Bakersfield, California, while a vibrant city, doesn't boast a major international airport. This can pose challenges for travelers, especially those needing extensive flight options or aiming to avoid potential delays. Fortunately, several viable alternatives exist, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right option depends heavily on your specific needs and priorities, such as travel time, cost, and the frequency of flights to your destination. This comprehensive guide explores the best alternatives to Bakersfield's Meadows Field Airport (BFL) and helps you decide which one best suits your travel plans.
Why Consider Bakersfield Airport Alternatives?
Meadows Field Airport (BFL) serves its purpose for local and regional flights, but its limited service can prove frustrating for travelers with more extensive needs. Many passengers find themselves needing to explore alternatives to gain access to a wider range of destinations and airlines, potentially saving them time and money in the long run. The smaller size of BFL also means fewer amenities and potentially longer security lines during peak travel times.
What are the Closest Airports to Bakersfield?
Several airports within driving distance provide a broader selection of flights and airlines:
1. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
LAX is a major international airport offering flights to destinations worldwide. It's a significant upgrade in terms of flight options and airline choices, but the trade-off is a longer drive—approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Bakersfield, depending on traffic. This is the most common alternative for Bakersfield residents needing international flights or a wider variety of domestic destinations.
Pros: Extensive flight options, numerous airlines, amenities, and services.
Cons: Significant travel time from Bakersfield; potential for heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
2. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR):
A more convenient option than LAX for some, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) offers a shorter drive from Bakersfield (approximately 2 hours depending on traffic). While it doesn't offer the same breadth of international connections as LAX, it has a decent selection of domestic flights and is generally less congested than LAX.
Pros: Shorter drive than LAX, less congested than LAX, often more affordable parking.
Cons: Fewer flight options compared to LAX; fewer amenities than LAX.
3. Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT):
Located closer to Bakersfield than LAX or BUR, Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) offers a more manageable drive (around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic). While still smaller than LAX, FAT has a more extensive selection of flights than BFL.
Pros: Closer proximity to Bakersfield, reasonable flight options.
Cons: Fewer flight choices compared to LAX or even BUR.
Which Airport is Best for Me?
The "best" airport depends entirely on your specific circumstances:
- For International Flights or Extensive Domestic Options: LAX is the clear winner, despite the longer travel time.
- For a Balance of Convenience and Flight Choices: BUR offers a good compromise between travel time and available flights.
- For a Shorter Drive and Adequate Flight Options (primarily domestic): FAT provides a suitable middle ground.
- For budget-conscious travelers: BUR often offers more affordable parking options, although this can vary depending on the time of year and demand.
How Much Does it Cost to Get to These Airports?
The cost to get to alternative airports from Bakersfield depends primarily on your chosen method of transportation:
- Driving: Gas costs will vary depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices. Consider factoring in potential tolls, depending on the route chosen.
- Ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft): These services offer convenience, but the cost can be significantly higher than driving yourself, particularly for LAX.
- Public Transportation: Limited public transportation options exist for these long distances.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Airport? (Addressing PAA questions implicitly)
This question is addressed throughout the article by comparing and contrasting each airport's pros and cons.
Is it cheaper to fly out of a different airport?
The cost of flights is heavily dependent on the specific route, time of year, and booking time. While smaller airports might sometimes offer cheaper flights, larger hubs like LAX frequently have competitive pricing, particularly due to their high volume of travelers. It's always best to compare prices across all airports before committing to a flight.
Conclusion
Choosing the right airport for your journey from Bakersfield requires careful consideration. By evaluating your specific needs – flight options, budget, and travel time tolerance – you can select the most efficient and convenient airport for your next trip. Remember to compare flight prices and account for transportation costs when making your decision. This will help ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
