Merced Macready Field Airport (MCE) Guide
Welcome to Merced Airport, your gateway to the beautiful city of Merced, California. This small airport offers a convenient and hassle-free travel experience, with a range of amenities and services to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our guide is here to help you navigate the airport and get to your destination with ease.
Planning your trip to MCE? Our extensive guide is packed with helpful information and tips to make your journey stress-free. From flight status and tracking to airline departure terminals and gate locations, parking options, terminal maps, and food and shopping directories, we've got you covered. Let us help you get from your door to your gate with ease!
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
When traveling through MCE Airport, it is recommended that you arrive at least 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 2 hours prior for international flights. The busiest times to avoid are during the morning and evening rush hours, as well as holidays and weekends.
Getting to the Airport
The best way to get to the airport is by car. The airport is located just off of CA-99, making it easily accessible from both north and southbound directions. If you are coming from the west, take CA-140 and then merge onto CA-99. If you prefer public transportation, there are several taxi and shuttle services available in the area.
Getting Oriented
Once you arrive at Macready Field, use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented. These maps provide detailed information about the airport's layout, including the location of gates, restaurants, and restrooms. You can also use the maps to find your way to baggage claim and ground transportation.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid delays at Merced Macready Field Airport, be sure to check in online prior to your arrival. This will save you time at the airport and allow you to bypass long lines at the check-in counter. Additionally, be aware of any flight delays or cancellations by signing up for flight alerts through your airline's website or mobile app. Finally, pack light to avoid any delays at the TSA security checkpoint.
Security Wait Times
At Merced Airport, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the season. During peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends, wait times can be longer than usual. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for enough time to check-in and go through security. However, TSA PreCheck members can enjoy shorter wait times and expedited screening. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Merced Macready Field Airport (MCE) Terminals
Navigating MCE's Terminals
MCE has a single terminal building with two gates. The terminal is used by United Express, which offers daily flights to Los Angeles International Airport. The airport's terminal is small but modern, with a variety of amenities to make your travel experience comfortable and convenient.
Inside the terminal, you will find a small café that serves coffee, sandwiches, and snacks. There are also vending machines available if you need a quick snack or drink. Restrooms are located near the gate area, and there are charging stations available throughout the terminal for your electronic devices.
When you arrive at the airport, you will find the baggage claim area located near the terminal entrance. If you need assistance or have any questions, the airport staff is available to help you.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
MCE Airport is a small regional airport with only one terminal building. Therefore, there is no need to worry about getting between terminals as there is only one. The terminal building is conveniently located near the parking lot and rental car facilities, so passengers can easily access their transportation options upon arrival or departure.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
The airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. For a quick bite, head to Subway, located in the main terminal building. If you're looking for a sit-down meal, try The Hangar Cafe, which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options and is located just outside the terminal building. Another great option is the Sky Lounge Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, which offers a more upscale dining experience and is located on the second floor of the terminal building.
When it comes to shopping, there are a few options available at Macready Field. For souvenirs and gifts, check out the Airport Gift Shop, located in the main terminal building. If you're in need of travel essentials like snacks, magazines, or toiletries, head to the Hudson News store, also located in the main terminal building.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Merced Macready Field Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, see your options here.
Airport Hotels
Traveling can be tiring, and finding the right accommodation near the airport can be a game-changer. We have curated a list of hotels conveniently located near the airport, from affordable motels to luxurious 4-star hotels, there is something for every traveler's needs and budget. Many of these establishments offer free Wi-Fi and parking, and are situated near local attractions, making them ideal bases for exploring the area. Some of these hotels are also pet-friendly, ensuring your furry friends can accompany you on your travels. To find the perfect hotel that suits your needs and preferences, click here to view all Merced Airport Hotels.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
Merced Airport provides several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. For those who wish to park and enter the terminal, there are short-term parking options available. However, if you prefer to stay in your vehicle, curbside parking is allowed for up to 30 minutes. It is important to note that parking in the curbside area is strictly enforced, and vehicles left unattended may be towed.
