Last Updated on August 26, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Flying from Flint can save travelers in Mid-Michigan from driving to a larger hub airport. Bishop International Airport (FNT), which traces its history to a 220-acre land donation by Arthur Giles Bishop in 1928, now offers a mix of nonstop leisure routes and hub connections. As of August 2026, three passenger airlines serve FNT: Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
Quick Answer
As of August 2026, three passenger airlines serve Bishop International Airport (FNT): Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and United Airlines. Allegiant offers the widest selection of nonstop leisure routes, while American and United both fly nonstop to Chicago O’Hare (ORD), where travelers can connect to domestic and international destinations.
Key Takeaways
- FNT’s three scheduled passenger airlines are Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
- Allegiant has the broadest nonstop network from Flint, including Florida destinations plus Las Vegas, Phoenix/Mesa, Nashville, Portland, and Newark.
- American Airlines currently flies nonstop between FNT and Chicago O’Hare (ORD).
- United Airlines currently flies nonstop between FNT and Chicago O’Hare (ORD); Washington Dulles is not listed as a current FNT nonstop route.
- FNT does not list scheduled nonstop international passenger flights, but American and United provide international connection options through Chicago.
What’s in This Article
- Airlines at FNT at a Glance
- Major Airlines Serving FNT
- Low-Cost Carriers at FNT
- Nonstop Destinations From FNT
- Regional Airlines Operating at FNT
- International Connections from FNT
- Cargo Operations at FNT
- Future Expansion and New Carriers at FNT
- Tips for Choosing the Right Airline at FNT
- Frequently Asked Questions
Airlines at FNT at a Glance
| Airline | Current FNT Role | Nonstop Pattern | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allegiant Air | Largest FNT carrier by number of nonstop destinations | Florida, Las Vegas, Phoenix/Mesa, Nashville, Portland, Newark and other leisure markets | Travelers who can use a nonstop leisure route and want a low base fare |
| American Airlines | Network carrier | Chicago O’Hare (ORD) | Domestic and international connections through Chicago and Oneworld partners |
| United Airlines | Network carrier | Chicago O’Hare (ORD) | Domestic and international connections through Chicago and Star Alliance partners |
Note: Airline schedules change by season and travel date. A destination appearing on FNT’s route list does not necessarily mean it operates every day, so verify your exact dates with the airport or airline before booking.
Major Airlines Serving FNT
American Airlines and United Airlines provide FNT’s main hub connections. Both currently fly nonstop between Flint and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), giving travelers access to much larger domestic and international networks.
American Airlines operates daily FNT–ORD service. From O’Hare, passengers can connect across American’s U.S. network or continue internationally on American and Oneworld partners such as British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Japan Airlines. Bishop International Airport’s current American page lists Chicago O’Hare as American’s nonstop destination from Flint.
United Airlines also currently serves Chicago O’Hare from FNT. United’s Chicago hub connects to destinations across the United States and abroad through United and Star Alliance partners. Travelers interested in United’s programs can also read this guide to United Airlines and MileagePlus-related collectibles.
For destinations not served nonstop by Allegiant, Chicago O’Hare is the key connecting airport for scheduled American and United service from FNT.
Low-Cost Carriers at FNT
Allegiant Air is FNT’s dominant low-cost carrier by number of nonstop destinations. Its Flint network focuses primarily on leisure travel, including numerous Florida destinations and several western and eastern U.S. markets.
Allegiant’s fare structure is different from American and United. Every Allegiant passenger may bring one personal item within the airline’s size limit at no charge, while a standard carry-on bag and checked baggage generally cost extra unless included through another fare or bundle. Adding luggage and seat-selection fees before comparing the final price gives you a more realistic cost comparison.
Pro Tip: Compare the total trip price rather than the advertised base fare. On Allegiant, add the baggage, seat and other optional services you actually plan to use before deciding whether it is cheaper than a connecting itinerary on American or United.
Nonstop Destinations From FNT
Bishop International Airport currently lists Chicago plus a broad selection of Allegiant destinations. Allegiant’s FNT page lists the following nonstop markets:
- Newark, New Jersey (EWR)
- Portland, Oregon (PDX)
- Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Florida (VPS)
- Jacksonville, Florida (JAX)
- Phoenix/Mesa, Arizona (AZA)
- Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS)
- Sarasota/Bradenton, Florida (SRQ)
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FLL)
- Orlando/Sanford, Florida (SFB)
- Tampa Bay/St. Pete, Florida (PIE)
- Punta Gorda/Fort Myers, Florida (PGD)
- Nashville, Tennessee (BNA)
American Airlines and United Airlines both list Chicago O’Hare (ORD) as their current nonstop destination from Flint. Some Allegiant routes are seasonal or operate only on selected days, so confirm availability for your dates rather than assuming every route runs year-round.
Regional Airlines Operating at FNT
Many American and United flights at smaller airports are sold under the major airline’s name but operated by a contracted regional airline. That distinction matters because the operating carrier and aircraft type can change as schedules are adjusted.
| Brand on Ticket | Regional Branding | Current FNT Hub Connection |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | American Eagle when operated by a regional affiliate | Chicago O’Hare (ORD) |
| United Airlines | United Express when operated by a regional affiliate | Chicago O’Hare (ORD) |
The specific operating regional airline and aircraft can change by flight and schedule period. Before booking, open the flight details and look for wording such as “operated by” beneath the American or United flight number. This is especially useful if aircraft size, first-class availability, overhead-bin space, or seat configuration matters to you.
International Connections from FNT
Note: Bishop International Airport does not currently list scheduled nonstop international passenger service. American and United instead provide international connectivity through Chicago O’Hare.
