โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Hollister Municipal Airport (HLI), identified by its ICAO code KCVH, is a significant public-use general aviation facility located approximately 5 kilometers north of downtown Hollister in San Benito County, California. Originally established as a private grass airstrip in 1912, the field was later transformed into a U.S. Navy Air Auxiliary Station during World War II. Today, it serves as a premier destination for recreational and sport aviation, recognized as a regional hub for glider activity and high-altitude skydiving. Its strategic location at the southern end of the Santa Clara Valley makes it a vital asset for both the local community and the Silicon Valley aerospace sector.
The airport features a dedicated passenger terminal building that serves as the professional gateway for all ground operations and aviator services. While it does not host scheduled commercial airline traffic, the facility provides a welcoming environment for visiting pilots, including a comfortable waiting area, administrative offices, and a dedicated pilot's lounge managed by the Hollister Jet Center. The layout is designed for maximum efficiency, allowing aircraft to move quickly between the two asphalt runwaysโthe longest extending over 6,300 feetโand the aircraft parking ramps. The facility also serves as a critical base for CAL FIRE's Hollister Air Attack Base, supporting rapid wildfire response across the Central Coast.
Facilities at Hollister Municipal are tailored to the needs of the sport aviation and emergency services communities. The airport offers comprehensive services including 100LL and Jet-A fueling, aircraft maintenance, and ample hangar space. It is a world-renowned site for soaring, offering glider rides and lessons, and hosts multiple skydiving centers such as Skydive Hollister and Silicon Valley Skydiving. While the terminal does not host commercial retail or dining, its proximity to the city of Hollister ensures that visitors have easy access to a variety of California restaurants and the famous Hollister hills. Ground transportation is well-supported with rental cars available on-site and local ride-sharing services providing a smooth link to the nearby tech corridor.
๐ Connection Tips
Hollister Municipal Airport is a general aviation and sport facility and does not handle scheduled commercial flights. Standard commercial Minimum Connection Times (MCT) are not applicable here. If your itinerary involves a transfer from a private charter or skydiving flight at HLI to a commercial airline, you must travel to San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC), located 50 miles north, or Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), 45 miles southwest. The drive to San Jose typically takes 60 minutes via US-101; allow at least 3.5 hours for the transfer to account for Silicon Valley traffic and commercial security protocols at SJC. For private and sport travelers, connections at HLI usually involve transitioning from aircraft to pre-arranged ground transport.
Fixed-base operators (FBOs) like Hollister Jet Center manage these transfers efficiently. The airportโs layout allows for quick air-to-ground transitions, often completed in under 15 minutes. Since the facility lacks a permanent on-site taxi rank, all ground logistics, including rental car deliveries or private shuttles, should be coordinated in advance. This ensures that your baggage and ground transportation are handled seamlessly upon your arrival in San Benito County. When using HLI, verify the operating hours of the FBO services and fueling availability.
If you have a wait between flights, the terminal provides a quiet environment for work. However, the airportโs proximity to downtown Hollisterโjust a 10-minute driveโmakes it easy to access local restaurants and business centers. For layovers of 4 hours or more, a visit to the historic Mission San Juan Bautista is highly recommended. Always carry your own essential supplies, as the terminal does not host commercial dining. The facility provides a professional and active environment for all regional aviation and aerial firefighting needs.
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 Hollister Municipal Airport