โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Columbia Gorge Regional Airport (DLS), also known as The Dalles Municipal Airport, is a uniquely situated general aviation facility located in Klickitat County, Washington, just across the river from The Dalles, Oregon. Despite its physical location in Washington, the airport has been owned by the City of The Dalles since the 1940s and has been jointly operated with Klickitat County since 2002. This cross-state partnership highlights the airport's critical role as a regional infrastructure asset for the entire Columbia River Gorge area, serving as a hub for corporate travel, emergency services, and recreational aviation.
The airport has a rich history that dates back to the early 1920s when it originated as a simple grass landing strip known as Case Field. During World War II, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers significantly developed the site into a military training facility, constructing the paved airfield architecture that forms the basis of the current infrastructure. Today, the airport features two substantial asphalt runways, with the primary runway (13/31) measuring over 5,000 feet, making it capable of accommodating a wide variety of modern corporate jets and specialized cargo aircraft. While it briefly hosted scheduled commercial flights in the 1950s, its contemporary focus is entirely on supporting the general aviation community.
Terminal services at DLS are primarily managed by TacAero, a full-service Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) known for its high-quality support of the regional aviation sector. The terminal building provides a comfortable environment for pilots and passengers, featuring a dedicated lounge, flight planning facilities, and a well-regarded flight school. Visiting aviators benefit from comprehensive ground services, including 24-hour self-service fuel, professional aircraft maintenance, and even a courtesy car for those looking to explore the local shops and dining in The Dalles. While the facility lacks the large-scale retail and dining options of major commercial hubs, its efficient operations and stunning scenic location make it a preferred stop for pilots navigating the Pacific Northwest.
๐ Connection Tips
Columbia Gorge Regional serves the gorge area from Dallesport, Washington. DLS has no scheduled airline service; it mainly serves private and charter traffic. Most visitors use Portland, then drive east through the Columbia Gorge. 1.5 hours) to the west, and then completing the journey via rental car or the 'Columbia Gorge Express' bus service.
If you are flying privately into DLS, the airport's Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), TacAero, provides excellent support, including 24-hour self-service fuel and a courtesy car available for visiting pilots to use for short trips across the bridge into The Dalles for meals or supplies. It is highly recommended to call the FBO in advance to ensure the vehicle is available. The airport features two well-maintained asphalt runways, including a 5,097-foot primary strip (13/31) capable of handling corporate jets.
Ground transportation beyond the courtesy car requires advance coordination; local taxi services like Columbia Gorge Taxi offer airport transfers, but there is no direct public transit station at the terminal. Within the terminal, amenities include a comfortable pilot's lounge with Wi-Fi and flight planning tools. Because the airport is situated in the scenic but high-wind Gorge environment, pilots should be particularly vigilant for strong crosswinds and check the latest METAR/TAF reports before departure.
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 Columbia Gorge Regional Airport