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
Ambler Airport (ABL) is a remote, state-owned public-use airport located in the Native Alaskan village of Ambler, within the Northwest Arctic Borough. It serves as an indispensable lifeline for this isolated community, as there are no connecting roads. The airport's infrastructure is extremely basic, reflecting its role as a bush airport. There is no traditional terminal building; instead, operations are conducted from a small, heated shelter or a designated waiting area adjacent to the gravel runway. This single facility serves as the waiting lounge, check-in area, and baggage claim point.
The airport is equipped with two gravel runways, the longest measuring 3,000 feet, operating at an elevation of 334 feet above mean sea level. This design accommodates the small aircraft, typically Twin Otters or Cessnas, that are vital for connecting Ambler to larger regional hubs. Passengers should anticipate a highly informal process, with direct interactions with pilots and airline representatives from operators like Bering Air.
Amenities at Ambler Airport are exceptionally sparse. There are no cafes, restaurants, vending machines, or shops on-site. Travelers are strongly advised to bring all necessary provisions, including food, water, and personal supplies. Security procedures are minimal, consistent with bush flying operations in remote Alaska, focusing on adherence to general aviation safety guidelines.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections at Ambler Airport are exclusively through domestic bush flights, with Bering Air being the primary scheduled carrier. These flights are crucial for linking Ambler with the regional hub of Kotzebue (OTZ) and nearby villages like Shungnak (SHG) and Kobuk (OBU). Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport serves as the main gateway from which most flights to Ambler originate, providing essential connections to Anchorage via Alaska Airlines. Because there are no roads connecting this isolated part of the Northwest Arctic Borough to the rest of the state, these regional air links are the only way to transport supplies, personnel, and medical essentials to the community. Travelers should expect a highly personalized but informal experience, as flights often operate as multi-stop 'milk runs' across the Kobuk River valley.
Travel to and from Ambler is highly dependent on unpredictable Arctic weather conditions and available daylight hours. Flights are frequently subject to significant delays or total cancellations due to adverse weather patterns, including dense fog, heavy snow, or high winds, which are common throughout the year. It is crucial for all travelers to maintain flexible itineraries and to confirm their flight status directly with Bering Air or their charter operator before heading to the airstrip. Unlike major commercial airports, there are no inter-airline baggage transfer services here; all luggage is handled manually by the pilot and ground agents upon arrival and departure. Always prepare for the unexpected and carry essential items in your carry-on, as the challenging environment can lead to extended stays in regional hubs like Kotzebue.
Ground transportation in the village of Ambler is extremely limited and primarily relies on local community members or pre-arranged pickups from your lodging provider. There are no traditional taxi services, Uber, or rental cars readily available at the airport, which is located about 1.5 miles north of the village center. Most residents and visitors use ATVs (four-wheelers) during the summer and snow machines in the winter to navigate the gravel road between the airstrip and the community. Bering Air typically has a local agent who coordinates arrivals and can assist with logistics, but it is vital to have a clear plan for your ground transport well in advance of your touchdown to ensure you are not left stranded at the remote airfield.
Self-sufficiency is paramount when traveling to such an isolated destination, and coordination with local providers like the Kobuk River Lodge is highly recommended. This lodge is the primary provider for both accommodation and meals in Ambler and can often assist with arranging the necessary transport from the airport. During the summer months, travel between Ambler, Shungnak, and Kobuk can also be conducted via small boats on the Kobuk River, though this is a local arrangement and not part of any formal transit system. Having a thorough understanding of your ground logistics, including pre-booked lodging and a confirmed local contact for pickup, is as critical as your flight plan when navigating the unique challenges of the Alaskan bush.
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