Sonoma County Airport
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Airport code (identifier)? The Airport code is STS.
Why fly out of STS instead of Oakland, Sacramento, and San Francisco airports? STS is your close and convenient local airport for travelers to and from the Wine Country. It also has shorter lines and is easy to navigate. You can save yourself a two-hour drive by flying locally. Parking is less expensive and more convenient, and the airfares for flying out of STS are very competitive with other airports for advance round trip flights, especially when time and convenience are factored in.
What airlines serve STS? Currently, Horizon Air serves STS.
What destinations are currently available from STS? Horizon Air currently flies nonstop to Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, and beginning on April 24, Las Vegas. In addition, Horizon is part of the Alaska Air Group and has partnerships with Alaska Airlines, Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Era Aviation, KLM, LAN Chile, Northwest Airlines, PenAir, and Quantas. Many connections can be made through SEA, PDX, and LAX on Horizan Air and its partners.
When will the Airport add more destinations to the flight schedule? The Airport is in ongoing talks with several carriers. Destinations we would like to service include Denver, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and Phoenix.
Who operates the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT)? The FAA operates STS's ATCT and the Federal government employs the staff.
Who owns and operates the Airport? The Airport is owned and operated by the County of Sonoma and is a division of the Department of Transportation and Public Works.
Can I smoke at the Airport? No. Smoking is not allowed inside or within 20 feet of any Sonoma County governmental building.
PARKING
Please refer to the Parking page for more information.
I'm picking up a friend/family member, where can I park? Parking is available in the convenient short-term parking lot (the first 2 hours are free) directly across the street from the Terminal. Refer to this map for parking lot locations. The Airport also has a limited number of one and two-hour parking spaces on the street near the entrance to the Terminal. A loading zone at the Terminal curb allows for quick pick-ups and drop-offs. Unattended vehicles in the loading zone will be cited.
Who handles parking at the Airport? Republic Parking System manages the short and long-term parking lots for the Airport. Both lots are conveniently located within walking distance of the Terminal. Republic Parking can be reached at 707-523-2186. Pay with cash at the foot station or with a credit card at all parking lot exits.
Is there a limit as to how long I can park my car? There is no limit in the short-term or long-term parking lots. If you park in a time-limited parking spot on the street for longer than the designated time, your vehicle will be ticketed.
Do I need to make a reservation for a parking spot in one of the lots before I get to the Airport? No.
Can I park my car in the long-term lot if I'm only going to be gone for a day? Yes. However, if the long-term lot is full, you will then need to park in the short-term lot. It should be noted that the daily rate of $6.00 per day is charged in the long-term lot regardless of the amount of time spent in a 24-hour period.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
See the Ground Transportation page for more information about transportation options.
What taxi companies come to the Airport? Many taxi companies serve the Airport and often wait for passengers in front of the Terminal. However, we cannot guarantee that one will always be available when needed. Please consult the local Yellow Pages to arrange taxi service either in advance or at the Airport.
Where can I catch the Airport Express bus? The Airport Express Buses make their pick-ups at the passenger shelter at the southeast corner in front of the terminal. Please do not stop or park in this bus stop parking zone. For a complete list of schedules, fares, and stops, please refer to the Airport Express website.
Are there limo/luxury car services that provide service to the Airport? Yes. Pure Luxury Limousine (1-800-620-5466) offers limousine and shuttle service from participating hotels to and from the Airport.
Can I buy Horizon Air tickets in the terminal? Tickets can be purchased in the terminal during the time that the check-in counter is staffed. However, the counter is staffed only during departure activities and not continuously all day. Tickets can also be purchased at horizonair.com and by calling Horizon Air at 1-800-547-9308.
What is the ticket counter phone number? Horizon does not have a public phone number for the ticket counter. The counter is staffed only during departure activities. If you have questions about your travel needs with Horizon, please contact them at 1-800-547-9308.
I need to change my flight, whom do I contact? For all flight and ticketing questions, please contact Horizon at 1-800-547-9308 or visit horizonair.com.
What are the fares to and from LAX and, Portland, and Seattle? Please contact Horizon for information about fares at 1-800-547-9308 or by visiting horizonair.com.
What services are available to assist disabled passengers? Horizon Air is pleased to provide assistance for travelers who require Mobility/Wheelchair assistance. To provide the optimal experience for Horizon travelers, it is recommended that all travelers:
- Make their reservations as early as possible, services can be requested online or over the phone.
- Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure when requesting these services.
- Advise a Customer Service Agent (CSA) of any special requirements when checking in at the airport.
For complete information and services offered, visit Horizon's website.
