University Park Airport

University Park Airport (SCE) is not merely an air gateway to central Pennsylvania, but a vital transport hub closely linked to the life of the renowned Pennsylvania State University. Located in the heart of "Happy Valley," as the region is known, it serves as a departure point for students, faculty, business travellers, and tourists arriving in State College. Despite its modest size, the airport offers convenient and swift service, serving as an excellent alternative to large and bustling hubs.

The main advantage of University Park Airport is its compactness and efficiency. Passengers do not have to spend much time passing through security checks or finding their boarding gate. Everything here is intuitive and located within walking distance. The airport handles flights from several key American airlines, providing direct connections to major hubs such as Chicago, Philadelphia, and others, allowing for convenient travel planning across the USA and the world. Travellers have access to complimentary Wi-Fi, a café, and car rental counters, making the wait for a flight and further movement around the region as comfortable as possible.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for University Park Airport (SCE) in the city of State College:

• Official Website: www.universityparkairport.com. On the site, you can find the current flight schedule, parking rules, and other useful information.
• Help Desk Phone: For general enquiries and information, you can call +1 (814) 865-5511.
• Airport Address: 2535 Fox Hill Road, State College, PA 16803, USA.
• Email: The airport does not provide a public email for general enquiries. You can contact the administration via the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: Current news and updates are published on the airport's official pages on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost and Found: If you have left items in the terminal building, please contact the administration at +1 (814) 865-5511. For issues regarding lost luggage checked in for a flight, you should contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and consultations regarding airport services, please contact the main administration number: +1 (814) 865-5511.

Getting to University Park Airport (SCE) from the city of State College in the USA is effortless thanks to its convenient location and variety of transport options. The airport is located just a few kilometres from the city centre, so the journey will take very little time. Here are the main ways you can reach your flight.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. The local transport company CATA (Centre Area Transportation Authority) operates routes connecting the city to the airport. Be sure to check the current schedule and route numbers on the official CATA website, as they may change. This is an excellent choice for economical travellers without a large amount of luggage.

Taxis and Transfers are the ideal choice for those who value comfort and speed. Traditional taxi services as well as popular ride-sharing services (such as Uber and Lyft) operate in the city. The trip from the centre of State College to the airport usually takes 10-15 minutes depending on traffic conditions. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during peak hours or on days when major events are held at Penn State University.

Car Rental is a wonderful opportunity for travellers planning to move actively around the region. University Park Airport hosts counters for several major rental companies. You can both pick up and return a rented car directly at the terminal, which is very convenient. If you are arriving in the city by car, you can easily drive to the airport yourself.

For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, convenient parking is provided. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking. The cost depends on the duration of the stay. This is a reliable option if you prefer to travel by your own means and wish to leave your car in a safe place for the duration of your trip.

When planning your trip, it is also worth considering other airports located in relative proximity. Sometimes this allows you to find more favourable flights or convenient connections. Among the nearest regional airports are Altoona–Blair County Airport (AOO), Williamsport Regional Airport (IPT), and DuBois–Jefferson County Airport (DUJ). For a wider selection of international and domestic flights, you can look at the larger Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), located approximately 120 km away.

University Park Airport (SCE) is a compact and convenient regional air hub distinguished by a simple and clear structure. You will not have to worry about complex navigation, as the airport has only one passenger terminal serving both departing and arriving flights.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. Immediately after entering the building, you find yourself in the general area where airline check-in counters and baggage drop-off points are located. Opposite the entrance is the security screening area leading to the departure zone. The arrivals area with the baggage claim belt and car rental counters is also located in the same building, a few steps from the main entrance. Thanks to the small size of the terminal, transitions between different zones take literally a couple of minutes.

Check-in and screening procedures at University Park Airport generally proceed very quickly compared to large international airports. Long queues are rare here. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before your flight's departure to check in luggage, pass security control, and reach your boarding gate without rushing.

For navigation, it is sufficient to follow the few and clear signs. In fact, all key points — from check-in to the boarding gate — are within direct line of sight. This makes University Park Airport particularly comfortable for travellers who value simplicity and a stress-free pre-flight experience.

The history of University Park Airport (SCE) is inextricably linked with Pennsylvania State University. The airport was officially opened on May 29, 1959, and was initially intended to support the university's aviation programme and general institutional needs. Located in the city of State College, it quickly became an important transport hub for the entire region.

