About Piedmont Airlines
Piedmont Airlines (IATA: PT, ICAO: PDT) is a regional airline headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland, United States. Operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Airlines Group, Piedmont flies under the American Eagle brand, connecting passengers from smaller regional markets across the eastern United States to American Airlines' major hubs and focus cities.
The airline traces its origins to 1961, when aviation entrepreneur Richard A. Henson founded Henson Aviation as a fixed-base operator in Hagerstown, Maryland. The carrier began scheduled passenger service in 1962 under the name Hagerstown Commuter, later evolving into Henson Airlines. Today, the Piedmont name — resurrected in 1993 — is one of American Airlines' key regional operators, with primary crew bases in Charlotte, North Carolina and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Airline Overview and History
Piedmont Airlines has a rich history spanning more than six decades. Key milestones in its journey include:
- 1961 — Richard A. Henson founds Henson Aviation in Hagerstown, Maryland.
- 1962 — First scheduled passenger service begins under the Hagerstown Commuter name, serving Washington National Airport.
- 1967 — Henson Airlines establishes one of the world's first code-share arrangements with Allegheny Airlines (predecessor of US Airways).
- 1968 — Headquarters relocated to Salisbury, Maryland; airline becomes an Allegheny Commuter partner.
- 1983 — Piedmont Aviation acquires Henson Airlines, rebranding it "Henson, The Piedmont Regional Airline".
- 1987 — USAir Group purchases both Piedmont Aviation and Henson; aircraft are repainted in US Airways Express livery.
- 1993 — USAir renames the carrier Piedmont Airlines to protect the Piedmont brand trademark.
- 2013 — Following the merger of American Airlines and US Airways, Piedmont becomes part of the American Airlines Group and transitions to operating under the American Eagle brand.
- 2025 — Piedmont announces plans to introduce Embraer E175 jets beginning in 2028, marking a move to dual-class service with First Class and Economy cabins.
Piedmont currently operates from its main base at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and a secondary hub at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). The airline employs more than 9,800 aviation professionals and operates nearly 400 daily departures to over 55 cities.
Fleet and Aircraft
Piedmont Airlines currently operates an all-jet fleet composed exclusively of Embraer ERJ-145 regional jets. Key fleet details include:
- Embraer ERJ-145 — 50-seat twin-engine regional jet; seating arranged in a 2-1 layout (one seat on the left, two on the right of the aisle); seat pitch approximately 31 inches.
- Fleet size: over 50 aircraft in active service.
- The ERJ-145 is purpose-built for short-haul regional routes, ideal for connecting smaller cities to major hubs efficiently.
Looking ahead, Piedmont has announced a significant fleet transition beginning in 2028, when it will start receiving Embraer E175 jets — 76-seat aircraft offering a two-class configuration (First Class and Economy). This upgauging will expand capacity and passenger comfort on higher-demand routes while the ERJ-145 continues operating on lower-density routes well into the 2030s.
All Piedmont aircraft are maintained to stringent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards and undergo regular safety inspections as part of the American Airlines Group's comprehensive maintenance programme.
Top Flight Routes
Piedmont Airlines specialises in connecting regional cities along the eastern seaboard of the United States to American Airlines' primary hubs. Popular routes include:
Piedmont's route network is particularly valuable for travellers who need to connect through Philadelphia or Charlotte to reach American Airlines' international and transcontinental services. Use the Traveloka Flight Status page to track your Piedmont-operated connection in real time.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Piedmont Airlines follows American Airlines' baggage policies. Below is a summary of what passengers can expect:
Cabin (Carry-On) Baggage
- One carry-on bag: Maximum dimensions 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm). Carried free of charge.
- One personal item: Maximum dimensions 18 × 14 × 8 in (45 × 35 × 20 cm) — e.g., handbag, laptop bag. Carried free of charge.
- Items must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Checked Baggage
- First checked bag: USD 40 (USD 35 if prepaid online) for domestic flights.
- Second checked bag: USD 45 for domestic flights.
- Maximum weight per bag: 23 kg (Economy); 32 kg (First Class/Business Class).
- Maximum size per bag: 158 cm (linear — length + width + height combined).
- Maximum 2 checked bags permitted.
Oversize and Overweight Fees
- Bags exceeding standard size dimensions: USD 30 additional fee.
- Bags exceeding standard weight: USD 30 additional fee.
Prohibited Items
- Lithium batteries above permitted limits, flammable liquids, and explosive materials are prohibited in all luggage.
- Aerosols above 100 ml must be placed in checked baggage; carry-on liquids must comply with the TSA 3-1-1 rule (containers of 100 ml or less in a clear zip-lock bag).
Check-in Guide
Piedmont Airlines offers multiple check-in options for a smooth travel experience:
Online Check-in
- Available from 24 hours up to 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights.
- Available from 24 hours up to 90 minutes before departure for international flights.
- Complete online check-in at aa.com or through the American Airlines mobile app.
Airport Counter Check-in
- Counters close 60 minutes before departure for domestic flights.
- Counters close 90 minutes before departure for international flights.
- Passengers are advised to arrive at least 2 hours before departure to allow adequate time for security screening.
