Del Norte County Regional Airport

Del Norte County Regional Airport (Del Norte County Regional Airport) is not just an air hub, but your gateway to the world of giant sequoias and the rugged coast of Northern California. Located in the city of Crescent City, this small and cosy airport is the ideal starting point for travellers eager to explore the famous Redwood National Parks. Forget the hustle of major hubs — here, your adventure into the wilderness of the USA begins from the very first minutes after landing.

The main advantage of the airport is its strategic location. It is situated just a few minutes' drive from the Pacific coast and is the nearest airport to Redwood National Park, making it indispensable for tourists. Being a small regional airport, it offers passengers fast and comfortable service without the long queues and stress typical of metropolises.

Despite its compact size, the airport has everything necessary to start your journey. There are car rental desks here, which is critically important for exploring the vast territories of the parks and the coast. The main carrier operating regular flights is Contour Airlines, which connects Crescent City with major hubs such as Oakland. This makes travelling to this remote but incredibly beautiful corner of California convenient and accessible.

To contact the administration and services of Del Norte County Regional Airport (CEC), you can use the following contact details:

• Official Website: Current information about the airport, flight schedules, and services is best found on the official Del Norte County website, in the section dedicated to the airport (Del Norte County Regional Airport).
• Information Desk Phone: For general questions related to terminal operations, you can contact the airport administration by phone: +1 (707) 464-7288.
• Airport Address: 1650 Dale Rupert Rd, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA.
• Email: For general inquiries and appeals to the airport administration, you can use the email: airports@co.del-norte.ca.us.
• Social Media: Small regional airports do not always have active social media pages. It is recommended to check for links on the official website.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should contact the representative of your airline directly. For items left in the terminal building, contact the main airport phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Issues related to tickets, flight check-in, cancellations, or flight delays are resolved by your airline. For information about services in the terminal (parking, amenities), use the airport administration phone number.

Getting to Del Norte County Regional Airport (CEC) from the city centre of Crescent City in the USA is quite simple thanks to its close proximity. The trip usually takes no more than 5-10 minutes by car. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose one of several convenient methods.

Taxis and Transfers are the fastest and most convenient option. Local taxi services operate in the city and will take you to the airport for a fixed fare or by meter. The cost of the trip is moderate considering the short distance. You can also use ridesharing apps like Uber or Lyft if they are available in the region at the time of your trip. For greater comfort, you can book a private transfer in advance, which is especially convenient for travellers with a lot of luggage.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly way. The local bus system, Redwood Coast Transit (RCT), serves Del Norte County and may have routes passing near the airport. This option is ideally suited for economical travellers without heavy luggage. It is recommended to check the current schedule and routes on the carrier's official website in advance, as the frequency of buses may be limited.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning to explore the picturesque surroundings, including the famous Redwood National Parks. You can rent a car both in the city itself and directly at the airport upon arrival. The road to the airport is simple and intuitive. This method gives maximum freedom of movement during your journey.

For those arriving in their own vehicle, parking is provided on the airport territory. Usually, both short-term and long-term parking options are available at reasonable prices. This is a safe and convenient way to leave your car for the duration of your absence.

Del Norte County Regional Airport (CEC) is a small and compact airport, which makes navigating it extremely simple and convenient for passengers. You won't have to worry about long walks or complicated layouts.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which serves all flights — both arrivals and departures. Thanks to this, there is no need to transfer between terminals, and all infrastructure is located in one building. The terminal layout is very simple: upon entering, you will immediately see the check-in counters and the baggage drop-off area.

The departure zone and arrival zone are located in close proximity to each other. After check-in, passengers pass through the single security checkpoint and enter a small waiting hall with a boarding gate. The arrival zone includes a baggage claim belt, which is located near the main entrance/exit of the terminal.

Registration and security procedures at CEC airport generally take place very quickly due to the low passenger flow. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before your flight departure to go through all formalities without rushing. It is practically impossible to get lost here, as all key zones — from check-in counters to the boarding gate — are within sight.

The history of Del Norte County Regional Airport (CEC), also known as Jack McNamara Field, is closely linked to events of the 20th century. Its creation was dictated by wartime needs: the airport was built by the Army Air Forces of the USA and opened in 1942 under the name "Crescent City Landing Strip". Its main task during World War II was patrolling the coast to protect against enemy submarines.

After the war ended, in 1946, the military facility was transferred to civilian use and became the property of Del Norte County, receiving its modern name. This transition marked a new stage in the airport's development — it turned into an important transport hub for the isolated region. Since then, the airport has served as a vital link for the residents of Crescent City and the surrounding areas, providing both passenger and cargo transportation.

