โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Southeast Iowa Regional Airport (BRL), designated with ICAO code KBRL and also known as SIRA, serves as a critical aviation facility for the city of Burlington and the broader Des Moines County region in southeastern Iowa. Located just two miles southwest of downtown Burlington at an elevation of 698 feet above sea level, the airport covers 537 acres and plays an essential role in maintaining regional connectivity through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Essential Air Service (EAS) program. Originally established in 1929 when the Burlington City Council adopted a resolution to create a municipal airport, the facility has evolved from its humble beginnings on a 55-acre sod field to become a modern regional gateway.
The airport infrastructure includes two well-maintained runways designed to accommodate regional aircraft operations. Runway 18/36 is an asphalt surface measuring 6,102 by 100 feet (1,860 x 30 meters), while runway 12/30 is a concrete surface measuring 5,351 by 100 feet (1,631 x 30 meters). This dual-runway configuration provides operational flexibility and ensures continued service during maintenance periods or adverse weather conditions. The airport recorded 20,172 aircraft operations in 2019, with the majority being general aviation (74%), followed by air taxi (16%), airline operations (9%), and minimal military activity.
The passenger terminal building, which underwent significant remodeling in 1989, reflects the airport's commitment to providing efficient and comfortable service for travelers in this rural region. The single-level facility is designed for ease of navigation, featuring all essential services within short walking distances. The terminal includes check-in facilities, TSA security screening, comfortable waiting areas, and baggage claim services. One of the airport's most appreciated features is the provision of completely free parking for all travelers, providing a significant cost advantage compared to larger metropolitan airports.
Commercial passenger service is currently provided by Contour Airlines, which began operations in July 2025 with 12 weekly round-trip flights to Chicago O'Hare International Airport using 30-passenger jets. This service represents the latest chapter in the airport's commercial aviation history, which began in 1931 when National Air Transport added Burlington to its Chicago to Kansas City route. The Essential Air Service program ensures continued connectivity for this rural community, providing vital access to the national air transportation system.
Ground transportation options include on-site car rental services provided by Avis, located conveniently within the terminal building. Local taxi services and ride-sharing applications like Uber and Lyft are available, though wait times may be longer during off-peak hours given the rural location. The airport's proximity to downtown Burlingtonโjust a six-minute driveโmakes ground transportation particularly convenient. For travelers seeking alternative transportation options, the Burlington Amtrak Station serves the California Zephyr route and is easily accessible via a short taxi ride, providing scenic rail connections across the Midwest.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Southeast Iowa Regional Airport (BRL) is exceptionally efficient, as the facility serves as a streamlined regional gateway. The airport primarily hosts domestic flights operated by Contour Airlines, providing frequent links to Chicago O'Hare (ORD). Because all operations are housed in a single, compact terminal on one level, 'connecting' to your ground transport is fast; you can walk from the arrival gate to the baggage claim and car rental desks in under five minutes. A key logistical tip is the generous free parking policy for both short-term and long-term stays, providing a significant cost benefit compared to major hubs like Des Moines.
Ground transportation is well-supported by an on-site Avis rental car counter located inside the terminal. It is highly recommended to book your vehicle in advance, as local inventory is limited. For those heading to downtown Burlington (only 2 miles away), local taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are active, though wait times can be longer during off-peak hours. A unique multi-modal connection is the proximity to the Burlington Amtrak Station (BURL), served by the 'California Zephyr' line. A 10-minute taxi ride will take you to the station, providing a scenic rail link across the Midwest.
Inside the terminal, amenities include a comfortable waiting area and free high-speed Wi-Fi. It is recommended to arrive at least 60-75 minutes before your departure, as the TSA checkpoint is typically only staffed during specific flight windows. If you are connecting through ORD from BRL on a single ticket, your checked luggage will be automatically tagged through to your final destination. For travelers with a short wait, the terminal offers a quiet environment with traditional Midwestern hospitality, sometimes even including personal 'umbrella service' to the aircraft during rain.
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 Southeast Iowa Regional Airport