โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
College Park Airport (CGS), also known by its ICAO code KCGS, holds the prestigious distinction of being the world's oldest continuously operating airport, established in 1909. Located in College Park, Maryland, just a few miles from Washington D.C., the airport acts as a historic 'Cradle of Aviation.' It was originally founded by the U.S. Army Signal Corps as a training location where Wilbur Wright instructed the first military officers to fly the government's first airplane. Today, the facility is owned and operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The airport infrastructure is tailored to general aviation and reflects its deep historical roots. It features a single 2,980-foot asphalt runway (15/33) which accommodates a variety of light aircraft, flight training operations, and private pilots. While there is no control tower, the airfield is staffed daily and managed with a focus on safety and historical preservation. The terminal building provides essential services for the general aviation community, including a comfortable pilot's lounge, weather briefing facilities, and professional conference rooms. For the convenience of pilots, the airport offers 24-hour fueling services for both 100LL Avgas and Jet A.
A major highlight of the airport is the adjacent College Park Aviation Museum, which preserves and promotes the rich history of the airfield and its many 'firsts,' including the first female passenger in an airplane and the first airmail service. The airport remains a bustling hub for flight instruction, housing a Redbird simulator and several flight schools that take advantage of its unique location. Due to its proximity to the national capital, CGS operates within highly regulated airspace, making it a specialized and significant node for private travel in the DC metropolitan area. Ground transportation is well-served by the nearby College Park-U of MD Metro and MARC stations, providing easy access to central Washington D.C. and the University of Maryland campus.
๐ Connection Tips
College Park Airport (CGS) holds the distinction of being the world's oldest continuously operating airport, but its proximity to the national capital means "connecting" here requires navigating some of the most stringent security protocols in the United States. CGS is located within the Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ); to fly a private aircraft into the airfield, pilots must obtain a unique "MD-3 PIN" from the TSA, a process that involving background checks and fingerprinting that can take 3 to 4 weeks. Because the airport does not host scheduled commercial flights, it acts instead as a highly efficient general aviation portal for the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and the University of Maryland. The airport is uniquely positioned just a 5 to 10-minute walk from the College Park-U of MD Metro Station (Green and Yellow Lines). This provides a direct and rapid connection to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) via the Yellow Line in approximately 40 minutes. For those connecting to Dulles International (IAD), the Silver Line transfer at L'Enfant Plaza offers a reliable 90-minute link. If your destination is Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), the MARC Penn Line from nearby New Carrollton or the B30 Metrobus from Greenbelt are the most common multi-modal options. If you are arriving at CGS via private charter and have a same-day international connection at any of the major hubs, it is essential to allow a significant buffer of at least 3 hours to account for Metro schedules and thorough security re-screening. While at the airport, a visit to the on-site College Park Aviation Museum is a must for any traveler. Always confirm your transient parking at least 24 hours in advance, as ramp space is limited due to the airport's historic footprint.
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 College Park Airport