โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
March Air Reserve Base operates as a premier U.S. Air Force Reserve Command installation spanning 2,075 acres in Riverside County, California, serving as headquarters for Fourth Air Force (4 AF) and home to the 452nd Air Mobility Wing, the largest air mobility wing within the Fourth Air Force structure. This strategically vital facility transformed from 78 years of active duty operations to Air Force Reserve Command control on April 1, 1996, ending decades as a Strategic Air Command base during the Cold War while maintaining critical national defense capabilities through modern Reserve operations.
The base features robust aviation infrastructure with two concrete runways including primary runway 14/32 measuring 4,054 meters and secondary runway 12/30 extending 933 meters, designed to support the base's fleet of nine C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifters and twelve KC-135R Stratotankers providing air refueling and strategic airlift capabilities worldwide. As a classified military installation, the base operates without civilian passenger terminal facilities, with all infrastructure dedicated to military operations, aircraft maintenance, aircrew training, and logistics support for Reserve missions requiring rapid global deployment capabilities.
Operational characteristics center on the 452nd Air Mobility Wing's mission to organize, train, and equip aircrews for air refueling and strategic airlift operations supporting national defense requirements across diverse global theaters. The wing made aviation history in 2005 by becoming the first Air Force Reserve Command unit to operate C-17 Globemaster III aircraft independently, receiving the "Spirit of California" as its first aircraft while transitioning from the venerable C-141 Starlifter that had served the base for decades during Strategic Air Command operations.
Strategic importance encompasses the base's role maintaining critical air mobility capabilities for U.S. defense operations while preserving aviation heritage through the March Field Air Museum, which provides public access to historical aircraft displays and educational programs showcasing the base's evolution from its establishment through decades of Cold War service to contemporary Reserve operations. The facility's location in Southern California's Inland Empire provides optimal training conditions and rapid deployment access to Pacific and global theaters, while maintaining the operational readiness essential for Air Force Reserve Command's mission to provide trained personnel and equipment supporting national defense requirements whenever activated for federal service.
๐ Connection Tips
March Air Reserve Base (RIV), formerly March Air Force Base, is a high-security and strategically vital installation of the United States Air Force Reserve, located in Riverside County, California. The base is famous for hosting various KC-135 Stratotankers and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, providing critical aerial refueling and strategic airlift capabilities. Southern California's Mediterranean climate brings hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters; however, the area can experience persistent morning fog known as the 'June Gloom' and occasional high winds from the Santa Ana mountains, which are critical factors for pilots using the 4,000-meter asphalt runway. The base's historical significance is preserved through the March Field Air Museum, which is accessible to the public and well worth a visit.
As a strictly restricted military facility, it does not offer any commercial passenger terminal amenities; you will find no duty-free shops, public lounges, or retail outlets on-site. If you are authorized to visit, the base is located in the Inland Empire and is well-connected to the city via the I-215 and SR-60 motorways. For all commercial travelers, Ontario International Airport (ONT) remains the primary gateway, located about 20 miles to the west.
Security is extremely tight, and all non-military visitors must have explicit prior authorization from the 452nd Air Mobility Wing before attempting to land or access the site. Ground transportation is strictly handled through official military channels or authorized personnel. Always ensure your credentials and transport are fully coordinated, as the base perimeter is a heavily guarded military zone with strict entry and exit protocols.
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 March Air Reserve Base