Valley International Airport

Valley International Airport is often called the "air gateway" to the sunny Rio Grande Valley and the beaches of South Padre Island. It is a cozy and quiet alternative to large, congested hubs, where your journey begins without unnecessary stress or long queues. The airport is famous for its friendly Texan hospitality and strategic location, allowing quick access to the main resorts of the Gulf of Mexico coast.

Convenience and Speed
The main advantage of Valley Airport is its compactness and smart navigation. Passengers often note the quick security clearance and lack of crowds, which saves time before departure. Thanks to the longest runways in the region, the airport rarely delays flights due to weather conditions, ensuring high reliability of travel.

Gateway to Resorts
For tourists heading for a vacation, HRL is the ideal arrival point. From here, it is easy to reach the popular beaches of South Padre Island: transfers and shuttles are available right from the terminal. This makes it a popular choice for lovers of seaside holidays and fishing.

Comfort While Waiting
Despite its status as a regional airport, there is everything necessary here for a comfortable wait for your flight. Guests can use free Wi-Fi, relax in cozy waiting areas, or have a snack at local cafes, such as Padre Pub, where you can feel the vacation atmosphere even before departure.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Valley International Airport (HRL).

• Official Website: www.flythevalley.com
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (956) 430-8600
• Address: 3002 Heritage Way, Harlingen, TX 78550, USA
• Email: The airport does not provide a direct email address for general inquiries. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: Follow airport news on the official pages on Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost items within the terminal building, contact the Lost and Found department at +1 (956) 430-8605. For luggage lost on board the aircraft, you should contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance and answers to general questions, you can use the airport's main telephone number.

Getting to Valley International Airport (HRL), serving the city of Harlingen and the entire Rio Grande Valley in the USA, is quite simple thanks to its close proximity to the city and the availability of several modes of transport. Depending on your budget, time, and travel plans, you can choose the option most suitable for you.

Public Transport. The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport is the local Valley Metro bus network. The ticket price is usually just a couple of dollars, making this an excellent choice for economical travelers without a large amount of luggage. Be sure to check the schedule and route in advance, as the frequency of trips may vary.

Taxi and Ridesharing. For maximum convenience, use taxi services or popular ridesharing apps such as Uber and Lyft. The trip from downtown Harlingen to the airport usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes, and its cost, depending on demand and time of day, ranges from $15-25. Although this is a more expensive option compared to the bus, it is ideal if you are traveling with family or heavy luggage.

Car Rental. If you plan to actively explore the region, renting a car is your best choice. Counters of leading rental companies are located directly in the terminal building, allowing you to easily process all documents upon arrival or return the car before departure. This gives you freedom of movement and the opportunity to visit places like South Padre Island at your own pace.

Personal Car and Parking. For those driving to the airport in their own vehicle, convenient parking zones are provided. The cost depends on the type: short-term parking is convenient for quick pick-up and drop-off of passengers, while long-term will cost approximately from $10 per day if you need to leave the car for the duration of your trip. Parking lots are located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal.

Hotel Shuttles. Some hotels in Harlingen and its surroundings provide their guests with free transfers to the airport. We recommend checking the availability of such a service when booking accommodation — this can be a pleasant and convenient bonus to your trip.

Valley International Airport (HRL) is distinguished by a simple and passenger-friendly structure. The airport operates one main terminal that serves all flights. This compact organization makes navigation intuitively clear and eliminates the need to move between different buildings, which is especially convenient for those traveling for the first time or with a large amount of luggage.

The terminal layout is logical and simple. It is divided into two main zones: the public area (before security control) and the sterile departure area (after control). In the public part, there are airline check-in counters, the baggage claim area for arriving passengers, as well as car rental offices. The Arrival and Departure zones are located within walking distance of each other, making it easy to orient yourself.

After checking in for a flight, passengers proceed to a single security checkpoint (TSA). Once through, you enter the departure area where the boarding gates are located. Here you will also find a waiting lounge, several cafes, and shops where you can have a snack or buy souvenirs. Thanks to the small size of the airport, the path from the terminal entrance to the gate takes minimal time.

Completing all pre-flight procedures at Valley Airport is generally quick and simple. On average, check-in and security screening take significantly less time than at major airports. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 90 minutes before a domestic flight departure to check luggage and pass through control without rushing. The main advice for navigation is to follow the signs, but rest assured that it is practically impossible to get lost here, as all key points are within sight.

The history of Valley International Airport (HRL) in Harlingen is a fascinating journey from an important military facility to a key civil aviation hub in the USA. Its story began in 1941 when it was founded as Harlingen Army Airfield. The main task of the base during World War II was the training of aerial gunners. It became the world's largest school for aerial gunnery training, graduating thousands of specialists for the front.

