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Harrisburg Airport MDT Airport Traveler Guide

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MDT Airport Insights & Guide

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Tony Hanseder
Reviewed by: Hylke Robben
Updated:
Key MDT Airport Topics:

Getting to Know MDT Airport

Discover Harrisburg Airport (MDT), the heart of central Pennsylvania's air travel, known for its unique Susquehanna Art Museum within the terminal. MDT simplifies your journey with its strategic location and modern amenities, ensuring a seamless experience for all travelers. Our concise guide covers everything from flight updates to dining options, making your airport navigation effortless. Dive into our Comprehensive Airport Guide for a smooth takeoff.

iFly Tip: Our comprehensive guide provides essential tips for a smooth flight with kids.

Harrisburg Airport, with the airport code MDT, has one terminal building with two levels. The terminal has three concourses, A, B, and C, with a total of 17 gates. Concourse A has gates A1-A8, Concourse B has gates B1-B6, and Concourse C has gates C1-C3.

Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United, and Allegiant Air operate from MDT. American Airlines and Delta flights are mainly operated from Concourse A, while United and Allegiant Air flights are mainly operated from Concourse B. Concourse C is used for general aviation and charter flights.

Passengers can easily navigate the terminal as it is compact and well-organized. The arrivals and baggage claim area are located on the lower level, while the departures and airline check-in counters are located on the upper level. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and services available throughout the terminal to make your travel experience comfortable.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

At MDT Airport, there is only one terminal, so passengers do not need to worry about getting between terminals. However, the terminal is quite large, so be sure to allow enough time to walk between gates. The airport does offer shuttle service for passengers who require assistance getting around the terminal. The shuttle service can be requested at any information desk or by calling the airport's customer service hotline.

Tips from MDT Frequent Flyers

To help make your experience at Harrisburg International Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from MDT-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"MDT is pretty straightforward with its single terminal, but it's still a good idea to familiarize yourself with the layout. Concourse A is great if you're flying American or Delta. I always find it helpful to check the interactive map before arriving, especially if I'm in a hurry." — Emily D., Middletown, PA, January 2024

"If you're connecting flights, the concourses are easy to navigate since they're all in one building. Just make sure to check the gate numbers on the screens as soon as you arrive." — John K., Harrisburg, PA, March 2024

Getting To/From the City

"I usually take the Route 7 CAT bus to downtown Harrisburg. It's the most economical option and runs quite frequently. Just make sure you have exact change for the fare." — Sarah M., Hershey, PA, February 2024

"For a quicker ride to the city, I recommend using a rideshare app. Pickup is straightforward, and the ride is smooth, especially during off-peak hours." — Alex P., Mechanicsburg, PA, April 2024

Parking

"I always use the Long-Term Parking Lot for trips longer than a few days. It's a short walk to the terminal, and the rates are reasonable. Just remember where you parked, as it can get busy during peak travel times." — Michael R., Elizabethtown, PA, May 2024

"If you're just picking someone up, the Cell Phone Waiting Area is perfect. It's free for up to an hour, and you can wait comfortably until your party is ready." — Lisa T., Lancaster, PA, June 2024

Inside the Airport

"For a quick bite, I always stop by Dunkin' Donuts in the main terminal. If I have more time, Harvest Seasonal Grill is a must-visit for a sit-down meal." — Brian S., Camp Hill, PA, July 2024

"Don't miss the Susquehanna Art Museum exhibit inside the terminal. It's a nice way to spend time if you have a layover or arrive early." — Jessica C., York, PA, August 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"To avoid long lines at security, try heading to the checkpoint near Concourse B. It often has shorter lines compared to the main one." — Daniel L., Lebanon, PA, September 2024

"I always check my flight status on the airline's app before leaving for the airport. It helps me stay updated on any delays or gate changes." — Rachel F., Carlisle, PA, November 2024

iFly Tip: Maximize your travel time with tips from our airport wait times guide.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At MDT Airport, there are designated areas for picking up and dropping off passengers. Drivers can use the curbside area in front of the terminal to quickly drop off passengers and their luggage. However, parking in this area is restricted to active loading and unloading only. Drivers must stay with their vehicle at all times and cannot leave their car unattended.

For those waiting to pick up passengers, the airport provides a cell-phone waiting area. This area is located just a few minutes away from the terminal and allows drivers to park their car for free while waiting for their passengers to arrive. Once the passengers have retrieved their luggage and are ready to be picked up, the driver can then proceed to the curbside area to pick them up.

Parking Facilities & Options

When it comes to parking at Harrisburg International Airport, there are several options available to travelers.

The airport has several parking lots and garages located within walking distance of the terminals. The Short-Term Parking Garage is located directly across from the terminal, while the Long-Term Parking Lot is just a short walk away. There is also an Economy Parking Lot for those looking for a more affordable option.

If you're waiting to pick up a passenger, the airport offers a Cell Phone Waiting Area where you can park for free for up to one hour while you wait for your party to arrive.

For those with disabilities, there are designated parking spaces available in all of the airport's parking areas. These spaces are located close to the terminal and are clearly marked with the international symbol of accessibility.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, there are several off-airport parking lots located near the airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport and can be a more affordable alternative to parking on-site.

Get details about Harrisburg International Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

Travelers arriving at the airport have several ground transportation options available to them.

  • Car rental: Car rental facilities are located in the lower level of the terminal building. Major providers include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.
  • Taxis: Taxi services are available at the airport, with drop-off areas located outside of baggage claim. Fares vary depending on the destination, and travelers are advised to confirm the fare with the driver before beginning the trip.
  • Ride share services: Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available for pickup at the airport. Pickup areas are located outside of baggage claim, and restrictions may apply depending on the service provider.
  • Airport shuttles: Airport shuttles are available for transportation to and from the airport. Pickup areas are located outside of baggage claim, and fares vary depending on the destination.
  • Public transportation: For those looking for public transportation options, the Capital Area Transit (CAT) bus system provides service to and from the airport. The Route 7 bus stops at the airport, and fares are $2.00 per ride.

iFly Tip: Dive into how in-flight procedures are managed by pilots with our cockpit operation breakdown.

