More than 450 airports with at least 1,000 passenger departures were analyzed to compile the “Best Airports in America” list. During the analysis, the Washington Post learned travelers prefer airports that are easy to get to and through above all else.

“Most U.S. airport rankings focus on the largest, but your nominations (and Yelp reviews) make it clear that you prefer smaller airports,” The Washington Post said about its ranking methodology. “We analyzed feedback from more than 2,300 readers to identify your priorities, and weighted the factors we found make a beloved airport.”

Only one Southern California airport made the top-10 list.Coming in second place nationwide, with its historical terminal, outdoor venue and musical events, is the Long Beach Airport (LBX).

“Fresh air. Sand beneath your feet. Palm trees. Yes, all at the airport: Travelers adore the courtyard that brings the beach to the airfield,” The Washington Post said about the self-described “coolest airport” in America. “There’s even a long fire pit if the nights get chilly. One reader calls it their ‘airport oasis.'”

In order from first to last, these are the airports across the country that made the top 10 list:

• Portland International Airport
• Long Beach Airport
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
• Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport
• Seattle Paine Field International Airport
• Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport
• Albuquerque International Airport
• Indianapolis International Airport
• Salt Lake City International Airport
• Detroit Metro Airport

In a social media statement Thursday, the Long Beach Airport said: “It’s official – we’re among the greatest airports in America.”

These are the other Southern California airports that made the top 50:

• John Wayne Airport (No. 12)
• Hollywood Burbank Airport (No. 14)
• Ontario International Airport (No. 15)
• Santa Barbara Airport (No. 23)
• Palm Springs Airport (No. 35)

For the full rankings by the Washington Post, click here.

The post Inland Empire Airport Ranked Among Best Nationwide appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Driving to nearby counties for beach days, concerts, hikes, and other activities can take hours.

Many Southern California residents, however, refuse to miss out and have opted for an alternative form of travel instead.

Last month, Metrolink, the region’s six-county passenger rail provider, recorded the highest number of weekend customer boardings in agency history, according to the transit agency.

The new single-month benchmark of 122,693 boardings eclipsed the previous record of 117,348 set in September 2018. It’s the first time Metrolink ridership has exceeded a pre-pandemic milestone following a steep decline in the spring of 2020 when COVID-19 mitigation measures fundamentally changed how Southern Californians travel and interact with public transportation systems.

“Ridership recovery hasn’t been quick, but we’ve been trending in the right direction thanks to innovative campaigns and promotions, along with improved service, that are expanding Metrolink’s customer base,” Metrolink Board Chair and Orange County Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee said. “Weekend ridership is at an all-time high because today’s riders know that, in addition to traveling to and from work, Metrolink is a great option for exploring regional destinations like Orange County’s famous beaches, visiting friends and family, and connecting with new experiences.”

Metrolink officials now consider weekend ridership to be fully recovered compared to pre-pandemic levels, and weekday ridership continues to show year-over-year growth, reaching a 65% recovery rate in March, according to Metrolink.

March weekend ridership was bolstered by several high-profile events taking place across Southern California, including the International Women’s Day Protest and Rally March 8 in Downtown Los Angeles, the Swallows Day Parade March 22 in San Juan Capistrano and the Beyond Wonderland festival March 28-29 in San Bernardino.

Metrolink has emphasized leisure and entertainment travel in recent years with campaigns such as the $10 Weekend Day Pass, Kids Ride Free on Weekends and SoCal Explorer Rewards, all of which have contributed to weekend ridership growth, according to the transit agency.

Metrolink serves Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and San Diego counties. There are nine Metrolink stations in Riverside County, including two in Corona, two in Perris, one in Moreno Valley, three in Riverside, and one in Jurupa Valley.

Learn more about destinations that are easily accessible from Metrolink stations — including amusement parks, hiking and biking trails, restaurants, beaches and more — at metrolinktrains.com/explore.

The post Southern California Metrolink Train Ridership Sets New Record appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Breeze Airways spokesperson Ryne Williams spoke about the timing of the new route being opened between ski resort areas.

“Salt Lake City is great during ski season, and there are a lot of great skiing and snowboarding opportunities,” Williams said.

Frank Navarro, president of the San Bernardino International Airport Authority, said in a news release.

“The launch of nonstop flights to Provo, Utah, opens up a whole new chapter for travel in our region, offering residents a convenient option that saves both time and money.”

Learn more at flysbd.com/lowestfares.

The post San Bernardino International Airport Offering More Flights To Provo appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.