After the war ended, the military base was closed, and in 1947 the facility was handed over to the city. Thus began its transformation into a commercial airport designed to serve the growing needs of the Rio Grande Valley region. In 1962, it received its current name — Valley International Airport. This step marked the beginning of a new era focused on civil aviation and tourism development.

Throughout its history, the airport has undergone several stages of modernization. Original wartime structures were gradually replaced by modern infrastructure. A key milestone was the opening of a new, spacious passenger terminal in 1989, which significantly increased capacity and improved passenger service quality. Subsequent reconstructions included the expansion of runways and the modernization of navigation equipment.

Interesting fact: on the airport territory, you can still find echoes of its military past. Some old hangars and buildings remind us of the times when bomber engines roared here instead of airliners. Today, HRL is one of the busiest airports in South Texas, successfully combining its rich history with the role of a modern air gateway to the region, popular among tourists and business travelers.

Valley International Airport (HRL) in the city of Harlingen, USA, cares about the comfort of its passengers by offering a wide range of services and amenities. Before departure, you can refresh yourself in cafes and restaurants offering various dishes and drinks, or visit shops to buy souvenirs, press, or travel goods.

Throughout the terminal, free Wi-Fi is available for travelers, and numerous charging stations for electronic devices will allow you to stay connected at all times. Comfortable and spacious lounges are provided for waiting for flights. Although there may not be specialized VIP lounges, the general waiting areas are well-equipped for a comfortable stay.

ATMs are installed in the airport for cash withdrawals. For currency exchange, it is better to use banking services in the city. In case first aid is needed, you should contact airport staff. For passengers with children, mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables are available.

Valley Airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility, offering an accessible environment, including ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms. Airlines also provide assistance services. Although there are no hotels directly in the airport building, many hotels are located a few minutes' drive away, many of which organize free transfers for their guests. For business travelers, conditions for work are created: quiet zones with access to power outlets and Wi-Fi.

At Valley International Airport (HRL), travelers will find several convenient options to have a snack or a full meal while waiting for their flight. Although the choice of establishments corresponds to the compact size of the airport, it fully satisfies the basic needs of passengers before departing from Harlingen.

The main place for food and relaxation is The Lift Bar & Grill. It is located airside, meaning after passing through security, allowing passengers to relax without watching the clock. Here you can order a full lunch or dinner. The menu offers American classics: burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Given the location in South Texas, it is worth paying attention to dishes with elements of Tex-Mex cuisine, such as nachos or tacos.

For those looking for a quick snack, ready-made sandwiches, salads, yogurts, snacks, and drinks are available in shops near the boarding gates, for example, in CNBC SmartShop. This is an ideal option if there is little time left before departure or if you want to take food with you on board the plane.

Regarding special dietary requests, choices may be limited. Vegetarians will be able to find suitable salads or appetizers on the menu at The Lift Bar & Grill. It is better to check the availability of gluten-free, vegan, or halal options directly with the staff of the establishment. The price range at HRL airport can be characterized as average and above average, which is typical for airports in the USA.

The opening hours of cafes and restaurants are strictly tied to the flight schedule. They open well before the first morning flight and serve passengers until the departure of the last plane, so you can always find a place to eat and rest.

When planning a trip through Valley International Airport (HRL) in Harlingen, use our tips to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Although it is not the largest airport in the USA, proper preparation will help avoid unnecessary stress. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international ones. This time is usually sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing.

To save time, complete online check-in for your flight in advance and save your boarding pass on your phone. If you are traveling only with carry-on luggage, this will allow you to proceed directly to the security checkpoint. Travelers who fly frequently within the US can use the TSA PreCheck program, which significantly speeds up security screening.

When packing carry-on luggage, remember safety rules. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in one transparent bag (the so-called "3-1-1 rule"). Electronics, such as laptops and tablets, will likely need to be removed from your bag and placed in a separate tray for scanning. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in the cabin.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. A window seat is great for those who like to admire the views, while an aisle seat gives more freedom to move around the cabin. Emergency exit row seats usually offer more legroom, but they can only be occupied by passengers willing to assist the crew in an emergency.

If you have a connecting flight, study the airport map in advance to know how to quickly get to your required gate. For international flights, you will have to go through customs and passport control. Have your passport, visa, and completed declaration ready if required. Honestly declare all goods you are bringing in to avoid fines.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative to find out about rebooking options or compensation. Learn about your rights — in some cases, airlines are required to provide meals or hotel accommodation. While waiting, explore the available cafes and shops in the airport. To save money, always bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security, and small snacks.