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If you’re hoping to fly internationally from Glendale, California, you’ll want to know which airlines are actually worth your time. Glendale itself is mostly served by smaller airports, but Hollywood Burbank Airport nearby makes international travel a bit easier.
The best international airlines near Glendale provide reliable service with easy access, making your trip smoother from start to finish.
A lot of travelers pick Hollywood Burbank Airport because it’s close and offers connections through major carriers. You can get to international destinations either directly or by hopping onto a partner airline.
If you’re open to it, you might want to look at flights out of Los Angeles International Airport too. LAX has a much bigger selection of direct international routes.
Key Takeways
- Knowing nearby airports helps you find better international flight options.
- Selecting airlines with good connections improves your travel experience.
- Booking smartly saves time and money on your trip.
Top International Airlines Serving Glendale California Airport
Glendale Airport is mostly for smaller commercial and private flights, so you’ll usually connect through bigger airports for international trips. Still, you can find some solid airlines nearby that’ll get you where you want to go.
List of Leading Carriers
Glendale Airport itself doesn’t have many airline options, but Hollywood Burbank and LAX are your best bets for international flights. Big names like Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines run international routes from these hubs.
You can also catch Spirit Airlines and Southwest Airlines from the San Fernando Valley for nearby domestic flights. Those can connect you to global carriers, and they’re usually more budget-friendly if you don’t mind an extra stop.
Comparison of Service Quality
Delta Air Lines is usually a safe bet for consistent international service, especially out of LAX. American Airlines covers a wide network, though service can be hit or miss.
Alaska Airlines gets points for friendly staff and reliability, mainly when you’re connecting through Hollywood Burbank. Budget airlines like Spirit cut costs but also cut back on amenities—sometimes those extra fees sneak up on you.
Your pick depends on whether you’re after savings or comfort. Sometimes you just want the cheapest flight, but other times, a little extra legroom is worth it.
Direct and Connecting International Routes
Glendale Airport doesn’t have direct international flights, but Hollywood Burbank and LAX are both within an hour’s drive. From there, you can fly straight to places like Mexico, Canada, Europe, or Asia.
Connecting flights are also an option, with big hubs like Dallas, Atlanta, or Phoenix opening up even more destinations. Think about your total travel time and how much you care about layovers.
Booking International Flights from Glendale
Booking international flights from Glendale takes a bit of planning. You’ll want to choose the right platforms, watch out for sneaky fees, and use some basic tricks to get better prices.
Best Booking Platforms and Tools
Trusted online tools are your friend here. Skyscanner is great for comparing prices across a bunch of airlines. You can set a price alert and get pinged when fares drop.
Expedia and KAYAK are handy too—they let you filter by duration, stops, or price. But don’t forget to check the airline’s official site before you buy—sometimes you’ll find a better deal there.
Mobile apps make it easier to keep tabs on prices and grab a deal before it’s gone. I’d say it’s worth downloading one or two.
Avoiding Hidden Fees and Extra Charges
It’s easy to get tripped up by fees. Some airlines tack on charges for bags, seat selection, or even certain payment methods.
Double-check the fee breakdown before you hit “pay.” Look for notes about extra charges like “baggage fees” or “booking fees.”
If the website isn’t clear, don’t be shy—reach out to customer service. Packing light helps dodge checked bag fees, and picking a seat that’s already included can save a few bucks too.
If you’re booking through an international site, keep an eye on currency conversions. Sometimes those little differences add up.
Tips for Finding Cheap International Flights
Start searching early and keep your travel dates loose if you can. Prices jump around depending on the day and time.
Set up price alerts so you’re the first to know when fares drop. Sometimes booking on a Tuesday or Wednesday really does save you money.
Don’t rule out nearby airports or connecting flights. Burbank and LAX often have better deals than Glendale.
Sign up for airline newsletters or alerts from booking sites. You’ll catch sales and special promotions that way.
Weigh the pros and cons of direct versus connecting flights. A longer trip might save you money, but sometimes it’s just not worth the hassle.
Essential Travel Information for International Passengers
Traveling internationally from Glendale means figuring out baggage rules, comfort upgrades, and where to crash before your flight. Sorting these out ahead of time makes everything less stressful.
Baggage and Luggage Policies
Most airlines let you bring one carry-on and a personal item, like a backpack or purse. Carry-ons need to fit in the overhead bin—usually around 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
Checked bags have their own rules. If your bag is over 50 pounds or bigger than about 62 inches total, expect extra fees.
Check your airline’s website before you pack. Lightweight bags with wheels are a lifesaver, and TSA-approved locks add a bit of security.
Business Class Flight Options
Business class from Glendale (well, from the bigger airports nearby) means more space, better food, and a few perks. You’ll get wider seats, extra legroom, and seats that actually recline.
Priority check-in and security lines can really cut down your wait. Lounges are a nice bonus—snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a comfier place to sit.
Meals are usually a step up, and you can eat when you want. If you want to arrive rested, business class is tempting, though it’s not cheap.
Accommodation and Hotels in Glendale
Glendale’s got plenty of hotels close to the airport and city center. You’ll find everything from budget motels to fancier spots, and a lot of them offer free shuttles to nearby airports.
Big chains like Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton are here, plus some local options. Look for perks like free breakfast, Wi-Fi, or a gym if that matters to you.
Booking early is smart, especially if you’ve got an early flight. Staying near the airport can really cut down on last-minute stress.
Alternatives and Nearby Airports
If you’re flying internationally near Glendale, you’ll probably end up at a bigger airport for more options. Each one has its own pros and cons, and getting there is something you’ll want to plan for.
Major Nearby International Airports
The main international airport near Glendale is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). It’s about 30 miles away and connects you to just about anywhere—Europe, Asia, you name it.
LAX is huge, with lots of terminals and plenty of services. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is closer, only about 10 miles, but it’s mostly for domestic flights.
If you want the most international options, LAX is where you’ll want to go.
Ground Transportation to and from LAX
Getting to LAX from Glendale? It’s not too complicated, honestly.
You could hop on a shuttle, grab a taxi, use a ride-share, or even brave the public bus.
- Shuttle services give you a direct ride. You can book ahead if you’re the planning type.
- Ride-shares like Uber or Lyft are easy, but prices tend to jump around.
- Public transportation is definitely the cheapest route. Just be ready for a longer trip and a few transfers.
Keep an eye on LA traffic, though—it can throw off your whole schedule if you’re not careful.