Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport: Your Link to Calipatria, California
Introduction
Located in the center of Imperial County, California, Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport (IATA: CLR, ICAO code KCLR) is a medium-sized airport and serves as an important hub for transportation. Due to this, the city-owned airport became a key piece of transportation, allowing pilots and passengers from other cities to experience first-hand Calipatria's natural charm.
Airlines and Destinations
Although Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport is not a significant international airport, it still functions as an essential conduit for the local community to connect to the broader scheme of air travel. Currently, the airport serves a number of domestic destinations with SkyWest Airlines and Boutique Air having regular scheduled flights to and from the Airport.
Passengers and Flights
Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport is a medium-sized airport that sees at least some passenger traffic every month of the year. For 2022, the airport counted more than 50,000 passengers to have been facilitated, with a total of about 5,000 aircraft movements recorded for that same time span. Although none of these figures would put the airport near the top of the busiest airports in the state, they are evidence of its value to community residents and its ever-expanding use within the transportation fabric of northwest Arkansas.
How to Get Here
Situated only minutes from the center of Calipatria, Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport is in an ideal location for residents or those just traveling through. Fly in the border crossing through Interstate 8 and exit at Calipatria/Niland, then follow the road northwest for a few miles (just taking around less than 5 minutes to drive from the airport). The facility can also be located via travel mapping applications or GPS at 1600 Airport Road, Calipatria, CA 92233.
Parking
For both short and long-term parking options, there is plenty of room in the well-run, airport-administered facility. The primary parking area, efficiently located in front of the airport terminal structure, provides the nearest accessibility to the airport's facilities. You will find reasonable parking rates, with daily and weekly options to tailor the service for all travelers.
Transportation Prices
Transportation is easy on the wallet when you travel to or from Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport. Taxis and rideshare services, such as Uber or Lyft, provide curb-to-door service for between $10 to $20 per fare one way in the more convenient nearby city center area. There is also the local public transportation system, which runs buses to and from the airport with one-way fares starting at a few dollars.
Terminal Layout
The 3,800 square foot terminal at Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport is a single-story structure that includes all the important passenger services. The design is simple and straightforward, with a central entrance/concourse for check-ins, security checkpoints at each end of the building which funnel to one exit in the middle (or vice-versa depending on your direction), and then it has simple bleacher-like seating around only 6 gates. Although it is of small stature, the terminal still strives to offer a comfortable and efficient travel experience for all.
Navigate the Airport
The convenience of a simple layout and easy-to-follow T-Hangar streets make travel around Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport very accessible. Travelers can locate the check-in counters, security checkpoint, and gate areas shortly after arrival. The compact nature of the airport also makes it simple to walk between sections of the terminal, meaning your trip can be stress-free.
Getting Between Terminals
Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport is a single-terminal airport, so passengers are secured in one terminal. This allows it to process all arrivals and departures within a single, efficient facility without the need for additional transportation or long gate-to-gate walks.
Services and Amenities
While Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport does not necessarily have the plethora of services and amenities available at larger international hubs, it nonetheless features everything a traveler needs to remain comfortable while en route. The terminal itself houses basic amenities, including restrooms, vending machines, and free Wi-Fi for travelers.
Restaurants and Shops
Dining and shopping are limited at Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport, but they offer something for both arriving and departing travelers. The only restaurant located in the airport features a small eatery selling sandwiches, salads, and drinks for those seeking something light. Travelers in need of last-minute travel items or souvenirs can also find a mini gift shop inside the terminal.
Security and Customs
Being a domestic airport, it does not feature proper Customs facilities. Nonetheless, TSA mans the security checkpoint at the airport where passengers can go through an efficient screening process. Please make sure to plan your visit in advance, as the security protocols could take time, and you would not want to be late for your departures.
Accessibility
Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport is dedicated to providing a friendly and welcoming experience to all travelers. The terminal building and its amenities are designed to be passenger-friendly, with designated parking slots, ramps with rail lines for senior citizens and passengers in need of special assistance, and accessible bathrooms. The airport also offers help for those who would need some additional support along the way.
Travel Tips
If you want to ensure the best possible experience at Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport, we recommend keeping these travel tips in mind:
- Schedule your flights outside the peak period: Stay off from busy hours, which is usually early mornings and weekends, to avoid crowds at the airport so that you can have a peaceful time.
- Arrive early: Provide yourself plenty of time to get through the airport, check-in, and clear security — all of which are especially busy in peak travel times.
- Pack Smart: Familiarize yourself with the airport's security do's and don'ts so that you know what to pack in your carry-on luggage without having it taken away at a screening checkpoint.
- Enjoy airport amenities: Use the free Wi-Fi, dine at the restaurants, and take advantage of the lounge services to fight boredom while waiting for your flight.
- Be in the know: Visit the airport's counters or check out their website and social media accounts so you can stay updated on flight schedules, security waiting times, and other pertinent details.