Are service animals allowed on the plane? Yes. Please refer to TSA's website regarding traveling with service animals.
How many carry-on items can I bring on board the plane? You're allowed one carry-on bag, which can measure up to 10" H x 17" W x 24" L (25 x 43 x 61 cm), plus one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer. At least one of the items should be stowed under the seat in front of you.
I have wine that I am bringing with me, is it allowed on the plane? Wine is allowed in checked baggage but not in carry-on bags. In addition to the usual two pieces of baggage that can be checked at no charge, Horizon will accept a box of up to 12 bottles of wine per passenger at no extra charge from customers on flights departing Sonoma County. The wine must be packaged to courier standards for shipment. "Wine Skins" are available for purchase at the Airport for packaging single bottles of wine in checked baggage.
Are animals allowed on the plane? For guidelines, fees, and restrictions regarding traveling with pets visit Horizon Air's website. See the Disabled Services section above for information about traveling with service animals.
I have a California issued medical marijuana card. Can I bring my prescribed marijuana on the flight? Federal law prohibits the transport of any marijuana on any flight including flights within the state of California.
How do I find out when a certain flight arrives/departs? Visit Horizon's flight status page or call Horizon Air at 1-800-547-9308 to see current schedules.
How do I know if my flight is on time? Call Horizon Air at 1-800-547-9308 or vist Horizon's flight status page for information about arrival times and delays.
Where can I meet arriving passengers? You can meet arriving passengers at the gate in the breezeway between the Terminal and Security Building, inside the Terminal, or out front of the Terminal.
Can luggage be checked at the curb? Currently, luggage may only be checked at the check-in counter in the Terminal. The check in counter closes 30 minutes before the flight.
Can I accompany a passenger through Security screening to the boarding area? Yes, under certain conditions. If a passenger requires an escort due to disability or age, an escort must obtain a security pass at the check in counter and go through security screening to accompany the passenger to the boarding area. Security passes are limited and typically one pass is issued per passenger requiring an escort. For information about children traveling alone, visit horizonair.com or call 1-800-547-9308.
I lost an item, whom do I call? Delayed or damaged bags should be reported in person to the Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air baggage office within 24 hours of arrival time. Failure to report baggage mishandling of any type will result in a denial of compensation. It's important to retain copies of your ticket, baggage claim check and any receipts you may have accumulated for expenses incurred as a result of the mishandling. For more information, contact Horizon's Central Baggage Service office at 1-206-392-6580.
Horizon Air suggests you fill out this form and place it inside your baggage as well as placing ID on the outside.
If you lost an item at Sonoma County Airport, or if your baggage has been lost, Horizon's lost luggage line at Sonoma County Airport is (707) 543-7100. For questions about baggage inspected by Security, call 1-866-957-8867.
Who is in charge of security screening at the Airport? Trinity Technology Group, a contractor for TSA is in charge of security screening at the Airport. For more information about Airport security visit the Security page of this website.
What items are allowed in my carry-on and checked baggage? Visit TSA's web page about what can and cannot be checked in carry-on and checked baggage.
Will my laptop, pager, or cell phone go through a screening machine? Yes. For more information about traveling with battery-powered electronic devises, visit TSA's page about traveling with electronics.
Can parents or guardians escort children who are traveling alone on Horizon Air through security to the boarding gate? Yes, but fees and restrictions may apply. Please review Horizon's guidelines for complete information regarding children traveling alone. If a child's itinerary includes non-Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air flights, please check with that airline directly regarding their policies, fees, and age limits.
Are security (law enforcement) officers present at the Airport? Security Officers are present at the Airport. The security team partners with the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department in the event of illegal or suspicious activity.
What kind of photo identification is accepted when checking-in for my flight? Valid and current government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID is accepted. Adult travelers are encouraged to keep his/her airline boarding pass and government-issued photo ID available until exiting the security checkpoint (children under the age of 12 are not required to show identification). The absence of proper identification will result in additional screening.
Do I need a passport in order to board the plane? If you are flying within the U.S. you do not need a passport in order to board a plane. However, passports are government issued forms of identification that can be used when checking in to your flight.
Can I bring food and beverage onto the flight? TSA guidelines state that, "All food must go through the X-ray machine. Do NOT bring food to the security checkpoint unwrapped. Food must be wrapped or in a container. Unpeeled natural foods like fruit are okay, but half-eaten fruits must be wrapped." Beverages purchased after the security checkpoint can also be brought onto the plane. TSA regulations prohibit bringing any beverages in containers over 3 ounces through the security checkpoint.
What are the hours of the Terminal? Terminal hours are 4:30 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.
