University Park Airport to Offer Spring Flights to Charlotte

American Airlines will offer weekly flights from University Park Airport to Charlotte, North Carolina in the spring, a seasonal move that could turn into a long-term service.

The airline will provide nonstop service on Saturdays in March and April from State College to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, University Park Airport officials said in a press release on Friday. March flights can be booked now, while April flights will be available Jan. 7.

Flights to American’s southeastern hub will serve key connections to spring break destinations such as Florida and the Caribbean, according to the release.

“This flight will only operate seasonally for the peak spring break/Easter season, but depending on how the demand is for the flight, it could be used as a building block for additional service in the future” Jim Meyer, executive director of the Centre County Airport Authority, said.

Charlotte has long been on the wishlist of connecting destinations for University Park Airport and local officials. In 2021, the Airport Authority entered talks with American about establishing a minimum of two flights a day, six days a week. County and local governments pitched in with an incentive package of about $300,000 to assist with the startup of regular service.

Centre County commissioners, who approved $250,000 in American Rescue Act Plan funds for the package, said at the time that adding another major hub like Charlotte would be a boon to attracting businesses and tourism and offering a new resource for current local businesses and residents.

LaGuardia Flight Begin in January

Charlotte isn’t the only new destination for flights from State College in 2023.

Delta will begin twice-daily service to LaGuardia Airport in New York on Jan. 9, the airline revealed in late October. With the addition of New York service, flights from State College to Detroit are being discontinued.

“New York has been one of the most requested direct flights, and  we’re very pleased that we can now offer you convenient and comfortable travel options,” according to University Park Airport’s news release.

The LaGuardia route will be serviced by CRJ-900 jets with 70 or 76 seats, including first class and Delta Comfort+ options.

Bookings for flights to LaGuardia are available now.