McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
Carlsbad, US 🇺🇸 Medium Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
KCRQ
IATA
CLD
Elevation
331 ft
Region
US-CA
Local Time
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GPS Code: KCRQ
Local Code: CRQ
Location: 33.1283° N, -117.279999° E
Continent: North America
Type: Medium Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
McClellan-Palomar Airport (KCRQ/CLD) in Carlsbad, US, generally receives positive feedback from travelers, particularly regarding its efficiency in check-in and security processes. While the overall sentiment leans positive, traveler satisfaction with terminal amenities like dining and Wi-Fi is moderate to low. The airport serves as a convenient regional hub for Northern San Diego County.
What Travelers Love
- Efficient Check-in and Security: Travelers report high satisfaction with the check-in (100%) and security check (100%) processes, indicating a smooth and quick experience. Current average TSA checkpoint wait times are approximately 8 minutes, with immigration at 7 minutes.
- Convenient Access: Getting to the airport is highly rated (87% satisfaction), suggesting good accessibility.
- Parking Options: The airport offers reasonably priced 30-day parking at $7.00 per day, payable by card. Additionally, free 2-hour, 4-hour, and all-day parking (no overnight) is available.
- Expanding Commercial Service: The airport has seen recent and upcoming additions of commercial flights, including American Airlines service to Phoenix, JSX to Las Vegas and Phoenix, Advanced Air to Mammoth Lakes and Taos, and United Airlines flights to Denver and San Francisco starting in March 2026.
Common Complaints
- Limited Terminal Facilities and Amenities: Traveler satisfaction with terminal facilities (73%), lounge (64%), WiFi (55%), and food and retail services (48%) is lower compared to operational aspects.
- Variable Security Wait Times: While often short, some reports indicate security wait times could reach up to 25 minutes.
- Parking Restrictions for Larger Aircraft: Transient parking is limited to smaller single and twin-engine aircraft with wingspans under 38 feet, and no jet aircraft parking is permitted in transient parking areas.
- Noise Abatement Procedures: The airport has noise abatement procedures and voluntary curfews for jets (22:00-07:00 local) and props (00:00-06:00 local), which may impact operations or training.
McClellan-Palomar Airport is well-regarded for its operational efficiency and ease of access, making it a convenient option for regional travel. However, travelers should anticipate more basic amenities within the terminal and be aware of potential parking limitations for larger or transient aircraft.
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Airport Routes
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) offers 555 flight routes operated by 9 airlines. Major carriers include NetJets Aviation, Jsx, Envoy Air and others. Popular destinations from Carlsbad include Harry Reid Intl, John Wayne, Santa Barbara Muni, San Jose Int'l and Scottsdale.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- Harry Reid Intl (LAS) new
- Scottsdale (SCF) new
- Mammoth Yosemite (MMH) new
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) new
- Taos Rgnl (TSM) new
- Oakland Intl (OAK) new
- Van Nuys (VNY) new
- Phoenix Deer Valley (DVT) new
- Tucson Intl (TUS) new
- San Jose Int'l (SJC) new
- Rifle Garfield County (RIL) new
- Palm Springs Intl (PSP) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at McClellan-Palomar AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
NetJets Aviation
EJA
/ 1I
|
129 | 389 | 129 | Jan 2, 2026 |
Jsx
JSX
/ XE
|
6 | 348 | 6 | Jan 29, 2026 |
Envoy Air
ENY
/ MQ
|
1 | 225 | 1 | Jan 29, 2026 |
|
Flexjet
LXJ
|
41 | 63 | 41 | Jan 2, 2026 |
|
Advanced Air
WSN
/ AN
|
6 | 26 | 6 | Jan 29, 2026 |
|
Baker Aviation,
KOW
|
17 | 20 | 17 | Dec 29, 2025 |
|
FlyExclusive
JRE
|
14 | 17 | 14 | Dec 29, 2025 |
|
Vista America
VJA
|
12 | 14 | 12 | Dec 28, 2025 |
| 11 | 12 | 11 | Dec 9, 2025 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
06/24 |
4897 ft | 150 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| A/D | SOCAL APP/DEP | 127.3 MHz |
| ATIS | ATIS | 120.15 MHz |
| CLD | CLNC DEL | 134.85 MHz |
| CTAF | CTAF | 118.6 MHz |
| GND | GND | 121.8 MHz |
| RDO | SAN DIEGO RDO | 115.3 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 118.6 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are available at a designated stand outside the main terminal building. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also operate at the airport for passenger pick-ups and drop-offs.
Rental Cars
Several major car rental companies have counters located directly within the airport terminal, across from the baggage claim area. On-site agencies include Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz. It is recommended to book in advance.
Public Transportation
The North County Transit District (NCTD) provides BREEZE bus service. Route 309 connects the airport area to the Carlsbad Poinsettia COASTER Station, which offers commuter rail service south to downtown San Diego and north to Oceanside.
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External Links & Resources
Official Resources
Public Transportation