โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA), also known as Lovell Field, is a premier regional aviation facility serving the city of Chattanooga and the broader Southeast Tennessee region. Located approximately five miles east of downtown, the airport acts as a critical link for the Tennessee River Valley's prominent manufacturing, high-tech, and tourism sectors. The facility is managed by the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority and has recently undergone a multi-million dollar expansion to modernize its infrastructure and support growing passenger volumes.
The airport features a modern and efficient single passenger terminal that manages all scheduled arrivals and departures. The terminal is organized into two primary concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B, which together offer a total of nine boarding gates. A major 2024 expansion project significantly increased the terminal's footprint, adding new gates, a modernized security checkpoint, and an enhanced business center. The architectural design focuses on ease of navigation, with an intuitive layout that ensures quick transit times from check-in to the boarding areas, making it one of the most accessible regional airports in the Southeast.
Amenities at Chattanooga Metropolitan are comprehensive, catering to a mix of business and leisure travelers. The terminal offers free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the building and numerous dedicated charging stations. For dining, passengers can choose from several options including a cafe in the ticketing area and full-service restaurants airside that feature Southern specialties and a full bar. The airport also includes a well-stocked gift shop, a professional business center, and a unique 'honor system' library. Essential services such as ATMs, baby care facilities, and specialized assistance for passengers with reduced mobility are all conveniently available within the terminal hall.
CHA provides robust connectivity to major national hubs, serving as a key destination for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, along with ultra-low-cost carrier Allegiant Air. Frequent non-stop flights connect Chattanooga with hubs such as Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), and Washington D.C. (DCA). Ground transportation is well-integrated, with dedicated taxi ranks, app-based ride-sharing zones, and multiple car rental desks for brands like Avis and Enterprise located directly in the arrivals area. The airport's strategic location ensures that visitors can reach the city's famous attractions, such as the Tennessee Aquarium and Lookout Mountain, within a short 15-20 minute drive.
๐ Connection Tips
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) is one of the easier U.S. regional airports to use because the terminal is compact and the walking distances are short. That simplicity is real, but the correct way to plan connections through Chattanooga is to recognize that the vulnerable part of the trip is almost always at Atlanta or Charlotte, not at Chattanooga itself. If your itinerary depends on a long-haul or important onward leg, the buffer belongs at the larger hub.
CHA is therefore best used as an efficient local gateway to southeast Tennessee. The airport is close enough to the city that the landside transfer is usually not difficult, and that is a genuine advantage for business and leisure travelers. The risk comes when people assume that a small, fast terminal means they can trim the entire itinerary too tightly. It does not reduce the complexity of connecting through ATL or CLT.
For a trip ending in Chattanooga, the airport's small scale is mostly a benefit. For a trip only passing through, it should encourage calm planning rather than optimistic planning. Even short regional delays can become expensive once they hit a major bank at Atlanta. CHA works best when you use its compact terminal to reduce stress while still giving the larger hub enough room to absorb delays, terminal changes, and the normal volatility of bigger U.S. connection complexes.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the primary international airport serving New Mexico, located just three miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. The airport boasts a distinctive Pueblo-style architectural terminal, which is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. This single, multi-level terminal efficiently manages all arrivals and departures, featuring a logical layout designed for passenger convenience. The lower level is dedicated to arriving passengers, housing baggage claim areas (three in total to serve Concourses A and B) and providing direct exits to ground transportation.
The upper level of the terminal is the departure zone, where travelers will find airline ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and access to the two main concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A primarily serves American Airlines, Delta, and United, while Southwest Airlines predominantly operates out of Concourse B. The terminal has a total of 22 gates, ensuring ample capacity for its scheduled domestic flights and limited international services. Recent upgrades include a TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project, which has enhanced security screening with up to four lanes and modern passenger amenities like new escalators and elevators.
Amenities at ABQ are comprehensive for a regional international facility. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, numerous charging stations, a variety of shops (including those offering local artisanal gifts), and diverse dining options ranging from cafes and fast-food outlets to restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine. Additional facilities like a Meditation Room and an observation deck contribute to a comfortable travel experience, complemented by a notable art collection displayed throughout the terminal.
๐ Connection Tips
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) offers excellent ground transportation connectivity just 3 miles southeast of downtown. ABQ RIDE provides completely free bus service (fare-free since November 2023) with Route 50 connecting the airport to downtown via Union Square Bus Station every 15-30 minutes, taking just 24 minutes total - the bus stop is conveniently located on the lower level at the west end of the shuttle island. Route 50 also connects to the Alvarado Transportation Center downtown where passengers can transfer to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Rail Runner connections are enhanced through Route 350 (Railrunner Connecting bus) and free bus transfers when you have a valid Rail Runner ticket purchased in advance online or via mobile app - otherwise pay the driver a $1 fare each way. Official taxi service is available with fares starting at $35 to downtown Albuquerque through companies like ABQ Metro Taxi (505-450-8580) and Aspen Rides (505-388-3692). Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft requires pre-booking as street hailing is not permitted.
For Santa Fe destinations, Groome Transportation operates 30 daily trips taking 75 minutes with variable pricing, while RoadRunner Charter provides door-to-door service to Santa Fe and Los Alamos areas. The Rail Runner Express connects Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Belen with convenient airport shuttle connections. Recent December 2025 improvements under the ABQ RIDE Forward Network Plan enhanced transit connectivity throughout the metropolitan area.
โ Back to Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport