Summer in Southern California means looking for ways to escape the heat, crowded streets, and endless traffic. Luckily, the state is full of places where you can trade city noise for cooler temperatures and a breath of fresh mountain air. And now, one popular mountain getaway just became easier to reach (without making the long drive!)
Advanced Air has extended its seasonal nonstop service to Mammoth Yosemite Airport through September 7, 2026, giving visitors extra time to book a quick mountain escape.
The public charter airline offers direct flights from Hawthorne-LA (HHR) and Carlsbad (CLD) every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, dramatically cutting travel time during the summer season.
What to know about SoCal – Yosemite direct flights
Since it’s a public charter service, passengers don’t go through traditional TSA screening and can arrive just 20 to 30 minutes before departure, making the airport experience much quicker than a typical commercial flight. The nonstop flight takes about one hour, compared to the roughly 5-hour drive from Los Angeles, without accounting for traffic or stops…
Flights include two checked bags with a combined weight limit of 38 pounds, plus snacks and beverages during the journey. Travelers should also keep mountain weather in mind: if conditions affect flights into Mammoth Yosemite Airport, planes may be redirected to Bishop Airport (BIH), about 40 miles away, with shuttle transportation available to continue the trip to Mammoth Lakes.
It’s also worth knowing that Mammoth Yosemite Airport does not put you directly inside Yosemite National Park. Instead, it provides access to the park’s eastern side through Tioga Pass, a scenic mountain route that connects Mammoth Lakes with Yosemite’s high country during the summer season. From there, visitors can reach spots like Tuolumne Meadows and continue toward Yosemite Valley.
Fares vary depending on the date, but flights typically start at around $230 one-way, with prices increasing during peak weekends and high-demand dates.
