McClellan-Palomar Airport

McClellan-Palomar Airport is a true hidden gem for those who value their time and comfort. Located in the picturesque city of Carlsbad, this aviation hub serves as the perfect gateway to North County San Diego, offering an atmosphere of exclusivity and tranquillity that is often missing from major international hubs. Here, the journey begins not with queues, but with a relaxed view of private jets taking off against the backdrop of the Californian hills.

This airport is frequently chosen not only by private jet owners but also by tourists heading straight to the best golf courses, beaches, and LEGOLAND. Thanks to its compact size and focus on premium service, McClellan-Palomar allows you to feel like a VIP, even if you are flying on a standard regional flight. It is a place where the aviation romance of the 60s meets modern efficiency.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

• Speed and No Queues: Thanks to the small size of the terminal and the nature of the flights, the journey from the car park to the aircraft steps takes mere minutes. The stress typical of large airports is practically non-existent here.
• Ideal Location: The airport is located in the very heart of North County. If your destination is the resorts of Carlsbad, Oceanside, or the famous LEGOLAND California theme park, flying here will save you hours of sitting in traffic on the I-5 highway.
• Restaurant with a View: The popular restaurant The Landings operates on the premises, famous not only for its cuisine but also for its panoramic view of the runway. It is an excellent place to have a bite to eat and soak up the spirit of aviation.
• Focus on Business Aviation: McClellan-Palomar is one of the busiest single-runway airports in the USA, serving a huge number of private and corporate jets. This creates a special atmosphere of prestige and a high level of service here.
• Modern Terminal: The passenger terminal has been renovated and offers comfortable waiting areas, free Wi-Fi, and convenient navigation, making your stay here as pleasant as possible.

Below you will find contact information for McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential queries.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations can be found on the official website, which is part of the County of San Diego portal: www.sandiegocounty.gov/dpw/airports/palomar.html
• Information Desk Phone: For general questions related to airport operations, you can contact the administration by phone: +1 (760) 431-4646.
• Airport Address: 2198 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, California 92011, USA. The airport is located in the city of Carlsbad, which is part of the San Diego metropolitan area.
• Email: A direct email address for general enquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website for communication.
• Social Media: McClellan-Palomar Airport does not maintain active separate pages on social media. News and updates can be tracked on the official resources of the County of San Diego.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost items within the airport terminal, contact the administration on the phone number listed above. If your luggage was lost during the flight, you must immediately contact your airline's representative.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For questions related to tickets, flight check-in, schedules, and other airline services, please contact your air carrier's support service directly.

McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is located in the city of Carlsbad, approximately 50 kilometres north of the centre of San Diego, and predominantly serves the northern part of the county. You can get there in several ways, each of which has its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and preferences.

Public Transport is the most economical, but also the slowest option. You will need to combine different modes of transport. First, you can take the COASTER commuter train to Carlsbad Poinsettia or Carlsbad Village station. From there, you will need to transfer to a bus on the BREEZE network (for example, route 309) to reach the airport. The entire journey from central San Diego may take from 1.5 to 2 hours. This method is suitable for travellers without large luggage and with plenty of time.

Taxis and Ride-hailing Services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer the most direct and convenient way to get to the airport. The trip from central San Diego will take approximately 40-60 minutes depending on traffic conditions on the I-5 highway. This is undoubtedly the fastest, but also the most expensive option. The cost can vary significantly depending on demand and the time of day. You can also book a private transfer in advance.

Car Rental is a popular choice for moving around Southern California, known for its car-centric culture. If you have rented a car, driving to McClellan-Palomar Airport will be simple and convenient. Drive north on the I-5 highway and follow the signs. Directly at the airport, there is paid parking offering both short-term and long-term parking options, which is convenient if you are flying away for several days.

When planning your trip, please note that McClellan-Palomar is a small regional airport. The main hub for international and most domestic flights in the region is San Diego International Airport (SAN). Depending on your route, other airports in the USA and neighbouring Mexico may also be convenient: John Wayne Airport (SNA), Ontario International Airport (ONT), or even Tijuana Airport (TIJ), located just across the border.

McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is distinguished by its compactness and simplicity, making it extremely convenient for travellers. The airport operates just one passenger terminal, which serves both commercial flights and private aviation. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about complex maps and transfers between buildings — all necessary services are located in one place.

The terminal layout is intuitively understandable. The departure and arrival zones are located in close proximity to each other. Immediately after entering the building, you will see the airline check-in counters. After checking in and dropping off your luggage, you will head to a small security screening area. Since the airport serves a limited number of flights, there are practically never long queues here. The entire procedure from entering the terminal to arriving at the gate usually takes no more than 20-30 minutes, which is a huge advantage compared to major international airports.

The departure area is a cosy waiting hall with ample seating. The arrival area is also very simple: after disembarking from the aircraft, passengers immediately enter the baggage claim hall, which is just a few steps from the terminal exit. Navigating the airport will cause no difficulties — there are signs everywhere, and the small size of the building allows you to orient yourself easily, even if you are here for the first time. The main advice for travellers flying from McClellan-Palomar: enjoy the absence of the hustle and stress typical of large aviation hubs.

McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD), often referred to by locals simply as Palomar Airport, opened its doors in 1959. It was built by the County of San Diego authorities to serve the rapidly growing population of the northern part of the region. The airport received its name in honour of Gerald McClellan, a prominent public figure and proponent of aviation development. Initially, it was a small airfield for private planes, but its fortunate location predetermined its future growth and development.

