ICYMI, commercial passenger service is now available at Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) through Avelo Airlines. Taking advantage of LAL’s first commercial passenger service in more than a decade? Save this guide covering everything from gates and parking to how to board the new nonstop flights to New Haven, CT.
Security
As soon as guests walk through the airport doors, TSA checkpoints will be straight ahead and to the right. While security may not take as long as at larger airports, Avelo still recommends arriving two hours prior to your flight’s boarding time.
Currently, there is no separate lane for passengers with TSA PreCheck — those with the designation will be handed an identification card that they will show to agents for expedited screening. Reminder: Starting May 7, 2025 flyers will need a REAL ID to board commercial flights in the US.
Food and drink
While LAL searches for a new full-service restaurant at the airport, passengers can snag pre-packaged concessions (and even some merch) just beyond security in the gate area at the MarketplACE.
Fun fact: Proceeds from sales at the MarketplACE will help fund programs at the Aerospace Center of Excellence (ACE).
Boarding your flight
Avelo will operate primarily out of two gates that share a waiting area just beyond the TSA checkpoint. In line with other smaller airports like St. Pete-Clearwater International, travelers will exit the airport into a secure outside area on the tarmac to board the plane via covered ramps. Remember, Florida weather can be finicky, so it might not be a bad idea to have a rain jacket on hand during the summer months in particular.
If you have questions about your flight, you can head to the Avelo counter before you go through TSA or ask one of the gate agents before you board.
Parking, rideshare + rental cars
Not everyone has a bestie who will drop everything to pick them up whenever they land. Thankfully, LAL is making things easy with free parking through early fall.
LAL’s Assistant Airport Director Adam Lunn shared with us that the airport hopes to add a grass lot in the future which will provide free parking year-round, at which time the paved spots will move to paid parking system.
The airport has pick-up points to the left of the terminal for rideshare and taxi services and can be accessed via public transportation on the Citrus Connection Red Line. LAL also offers rental car services via Avis and Budget.
Because LAL only has one terminal, all of these parking + transportation options are within walking distance of TSA and your gate, and we truly mean walking distance — Lunn shared that the distance from where guests board + deplane the aircraft is only around 300 ft from the parking lot.
Other airport updates
Other key features travelers will see at LAL include free charging stations in the gate area + an information center by baggage claim. Both of these features are sponsored by Visit Central Florida. We even heard that fresh orange juice may be getting passed out from the information desk.
Learn more about LAL’s current projects and goals for the future in the newest version of the Airport Master Plan.