One of the significant events in the airport's recent history was its role during the aftermath of the 2011 tsunami, which caused serious damage to the city harbour. The airport became a key centre for coordinating rescue services, receiving humanitarian aid, and evacuation, once again proving its strategic importance for the region's safety.

Throughout its history, the airport has repeatedly undergone modernization to meet modern aviation standards. Reconstructions of runways, taxiways, and navigation equipment have been carried out. These improvements are aimed at increasing flight safety and the quality of service for passengers travelling to the famous Redwood National Parks located nearby.

Interesting fact: despite its modest size, the airport has played a significant role in the development of local tourism. It serves as the air gateway for thousands of visitors coming to admire the tallest trees in the world. Thus, the former military airstrip has turned into an indispensable infrastructure object that supports the economy and ensures connection with the outside world for the entire county.

Del Norte County Regional Airport (CEC) is a small and compact airport serving the city of Crescent City and its surroundings. The range of services here is focused on providing basic comfort for passengers departing and arriving on local flights. It is important to understand that the infrastructure here is not as extensive as in major international hubs.

In the airport terminal, you will find everything necessary for waiting comfortably for your flight. Dining is represented by a small café-restaurant, where you can have a snack or drink coffee before your flight. Shopping areas and duty-free shops are absent. A general waiting hall is provided for passenger rest. Specialized VIP halls or business lounges are not available at the airport.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Also, there are power outlets in the waiting hall for charging electronic devices. Banking services and currency exchange points are absent at the airport, as it primarily serves domestic flights. It is recommended to take care of cash exchange in advance. An ATM may be installed in the terminal for cash withdrawals.

The airport is fully equipped to serve passengers with disabilities in accordance with accessibility standards, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Airlines provide assistance with boarding and disembarking. There are no specialized play areas for passengers with children, but standard amenities are available, including changing tables in the restrooms. There is no permanent medical station, but in emergencies, airport staff will provide first aid and call emergency services.

There are no hotels on the airport territory, but many accommodation options can be found in Crescent City itself, which is just a few minutes' drive away. Specialized conference rooms or business centres are not provided at CEC airport.

Passengers flying through Del Norte County Regional Airport (CEC) should take into account that this is a small and cosy aviation hub. Unlike large international hubs, there are no massive food courts or numerous restaurants in different terminals here. The airport consists of one compact terminal, which makes navigation simple but limits the choice of gastronomic services.

On the terminal premises, dining options are mainly represented by vending machines. They are located in the waiting area and are available both before and after passing security. Here you can purchase:

• Soft drinks and bottled water.
• Hot coffee (automated preparation).
• Light snacks: crisps, chocolate bars, biscuits, and nuts.

For those who prefer a full lunch or dinner, the best solution would be to eat in the city of Crescent City before arriving at the airport. The city centre is just a few minutes' drive away (approximately 5–10 minutes). In local establishments, it is worth trying the seafood, as the region is famous for fresh marine produce, especially Dungeness crabs (in season) and thick clam chowder soups.

Regarding dietary nutrition (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halal), one should not count on a wide choice at the airport itself. The assortment in vending machines may contain only basic snacks that do not always meet strict dietary requirements. Travellers with special food preferences are strongly recommended to bring a snack with them.

The average price range for items in the machines is standard for the US ($2–$5 for a drink or snack). The terminal's operating hours are adjusted to the flight schedule, so access to the machines is always available when the airport is open to passengers. We recommend planning your time to enjoy local cuisine in the city, and limiting yourself to just coffee or water at the airport before departure.

Travelling through a small regional airport, such as Del Norte County Regional Airport in Crescent City, usually proceeds more calmly than in major hubs. To ensure your trip starts smoothly, take advantage of our tips.

Arrival and Check-in. For domestic flights within the USA, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. Del Norte County Airport is small, so queues for check-in and security are usually shorter. To save time, check in online on your airline's website and save the boarding pass on your phone.

Security Control and Luggage. Security checkpoints here operate according to standard TSA rules. Remember the restriction on carrying liquids in hand luggage: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in one transparent bag. Sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited. Since the airport serves only domestic flights, there is no need to pass through customs and passport control.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If you want to enjoy views of the coast or forests during takeoff, choose a window seat. An aisle seat is more convenient if you need to get up during the flight. Note that flights from this airport usually arrive in larger cities, where transfers to subsequent flights take place. Study the layout of the arrival airport in advance and allow enough time for the connection.

Savings and Unforeseen Situations. To save money, book tickets in advance and check your airline's baggage allowance to avoid extra charges. In a small airport, there may be a limited selection of food and drinks, so bring a light snack and an empty water bottle that can be filled after security. In case of a flight delay, contact an airline representative for information on further actions. It is useful to have a portable charger and a book or tablet with you to pass the waiting time.