Jazmin Li
California is a state of dreams, with its allure of Hollywood stars, gold-flecked mountain streams, and the iconic Golden Gate. For those looking to visit this paradise on the West Coast, there are several airports to choose from, with some being more affordable than others. The cheapest airport in California, and indeed the entire United States, is San Bernardino International Airport (SBD), with an average airfare of just $98.03 in 2022. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the second-largest airport in the country, is also a very affordable option, with an average ticket price of $283 for a round trip. Other airports that offer relatively cheap flights include Oakland International Airport, John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, and Fresno-Yosemite International Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheapest airport in California | Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) |
| Cheapest airport in California for Disneyland | John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) |
| Cheapest airport in California for Napa Valley | Sonoma County Airport (STS) |
| Cheapest airport in the U.S. | San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) |
| Closest airport to Yosemite National Park | Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT) |
| Closest airport to Hollywood | Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) |
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What You'll Learn
San Bernardino International Airport (SBD)
SBD is known for its affordable fares, with passengers departing the airport in 2022 paying an average airfare of $98.03, the lowest among all U.S. airports according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Breeze Airways offers attractive fares to popular destinations, making it a preferred choice for travellers from the Inland Empire. The airline commenced operations at SBD in August 2023, providing daily flights to San Francisco International Airport. Breeze Airways also offers expanded coast-to-coast flights to Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport and one-stop service to Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut.
In addition to its low airfares, San Bernardino International Airport provides convenient amenities such as on-airport parking for only $5.00 per day and $5.00 overnight parking. The airport is easily accessible from the I-10 and I-210 freeways. For international flights, SBD is a User Fee Airport, and specific procedures must be followed for arrival and departure, including contacting the CBP during business hours for clearance.
The airport also serves as a base for United States Forest Service planes fighting forest fires. Several civilian-owned aircraft maintenance companies have occupied formerly empty hangars. San Bernardino International Airport is committed to providing a full range of aviation services, including air cargo, general aviation, and maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) businesses.
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$9.97
Oakland International Airport
The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1925 when the city of Oakland began exploring the construction of an airport. The announcement of the Dole Air Race from California to Hawaii accelerated these plans, and the airport officially became a reality in 1927. During World War II, the U.S. Armed Forces temporarily took over Oakland Airport, transforming it into a military base for flights to the Pacific islands. After the war, the airport returned to civilian use, with Western Airlines, American Airlines, and other major carriers resuming operations.
The airport has undergone significant expansion and renovation projects over the years, including a $300 million project in 2004 that added five gates to Terminal 2 and improved various airport facilities. OAK also has a variety of concession offerings for passengers looking to eat, drink, or shop during their time in the airport. With its convenient location, competitive prices, and range of flight options, Oakland International Airport is a great choice for travellers looking for a cost-effective way to explore the Bay Area.
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John Wayne Airport
The airport has three terminals (A, B, and C), each with its own ticket counters, security checkpoints, and baggage claim areas. The Arrivals level is on the lower level, with seven baggage claim belts, and the Departure level is on the upper level. The airport provides several amenities, including free high-speed Wi-Fi, USB charging stations, a nursing mother's lounge, art exhibitions, retail shops, and over 20 dining options. There are various parking options, including valet parking, and rental car services are also available on-site.
In terms of affordability, John Wayne Airport is a cheaper alternative to San Francisco International Airport for those visiting the Bay Area. The average cost of a round trip to John Wayne Airport is $299, which is lower than the booming competition for flights into LAX.
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Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
Fresno Yosemite International Airport first opened in June 1942 as Hammer Field, a military airfield, just six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to the United States' entry into World War II. The airport's name was changed from Fresno Air Terminal to Fresno Yosemite International Airport in 1996 to attract out-of-state and international visitors to Yosemite National Park. Despite the name change, scheduled international commercial flights did not begin operating in Fresno until almost a decade later.
The airport offers scheduled passenger flights to several major airline hubs in the United States and international service to Mexico. Aeroméxico and Volaris, for example, operate flights between Fresno and Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city and a major airline hub. Volaris also offers service to Morelia and León, Mexico's largest cities in Michoacán and Guanajuato states, respectively. Direct international service from Fresno commenced on April 1, 2006, and these flights are now among the busiest from the airport.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport has seen significant growth in passenger traffic, with double-digit increases every year since 2018, except in 2020 due to the pandemic. The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion project to enhance the terminal's facilities and capacity. This includes enlarging the security screening and luggage-handling areas, adding new gates, and constructing a new international arrivals facility.
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Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK)
During World War II, the U.S. Army entered into a lease agreement with the City of Stockton to build and operate an Army training facility at the airport, then known as Stockton Municipal Airport. Between 1940 and 1945, Stockton Field served as a training installation under the West Coast Training Center (later the Western Flying Training Command).
In 2015, airport officials from Stockton Metropolitan Airport signed an agreement with their counterparts from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport, promising "strategic cooperation" between the two airports. However, no air services currently exist or are planned between the two airports.
Stockton Metropolitan Airport is home to the Stockton Field Aviation Museum, a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving Stockton's aviation history, with a particular focus on WWII aviation. The airport also has dining options, including a full-service restaurant and bar, and a Subway.
While I cannot comment on whether Stockton Metropolitan Airport is one of the cheapest airports in California, it is worth noting that in 2022, the airport was listed as one of the U.S. airports with the lowest fares, with an average airfare of $98.03. Additionally, Oakland International Airport, which is located near popular tourist attractions in the Bay Area, is known for offering competitive prices on flights to California, with an average price of $299 for a round trip. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is also known for offering low-cost flights to California, with an average ticket price of $283 round trip.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheapest airport in California is San Bernardino International Airport (SBD), with an average airfare of $98.03 in 2022. Other affordable airports in California include Santa Maria, Stockton, and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR).
The cheapest airport in California to fly into when visiting Disneyland is John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA), located just 14 miles from the resort.
The closest airport to Yosemite National Park with regular flights is the Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT), located 2 hours and 30 minutes from Yosemite Valley.
