img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}We at Travel Off Path nearly broke the internet last year by revealing San Diego indeed has a second airport back in business for commercial air travel.
Many of our readers chimed in with their excitement (and concerns) regarding American Airlines’ groundbreaking flight to/from Phoenix.
Taking my Journalist hat off for a moment, as a San Diegan myself, I questioned if a secondary airport would be feasible long-term as many SoCal travelers have discovered the Tijuana loophole.
But, I, as well as many others, stand corrected today as it was just announced United Airlines is set to be the second commercial airline taking off from McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) in Carlsbad, and there are some undeniable plusses now that 2 major airlines are anchoring the sole airport of San Diego’s North County.
2 Major Airlines Now Serve California’s Strangest Airport
Carlsbad’s McClellan-Palomar Airport, easily accessible from I-5, holds an undeniably bizarre history.
What’s been mostly an airport for private use, there have been spurts of success in its oddball timeline that have been quite useful for travelers, though it never seems to stick…
Since it’s been well over a year from the time we revealed Carlsbad’s comeback, recent news that this underrated beach town has surged to the point of being on United’s radar is the biggest promise in years its here to stay.
United hasn’t operated from CLD in a little over a decade, last serving a direct route to LAX for those us preferring the fly over gridlock traffic to reach one of America’s busiest airports in Spring 2015.
Since then, the airport has been more of a circus than a reliable source for travelers.
One local billionaire failed to keep little-known California Pacific Airlines off the tarmac, and the only other attempt has been JSX and Advanced Air, both charters that are still going strong by all accounts.
In summary: charter carriers JSX and Advanced Air (seasonally), and major carriers, American, and now United, all serve CLD.
Call It A Comeback: United Returns After Decade-Long Absence
American serves Phoenix a major hub in their network, and the same can be said for Denver in regard to United as it’s actually the airline’s fastest growing hub.
Denver is the big winner for United’s exciting return to San Diego County’s paradisal beach towns. As such, this makes United California’s most connected airline in the entire state.
Tickets are already on sale for the first-ever nonstop route from Denver to Carlsbad. The schedule is currently slated for twice-daily service beginning March 30, 2026, which just so happens to be one of the best times of the year to visit.
No, not because of Spring Break, but because one of California’s most photo-worthy attractions will be in full bloom.
That’s right — as gorgeous as Carlsbad’s (and neighboring towns’) beaches may be, the top attraction for Carlsbad is actually the kaleidoscopic Flower Fields.
Does CLD Expansion Help Avoid LA & Tijuana?
When Tijuana opened up an exclusive border crossing (CBX) for airport use, it was a lot more beneficial back then than it is now from a costs perspective.
Back when the CBX was a barren lot with no parking fees and seasonal upcharges, travelers didn’t have to think twice about whether to fly out of San Diego or LA as the next best options to vacation south of the border.
Nowadays, you can easily spend triple digits before passing customs.
It’s been well-documented that San Diego International Airport (SAN) just opened a brand new Terminal 1 after a long awaited debut.
Though the space is much nicer and traffic seems to flow better, one issue not addressed is the lack of international flights.
There are only 5 international airlines operating out of San Diego:
Hence many San Diegans are forced to brave the snail’s pace drive to LAX, or head to the border, depending on your final destination.
With the addition of 2 major airlines serving CLD now connecting to a pair of popular hubs (Phoenix and Denver), those who live closer to Carlsbad now have more options to vacation internationally with just one layover.
For example, Denver welcomed 2 awesome international routes via United this year:
- Frankfurt, Germany (FRA)
- Rome, Italy (FCO)
Why Visit Carlsbad?
Most visitors who plan a trip to San Diego don’t make it all the way up to Carlsbad, which lies roughly 35 minutes north of the downtown if you beat rush hour.
But Carlsbad is no snoozefest like some other hidden gems along the coast. Home to one of my favorite resorts for a staycation Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa and on-site restaurant Ember & Rye, a mouthwatering steakhouse ‘of sorts’ backed by celebrity chef Richard Blais, if you can swing the price, I can’t recommend it enough.
For the kiddos, a great Disneyland alternative is LegoLand, an amusement park and hotel perfect for a weekend getaway.
One of my favorite places to visit along the beach is Carlsbad Village. Here, you’ll find seaside cafes, more resorts, vibrant murals, and seafood shacks — and it’s often less crowded than San Diego proper, including lagoons and beautiful beaches stretching for 7 miles.
Sam SearsSam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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