Monterey Regional Airport
| Continent: North America | Country: United States | Region: California |
| Monterey Peninsula Airport | |
| Location | Monterey, California |
| IATA code | MRY |
| ICAO code | KMRY |
| Airport type | Commercial |
| Website | http://www.montereyairport.com |
| Overview map | [maps.google.com/maps?q=MRY&ll=36.586157,-121.846704&spn=0.014682,0.029680&t=h&hl=en Google Maps] |
| Communications | |
| Tower | 118.4 257.8 |
| Ground | 121.9 348.6 |
| Clearance | 135.45 |
| Approach | 127.15 (151-359) 133.0 (360-150) |
| Departure | 127.15 (151-359) 133.0 (360-150) |
| ATIS | 119.25 |
| Departure | 122.95 |
The Monterey Peninsula Airport is the commercial airport serving Monterey County, though many passengers use San Jose for lower airfares. The dominant carrier is SkyWest Airlines, which operates service as United Express and Delta Connection. The airport also sees daily service from American Eagle and Mesa Airlines/America West Express, and occasionally Allegiant Air will operate a casino charter trip to Laughlin, Nevada.
The airport has two runways, 10R/28L and 10L/28R. All airliners and most business jets will use 10R/28L. The airport sometimes operates with mixed operations, with arrivals on 10R and departures on 28L.
Official Spotting Locations
Terminal Observation Deck
The airport provides an observation deck in the terminal area. It is located on the roof of the baggage claim area, and can be reached through on the second floor of the terminal building. It is outdoor, though there is a glass partition between between you and the ramp area. From this area, you will be facing directly the American Eagle parking area, with America West Express to your left and SkyWest to your right. The observation deck is outside the secure areas, so no ticket is needed to visit it.
- JetPhotos.net sample photo: large
Other Spotting Locations
Upper Short Term Parking Lot
The short term parking lot east of the terminal (called the Upper Lot) provides an excellent view of the runways and ramp areas. It overlooks the SkyWest ramp, so occasonally parked aircraft or equipment can get in your way. Trees and lightpoles are also potential obstructions. However, unlike the observation deck, there is no glass, only a waist-high fence. Because this parking lot is elevated above the ramp area, you are also above the perimeter fence. Cost to park here is $1.00 per half hour, up to $15.00 per 24 hours.
- JetPhotos.net sample photo: large
Locations to Avoid
Regular Traffic
Passenger
- America West Express (Mesa Airlines): CRJ-200, CRJ-900; to Las Vegas and Phoenix
- American Eagle: Saab 340; to Los Angeles
- Delta Connection (SkyWest Airlines): CRJ-200; to Salt Lake City
- United Express (SkyWest Airlines): CRJ-200, EMB-120; to Denver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco
Cargo
- FedEx Feeder: Cessna 208
Special Events
The airport sees occasional casino charters to Laughlin, Nevada operated by Allegiant Air using MD-80s.
During major events in the Monterey area, such as Pebble Beach golf tournaments and races at Laguna Seca, a large number of business jets and turboprops, potentially including Boeing Business Jets and MD-87s, can be seen at the airport.
Facilities and Transportation
Dining
The Golden Tee Resturant, located on the second floor at the west end of the terminal building, provides sit down meal service. There are tables overlooking the airport runways and America West Express ramp area. The Golden Tee Snack Bar and Koffee Kart are located on the first floor of the terminal.
Public Transportation
Monterey-Salinas Transit bus Route 21 is the only bus that serves the airport terminal. It provides service between the Monterey Transit Center in Downtown Monterey and the Salinas Transit Center in Salinas along highway 68, including a stop at the airport terminal. Also following highway 68 is Route 53 which provides service between Pebble Beach and King City. It does not stop at the terminal, but it is just a short walk from the stop at Olmsted Rd.