You're planning a trip to the town built on chocolate, and you're looking for flights to Hershey Pennsylvania. It sounds simple enough. You open a search engine, type in the destination, and wait for the results. But here's the thing: Hershey doesn't actually have its own commercial airport. If you try to book a ticket directly to "Hershey," you might end up confused or looking at private airfields that won't help your family vacation plans.
Most travelers think they have to fly into a massive hub like Philadelphia and drive for hours. Honestly? That's a mistake. While PHL and BWI are options, they aren't always the smartest ones.
The Best Way to Handle Flights to Hershey Pennsylvania
The real "secret" is Harrisburg International Airport (MDT). It’s located in Middletown, which is basically a 12-to-15-minute hop from the center of Hershey.
It's a small airport. That's a good thing. You can get from your gate to the rental car counter in about five minutes without breaking a sweat. If you’re flying in from a major city like Atlanta, Chicago, or Charlotte, you can often find direct flights that bypass the stress of the bigger Northeast corridors.
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Major Airlines Serving the Area
Don't expect every budget carrier to land here, but the heavy hitters are well-represented.
- American Airlines: They dominate this route, especially with connections through Philadelphia or Charlotte.
- Delta Air Lines: Great for those coming from the South or Midwest via Atlanta and Detroit.
- United Airlines: Primarily pulls people in through Chicago O’Hare or Washington Dulles.
- Allegiant and Frontier: These offer some seasonal, low-cost options from places like Orlando or Tampa.
If you find a deal on Allegiant into MDT, take it. It’s often significantly cheaper than the legacy carriers, though you have to watch those baggage fees.
Comparing the "Big Three" Nearby Airports
Sometimes the price for flights to Hershey Pennsylvania is just too high at the local airport. When that happens, you look at the neighbors.
Harrisburg International (MDT)
Distance: 10–12 miles.
Pros: Incredibly fast exit, close to the parks, low stress.
Cons: Generally more expensive than the big hubs.
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Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)
Distance: ~90 miles.
Drive time: About 1.5 to 2 hours depending on I-83 traffic.
Pros: Southwest Airlines flies here in a massive way. If you have "Companion Pass" status or just love two free checked bags, this is usually the winner.
Philadelphia International (PHL)
Distance: ~95 miles.
Drive time: roughly 2 hours via the PA Turnpike (I-276/I-76).
Pros: Most international and domestic direct options.
Cons: The traffic around Philly can be a nightmare. Also, you'll be paying tolls on the Turnpike.
I’ve made the drive from BWI to Hershey more times than I can count. It’s a straight shot up I-83 North. Just be careful around the York area—construction there has been a thing for years, and it can bottle up during rush hour.
Why Time of Year Changes Everything
Price-wise, January and February are the cheapest months for flights to Hershey Pennsylvania. But let's be real: nobody goes to an outdoor theme park in central PA in February unless they really love the cold.
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May is when the "high season" kicks in. You’ll see prices jump by 10% to 20% almost overnight as Hersheypark prepares for the summer rush. If you want a sweet spot, try late September. The weather is gorgeous, the park is often open for "Hersheypark in the Dark," and flight prices usually dip once the kids go back to school.
Getting from the Tarmac to the Chocolate
Once you land at MDT, you have options. You don't strictly need a car, but life is easier with one.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate here. A ride to a Hershey resort will usually run you $30–$45. Note that at MDT, rideshares pick up on the third floor of the parking garage, not the curb.
- Hotel Shuttles: If you’re staying at The Hotel Hershey or Hershey Lodge, they offer a shuttle service for a fee. You usually need to arrange this 48 hours in advance.
- Public Transit: There is a bus (Rabbit Transit Route 7), but it involves a transfer in downtown Harrisburg. It’ll take you two hours to do a 15-minute drive. Honestly? Avoid it if you have luggage or kids.
Actionable Strategy for Booking
- Check MDT first: Use the airport code MDT. Don't just search "Hershey."
- The 28-Day Rule: Data suggests domestic flights to this region are about 24% cheaper when booked at least a month out.
- Consider Amtrak: If you’re coming from NYC or DC, forget the flight. The Amtrak Keystone Service stops in Middletown (right by the airport) and downtown Harrisburg. It’s often faster than dealing with TSA.
- Fly on Thursday: Statistics show mid-week departures to Harrisburg save about 15% compared to Sunday flights.
Start by setting a price alert for MDT on a site like Google Flights or Kayak. If the price doesn't drop below your budget within two weeks, pivot your search to BWI and factor in the cost of a rental car and a two-hour drive.