About flights from Wilkes-Barre (AVP)
AVP punches above its weight for a regional airport. Seven direct routes, all domestic, serving a metro area of around 550,000 people in northeastern Pennsylvania's Wyoming Valley. It's not JFK, and it doesn't pretend to be. What you get instead is a genuinely stress-free departure experience — short security lines, free parking that won't make you cry, and gates you can reach in under five minutes. I've flown through bigger airports that made me feel like I aged a decade. AVP is the opposite of that. The catch is the route map. You're working with hub connections, not nonstops to everywhere. Plan smart and this airport saves you real time and money.
Quick stats for AVP
- Direct destinations: 7
- Countries served: 1
- Continents reached: 1 of 6
- Average flight distance: 1,128 km
- Longest non-stop: Fort Myers (RSW) — 1,737 km (~2h 10m)
- Shortest non-stop: Dulles (IAD) — 303 km (~23 min)
- Reach score: 43/99
Why fly to Wilkes-Barre?
The strategic play here is using AVP to reach major hubs fast and cheaply, then connecting onward. American Eagle runs the shortest route — Washington Dulles at just 303 km — which slots you into one of the east coast's best international connection airports in under an hour of flying. That's genuinely useful. On the other end of the network, Fort Myers at 1,737 km is the longest route and a legitimately great winter escape without a connection. The surrounding region draws visitors for Pocono Mountains skiing, fall foliage hiking, and a lower cost of living than nearby New York or Philadelphia. If you're positioning from NYC but dreading the airports, driving 90 minutes to AVP and catching a direct flight to Florida can absolutely make more sense. Do the math before you default to JFK.
Longest non-stop flights from AVP
The furthest destinations you can reach non-stop from Wilkes-Barre:
- Fort Myers, USA (RSW) — 1,737 km, approximately 2h 10m
- Tampa, USA (TPA) — 1,609 km, approximately 2h 1m
- Orlando, USA (MCO) — 1,522 km, approximately 1h 54m
- Chicago, USA (ORD) — 1,013 km, approximately 1h 16m
- Myrtle Beach, USA (MYR) — 896 km, approximately 1h 7m
Short-haul flights from AVP
Quick getaway options with the shortest flights from Wilkes-Barre:
- Dulles, USA (IAD) — 303 km, approximately 23 min
- Charlotte, USA (CLT) — 818 km, approximately 1h 1m
- Myrtle Beach, USA (MYR) — 896 km, approximately 1h 7m
- Chicago, USA (ORD) — 1,013 km, approximately 1h 16m
- Orlando, USA (MCO) — 1,522 km, approximately 1h 54m
Tips for travelers at AVP
AVP sits about 10 miles from downtown Scranton and 8 miles from Wilkes-Barre proper. Driving is honestly your best option — parking runs significantly cheaper than Philadelphia or Newark, and the lots are close to the terminal. Rideshare works fine but can feel pricey relative to the short security experience you're getting. Book morning departures if you're connecting through Dulles or another hub, because afternoon delays in the northeast compound fast. Winter weather between November and March can cause regional delays, so build buffer time into any itinerary involving onward international connections. Travel light, arrive 60 minutes early, and you'll move through this airport faster than almost anywhere else.
Frequently asked questions about flying to Wilkes-Barre
How do I get from Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport to downtown Wilkes-Barre?
You can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft—the drive is only about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Some hotels also offer shuttle services, so it's worth checking with your accommodation when you book.
What's the best time of year to fly from Wilkes-Barre?
Late spring through early fall offers the best weather and typically lower fares than winter months, though you'll want to avoid peak summer travel times if you're looking for better deals. Winter can be cheaper but expect potential weather delays.
How many destinations can I fly to directly from Wilkes-Barre Scranton Airport?
AVP offers 7 nonstop destinations, which makes it a convenient hub for regional travel without the hassle of connections. This keeps your travel time down and makes getting around the Northeast much easier.
Do I need a visa to travel through Wilkes-Barre if I'm an international visitor?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and where you're traveling from—US citizens don't need one, but most international visitors should check with US Customs and Border Protection or their nearest US embassy before arriving. It's best to verify your specific situation at least a month before your trip.
What's a helpful tip for Wilkes-Barre Scranton Airport?
AVP is a smaller, more manageable airport than major hubs, so you can usually get through security quickly—aim to arrive just 1.5 hours before domestic flights instead of the typical 2 hours. The airport also has free Wi-Fi throughout, making it easy to stay connected while you wait.
Are flights from Wilkes-Barre Scranton Airport affordable compared to nearby airports?
AVP is often competitively priced compared to larger regional airports like Philadelphia or Newark, and you'll save money on ground transportation since it's closer to the city center. However, checking nearby airports during your search can sometimes reveal even better deals.
Plan your trip from Wilkes-Barre
Browse the complete list of 7 destinations below to find your next flight from Wilkes Barre Scranton Intl. Each route page includes distance, estimated flight time, and airline information to help you plan your trip.