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Flight FAQs

Before You Depart

When does the airport open?

The Airport is open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.  The airline ticket counters open at various times. Please refer to our website at https://www.flyabe.com/flights/airline-partners-2/

How long before my flight should I arrive at the airport?

We recommend that you arrive at least (2) hours prior to your scheduled departure time.

Which airlines serve Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)?

There are 4 commercial airlines that serve ABE: Allegiant, American, Delta, and United.

Where does ABE fly nonstop?

ABE’s nonstop destinations include Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Detroit (DTW), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Myrtle Beach (MYR), Nashville (BNA), Newark (EWR), Orlando/Sanford (SFB), Philadelphia (PHL), Punta Gorda (PGD), Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ), Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV), and Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg (PIE).

How early do the airline ticket counters open?

Each of the airline ticket counters open at various times. Please refer to our website for current information at https://www.flyabe.com/flights/airline-partners-2/

How do I request a wheelchair?

You can request a wheelchair by calling ahead to our Passenger Services Desk at 610-231-3049. When you arrive at the airport, you can send a text message to 484-240-5224 or by asking a Passenger Services Representative for assistance.

How can I make an airline reservation?

You can visit the airline’s website or call their reservation number.  Please visit the Airline Partner’s page on our website for more information at https://www.flyabe.com/flights/airline-partners/

What is the weight limit for my checked or carry-on baggage?

Each airline has different baggage requirements. Please visit the airline’s baggage policy page for more information.

Can I take a car seat or stroller on the plane?

Yes. Each airline has different baggage requirements. Please visit the airline’s baggage policy page for more information.

Can I take my pet with me on the plane?

Please visit the airline’s website for information regarding procedures for traveling with a pet.

Who do I contact for a lost item?

The Airport Operations Center handles lost and found items at the Airport. You can visit the Administrative Offices located on the 3rd floor of the Main Terminal or call the Airport at 610-266-6000.

Security

What ID do I need to fly?

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.  For a list of acceptable identification, please visit TSA’s website at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

Does my child need identification?

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification. For more details, please visit TSA’s website at www.tsa.gov

When will I need REAL ID?

Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, statue-issued enhance driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. For more details, please visit TSA’s website at https://www.tsa.gov/real-id

Can I bring food through the security checkpoint?

Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.  For more details, please visit the TSA website at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/may-i-pack-food-my-carry-or-checked-bag

Can I bring prescribed medications through the security checkpoint?

Medications in pill or other solid form must undergo security screening. It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. Check with state laws regarding prescription medication labels. It is recommended that you keep all medications in your carry-on luggage.  For more details, please visit the TSA website at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures?field_disability_type_value=4%20

Does ABE offer TSA PreCheck?

Yes, ABE does offer TSA PreCheck. To register for TSA PreCheck, please go to https://www.identogo.com/precheck

Does ABE offer Global Entry?

No. ABE does not offer Global Entry. To learn more about Global Entry, please go to https://ttp.dhs.gov/

Where should I meet arriving passengers?

Arriving passengers can be met on the Lower Level of the Main Terminal in the waiting area located prior to the security checkpoint.

Can I escort someone to the gate?

Yes, you can escort a passenger to the gate with an escort pass. Please see an agent at the airline ticket counter for more details.

In the Terminal

Does ABE have a USO?

No, the Airport does not have a USO. However, ABE offers the Makala A. Ashmar Military Resource Center for active military members, veterans, and their families.  Please visit https://www.flyabe.com/at-abe/passenger-experience/amenities/
for more information.

Can I smoke in the terminal?

No. Smoking is not permitted inside any buildings at ABE. Please refer to the Designated Smoking Area signs located curbside in front of the Main Terminal.

Does the airport have a pet relief area?

Yes, ABE has an outdoor Pet Relief Area located next to the Short-term Parking Lot.

I arrived at my destination, but my bag did not. Who should I contact?

Please contact the airline that you traveled on. A lost baggage report must be filed within 24 hours of arrival.

United Airlines bus to Newark Airport from ABE


I have a flight at EWR, am I able to take the bus from ABE?

United Airlines bus can only be booked through United Airlines as a connection to another United flight.  If you are strictly looking for a bus to Newark Airport you can book that through Trans-Bridge and still depart from ABE. Click Here for the bus schedule.

Where do I go to get the United Bus?

Go to the Multimodal area on the first level of the Main Terminal.

How early should I be there?

The minimum check-in time is 45 minutes.

What happens if I decide not to take the bus and drive to EWR?

The flight reservation will be canceled if the bus segment is not taken as the system thinks you did not show up for your flight/bus.

Do I go through the security checkpoint at both ABE and EWR?

No, you only go through the security checkpoint in EWR.

Will I have enough time once I get to Newark to make my flight?

The bus and flight segments are built just like a flight-to-flight connecting segment. There is a minimum connect time placed on all segments when booking. You will only see the minimum connecting flights when booking.

What is the procedure for check-in?

You must come to the United Airlines ticket counter at ABE to check in just as you would for a flight. The bus process will be explained during check-in.

Can I leave my car at ABE if I take the bus?

Yes, you are able to park your car at ABE in either the long-term, short-term, or overflow lots.

Is the bus equipped to deal with handicapped passengers?  Is it wheelchair-accessible?  Is there a place to put my wheelchair until I get to EWR?

