Southern California summers often mean seeking an escape from the heat and the city – and one of the state’s most iconic mountain getaways just became significantly easier to reach. Advanced Air has expanded its seasonal nonstop service from SoCal to Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH), cutting a tough 5-plus-hour drive down to a breezy 1-hour flight.
Direct summer flights from San Diego (Carlsbad) to Yosemite
Operating through September 7, 2026, the public charter airline offers flights out of Carlsbad (CLD) in San Diego and Hawthorne-LA (HHR) every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Because Advanced Air operates as a public charter, the airport experience is pretty different. You can skip traditional TSA security lines and arrive just 20 to 30 minutes before departure. Fares start around $230 one-way, which includes snacks, beverages, and 2 checked bags; perfect for packing hiking boots and extra layers.
However, please note that Mammoth Yosemite Airport sits on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada. To access Yosemite National Park, you’ll have to drive through the incredibly scenic Tioga Pass. This connects Mammoth Lakes to gems like Tuolumne Meadows, before descending into Yosemite Valley. Additionally, because mountain weather can be unpredictable, flights are occasionally redirected to Bishop Airport (BIH) about 40 miles away. In this case, a shuttle service is provided.
Looking for a late-summer mountain trip without the exhausting road trip? This expanded route arrived with perfect timing!