What hours can aircraft fly into and out of STS? STS is a 24-hour facility. The Air Traffic Control Tower operates from 7:00 am until 8:00 pm, seven days a week.
What are the hours of the Airport Manager's Office? Office hours are M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
I need to charter a plane, whom do I contact? To charter a plane, contact Apex Aviation at 707-528-7400 or Sunset Aviation at 707-523-4092.
Are there Fixed Base Operators (FBO) at the Airport? There are two FBOs at the Airport, Apex Aviation and Sonoma Jet Center. Both offer a wide variety of services, including fuel and aircraft maintenance. Apex can be reached at (707) 528-7400 and Sonoma Jet Center at (707) 523-2800. Visit the Partners page for a complete list of Airport tenants and associates.
How can I advertise in the Airport Terminal? The Walker Group manages Airport advertising in the Terminal. Contact THE WALKER GROUP directly at (707) 538-4088 or info@walker-group.com
What is the Airport Master Plan? An Airport Master Plan is a study used to determine the long-term development requirements for an airport. Two main components of the proposed Airport Master Plan Update are the construction of a new Terminal to serve passenger's needs, and the extension of the main runway to 6,000 feet. Visit the Draft Airport Master Plan Update pages for more information about plans for the Airport.
AIRPORT IMPACT ON NEIGHBORS
For more information, refer to the Neighbors page of this website.
My house is not supposed to be in the flight path. Why are planes flying over my home? The FAA directs traffic into and out of the Airport. Flights are directed to the safest pattern depending on the amount of air traffic and prevailing winds at the time of arrival or departure. Safety is the FAA's first consideration. However, aircraft can and do fly over all parts of Sonoma County.
Are jets prohibited from operating at STS? No. Jet aircraft are allowed to, and do, operate out of STS. During daytime operations, 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, no aircraft shall operate from STS that exceeds 83.2 dba. For nighttime operations, 10:00 pm to 6:00 am, the noise level shall not exceed 72.0 dba. An aircraft is rated by its take-off noise level per the FAA Advisory Circular 36-3.
Why do aircraft fly over my home sometimes more, sometimes less? Aircraft are directed by the ATCT within a 5-mile radius of the Airport based on safety, prevailing winds, and the amount of traffic at the time. Aircraft arrive from all directions; for safe operations, they must take off and land into the wind. Wind direction charges by season and time of day. This may often place aircraft over residential areas. Pilots are asked to fly friendly by using appropriate procedures in order to reduce noise over sensitive areas around the Airport.
Are planes allowed to fly over schools? Yes. Sonoma County does not contain any No Fly Zones.
Are any aircraft exempt from the County Noise Limits? Yes. The exemptions are:
- Aircraft operating on emergency missions, including their support functions.
- Aircraft of the United States Government and its various agencies.
- Daytime operations by aircraft based at STS prior to the establishment of the aircraft operating noise limits.
- Vintage aircraft.
What kind of noise management does the Airport have? The Airport has a Noise Management Program that offers noise management procedures and Airport noise limits. Pilots are requested to ensure that their aircraft comply with these limits prior to operating at the Airport. There are daytime noise limits and much stricter nighttime noise limits. In addition, pilots are asked to avoid overflying residential areas to the extent traffic and safety permits. Safety always supercedes noise management procedures.
How do I file a noise complaint? Neighbors who are disturbed by loud flying aircraft or other types of operations are encouraged to call the Airport's Complaint Line at (707) 544-4787. This line is connected to a digital recorder that takes messages 24 hours per day, seven days a week. One call equals one complaint regardless the number of aircraft detailed. In addition, complaints will be accepted by phone, voice mail, fax, or a personal visit to the Airport office. If a specific aircraft is identified through the investigation process, the aircraft owner will be notified that their operation generated a complaint and they will be asked to fly in a neighborly fashion. They will also receive a noise management brochure that has current guidelines that we ask pilots to follow. If the operation is in violation of the Airport's noise limitations, a letter will be sent to the owner of the aircraft informing them of the violation and that future visits of that aircraft may result in fines. Additionally, if the aircraft appears to have violated FAA Regulations, the incident will be turned over to the FAA for their investigation and action. The Aviation Commission reviews all complaints at their regularly scheduled meetings. In addition, all complaints received are presented annually to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors for their review.
If you were unable to quickly find the information you are looking for, go to the Site Map link listed at the bottom of each page.
If the website or FAQ sections (Airport and Master Plan) did not answer your questions, you may send questions to us using the form on the Contact Us page. If we are unable to provide an answer we will refer you to the appropriate agency.