The scheduled bus is wheelchair accessible, the wheelchair may be stored underneath the bus in the storage area.

What happens with check-in bags, carry-ons, and personal items?

Checked bags are tagged and handled just like a flight. United Airlines tags them and maintains them at the ticket counter, and will be loaded on the bus prior to departure.

May I take food or a drink on the bus?

Yes, food and drink are permitted.

Are any WIFI options useable on the bus?

Yes.

Do we tip the drivers?

Tipping the driver is not necessary.

Where do they drop off and pick up at EWR?

Drop-off at EWR is Terminal C, pick-up at EWR is currently gate 71Z but is subject to change just like any other gate assignment.

Is it possible to set up for a wheelchair upon my arrival to EWR to take me to my gate?

Yes, when checking in at the United Airlines ticket counter at ABE, it can be requested and entered in the system at that time for your arrival at EWR.

How long is the actual drive to EWR?  What happens if we get stuck in traffic and I miss my flight?

The drive to EWR is 1 hour 20 minutes. If you are stuck in traffic you will be rebooked just as if your flight is delayed due to air traffic.

Are pets allowed on the bus?

Pets are not allowed on the bus, service animals only.

Children that are traveling with parents, are they allowed to have a car seat on the bus? Are they required?

If the child has a paid ticket a car seat can be used.  If the child is under 2 and a lap child, the child will be held on the parents lap.

Do I get reimbursed if my flight is late and I miss the bus?  Is United Airlines responsible to provide me transportation back to ABE?

If the delay is United Airline’s controllable/liability yes, but if the delay is for weather, Air Traffic Controllers, etc. and out of United Airline’s control then no. You would be rebooked on the next available bus.

What happens to my bags if I would decide not to take the bus back to ABE?

The bags will be kept in the United Airlines office for customer pick up at ABE.

Why do they give the trip to Newark a flight number?

The bus is operated just like a flight, which allows United Airlines to check passengers in providing boarding pass and bag tags to the final destination. United.com states it is a bus when booking the ABE-EWR-ABE segments.

American Airlines bus to Philadelphia Airport from ABE

I have a flight at PHL, am I able to take the bus from ABE?

The route from ABE to PHL on the Landline Bus is sold as a flight segment.  If you want to add this “flight” to your travel itinerary, you should contact AA Reservations to determine the current rate.

Where do I go to get the American Bus?

Currently, the Bus departs from Gate 14.

How early should I be there?

The Landline Bus has the same check timeframes and policies as a regular flight.

What happens if I decide not to take the bus and drive to PHL?

The Landline Bus is sold as a flight segment from Allentown to Philadelphia.  If you do not take the flight segment, your entire itinerary will be canceled.

Do I go through the security checkpoint at both ABE and PHL?

Landline Bus customers go through the security checkpoint at ABE. 

Will I have enough time once I get to PHL to make my flight?

AA’s Landline bus service takes driving distance, etc. into account to ensure you will make your flight.

What is the procedure for check-in?

The procedure for the bus is the same as the procedure for a flight.  All customers with bags to check in or in need of a boarding pass should check in at the ticket counter.  Otherwise, they can proceed through TSA to Gate 14.

Can I leave my car at ABE if I take the bus?

You are able to leave your car in the parking lot at ABE.

Is the bus equipped to deal with handicapped passengers?  Is it wheelchair-accessible?  Is there a place to put my wheelchair until I get to PHL?

Yes, the bus is ADA-accessible.  Customers may ride in the bus while seated in their personal wheelchair or they may load their wheelchair in the cargo area and ride in a regular seat.

What happens with check-in bags, carry-ons, and personal items?

The Landline Bus is treated like a small regional aircraft with respect to carry-ons and personal items.

May I take food or a drink on the bus?

Yes.

Are any WIFI options useable on the bus?

Yes, the Landline Bus is equipped with WIFI.

Do we tip the drivers?

No.

Is it possible to set up a wheelchair upon my arrival at PHL to take me to my gate?

Yes of course.  When you make your reservation, just request the service.

How long is the actual drive to PHL?  What happens if we get stuck in traffic and I miss my flight?

The travel time is adjusted for the time of day, anywhere between 1.25 hours to 1.45 hours.  If you miss your flight, you will be re-accommodated in the same manner as if a flight was late and you missed your connection.

Are pets allowed on the bus?

Cabin Pets are allowed, and the same rules apply as with aircraft.  Checked pets are not allowed.

Children that are traveling with parents, are they allowed to have a car seat on the bus?  Are they required?

They are allowed, but they are not required.

Do I get reimbursed if my flight is late and I miss the bus?  Is American Airlines responsible to provide me transportation back to ABE?

AA would be responsible for accommodating you to your final destination.

What happens to my bags if I would decide not to take the bus back to ABE?

You are expected to travel according to the itinerary of your ticket.  If you purchase a ticket that includes travel from PHL to ABE on the Landline Bus, then you are expected to travel on the Bus.  If you do not, then any untraveled flight segments will be canceled.  As well, your bags may or may not travel to ABE and you will be expected to retrieve them from either PHL or ABE.

Why do they give the trip to Philadelphia a flight number?

AA’s Landline Bus service is treated just like a flight segment.  Therefore it has a flight number.

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