Flying Out Of San Bernardino International Airport A Breeze: Report

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — The Inland Empire has a new alternative when it comes to air travel. The former Norton Air Force Base has been transformed into the San Bernardino International Airport

The airport is located on 105 N. Leland Norton Way in San Bernardino, close to Interstates 10 and 215, and state Route 210. The facility operates daily from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

According to the airport's Executive Director Michael Burrows, Breeze Airways has partnered with the SBD by adding daily nonstop flights to San Francisco that continue on to Provo, Utah. The first flight inbound from San Francisco arrived Thursday afternoon to fanfare on the tarmac including a champagne shower. Arriving passengers were cheered as dignitaries looked on.

"I've had the incredible opportunity to experience and see San Bernardino International Airport's revitalization, progression, and evolution for many decades," Burrows said. "I grew up in this community and airport—both on and off the airfield—when it was the former Norton Air Force Base and continue to be amazed at the powerful contributions from our Commissioners, Board, Staff, and partners."

For the past many years, the site of the San Bernardino International Airport has been used as a cargo and general aviation hub. With over $2.5 million invested in transforming itself into an international airport, SBD is ready to serve travelers to and from the Inland Empire.

Director of Aviation Mark Gibbs described why SBD would grow into a top position for the Inland Empire resident's air travel.

"Beyond new, convenient and affordable airline flights to SFO and Provo, the travel experience at SBD includes easy driving access from local roadways and freeways, onsite parking just footsteps from the passenger terminal at only $5.00 per day, and pre-and post-security concession operated by a local restaurateur," Gibbs said.

Breeze passengers can expect few flights out of San Bernardino. Still, fares are inexpensive with no change or cancelation fees, reusable credits, and the ability to bring one free personal item on board. Personal items are considered laptop bags, backpacks and purses and are free to bring on board at both levels.

Upcharges are the name of the game when purchasing your ticket online. A starting fare for a month out is approximately $39 per seat, considered a "nice" option. For a "nicer" option, and about $50 more, you can get extra legroom, a checked bag at no additional cost, priority boarding and a light snack. All travelers are encouraged to join the app that tracks points collected for discounted travel upon future flights. Other a la carte fees include bringing a pet for an additional $75. Still, thrifty travelers can save big with Breeze.

As for the impact on the Inland Empire? Breeze Airway's daily service will infuse up to $57 million annually into the Inland Empire through new aviation careers like ticketing and gate agents, ground handlers, TSA employees, flight attendants, pilots, aircraft mechanics and concessionaires, according to airport officials.

Tom Doxey, Breeze Airways president, spoke on the benefits of flying out of and into the Inland Empire airport.

"Typically, you don't have to drive as far, the security lines are much smaller, and the parking is cheaper," Doxey said at a news conference. "Everything is just easier about the airport experience."

Breeze Airways is a low-cost airline owned by the same owner as Jet Blue, David Neeleman.