A key stage in the airport's history was the beginning of the 1990s. In 1991, a new terminal building was constructed, which allowed for the launch of scheduled passenger transport. Various airlines began operating flights, connecting North County San Diego with major aviation hubs. This step transformed McClellan-Palomar from a general aviation airfield into an important transport facility serving both business travellers and tourists.

The next wave of modernisation occurred in the 2000s. In 2009, a modern passenger terminal with an area of over 2,600 square metres was opened, significantly increasing comfort and capacity. There have also been dramatic moments in the airport's history: during major wildfires, such as the "Cedar" fire in 2003 and "Witch Creek" in 2007, McClellan-Palomar served as a critically important base for firefighting aviation, coordinating the sorties of helicopters and tanker aircraft to fight the fire.

Today, McClellan-Palomar is one of the busiest single-runway airports in the USA, specialising mainly in corporate and private aviation. Although commercial flights periodically appear and disappear from its schedule, the airport remains a significant economic engine for the northern part of San Diego County. It serves as a convenient aerial gateway for those who value speed, comfort, and privacy in their travels.

McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is a regional airport that predominantly serves private aviation and a small number of commercial flights. Located in the city of Carlsbad, near San Diego, it offers a compact but sufficient range of services for a comfortable journey.

The restaurant The Landings at Palomar Airport operates on the airport grounds, where you can pleasantly spend time over lunch while watching the planes. Vending machines are provided for a quick snack. The selection of shops here is small, so it is better to plan shopping in the city. Passengers can make use of free Wi-Fi and gadget charging stations.

There are no specialised bank branches or currency exchange points within the terminal. It is recommended to arrange for cash in advance or find an ATM in Carlsbad. A barrier-free environment has been created for passengers with disabilities in accordance with USA standards, and families with small children can use the mother and child rooms. It is important to know that there is no medical point at the airport. In an emergency, you should immediately contact any staff member or call 911.

Since the airport is oriented towards private aviation, several FBOs (Fixed-Base Operators) operate here. They provide exclusive services for their clients, including private lounges, business services, and transfer organisation. There are no hotels directly on the premises, but there are many accommodation options in the immediate vicinity in Carlsbad. Public conference rooms are absent in the terminal, however, such services may be available through FBOs for private clients.

McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is a compact and convenient aviation hub, so dining options here are concentrated in one main establishment. Passengers should plan their meals in advance, taking into account the location of the café and restaurant.

The main place where you can have a full meal is the restaurant The Landings at Palomar Airport. It offers visitors not only a varied menu but also an excellent view of the runway, making waiting for a flight more pleasant. Here you can order classic American and Californian dishes: from hearty burgers and sandwiches to fresh salads and appetisers. It is an ideal place for a leisurely breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Key point: the restaurant is located before the security checkpoint (landside), in the main terminal building. This means that if you want to have a substantial meal, it is better to do so before passing through security control. After security (airside), dining opportunities are extremely limited and typically consist of vending machines with drinks, crisps, and other snacks.

For passengers with special dietary needs, for example, vegetarians, salads or vegetable side dishes can usually be found on The Landings menu. However, specialized vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes may be unavailable. It is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff or, in case of strict restrictions, bring food with you. The price range in the restaurant is average for airports, and opening hours usually cover the time until the last flights depart.

Thus, for a full lunch, it is worth visiting The Landings before passing through security, and for a quick snack once in the departure zone, you can use the machines. Plan your time accordingly so that your journey is as comfortable as possible.

To ensure your journey through McClellan-Palomar Airport in San Diego, USA, goes as smoothly as possible, make use of these helpful tips. This airport is smaller and quieter than the city's main international airport, making it more convenient for certain flights.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient, as the queues here are significantly shorter. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight in advance and save the boarding pass on your smartphone. Check-in counters and baggage drop-off points close approximately 45 minutes before departure.

Passing Security Control. Although security control at McClellan-Palomar usually proceeds faster than at major hubs, the rules remain standard (TSA). Be prepared to remove outer clothing and take laptops and liquids out of your carry-on luggage. Liquids must be in containers up to 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag.

Carry-on Luggage. It is forbidden to take sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in carry-on luggage. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 rule: containers no larger than 100 ml (3.4 oz), packed in a single transparent resealable bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre.

Seat Selection on the Plane. If you have the opportunity to choose a seat during check-in, consider your preferences. Window seats will offer beautiful views of the California coast during take-off or landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and the ability to leave the cabin quickly upon arrival.

Passengers with Connections. McClellan-Palomar Airport mainly serves direct flights and is not a major transfer hub. If your route starts here, but a connection awaits you at another, larger airport, study its map in advance and calculate the time needed to transfer between terminals.

Customs Control. It is important to know that McClellan-Palomar Airport does not serve scheduled international commercial flights. Therefore, there are no customs and immigration control counters for passengers here. If you are flying to another country, you will go through all border formalities at the main international airport from which your flight operates.

Saving Time and Money. Book parking or a transfer in advance to avoid unnecessary expenses. Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security control, and light snacks, as the choice of cafés in the small terminal may be limited.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for up-to-date information. Clarify your rights as a passenger — in some cases, you may be entitled to vouchers for food or drinks. Use apps to track flight status and the Wi-Fi in the terminal to stay connected.