to-date travel restrictions and visa requirements
Start your international journey the easy way—right from Allentown.
