If you’re hoping to fly internationally out of Bakersfield, California, your choices are a bit limited but pretty straightforward. The main international airlines serving Meadows Field Airport are American Airlines and United Airlines, offering connections through their global partners.
The airport doesn’t have many direct international flights. Still, these carriers connect you to major hubs, opening up the world.
You can book with other international airlines by connecting through cities served by Bakersfield’s main carriers. That means you’re not stuck—there are plenty of international destinations within reach if you don’t mind a stop or two.
It’s honestly kind of nice not having to trek to LAX every time you want to go abroad. If you know how to navigate your options, you can save yourself some hassle.
With a smaller airport like Meadows Field, you get less chaos and easier access. Just make sure to check flights and deals ahead of time, since choices can be a little sparse.
Key Takeaways
- Bakersfield Airport mainly connects to international flights through American and United Airlines.
- You can reach many international destinations with connections from Bakersfield.
- Planning ahead helps you find the best flights and make travel easier.
Top International Airlines Serving Bakersfield California Airport
You’ll find a few international airlines that connect Bakersfield Airport to major cities across the globe. These airlines usually offer reliable schedules and decent ticket prices.
On-time performance is generally good, which is a relief if you’ve got tight connections.
Air Canada
Air Canada offers flights from Bakersfield that link you to its Canadian hubs. From there, you can get to destinations all over North America and beyond.
The airline is usually pretty solid for on-time arrivals—helpful if you’re worried about missing connections. If you check their flight calendar regularly, you might even snag a deal.
Their service is standard, with options to upgrade if you want a little more comfort. Connections through Canadian airports are usually smooth enough.
Air France
Air France runs international routes through its Paris hub. There aren’t direct flights to Paris from Bakersfield, but you can connect through partners or nearby airports.
If you’re aiming for Europe, this is a good way to get there without too many layovers. Off-peak seasons are your best bet for cheaper tickets.
The airline tends to focus on customer comfort, and baggage allowance is competitive. Inflight features are what you’d expect from a major carrier.
ANA
All Nippon Airways (ANA) is a big player for trips to Japan and Asia, with Tokyo as the main hub. Bakersfield doesn’t have direct ANA flights, but you can get there through partner airlines.
ANA’s ticket options and flight calendar can help you find affordable routes if you’re heading to Asia. Their on-time record and inflight service both get good marks.
If you need to transfer through a larger airport, ANA is worth considering.
China Eastern Airlines
China Eastern Airlines connects you to China and other parts of Asia from major hubs. Direct flights from Bakersfield aren’t available, but you can book connecting flights through other airports.
This airline often has solid prices on international tickets and a decent onboard experience. If you’re heading to China or elsewhere in Asia, it’s a practical choice when combined with a short hop from Bakersfield.
Flight Routes and Destinations
From Bakersfield, you can book both direct and connecting flights. The destinations you can reach really depend on the airline and what routes are available at the time.
Sometimes a nearby airport can open up more international options.
Direct and Indirect Flight Options
Meadows Field Airport (BFL) offers direct flights to cities like San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas Fort Worth. These are mostly covered by United and American Airlines.
For international trips, you’ll usually connect through a bigger hub like San Francisco (SFO). That opens up a lot more global cities.
Indirect flights mean a stop at a major airport before heading abroad. You can reach places like Paris, Munich, Rome, or San Juan this way.
Checking your travel dates against flight calendars is a smart move for finding deals.
Popular International Destinations
There are no direct international flights from Bakersfield, but you can easily connect to major cities through nearby hubs. Paris, Munich, and Rome are all popular picks from San Francisco.
A lot of travelers use San Francisco for international departures because of its nonstop options. San Juan is a common gateway for Caribbean trips.
Usually, you’ll combine a short domestic flight with a longer international leg. Planning ahead helps you score better deals and flight times.
Nearby Airports for International Travel
If you want more international flight choices, look at airports like Los Angeles International (LAX) and San Francisco International (SFO). Both have loads of nonstop flights worldwide, including to Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Portland International Airport (PDX) is another option if you don’t mind driving a bit further. These bigger airports give you more flexibility with dates and airlines.
A lot of people start at Bakersfield, then connect through these larger airports for international flights.
How to Find the Best Flight Deals from Bakersfield
Getting the best deals out of Bakersfield mostly comes down to smart booking, comparing travel providers, and watching out for sneaky extra costs. If you know where to look, you can save a surprising amount.
Booking Tips and Price Alerts
Book your tickets early—prices almost always climb as the departure date approaches. Tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights let you set up price alerts so you’ll know when fares drop.
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, that helps a lot. Weekdays or off-peak hours are usually cheaper.
Round-trip tickets often cost less than one-way, so keep an eye on return options. Airlines sometimes offer deals on premium economy or even business class if you’re lucky.
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Comparing Travel Providers
Not every travel provider offers the same price or perks. Use comparison sites like Kayak or Expedia to see what’s out there.
Check which airlines actually fly out of Meadows Field. American and United might have different prices on their own sites compared to third-party sites.
Sometimes booking directly with the airline gives you better support if you need to make changes. It’s worth double-checking before you buy.
Hidden Fees and Additional Costs
When you find a cheap flight, make sure the price includes all the fees. Some airlines tack on charges for baggage, seat selection, or even meals.
Read the fine print before you hit “buy.” Hidden fees often pop up just before payment.
Look at the total cost, not just the base fare. This goes for economy, premium economy, and business class. Knowing the real price up front helps you avoid ugly surprises.
Travel Planning and Amenities at Bakersfield California Airport
Planning your trip from Bakersfield Airport? There are a few things that can make your travel day easier, like transportation, nearby hotels, and airport services.
Car Hire and Transportation
You’ll find several car hire agencies at Bakersfield Airport, offering a range of vehicles. Renting a car makes it easy to explore the area.
Ground transportation includes taxis, rideshares like Uber and Lyft, and airport shuttles. If you prefer public transit, local buses connect the airport to the city.
Parking is straightforward, with both short-term and long-term options at reasonable rates. It’s convenient if you’re leaving your car while you travel.
Accommodation Near the Airport
There are plenty of hotels within a short drive of Bakersfield Airport. Most offer free shuttles, which is a nice bonus.
You can pick from budget, mid-range, or more upscale hotels, depending on your style and how close you want to be. Staying near the airport is a good idea if you’ve got an early flight or late arrival.
It definitely cuts down on stress and gives you a little more control over your schedule.
Airport Services and Facilities
Bakersfield Airport gives you the basics: free Wi-Fi and restrooms that are, honestly, pretty clean. The ticket counters open early and don’t close until the evening, so you’ve got some wiggle room for check-in.
Food choices? Not great. You might want to toss a snack in your bag just in case.
There are some seating areas if you need to hang out before your flight. They’re comfortable enough for a quick wait.
If you need a hand, staff hang out at the counters and info desks. The place is laid out simply, and the signs make it tough to get lost.