We got to Yellowstone flying from Long Beach, CA to Idaho Falls, ID via Allegiant on a one hour and 40 minute flight. Allegiant is a no frills, low-cost airline that operates from select US cities. This is not Southwest or Jetblue but very much like Europe’s Ryanair and Easy Jet. They use older MD-80 planes with leather seats but suprisingly with more legroom. Seats are assigned upon check-in. They charged $2 for bottled water and canned sodas (pretty much the same price as airport concessions) and also sell various snacks (chips, candy bars). They offer some bargain airfares even with their $15 convenience fee and generally fly to the smaller airports.
The best things about small airports such as Long Beach and Idaho Falls were the short lines in check-in counters and security. There was a short time in the runway during take-off and landing and our luggages were out within 10 minutes. The rental car counters were right next to the luggage carousel and we walked just outside the door to get our car.
Idaho Falls is about 100 miles from the West Yellowstone entrance to the park which was a fairly easy drive on Highway 20. However, this entrance is closed from November to May. Jackson, WY is the closest airport to Yellowstone. Going this route, you’ll be entering from the South Entrance and going through the Grand Teton National Park first ( a beautiful scenic drive that almost rivals Yellowstowne). I have monitored fares to the Jackson airport for awhile and it has usually been between $300 -$400 from LAX even during the low season. We flew to Idaho falls for 1/3 of that cost and the 100 mile drive was worth every penny saved.
Another option from the Los Angeles area for Yellowstone is that Allegiant also flies to Billings, MT. This is about 120 miles from the Northeast entrance which is open year-round. Most of the park entrances are closed between November and mid-April. The only ones open year round are the North and Northeast entrances. For more information, check this NPS website for road openings and closures.
We got to Grand Teton National Park by following the road in Yellowstone which led to the south entrance. We went through the Grand Tetons on our way to Jackson, WY which was truly scenic and beautiful.
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