Travel Tips and FAQs

Plan your trip with confidence using our Travel Tips & FAQs, where we answer the most commonly asked questions from passengers. We also provide helpful information on security, baggage, and more, including links to TSA resources to make your airport experience smooth and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of our frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not listed below, please email our staff at [email protected] or call our office during normal business hours at +1 (661) 391-1800.

  • You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure time if you need to get a boarding pass or check baggage. Airline staffing considerations may require that you reach the ticket counter to check your bags at least 45 minutes prior to the stated departure time.
  • Without checked bags, feel free to arrive 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) prior to your scheduled departure time and use the kiosk to check-in for your flight and get your boarding pass.
  • If you checked in at home or on your mobile phone and are also able to carry on your personal items, feel free to arrive 1 hour (60 minutes) prior to your scheduled departure time and proceed directly to the TSA security checkpoint.
  • Boarding generally starts 30 minutes prior to your flight time and you need to be present at the gate at least 15 minutes prior to the stated departure time.
  • Enjoy your flight and thank you for flying Meadows Field Airport!

The most comprehensive list of travel documents is available on the TSA website. If you have additional questions, please contact your airline.

Please view our Parking webpage for the latest rates.

For more information on lost luggage, visit our Lost and Found webpage to identify which information would help you best.

Unfortunately, we do not offer this service. However, currency exchange is offered in the airports of our nonstop destinations (Dallas/Fort Worth, Phoenix, Denver, and San Francisco).

Yes, but each airline has different policies on flying with pets.

For more information about United Airlines’ pet policy, visit the Traveling with Pets section of the United Airlines website.

For more information about American Airlines’ pet policy, visit the Pets section of the American Airlines website.

Meadows Field Airport is open daily from 3:00 AM to 1:30 AM.

The Meadows Field Airport William M. Thomas Terminal is located at 3701 Wings Way off of Merle Haggard Dr.. If you are using computer or GPS generated directions, be sure to enter the physical address of 3701 Wings Way in Bakersfield to receive the correct directions.

  • If you are traveling to the airport from the North, proceed southbound on Hwy 99 and Exit 7th Standard Rd.; continue for 0.3 miles to the stop light at 7th Standard Rd. and turn left onto 7th Standard Rd.; 7th Standard becomes Merle Haggard Dr. east of Hwy 99. Continue east on Merle Haggard Dr. through the tunnel to the stop light at Wings Way. Turn right into the terminal entrance.
  • If you are traveling to the airport from the South, proceed northbound on Hwy 99. Exit to Porterville Hwy exit, #30. to the first stop light at Merle Haggard Dr. and turn right onto Merle Haggard Dr.. Proceed through the tunnel to the stop light at Wings Way, turn right into the terminal entrance.

TSA Quick Links

Real ID Information

Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

Check for the Star

REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.

For info by state, including where to obtain a REAL ID, visit the DHS REAL ID website and click your state on the map.