Heavy Holiday Travel

December 19, 2022

73,128 passengers – highest traffic for November since 2004

(Hanover Township, PA) – It’s a strong takeoff to the 2022 holiday travel season at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), as passenger traffic numbers surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

Last month, 73,128 passengers traveled through ABE – a 3.6% increase from November 2021.

“We’ve continually used 2019 as the base measurement for travel trends at ABE. This is the highest number of travelers during November since 2004. There’s a lot of positive momentum throughout our aviation system as the airport makes its final approach of the year,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, LNAA.

Month             Passengers             Percentage increase            Month                 Passengers

Nov. ’22               73,128                                 3.6%                        Nov. ’21                     70,589

By the numbers, Allegiant increased 24.6% and American moved up 8.2%. United remained flat with a 0.9% decrease while Delta passenger traffic declined 37.5% from last November.

“If travel industry experts are accurate, the next two weeks will produce heavy travel activity at airports across the nation, including ABE. We’re sharing important travel tips for passengers by placing a high priority on giving yourself extra time and packing your patience,” said Stoudt.

Holiday Travel Checklist

• Give yourself extra time – arrive at the airport (2) hours before your scheduled departure
• Take advantage of ABE’s amenities
• Research your specific airline’s travel requirements (carry-on bag policy, etc.)
• Have a “Plan B” in case of travel delays or cancellations
• Charge electronics (laptop, cell phone, etc.)
• Pack a snack and an empty refillable water bottle
• Most importantly, pack your patience

TSA Travel Advice

• Know what you can pack in your carry-on and checked baggage (3-1-1 Rule, etc.)
• Leave room in your suitcase to bring home gifts/souvenirs and mail gifts that you are giving in advance (don’t pack them) – TSA may need to unwrap gifts for screening

22,959,421 pounds of air cargo was processed through Lehigh Valley International Airport in November – a minor increase of 0.13% from Nov. 2021.

Month              CARGO (lbs.)             Percentage increase           Month            CARGO (lbs.)

Nov. ‘22              22,959,421                            0.13%                      Nov. ’21            22,928,730