โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Mary Walker LZ Airport (APH) is a private Army airfield inside the Fort Walker training reservation northwest of Bowling Green, Virginia. FAA data for KAPH lists a single turf runway, 5/23, at roughly 2,200 feet long, which immediately signals the airfield's purpose: light military utility work, training movements, and tightly controlled operations rather than civilian passenger traffic. The site does not function like a public airport terminal. Anyone arriving here is dealing with a restricted installation first and an airfield second, with access governed by Army procedures and prior permission requirements.
What passes for terminal infrastructure at APH is closer to mission support space than to a commercial departures hall. Air crews and authorized passengers can expect operations offices, staging areas, and nearby base support facilities, but not ticket counters, concessions, baggage belts, or public waiting lounges. Because the landing zone sits within a large maneuver and live-fire training complex, day-to-day activity can be shaped by range schedules, military exercises, and force-protection rules. Even simple airside movements depend on coordination with installation staff rather than walk-up passenger processing.
For the traveler experience, the practical implication is that APH should be treated as a controlled military destination with almost no spontaneous services on site. Ground pickup, identity checks, and entry approval need to be settled before arrival, and onward movement usually continues through Fort Walker vehicles or unit transportation rather than taxis or rental cars. The airfield's significance is strategic rather than commercial: it supports a major Army training post covering tens of thousands of acres, and its small runway and limited facilities reflect that specialized role.
๐ Connection Tips
For travelers arriving at Mary Walker LZ (APH), connections are strictly limited to pre-arranged military ground transport or authorized pickups. Visitors without a Department of Defense (DoD) ID must first stop at the Visitor Control Center (VCC) located at Building 20 near the North Gate on Walker Drive to obtain a base pass. The VCC typically operates from 07:00 to 16:00 on weekdays; ensure you have a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance if driving.
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber or Lyft can generally drop passengers at the North Gate, but they are not permitted to enter the secure perimeter of the base without specific clearance. For those connecting to commercial flights, the nearest major hub is Richmond International Airport (RIC), located approximately 50 miles south. Alternatively, Reagan National (DCA) is roughly 75 miles north, though traffic on the I-95 corridor can significantly impact travel times.
If you are arriving for training, coordinate with your unit's S-4 or transportation office for dedicated shuttle schedules. Pilots and aircrews must obtain a Prior Permission Required (PPR) number at least 24 hours in advance by contacting Airfield Management at DSN 578-8713 or civilian (804) 633-8713, as training schedules and live-fire exercises frequently affect runway availability.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, serves as a vital regional gateway to the Lehigh Valley and Eastern Pennsylvania. It offers a less congested and more convenient travel experience compared to larger metropolitan hubs. The airport features a single, modern terminal building spread across two levels, designed for efficient passenger processing and easy navigation. The lower level is dedicated to arrivals, housing baggage claim, car rental counters, and exits to ground transportation. The upper level manages departures, with ticket counters, airline check-in desks, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening checkpoint.
The airport continually invests in enhancing its passenger facilities. A recent TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project has significantly upgraded the security area, incorporating up to four screening lanes, modern escalators and elevators, and an enhanced air purification system. The terminal is structured with two main concourses: Concourse A on the ground level serves airlines like Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, while Concourse B on the upper level is utilized by United Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
Amenities at ABE are well-appointed for a regional facility, including several cafes and snack bars, shops for essentials and souvenirs, and free Wi-Fi throughout. ABE also offers family-friendly amenities such as a children's play area, a sensory room, and a therapy dog program, along with occasional live music performances, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all travelers.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Lehigh Valley International Airport provides efficient access to Pennsylvania's fourth-busiest passenger facility serving 14 nonstop destinations through Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Frontier Airlines from its renovated single terminal with two-level design. The airport's 14 gates split between ground-level Concourse A (8 gates) and upper-level Concourse B (6 gates) enable quick connections with minimal walking distances, while recent TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project upgrades include four screening lanes, modern escalators, and enhanced air purification systems reducing security wait times to 3-8 minutes with PreCheck or CLEAR enrollment.
Domestic connections benefit from ABE's position as an alternative to crowded Philadelphia, Newark, and JFK airports, offering reliable connectivity to major hubs including Atlanta via Delta, Charlotte via American, Chicago O'Hare via United, and Detroit via Delta for onward domestic and international connections. Regional destinations include popular leisure markets such as Fort Lauderdale, Orlando Sanford, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, and Florida Gulf Coast cities through Allegiant's low-cost network, while business travelers utilize American's Charlotte hub and United's Newark and Chicago services for broader network access.
Weather-related disruptions during Northeast winter storms can impact operations, though ABE's modern runway and de-icing equipment maintain better reliability than larger metropolitan airports. Ground transportation includes rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services for the 65-mile drive to Philadelphia or 90-mile journey to New York City, while regional bus connections serve Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. The airport's family-friendly amenities including children's play areas, sensory rooms, and therapy dog programs create comfortable connection environments, while free WiFi and dining options support extended layovers in this efficiently designed regional aviation facility.
โ Back to Mary Walker LZ Airport