โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Jack McNamara Field (CEC), also known as Del Norte County Regional Airport, is a significant aviation facility serving the city of Crescent City and the scenic 'Border Coast' region of Northern California. Situated on a coastal plateau just northwest of the city center, the airport acts as a critical link for the local community and as a premier gateway for visitors to the nearby Redwood National and State Parks. The facility is managed by the Border Coast Regional Airport Authority and plays a fundamental role in the economic and logistical life of Del Norte County.
The airport features a modern and spacious passenger terminal that was completed in the spring of 2019 to replace the aging previous facilities. This new terminal is designed for passenger comfort and efficiency, integrating check-in counters, security screening, and a comfortable departure lounge with panoramic views of the surrounding coastal landscape. Amenities within the terminal include a small cafรฉ-restaurant offering local refreshments, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and convenient car rental counters for major brands like Avis and Budget. The terminal's design reflects the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, with an intuitive layout that ensures quick transit times for regional travelers.
Commercial services at CEC are primarily provided by Advanced Air as part of the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) program. These flights offer crucial daily links to major hubs such as Oakland International Airport (OAK) and Hawthorne Municipal Airport (HHR) in the Los Angeles area, utilizing comfortable 30-passenger regional jets. In addition to commercial traffic, the airport is a bustling hub for general aviation, supporting private pilots, corporate charters, and essential emergency services such as the US Coast Guard and medical evacuation flights. The airfield features two asphalt runways, with the primary runway (11/29) measuring 5,002 feet, capable of handling a wide variety of turboprop and jet aircraft. Ground transportation into Crescent City is readily available via local taxis and rental cars, making it a highly functional gateway for the heart of the Redwood Coast.
๐ Connection Tips
Jack McNamara Field (CEC), also known as Del Norte County Regional Airport, serves as a vital 'boutique' gateway for the Northern California coast. Commercial services are exclusively provided by Advanced Air, which connects Crescent City with Oakland International Airport (OAK) and Hawthorne Municipal Airport (HHR) in the Los Angeles basin. If you are connecting from CEC to a major international or domestic flight, your experience will vary significantly depending on your destination hub. When connecting via Oakland (OAK), Advanced Air operates from Terminal 1, typically using Gate 7. This is a standard commercial airport environment, allowing for relatively straightforward transfers to other major airlines. However, because Advanced Air does not have interline baggage agreements, you must retrieve your luggage at the OAK baggage claim and re-check it with your next carrier. Allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours for this process, especially if you need to clear TSA security again for another terminal. If your journey takes you to Hawthorne (HHR), you will arrive at a private Fixed Base Operator (FBO) known as Jet Center Los Angeles. This facility is located approximately 4 miles from LAX. Advanced Air provides a complimentary shuttle to and from LAX for connecting passengers, but this service must be reserved at least 48 hours in advance. If you are transferring to a flight at LAX, allow a minimum of 4 hours to account for the shuttle ride and the complex check-in and security procedures at the world's busiest terminals. At CEC itself, the modern terminal offers free parking and efficient check-in, though you should arrive 90 to 120 minutes before your flight, particularly as coastal fog can sometimes impact early morning schedules.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Apalachicola Regional Airport (AAF), also known as Cleve Randolph Field, is a public-use facility that primarily serves the general aviation needs of Franklin County, Florida. The terminal experience here is centered around a well-maintained general aviation building that houses the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Centric Aviation. Unlike commercial hubs, the atmosphere is quiet and professional, catering to private pilots, corporate travelers, and flight training operations. The terminal provides essential services such as a pilot lounge, a flight planning room, and basic administrative offices, all within a compact and easily navigable single-story structure.
The facility is designed for quick transitions from landside to airside, with a parking area located just steps away from the terminal entrance. Inside, visitors will find a clean and welcoming environment with comfortable seating and access to restrooms. While there are no sprawling retail concourses or food courts, the FBO staff are known for their hospitality, often providing complimentary coffee and assistance with ground logistics. The terminal also serves as a hub for local aviation events and military training exercises, reflecting the airport's diverse role in the regional aviation landscape of the Florida Panhandle.
For those arriving by private or charter aircraft, the terminal offers seamless access to the airfield's three concrete runways. There are no jet bridges; instead, passengers deplane directly onto the apron and walk a short distance to the FBO building. Security is managed through standard general aviation protocols rather than TSA checkpoints, allowing for a much faster arrival and departure process. Despite its simplicity, the terminal at AAF provides a high level of service for the general aviation community, offering a gateway to the historic city of Apalachicola and the pristine beaches of St. George Island.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Apalachicola Regional Airport is different from commercial transfers as the airport does not host scheduled airline services. All connections are between private, corporate, or charter flights. If you are planning a multi-leg journey through AAF, coordination with the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Centric Aviation, is essential. They assist with aircraft staging, refueling with 100LL or Jet-A, and ensuring ground support equipment is ready. The airport operates without a control tower, so pilots must use the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) for local communication.\n\nTo transition from a private flight at AAF to a commercial airline, the nearest options are Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) or Tallahassee International Airport (TLH). Both are about an 80 to 90-minute drive from Apalachicola. Since there are no on-site rental car agencies with permanent counters, you must pre-arrange vehicle delivery or shuttle services. Many travelers find it convenient to use local taxi services or pre-arranged private transfers to reach these commercial hubs or destinations along the Forgotten Coast.\n\nGround logistics should be planned with the airport's operating hours in mind, as services are typically available from 08:00 to 19:00. If you require an after-hours arrival or departure, coordinate in advance with the FBO for terminal access and fuel. The rural area means ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are not reliably available, so a confirmed transport plan is crucial. Whether you are connecting to a fishing charter, a meeting, or a commercial flight elsewhere, AAF offers a low-stress environment provided that your ground and air logistics are meticulously pre-arranged.
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