Lois Larson
Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) is a public airport located about 5 miles southwest of downtown Lakeland, Florida, in Polk County. The airport is well-equipped to handle general aviation and commercial operations, with three runways accommodating both general aviation and large commercial aircraft. LAL is classified as a User Fee Airport by US Customs and Border Protection, and its on-site customs facility enables international travellers arriving on private or chartered planes to clear customs directly at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Airport | Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) |
| Location | Lakeland, Florida, in Polk County |
| Distance from Downtown Lakeland | 5 miles southwest |
| Role | Critical role in general aviation and corporate flights |
| Known for | Hosting the annual SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo |
| Runway | 3 runways, including one primary runway that is 8,500 feet long |
| Accessibility | Offers services for passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair assistance and accessible parking |
| Parking | Offers both short-term and long-term parking options |
| Customs | Has an on-site U.S. Customs facility, enabling international travelers to clear customs directly at the airport |
| Customs Hours | Thursday - Monday from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm |
| Customs Contact | Phone: 863-647-4870 or 863-647-4871 (Lakeland Office) or 1-800-973-2867 (Tampa Sector) |
| Customs Email | [[email protected]] |
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What You'll Learn
Customs & Border Protection office hours
Lakeland Linder International Airport is a public airport located about 5 miles southwest of downtown Lakeland, Florida, in Polk County. It is a key hub for general aviation and commercial operations in Central Florida, providing convenient access to both Tampa and Orlando. The airport is well-equipped to handle general aviation, making it a popular choice for corporate travellers, private pilots, and aviation enthusiasts.
The airport features an on-site U.S. Customs facility, enabling international flights and travellers arriving on private or chartered planes to clear customs directly at the airport. This facility, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection General Aviation Facility, officially opened on November 16, 2017, with the first international flight clearing customs that same afternoon.
The Customs and Border Protection office hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST. It is important to note that a U.S. Customs Officer may not always be present during those operating hours. If you require assistance and the Lakeland office is closed, you can contact the Port of Tampa Office at 1-800-973-2867. Aircraft arriving outside of the posted operating hours will be charged a $400 (USD) flat fee, inclusive of taxes and credit card fees.
To obtain landing rights at the airport, operators will generally need to complete the following steps:
- Obtain an Overflight Exemption / Request Landing Rights / Obtain Outbound Clearance
- Obtain a CBP User Fee, Transponder, and Decal
- File your Aircraft Arrival Request
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Requirements for arrival and departure
Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) in Florida is a designated User Fee Airport by US Customs and Border Protection. This means that aircraft arriving from foreign ports in the Western Hemisphere located south of 33 degrees north latitude (Western US) or 30 degrees north latitude (Eastern US) must obtain an approved overflight exemption. Aircraft arriving from the northern regions of the Western Hemisphere or the Eastern Hemisphere do not require this exemption.
Obtaining an Overflight Exemption:
Aircraft arriving from specific regions, as mentioned earlier, must obtain an approved overflight exemption. This involves submitting a request to US Customs and Border Protection and receiving authorization before entering US airspace.
Requesting Landing Rights:
All aircraft, regardless of their origin, must request landing rights by notifying CBP via email or phone at least two hours before their planned arrival at Lakeland Airport. This step is crucial for ensuring a smooth landing process and avoiding potential delays.
Obtaining Outbound Clearance:
For departure from Lakeland Airport, obtaining outbound clearance from CBP is necessary. This process involves providing details of the aircraft, its crew, and passengers, as well as the intended departure time. This clearance helps CBP manage air traffic and ensure compliance with customs and security regulations.
Payment of CBP User Fees:
Operators of aircraft using Lakeland Airport are typically required to pay CBP user fees. These fees contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of customs and border protection services at the airport. The fees may vary depending on the size of the aircraft and the nature of the flight (private, commercial, etc.).
Compliance with Restricted and Prohibited Items:
Passengers arriving at or departing from Lakeland Airport must adhere to the restrictions and prohibitions on certain items. These may include hazardous materials, prohibited agricultural products, and restricted goods. Passengers should refer to the CBP website for detailed information on what items are allowed, restricted, or prohibited.
Possession of Acceptable Travel Documents:
All passengers, regardless of their nationality, must carry valid and acceptable travel documents. These may include passports, visas, or other relevant identification documents. It is essential for passengers to ensure that their travel documents meet the requirements for entry into the United States and comply with any specific visa or immigration regulations.
Preclearance for International Travel:
While not specific to Lakeland Airport, passengers should be aware of the CBP Preclearance program. This program involves the strategic placement of CBP personnel at designated foreign airports to inspect travelers before they board US-bound flights. With Preclearance, passengers can bypass additional inspections upon arrival in the US and proceed directly to their connecting flights or destinations.
It is important to note that specific requirements may vary depending on the nature of the flight (private, commercial, or chartered) and the origin of the aircraft. Passengers and operators are advised to stay informed about the latest regulations and requirements by regularly checking the official websites of Lakeland Linder International Airport and US Customs and Border Protection.