The first scheduled commercial flights began in 1965 with the arrival of Allegheny Airlines, which marked the beginning of the transformation of a small runway into a full-fledged regional airport. As the university and the city grew, so did passenger traffic. A significant step in development was the opening of a new modern passenger terminal in 1993, which replaced the old, more modest building. This modernisation significantly improved the quality of passenger service and increased capacity.

In the early 2000s, a major reconstruction and extension of the main runway was carried out, allowing for the accommodation of larger types of aircraft. This contributed to the expansion of the route network and the attraction of new air carriers. Today, the airport plays a key role in the life of central Pennsylvania, especially during major university sporting events when it welcomes thousands of fans.

An interesting fact: University Park Airport is one of the few commercial airports in the USA that is owned and operated by a university. This unique connection underscores its primary mission — to serve not only as a transport gateway but also as an important part of the educational and research infrastructure of Penn State University.

University Park Airport (SCE) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or attend to work matters. Special charging stations are provided in the waiting lounges for electronic devices.

If you are hungry, there is a café in the airport where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or purchase light refreshments for the journey. There is also a small shop selling souvenirs, newspapers, and essential items. The selection is not as large as in major hubs, but quite sufficient to brighten the wait for departure.

For passenger convenience, ATMs are installed in the terminal building. However, please note that there are no currency exchange points at the airport, so it is better to arrange money exchange in advance at one of the city's banks. Specialised VIP halls and lounges are not provided at University Park Airport, which is typical for small regional airports.

The airport is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, lifts, and specially equipped restrooms. If necessary, you can request an escort service to the aircraft from the airline in advance. For travellers with small children, changing tables are provided in the restrooms.

Although there are no hotels or conference rooms within the airport building itself, there are many hotels just a few minutes' drive away, some of which offer free shuttle service for their guests. The absence of a dedicated business centre is compensated by the presence of free Wi-Fi, which allows for comfortable work on a laptop in the main waiting hall.

University Park Airport (SCE) is a compact regional airport, so all main dining options are concentrated in one location. Travellers can refresh themselves before departure at The Lion's Den café-bar, conveniently located in the secure area immediately after passing security screening. In the public area before control, the selection is generally limited to vending machines with drinks and snacks.

The Lion's Den offers a menu to suit various tastes throughout the day. In the morning, you can grab coffee with fresh pastries or a hearty sandwich for breakfast. During lunch and evening hours, soups, salads, and hot sandwiches are available. It is an excellent place for both a quick snack and a more substantial meal while waiting for a flight. A beverage service is also available at the establishment.

A highlight worth trying is the famous ice cream from Penn State Berkey Creamery, a true pride of the local university. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience a local product right at the airport. Regarding dietary preferences, vegetarian options such as salads or vegetable sandwiches are usually available on the menu. Passengers with stricter restrictions (vegan, gluten-free) are advised to check the ingredients with the café staff.

Prices at The Lion's Den can be described as moderate, standard for US airports. The establishment opens early in the morning to serve passengers on the first flights and operates until the departure of the last aircraft, so you will almost certainly have time to have a snack regardless of your travel time.

Travelling through University Park Airport (SCE) in the city of State College usually proceeds calmly and without hassle, as it is a small regional air hub. Nevertheless, a few tips will help make your trip even more comfortable and predictable.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights within the USA, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 90 minutes before departure. Although queues for check-in and screening are usually shorter here than in major hubs, it is better to have a time buffer, especially during peak seasons. To save time, complete online check-in and print your boarding pass at home or save it on your mobile device.

Security Screening and Hand Luggage. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) follows standard rules. Remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids: containers no larger than 100 ml (3.4 oz) must be packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. Laptops and other large electronics must be removed from bags for separate scanning. It is prohibited to carry weapons, explosives, and sharp objects in hand luggage.

Seat Selection and Connections. When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely. Most flights from University Park operate with connections in major airports (for example, in Philadelphia, Chicago, or Detroit). Carefully check the connection time — allow at least one hour between flights to calmly proceed to the necessary gate.

Customs Control and Savings. University Park Airport serves primarily domestic flights. International travellers pass customs and passport control at their first point of arrival in the USA. To save money, book parking or taxis in advance online. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be high, so you are permitted to bring snacks that have passed security screening.

Flight Delays. In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative immediately. They will provide current information and offer rebooking options. Clarify whether you are entitled to compensation in the form of vouchers for food or hotel accommodation. Since the terminal is small, opportunities for long waits are limited, but there is a café and free Wi-Fi to help pass the time.