โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is a primary aviation gateway for Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay region, located approximately 9 miles (14 km) north of St. Petersburg and 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Clearwater. The airport operates from a single, modern passenger terminal building divided into two main sections: the A-Side (Gates 1-6) and the B-Side (Gates 7-12). It acts as a critical infrastructure hub, providing a streamlined and 'Go Easy' alternative to the larger Tampa International Airport (TPA).
The terminal infrastructure provides a variety of essential amenities across two levels, with the ground floor dedicated to arrivals and the upper level housing check-in and security. Travelers have access to multiple local dining options post-security, including the popular 3 Daughters Brewing on the A-Side and the renowned Mazzaro Italian Market on the B-Side. At 11 feet elevation covering 1,900 acres, the airport operates two asphalt runways including a 9,730-foot ILS-equipped primary runway (18/36) and a 6,000-foot crosswind runway (04/22), along with free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout, dedicated family changing stations, and a visitor information center that provides resources for exploring the region's world-class beaches.
Ground transportation at PIE is well-supported by on-site car rental desks for several major national agencies, including Avis, Budget, and Hertz, located near the baggage claim area. Official taxi ranks and ride-sharing zones for Uber and Lyft are situated directly outside the terminal exit, providing a quick 20 to 30-minute link to the gulf-front resorts. The airport also offers extensive parking options, including short-term and long-term lots within walking distance, alongside dedicated economy lots served by regular shuttle services during peak operational hours.
๐ Connection Tips
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is a premier low-cost gateway to the Florida Gulf Coast, primarily served by Allegiant Air. Ground transport is well-supported; the 'Ground Transport Zone' is located directly outside baggage claim, where official airport taxis and SuperShuttle shared-vans are available 24/7. All major rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) have designated pickup areas at the north end of the terminal.
For public transit, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) Route 52 serves the nearby main road, but not the terminal gates. Major car rental agencies have a large consolidated center within the terminal Route 52 helps if you are connecting from the wider Pinellas network, but most people still prefer a direct ride because the airport is designed for fast Florida holiday arrivals.
Arrive 2.5 hours early for domestic flights; security can peak during the busy winter season. Facilities include several local specialty restaurants and free fast Wi-Fi The winter surge can make the terminal busier than its size suggests, so the best plan is to arrive with the ground transfer already settled. A direct ride into the city should already be settled, because winter Florida travel works best when the pickup is simple and the terminal stays quick too.
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 St. Petersburg Clearwater International Airport