Erie, Pennsylvania: Airport Access And Travel Options

Yes, Erie, Pennsylvania has an airport. Erie International Airport Tom Ridge Field is located 5 miles (8 km) southwest of Erie, in Erie County, Pennsylvania, United States. The airport is serviced by American Airlines and Breeze Airways, offering nonstop flights to Charlotte and Orlando, and connections to hundreds of destinations. The airport has convenient parking, access to public transit, and easy boarding, making it a great option for those looking to fly into or out of Erie.

Erie International Airport location and contact information

Location

Erie International Airport, Tom Ridge Field is a public airport located 5 miles (8 km) southwest of Erie, in Erie County, Pennsylvania, United States. The airport is 128 miles (206 km) from Pittsburgh, 111 miles (179 km) from the Canada-US border, 95 miles (153 km) from Cleveland, Ohio, and 105 miles (169 km) from Buffalo, New York.

The airport's address is:

Erie International Airport Tom Ridge Field

4411 West 12th Street

Erie, PA 16505-0393

Contact Information

You can contact the Erie Regional Airport Authority by phone or email.

Phone: 814-833-4258 (Monday through Friday except holidays)

Email: [email protected]

For lost and found inquiries, you can contact the Airport Police at (814) 833-4258 extension 208.

Airlines that fly out of Erie International Airport

Erie International Airport, Tom Ridge Field, is located 5 miles (8.0 km) southwest of Erie, Pennsylvania. The airport is serviced by American Airlines and Breeze Airways, which offer nonstop flights to Charlotte, North Carolina, and Orlando, Florida, with connections to hundreds of other destinations.

American Airlines is a major US airline that offers a range of domestic and international flights. It is the world's largest airline when measured by fleet size and revenue and has a comprehensive route network across the Americas, the Caribbean, and Europe.

Breeze Airways is a newer, low-cost airline that began operations in 2020. It offers flights across the United States and to the Caribbean and Mexico. The airline focuses on providing a stress-free and convenient travel experience, with features such as streamlined booking and baggage processes.

Erie International Airport offers convenient parking, easy access to public transit, and a simple boarding process. The airport has a range of facilities, including a cafe, rental car counters, and a public waiting area. It has two runways, with the longer one measuring 8,420 ft (2,566 m) and the shorter one measuring 3,508 ft (1,069 m).

In addition to the current airlines serving the airport, there is a rich history of airline service at Erie International Airport. Over the years, carriers such as Pennsylvania-Central Airlines (later Capital), Mohawk, Lake Central, US Airways, Northwest Airlink, Continental Connection, and Delta Connection have all operated flights to and from the airport.

Erie International Airport's history

Erie International Airport, also known as Erie International Airport Tom Ridge Field, is located 5 miles (8.0 km) southwest of Erie, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The airport has a rich history dating back several decades.

The origins of the airport can be traced back to 1924 when Roger Griswold purchased 22.12 acres (9.0 hectares) of land about 6 miles (10 km) west of Erie. This land, located at the intersection of West Lake and Asbury Roads, became an airfield, and soon after, a flight training school was established there. In 1927, Charles Lindbergh included Erie as one of the cities in his nationwide tour after his transatlantic flight. However, Griswold Field was inadequate to accommodate Lindbergh's aircraft, the Spirit of St. Louis, and this incident highlighted the need for a proper airport in the city.

The Erie City Council began considering the establishment of a municipal airport. Initially, they favoured a site 1⁄2-mile (0.8 km) east of Wesleyville, but this location was criticised by Lieutenant Jimmy Doolittle due to its distance from the city. Following recommendations by Lindbergh to a Congressional committee regarding airport size, the planning commission re-evaluated the site. Griswold Field officially closed in 1929 when Griswold moved away, but aircraft and the flight school continued to operate from there.

In 1938, American Airlines commenced the airport's airline service, and other airlines such as Pennsylvania-Central Airlines (later Capital), Mohawk, and Lake Central followed suit in the following years. The airport experienced significant growth and, in 2004, was the third-fastest-growing airport in the United States and the fastest-growing in Pennsylvania. The airport has two runways, and its passenger terminal building, which opened in 1958, has undergone several expansions and upgrades over the years.

The airport has faced stiff competition from nearby airports in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, and Toronto, all within a three-hour drive from Erie. However, it continues to serve as a convenient option for travellers in the region, offering nonstop flights to various destinations and easy access to public transportation.

Erie International Airport's parking and transportation

Erie International Airport Parking and Transportation

Parking

Erie International Airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options. The parking lot is located directly in front of the terminal's main doors, with the entrance off the driveway, just before reaching the terminal building. The entrance is on the left. The first 20 minutes are free in both lots, with prices varying depending on the lot and duration. Accessible/handicap parking is also available in both lots.

Short-term parking rates:

• 21-40 minutes: $2.00
• 41-60 minutes: $3.00
• Each additional hour: $2.00
• Daily max (24 hours): $15.00-$16.00

Long-term parking rates:

• 21-60 minutes: $3.00
• Each additional hour: $2.00
• Daily max (24 hours): $12.00-$13.00
• Weekly max (7th day free): $72.00-$78.00

Transportation

The Erie International Airport is easily accessible by car, located 5 miles (8.0 km) southwest of Erie, Pennsylvania. The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority's Route 31 includes a stop at the airport, providing public transportation to and from the airport.

Additionally, several major car rental brands, including Avis Rent a Car System, Budget Rent a Car, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, The Hertz Corporation, and National Car Rental, have counters at the airport.

For those seeking private transportation, various local hotels, along with local companies like Hansen's Errand Service and Rupp Limousine, provide shuttle services to and from the airport.

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available to and from the airport and throughout the Erie area.

Erie International Airport's facilities

Erie International Airport, Tom Ridge Field, is a public airport located around five miles (8 km) southwest of Erie, Pennsylvania. The airport is named after former Pennsylvania governor and Secretary of United States Homeland Security, Tom Ridge, who was an Erie native.

The airport covers 450 acres (182 ha) and has two runways. Runway 2/20 is 3,508 ft (1,069 m) long and 150 ft (46 m) wide, with an asphalt surface. Runway 6/24 is 8,420 ft (2,566 m) long and 150 ft (46 m) wide, with a surface made of asphalt and concrete.

Erie International Airport's passenger terminal building opened in 1958 and has been expanded and upgraded several times since. The first floor, which is around 43,200 square feet, includes the baggage claim, check-in desks, rental car counters, a cafe, TSA checkpoint, and boarding gate areas. The terminal has seven gates, four of which have jetbridges for regional aircraft. The terminal building also underwent renovations in 2019, with improvements made to the public waiting area and in-terminal restaurant.

The airport offers convenient parking, easy access to public transportation, and connections to various ground transportation options. The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority's Route 31 includes a stop at the airport, and several car rental companies have counters located within the airport. Additionally, local hotels and transportation services provide shuttle services to and from the airport.

Frequently asked questions