Passengers who have completed online check-in but are travelling with checked bags must visit the bag drop counter before the applicable cut-off time.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Piedmont Airlines currently operates the Embraer ERJ-145 in an all-Economy single-class configuration, offering up to 50 seats per flight. Seating is arranged in a comfortable 2-1 layout.
Economy Class
- Seat pitch: approximately 31 inches.
- Seat width: approximately 17 inches.
- Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages on most flights; light snacks may be available on select services.
- No in-flight entertainment screens are installed on the ERJ-145; passengers are encouraged to bring personal devices.
- Wi-Fi availability may vary by aircraft; check at booking.
From 2028 onwards, Piedmont's incoming Embraer E175 fleet will introduce a two-class configuration, offering dedicated First Class seating in addition to Economy, significantly enhancing the onboard experience on higher-frequency routes.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Children and Infants
- Infants under 2 years of age may travel on a parent's lap (lap infant) at a reduced fare on domestic flights; a separate seat must be purchased for international travel.
- Children aged 2 and above must occupy their own ticketed seat.
- Children travelling must carry appropriate identification; a birth certificate is recommended for infants.
Unaccompanied Minors
- American Airlines' unaccompanied minor service is available for children aged 5 to 14 travelling alone.
- The service provides an escort from check-in to the gate and assistance with connections.
- A service fee applies; advance arrangements must be made at booking.
Pregnant Passengers
- Piedmont follows American Airlines' guidelines: passengers who are up to 36 weeks pregnant with a single uncomplicated pregnancy are generally permitted to fly.
- A medical certificate from a licensed physician may be required for travel after 28 weeks.
- Passengers with multiple pregnancies or complications should consult their doctor and contact the airline before booking.
Special Assistance
- Wheelchair assistance and mobility aid services are available at all served airports.
- Passengers requiring special assistance should notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure.
- Medical equipment such as portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) may be permitted; prior airline approval is required.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Piedmont Airlines flights are booked and managed through the American Airlines booking system. Passengers who booked via Traveloka should follow the steps below to manage changes:
How to Reschedule via Traveloka
- Log in to your Traveloka account and navigate to My Bookings.
- Select the Piedmont Airlines booking you wish to change.
- Choose Change Flight and select a new available date or route.
- Review any fare difference and applicable change fees before confirming.
- You will receive a revised e-ticket by email once the change is processed.
Cancellation and Refund
- Refundable tickets: Full refund to the original payment method, processed within 7–14 business days.
- Non-refundable tickets: May be eligible for a travel credit or Traveloka voucher depending on fare rules.
- If the airline cancels the flight, passengers are entitled to a full refund or rebooking at no additional charge.
- For further assistance, contact Traveloka customer service via the in-app chat or help centre.
Why Book Piedmont Airlines Flights on Traveloka
Traveloka makes booking Piedmont Airlines tickets simple, transparent, and rewarding. Here is why travellers choose Traveloka:
- Competitive fares: Compare Piedmont Airlines prices alongside other carriers to find the best deal available.
- Flexible payment options: Pay conveniently with Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, credit cards, or bank transfer.
- Instant e-ticket: Receive your confirmed booking immediately by email — no printing required.
- Manage bookings easily: Use the Traveloka app to view, reschedule, or cancel bookings at any time.
- Price Alert: Set a fare alert for your preferred route and get notified when prices drop.
- 24/7 customer support: Traveloka's support team is available around the clock to assist with any booking issues.
- Travel bundles: Add hotel stays, travel insurance, or car rentals to your flight booking in a few taps.
- Traveloka Points: Earn points on every booking and redeem them for discounts on future travel.
Tips for Finding Cheap Piedmont Airlines Flights on Traveloka
Looking for the best fares on Piedmont Airlines-operated routes? Follow these money-saving tips:
- Book in advance: Fares on popular east coast routes tend to be cheaper when booked 4–8 weeks ahead of travel.
- Travel midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically less expensive than Friday or Sunday.
- Use Price Alert: Activate the Traveloka Price Alert feature for your target route and receive notifications when fares decrease.
- Check promo codes: Visit Traveloka's promotions page regularly for exclusive discounts on American Eagle-operated flights.
- Be flexible with airports: Piedmont serves both Philadelphia (PHL) and Charlotte (CLT) — compare departures from both hubs if your schedule allows.
- Travel light: Avoid checked baggage fees by travelling with only a carry-on and personal item where possible.
- Bundle with hotel: Traveloka flight + hotel packages often offer savings over booking each component separately.
How to Book Piedmont Airlines Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Booking your Piedmont Airlines flight through Traveloka is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Visit traveloka.com or open the Traveloka app on your smartphone.
- Select the Flights menu and choose One-Way or Return.
- Enter your departure city, destination, and preferred travel dates.
- Tap Search Flights to view all available options, including Piedmont Airlines-operated American Eagle services.
- Use the filter and sort tools to narrow results by price, travel duration, or number of stops.
- Select your preferred flight and review the full fare details, including baggage inclusions and fare rules.
- Enter passenger details (full name as on passport/ID, date of birth, contact information).
- Choose your payment method — Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, credit card, or bank transfer.
- Confirm payment and receive your e-ticket instantly by email and in your Traveloka account.