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 operator. These flights are crucial for linking Ambler with larger regional centers like Kotzebue (OTZ) and, occasionally, Shungnak (SHG). Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport serves as the main hub from which most flights to Ambler originate, providing essential connections to Anchorage and other Alaskan cities. This ensures vital access for supplies and personnel to the remote community.\n\nTravel to Ambler is highly dependent on weather conditions and daylight hours. Flights are often subject to delays or cancellations due to adverse weather, including snow, fog, or high winds, which are common in arctic Alaska. It is crucial to maintain flexible travel plans and to confirm your flight status directly with Bering Air or your charter operator. There are no inter-airline baggage transfer services; all luggage is handled manually upon arrival and departure. Always prepare for the unexpected in this challenging environment.\n\nGround transportation in Ambler is limited and primarily relies on local community members or pre-arranged pickups. There are no taxis or rental cars readily available at the airport. Given the extreme conditions and isolation, self-sufficiency is paramount. It is vital to coordinate all onward travel details, including accommodation and local transport, well in advance of your arrival. Having a clear plan for your ground logistics is as important as your flight plan when traveling to such a remote destination.
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