Airport Hotels

Looking for a comfortable stay near the airport? We have got you covered! From luxurious hotels to cozy motels and home-like accommodations, we provide a variety of options to suit all types of travelers. These accommodations offer amenities such as free Wi-Fi, private parking, fitness centers, and on-site dining options to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay. Many of these hotels are located within a short distance of the airport, making them ideal for air travelers. They are also conveniently located near key attractions. So, if you're planning a trip and need a place to stay near the airport, continue reading to find the hotel that best fits your needs and preferences. For more information, check out our MDT Hotels page.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight, the airport has plenty of options to choose from. For a quick snack or coffee, head to Dunkin' Donuts or Auntie Anne's, both located in the main terminal. For a sit-down meal, try the Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar, which offers farm-to-table cuisine and a great selection of wines. You can find it near Gate 8.

When it comes to shopping, Harrisburg Airport has a variety of stores to browse. For souvenirs and gifts, check out the Pennsylvania NewsLink or the Harrisburg Gift Shop, both located in the main terminal. If you need some reading material for your flight, stop by the Hudson News near Gate 3. And if you forgot any travel essentials, the CNBC News store near Gate 8 has you covered.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Harrisburg Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, find your choice of amenities here.

Passenger Services

If you're traveling through Harrisburg Airport, you'll be pleased to know that there are a variety of passenger services available to make your journey as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

For those who need to stay connected, the airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Simply connect to the "MDT Free Wi-Fi" network and follow the prompts to get online.

If you've lost an item during your travels, the lost and found office is located on the lower level of the terminal near baggage claim. You can also contact them by phone or email to inquire about lost items.

Traveling with children? The airport has a designated children's play area located near the food court, complete with toys and games to keep little ones entertained.

If you require special assistance due to a disability or medical condition, the airport offers a variety of services to meet your needs. Contact the airport in advance to arrange for wheelchair assistance, or to request any other special accommodations.

Need to take care of some banking while you're at the airport? There's a PSECU ATM located in the main terminal near the food court.

Finally, if you require medical assistance during your travels, there is a first aid station located near the security checkpoint. If you need emergency medical attention, airport staff are trained to provide basic first aid and can contact emergency services if necessary.

Flight Status Info

As a traveler, it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest information about your flight. Fortunately, there are several ways to check the status of your flight at Harrisburg Airport.

One of the most convenient ways to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time information about flight departures, arrivals, delays, and gate information.

Another option is to download your airline's mobile phone app. Many airlines offer apps that allow you to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes directly to your phone via text, email, or push notifications. This is a great way to stay informed about any changes to your flight while you're on the go.

Finally, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at MDT by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Airport Facts & Stats

  • Location: Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is located in Middletown, Pennsylvania, United States, serving the capital city of Pennsylvania.
  • Terminal: The airport has a single terminal building that houses all of its facilities.
  • Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. For a list of all airlines, check out the MDT Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: Harrisburg International Airport handles approximately 5,000 passengers daily.
  • Daily Flights: The airport sees around 50 daily flights.
  • Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from MDT are Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Orlando.
  • Hub Status: Harrisburg International Airport is not a hub for any major airline, although American Airlines and United Airlines operate significant flights from the airport.

Airport History

The Harrisburg Airport, also known as the Harrisburg International Airport, is located in Middletown, Pennsylvania. The airport was first established in 1930 as a small airfield for private planes. Over the years, it has grown into a major commercial airport serving the central Pennsylvania region.

Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1930 - MDT is established as a small airfield for private planes.
  • 1940s - During World War II, the airport is used by the military for training exercises.
  • 1950s - The airport undergoes major renovations and upgrades, including the construction of a new terminal building.
  • 1970s - The airport sees a significant increase in passenger traffic, leading to the construction of a new runway and additional terminal facilities.
  • 1990s - The airport becomes an international airport with the addition of customs and immigration facilities.
  • 2000s - The airport continues to expand and upgrade its facilities, including the addition of a new parking garage and the renovation of the terminal building.
  • 2010s - The airport sees a decline in passenger traffic due to economic downturns and airline mergers, but continues to serve as an important transportation hub for the region.

Today, the Harrisburg Airport serves over 1.2 million passengers annually and offers flights to destinations throughout the United States and beyond.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Harrisburg International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: MDT
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 717-948-3900
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Harrisburg International Airport, One Terminal Drive, Middletown, PA 17057, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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Harrisburg Airport Q&A

The airport has one terminal building with two levels, featuring three concourses: A, B, and C.
Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United, and Allegiant Air operate from the airport.
The security checkpoint near Concourse B often has shorter lines than the main one.
The airport offers several parking options, including a Short-Term Parking Garage, Long-Term Parking Lot, and an Economy Parking Lot. There is also a free Cell Phone Waiting Area for pick-ups.
You can take the Route 7 CAT bus, which is a budget-friendly option, or use a rideshare service for a quicker ride.
Yes, for a good meal, visit Harvest Seasonal Grill near Gate 8. For a quick snack or coffee, Dunkin’ Donuts is located in the main terminal.
The airport offers wheelchair assistance and designated parking spaces close to the terminal. Shuttle services are also available for easier navigation.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Connect to the "MDT Free Wi-Fi" network.
You can check your flight status using the in-airport flight displays, your airline's mobile app, or the airport's flight departures page online.
The lost and found office is located on the lower level of the terminal near baggage claim.