Traveling by plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours is unlike anything else.
The whole navigating the airport part? To help make your time at Lakeland Linder International Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to details on the airport’s seven nonstop flights.
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 we anxiously await the opening of Sora, LAL’s new dining concept, 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 operates 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 paved parking until further notice.
The airport also recently opened an unpaved grass lot for overflow parking, which will provide paved parking year-round, even after the paved spots moved to a 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 — Assistant Airport Director Adam Lunn shared with us that the distance from where guests board + deplane the aircraft is only around 300 ft from the parking lot.
Nonstop flights
LAL currently offers seven nonstop flights — six that travel within the continental US, plus one flight to Puerto Rico. Flights to Atlanta, GA + Hartford, CT are currently paused.
- Charlotte, NC/Concord, NC | Flying on Thursday + Sunday
- Manchester, NH/Boston, MA | Flying on Monday + Friday
- Rochester, NY | Flying on Monday + Friday
- San Juan, PR | Flying on Wednesday + Saturday
- Wilmington, DE/Philadelphia, PA | Flying on Thursday + Sunday
- New Haven, CT | Flying on Thursday + Sunday
- Nashville, TN | Beginning March 6 | Flying on Thursday + Sunday
Bonus: Get lower fares by signing up for Going. You’ll get emailed when flights are 40-90% cheaper than usual. Get a two-week free trial of the Premium plan, which lets you set custom destination flight alerts (score).
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.
Fly comfortably
While we may not be able to offer solutions for crying babies or lack of plane WiFi, we do have some tricks up our sleeves for upping your comfort while flying. Browse some of our favorite travel essentials:
- Blissy sleep mask | This eye mask provides optimal comfort and aids restful sleep amidst changing environments and varying light conditions.
- Trtl travel pillow | The Trtl pillow is scientifically designed to provide a better head position when sleeping upright, thanks to an internal support system comfortably cushioned in cozy fleece.
- Leather dopp kit | Keep your essentials organized and easily accessible, ensuring hassle-free journeys wherever you go.
- Bose noise canceling headphones | These headphones are tried-and-true traveling companions, beloved for their crisp sound and ability to block exterior noise.
- Cozy Earth joggers | These Oprah-approved joggers are polished enough to navigate the airport in, but comfy and stretchy enough for long flights.
- Snacks | Bringing your own snacks ensures dietary preferences are met — plus, you’ll save time and money while traveling. Our go-to is Poppin Toffee, which you can find at Bodega Market downtown, or order online.
- Anti-nausea wristbands | Some simple anti-nausea wristbands might relieve a nervous stomach or sensitivity to turbulence while flying.