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Restricted items and acceptable documents
Lakeland Linder International Airport is a User Fee Airport, as classified by US Customs and Border Protection. Aircraft arriving from foreign ports in the western hemisphere, located south of 33 degrees north latitude (Western US) or 30 degrees north latitude (Eastern US), must have an approved overflight exemption. Aircraft arriving from ports north of these latitudes do not require an exemption. All aircraft must obtain landing rights by notifying CBP at least two hours prior to arrival. The US Customs Office at the airport is open Thursday to Monday from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm, but a customs officer may not always be present during these hours.
Restricted Items
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforces laws on behalf of agencies such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Department of Agriculture, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These agencies work together to prevent unsafe items from entering the United States. Restricted items are those that would injure community health, public safety, American workers, children, or domestic plant and animal life, or harm national interests.
Agricultural items, including game and hunting trophies, must be declared at US ports of entry. A first-time failure to declare carries a civil penalty of $300, increasing to $500 for a second violation. All agricultural items must be presented for inspection by an agriculture specialist, who will determine if they can be admitted. There are currently 14 designated ports of entry for game and trophies; other ports must get approval from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Depending on the species, a permit from the country of harvest may be required, and a Fish and Wildlife Form 3-177 must be completed.
Firearms and ammunition can be exported under the 15 CFR 740.14 Baggage (BAG) license exception, but they must be presented for inspection by a CBP officer before departure from the US.
All non-US-origin pet birds must enter the country via one of the designated ports of entry and undergo quarantine at an import quarantine facility.
Acceptable Documents
For information on acceptable travel documents, you can refer to the CBP website. US citizens travelling abroad must comply with the document requirements of their destination country. A list of Foreign Consular Offices in the US is available on the US Department of State website.
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Landing rights and exemptions
Lakeland Linder International Airport is a User Fee Airport, as classified by US Customs and Border Protection. Aircraft arriving from foreign ports in the Western Hemisphere located south of 33 degrees north latitude (Western US) or 30 degrees north latitude (Eastern US) must have an approved overflight exemption. Aircraft arriving from the northern regions of the Western Hemisphere or the Eastern Hemisphere do not require an approved overflight exemption.
To obtain landing rights, all aircraft must notify CBP via email ([email protected]) or by phone at 863-647-4870 or 863-647-4871 (Lakeland Office) or 1-800-973-2867 (Tampa Sector) at least 2 hours before their planned arrival into Lakeland.
To obtain landing rights at Lakeland Linder International Airport, operators must complete the following:
- Obtain an Overflight Exemption
- Request Landing Rights
- Obtain Outbound Clearance
- Obtain a CBP User Fee, Transponder, and Decal
- File your Aircraft Arrival Request
The US Customs Office at Lakeland Linder International Airport is open from Thursday to Monday, 11:30 am to 8:00 pm. It is important to note that a US Customs Officer may not always be present during these operating hours. Aircraft arriving outside of the posted operating hours will be charged a $400 (USD) flat fee, inclusive of taxes and credit card fees.
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Transportation options
Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) is a public airport located about 5 miles southwest of downtown Lakeland, Florida. The airport is a key hub for general aviation and commercial operations in Central Florida, providing easy access to Tampa and Orlando.
By Car
Lakeland Linder International Airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options, with convenient access to the terminal and FBOs.
By Rental Car
The airport offers on-site rental car services from Enterprise and Hertz, allowing visitors to explore the region at their own pace.
By Plane
Lakeland Linder International Airport features three well-maintained runways that accommodate both general aviation and large commercial aircraft. Runway 9/27 is the primary runway, capable of handling larger aircraft such as corporate jets and cargo planes. Runways 5/23 and 8/26 are shorter runways frequently used for flight training and private flights.
By Bus or Train
There is no information on bus or train transportation to and from the airport. However, Lakeland Linder International Airport is positioned between Tampa and Orlando, providing access to their respective transportation networks.
Please note that these transportation options are based on the information available for Lakeland Linder International Airport in Florida.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport is classified as a User Fee Airport by US Customs and Border Protection. Aircraft arriving from foreign ports in the western hemisphere located north of 33 degrees north latitude (Western US) or 30 degrees north latitude (Eastern US) do not require an approved overflight exemption. All aircraft must obtain landing rights by notifying CBP via email or phone at least 2 hours prior to arrival.
The US Customs Office at Lakeland Linder International Airport is open Thursday through Monday from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm. Please note that a US Customs Officer may not always be present during those hours.
Aircraft arriving outside of the posted operating hours will be charged a $400 (USD) flat fee, inclusive of taxes and credit card fees.
The airport offers several ground transportation options, including on-site rental car services from Enterprise and Hertz, as well as accessible services for passengers with disabilities, such as wheelchair assistance and designated parking.
