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 (LAL) as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to details on the airport’s nine nonstop flights.

Both general and TSA PreCheck customers will use the same line for security screenings. | Photo by LALtoday

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, LAL still recommends arriving 90 minutes 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: As of May 2025, flyers need a REAL ID to board commercial flights in the US.

A spread of food and drinks including a cheeseburger, fries, chicken skewers, cheese bread, beer, and a mimosa on a white table — For food that hits the spot and views that take your breath away, head to Sora at LAL. | Photo by LALtoday

Food and drink

Have some extra time before your flight? Before you head through security, head to the airport's second floor to grab a bite at Sora Eatery. See what we tried when we went.

Just beyond security, passengers can snag pre-packaged concessions (and even some merch) at the MarketplACE in the gate area. Fun fact: Proceeds from sales at the MarketplACE help fund programs at the Aerospace Center of Excellence (ACE).

The spacious gate area in LAL offers passengers plenty of room to kick up their legs while they wait to board their flights — plus, complimentary charging stations are available. | Photo by LALtoday

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.

Pro tip: The parking lot to the boarding area for flights at LAL is only a distance of 300 ft. | Photo by LALtoday

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 for up to four hours. After that, paid parking is $9 per day, plus taxes + fees. There is also an unpaved grass lot available for free overflow parking.

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 and deplane the aircraft is only around 300 ft from the parking lot.

The first of the new flights takes off to Concord, NC on Thursday, Oct. 24. | Photo provided by Visit Central Florida

Nonstop flights

LAL currently offers nine nonstop flights — eight within the continental US and one to Puerto Rico. Pro tip: Some of these flights are seasonal, so plan around route changes.

ATL | Atlanta, GA
USA | Charlotte/Concord, NC
DTW | Detroit, MI
GRR | Grand Rapids, MI
BNA | Nashville, TN
HVN | New Haven, CT
ILG | Philadelphia, PA/Wilmington, DE
ROC| Rochester, NY
SJU | San Juan, PR

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

Drop off your bags or ask a question before your flight by walking up to the Avelo check-in counter just inside LAL's terminal building. | Photo by LALtoday

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 hear that fresh orange juice is passed out from the information desk from time to time.

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.