If you are traveling abroad from Flint, Chicago O’Hare is the most straightforward scheduled hub connection. Both American and United fly from FNT to ORD, where passengers can connect to international services across Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and other regions.
American belongs to the Oneworld alliance, with partners including British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Japan Airlines. United is a Star Alliance member, with partners including Lufthansa, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines. Booking the FNT–ORD segment and the international flight on one protected itinerary is generally safer than buying unrelated tickets.
Warning: Separate tickets can leave you responsible for rebooking if a delay on your Flint flight causes you to miss an independently booked international connection. Check the ticketing arrangement carefully before purchasing.
Cargo Operations at FNT
Bishop International Airport also supports cargo and shipping activity. The airport’s official cargo information states that FedEx and FedEx Ground are on-site just west of the passenger terminal, with a FedEx shipping center providing packaging and shipment services.
FNT’s location near I-75, US-23, and I-69 also gives the airport direct highway access for businesses and freight moving through the Flint region. Cargo operations are separate from Allegiant’s passenger business; Allegiant states that it does not transport general cargo and that passenger baggage must accompany a traveler.
Future Expansion and New Carriers at FNT
Airport infrastructure continues to receive investment, but infrastructure funding should not be treated as proof that a new passenger airline or route is imminent. The FAA’s FY2024 Airport Improvement Program report lists a $1,998,296 award for Bishop International Airport covering service-road, taxilane and terminal-related work.
As of August 2026, FNT’s official passenger-airline list still names Allegiant, American, and United. New airlines and routes can be added or discontinued as demand, aircraft availability, economics, and airline network plans change, so the airport’s official route map is the best place to confirm newly announced service.
Tips for Choosing the Right Airline at FNT
Choosing the best airline from FNT depends first on whether your destination is available nonstop. If Allegiant flies directly where you need to go, avoiding a connection may save considerable travel time. For destinations outside Allegiant’s Flint network, American or United can connect you through Chicago O’Hare.
Compare the complete fare. Allegiant includes one qualifying personal item for free but generally charges for a standard carry-on and checked baggage. With any airline, check the exact fare rules before booking because baggage, seat-selection, change, and refund policies vary by fare type.
Check the schedule, not just the route map. Some nonstop routes operate seasonally or only on certain days. A route appearing on FNT’s destination list does not guarantee a flight on every date.
Protect tight connections. When possible, book connecting flights on the same itinerary. That gives the airline a clearer responsibility to re-accommodate you when an eligible delay or schedule disruption causes a missed connection.
For international trips, compare American and United through ORD. Look at the total itinerary rather than only the first Flint-to-Chicago flight. Connection time, terminal changes, alliance partners, fare rules, baggage handling, and the international flight schedule can make one option much better than the other.
If you are planning a trip out of Flint Bishop Airport, you may also want to compare the right carry-on luggage for international travel. A properly sized bag can help you avoid problems at the gate. You can also review this guide to carry-on luggage for international travel before packing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines operate out of Bishop International Airport (FNT)?
As of August 2026, FNT’s scheduled passenger airlines are Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and United Airlines. Allegiant operates the broadest selection of nonstop leisure routes, while American and United both connect Flint nonstop with Chicago O’Hare.
Which destinations can I fly to nonstop from FNT?
FNT lists Chicago O’Hare plus Allegiant service to destinations including Newark, Portland, Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Jacksonville, Phoenix/Mesa, Las Vegas, Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando/Sanford, Tampa Bay/St. Pete, Punta Gorda/Fort Myers, and Nashville. Availability can vary by season and date.
Does United fly nonstop from Flint to Washington Dulles?
Not according to FNT’s current August 2026 airline information. Bishop International Airport lists Chicago O’Hare as United’s nonstop destination from Flint. Travelers going to Washington can connect through United’s network rather than relying on a current FNT–IAD nonstop.
Does FNT offer international flights?
FNT does not currently list scheduled nonstop international passenger flights. American and United connect Flint with Chicago O’Hare, where travelers can transfer to international flights operated by those airlines and their alliance partners.
Are all Allegiant routes from Flint available year-round?
Not necessarily. Allegiant schedules can vary by season and many routes operate only on selected days of the week. Check your specific travel dates on Allegiant or Bishop International Airport’s current flight schedule before making other nonrefundable travel arrangements.
Is parking available at Bishop International Airport?
Yes. FNT offers parking near the terminal as well as shuttle parking with complimentary transportation to and from the terminal. Current airport information lists shuttle parking at $10 per day, while terminal and reserved parking options cost more. Check the airport’s parking page for the rate that applies on your dates.
How far is Bishop International Airport from downtown Flint?
Bishop International Airport is approximately six miles from downtown Flint. Driving time varies with traffic and your exact starting point, but the airport is located in southwestern Flint near major highway connections.
Who actually operates American and United regional flights from FNT?
The regional operating carrier can change as airline schedules and contracts change. American flights may carry American Eagle branding and United flights may carry United Express branding. Check the “operated by” line in your reservation for the operating airline on your specific flight.
Sources
- Flint Bishop Airport — Airlines and Reservations — current passenger airlines, Chicago service and Allegiant destinations.
- Flint Bishop International Airport — current nonstop destinations, flight information and parking information.
- Flint Bishop Airport — International Connections — international travel through Chicago on American and United.
- Flint Bishop Airport — Cargo Information — FedEx and FedEx Ground operations on-site.
- Federal Aviation Administration — FY2024 Airport Improvement Program Grants — FNT’s $1,998,296 infrastructure grant and project scope.
- Allegiant Air — Baggage Policy — free personal-item allowance and paid carry-on/checked-bag rules.