If you are waiting for a passenger to arrive, the airport also offers a convenient cell-phone waiting area. This area is located just outside the terminal and allows drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers are ready to be picked up. This option is not only convenient but also helps to alleviate traffic congestion around the terminal.
Parking Facilities & Options
MCE offers a variety of parking options for travelers. There are multiple parking lots and garages located within walking distance of the terminal, making it easy to find a spot to park your vehicle. Additionally, there are cell phone waiting areas available for those who are picking up passengers.
For travelers with disabilities, there are designated handicapped parking spots located in each parking lot and garage. These spots are conveniently located near the terminal for easy access.
If you're looking for an economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near the airport. These parking facilities offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making it a convenient option for travelers who want to save money on parking fees.
Get details about MCE Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers. For those looking to rent a car, major car rental providers such as Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis are available at the airport. Visitors can easily rent a car and explore the surrounding area.
Taxi services are also available at the airport, with drop-off areas located at the terminal curbside. Fares vary depending on the destination, so it is recommended to confirm the fare with the driver before starting the trip.
Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at Macready Field. Pickup areas for these services are located at the designated rideshare pickup zone. However, it is important to note that certain restrictions may apply depending on the service provider.
Airport shuttles are a convenient option for those looking to travel to nearby hotels or other destinations. The shuttle service is available at the terminal curbside, and fares may vary depending on the destination.
For those looking for a more affordable option, public transportation is available at the airport. The Merced County Transit bus service provides transportation to various destinations in the area, with pickup areas located at the terminal curbside. Fares for the bus service are reasonable and can be purchased on board.
Passenger Services
Merced Macready Field Airport offers a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.
For those who need to stay connected, the airport provides free wifi access throughout the terminal building. Lost and found services are available at the airport's information desk, located in the main terminal.
Traveling with children? The airport has a designated children's play area, equipped with toys and games to keep little ones entertained. Special-needs services, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms, are also available upon request.
For banking needs, there is an ATM located in the main terminal. In case of a medical emergency, trained medical professionals are on hand to provide assistance. First aid kits are also available at the information desk.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight. At Merced Airport, there are several ways to check your flight status and stay informed about any changes or delays.
One way to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays can be found throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, arrivals, and gate information.
Another way to stay informed is by downloading your airline's mobile phone app. Many airlines offer apps that allow passengers to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via text, email, or push notifications. These apps also provide real-time updates on flight status.
Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at MCE by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
MCE Airport, also known as MCE, is a small airport located in the United States. It has one terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights.
On average, the airport handles around 200 passengers per day, with an average of 20 daily flights. The top airlines with the most daily flights are United Airlines and Boutique Air.
The airport serves a total of 3 destinations, with the top 5 destinations being Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
The airport is used as a hub by Boutique Air, which operates flights to and from the airport to various destinations in the United States.
Airport History
Macready Field, located in Merced County, California, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1917 - The United States Army establishes a training base on the site of what is now Merced Macready Field Airport.
- 1928 - The airport is officially dedicated as Castle Field, named after Brigadier General Frederick Castle.
- 1935 - The airport is renamed Merced Army Airfield.
- 1945 - The airport is decommissioned by the military and transferred to the City of Merced.
- 1950s - The airport undergoes significant renovations and improvements, including the construction of a new terminal building.
- 1980s - The airport experiences a decline in commercial airline service, but remains an important hub for general aviation.
- 1990s - The airport receives a major grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to fund runway and taxiway improvements.
- 2010 - The airport is renamed Merced Airport in honor of aviation pioneer Steve Macready.
- 2018 - The airport completes a major renovation project, including upgrades to the terminal building and parking facilities.
Today, MCE continues to serve the community as an important transportation hub for both commercial and general aviation.
Airport Contact Info
- MCE Airport Website
- Phone: [insert phone number]
- Email: [insert email address]
- Mailing Address: [insert mailing address]