โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) is a vital regional aviation facility located approximately three miles east of Beckley, West Virginia, in the town of Beaver. Serving as the primary gateway to southern West Virginiaโs scenic highlands, the airport supports a blend of commercial scheduled flights, corporate travel, and significant cargo operations. Its location near major highways makes it an essential piece of infrastructure for the Raleigh County business community and the local tourism industry.
The airport features a single, compact terminal building that emphasizes passenger convenience and ease of navigation. Inside, travelers will find airline check-in counters conveniently located near the main entrance, leading directly to a single security checkpoint and a comfortable departure waiting area. Currently, the primary commercial service is provided by Contour Airlines, which offers regular flights to Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT), connecting local residents to a major global hub.
Terminal amenities at BKW include an on-site restaurant that is typically open from Monday through Friday, offering diners unique views of the runways and aircraft operations. A small gift shop and a well-equipped conference room with free Wi-Fi and visual display systems are also available for public use. One of the airportโs most traveler-friendly features is the provision of free long-term parking in close proximity to the terminal, a rarity among modern regional airports that significantly reduces the cost and stress of travel.
Beyond passenger service, Raleigh County Memorial is a major center for general aviation and cargo logistics, hosting daily feeder flights for global carriers like FedEx and UPS. The airport operates two asphalt runways: the primary Runway 1/19, which is 6,750 feet long, and the secondary Runway 10/28 at 5,001 feet. The Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) provides comprehensive support for private pilots, including heated hangar storage, a pilot lounge with a massage chair, a complimentary coffee bar, and several ground transportation options to the Beckley area.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) in West Virginia is a low-stress experience, thanks to its compact, single-terminal layout and status as a regional feeder. Most travelers 'connecting' here use the Essential Air Service provided by Contour Airlines, which offers regular jet service to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Because the terminal is small, navigation is effortless; check-in, security, and the departure gate are all within a two-minute walk of each other.
If you are on a through-ticket via Contourโs interline agreement with American Airlines, your journey is remarkably seamless. In most cases, your baggage is checked through to your final global destination from BKW, and you receive all boarding passes at initial check-in. Upon arriving at Charlotte (CLT), you typically land at Concourse E, a short walk from the main terminal and other concourses (A-D). This eliminates the need to re-clear security or collect bags in Charlotte, provided you are on a single itinerary.
For those starting at BKW, the airport offers free long-term parking immediately adjacent to the terminal. Security lines are typically very short, but you should still arrive at least 60 to 90 minutes before your flight. While there is an on-site restaurant, it has limited hours, so it is advisable to eat before arriving or use the vending machines. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, which is essential as there are no other retail facilities to pass the time during a delay.
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
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is primarily a domestic airport, with most connections occurring within the United States. Its compact single-terminal design significantly simplifies the connection process, as there's no need for shuttle buses or trains between terminals, and walking times between gates are typically short. However, all connecting passengers, including those on domestic flights, must pass through a TSA security checkpoint. Travelers should be prepared to place all electronics and liquids (up to 2 liters) in separate trays for X-ray screening, as per TSA regulations.\n\nFor any onward domestic flights, it's recommended to allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours between flights, especially during peak travel times or early morning departures, to ensure ample time for security and gate transfers. While ABE does not handle international immigration or customs directly, passengers connecting from an international flight at a larger gateway (like Philadelphia or Newark) to ABE should account for the time required to clear those formalities at their initial point of entry into the U.S.\n\nABE offers convenient options for expedited security screening, including dedicated lanes for TSA PreCheck and the CLEAR program, which can significantly reduce wait times. Ground transportation to and from the airport is readily available, with taxis, ride-sharing services, and car rental companies all operating on-site. Local LANTA bus services also connect the airport to various points in the Lehigh Valley.
โ Back to Raleigh County Memorial Airport