Cleveland Hopkins International Airport ((CLE), Ohio’s busiest aviation hub, offers a practical and welcoming experience for passengers exploring its compact yet efficient terminal. For those searching online, key terms like Cleveland Hopkins airport guide, CLE airport experience, Cleveland transit options, CLE terminal layout, Cleveland flight delays, CLE dining choices, Cleveland airport shops, CLE passenger facilities, Cleveland on-time performance, and CLE flight connections provide a wealth of information to plan a smooth journey.
The passenger experience at Cleveland Hopkins, known as CLE, is shaped by its straightforward design and focus on convenience. Serving over 10 million passengers annually, the airport operates as a focus city for Frontier Airlines and hosts major carriers like United, American, Delta, and Southwest, with non-stop flights to 54 destinations. The single, two-level terminal with three active concourses—A, B, and C—ensures easy navigation, with clear signage guiding travellers through check-in, security, and boarding. A neon-lit tunnel and local art displays, including a Superman exhibit near baggage claim, add a touch of Cleveland’s character to the journey.
Accessing CLE from downtown Cleveland, just 9 miles away, is simple and affordable. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s Red Line train connects the airport’s lower-level station to Tower City Station in under 30 minutes, with fares starting at £1.90.
Taxis, available outside baggage claim at carousel 11, offer a 20-minute ride to the city centre for around £25, while rideshares like Uber and Lyft provide flexible pick-up and drop-off options curbside. A free shuttle connects to an off-site rental car facility, and the CLE Smart Parking Garage allows travellers to reserve spots in advance for added convenience.
The airport’s layout is intuitive, with a single terminal split into a lower level for arrivals and baggage claim and an upper level for departures and check-in. Concourse A, handling Frontier, Spirit, and international arrivals, features 12 gates and a customs facility. Concourse B serves Delta and Southwest, while Concourse C accommodates United, American, JetBlue, and Air Canada Express, with 23 gates and a secondary food court. All concourses are connected airside, allowing seamless movement without additional security checks for domestic connections. The ongoing CLEvolution project, set to expand the terminal by 2032, promises further improvements.
Delays can occur, particularly during peak hours or adverse weather, as Cleveland’s winter snows occasionally disrupt operations. Congested security checkpoints, with only three available, may slow progress, especially in the morning rush, so arriving two hours early for domestic flights and three for international is wise. Baggage claim delays have been reported, particularly for international arrivals, and gate changes can happen, so checking flight information displays is recommended.
Dining at CLE reflects local flair, with options like Panini’s Bar & Grill in Concourse B serving hearty sandwiches and Great Lakes Brewing Company in Concourse C offering craft beers. Quick bites are available at cafes and snack bars across all concourses, though many outlets close by 7:30pm, limiting late-night choices. Retail includes the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum Store for Cleveland-themed souvenirs, duty-free shops in Concourse A, and convenience stores like Hudson News. Johnston & Murphy and Sunglass Hut add variety for travellers seeking fashion or travel essentials.
Facilities cater to diverse needs, with free Wi-Fi, charging stations at every gate, and an interfaith chapel near the central security checkpoint open from 5 am. to 11 pm. The airport lacks a medical centre but offers first aid through a lower-level office. Accessibility services include wheelchair assistance, ADA-compliant taxis, and accessible parking, while a USO Lounge in the main terminal supports military personnel. Club CLE in Concourse B and the United Club in Concourse C provide comfortable spaces for eligible travellers to relax.
On-time performance is generally solid, with CLE’s manageable size supporting efficient operations. However, its history as a former United hub means occasional gate congestion, and weather-related delays can affect winter schedules. Connections are straightforward due to the airside concourse layout, though international passengers must clear customs in Concourse A, which may add time. Checking airline apps for real-time updates helps avoid surprises.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport combines functionality with local touches, making it an approachable gateway for travellers. With ongoing modernisation and a focus on passenger comfort, CLE ensures a smooth journey through Ohio’s largest airport.
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus operates from the Main Terminal at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport for flights to Dublin. Check-in desks are typically in the Check-in Area A or B (desks 1–20 range), but exact assignments vary. Check-in opens 3.5 hours before departure and closes 75 minutes before departure. Online check-in is available 24 hours to 2 hours prior.
Departures are usually from Gates A1–A14 or B1–B10 in the Main Terminal. Specific gates are assigned closer to departure and displayed on airport screens.
