✈️ Flight Guide: St Louis (STL) → Carmel (MRY)

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is located at 200 Fred Kane Dr, Monterey, CA. Short-term and long-term parking options are available on site with covered and uncovered stalls; expect daily rates and occasional overflow lot options during major events. For the cheapest economy travel, reserve parking early or use ride-shares to reduce total trip costs.

Travelers departing Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) commonly connect to hubs serving San Jose (SJC), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), and Las Vegas (LAS), and often continue to Seattle, Denver, and Phoenix. These connections make MRY a convenient gateway for both California coastal destinations (Carmel-by-the-Sea, Santa Cruz, Salinas) and longer domestic routes when booking economy fares.

For domestic economy flights from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), arrive at least 90 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in, TSA security, and boarding—120 minutes is recommended during peak travel months like July and August. Arriving early reduces stress and increases chances to secure overhead bin space for carry-on luggage on budget fares.

Yes—historically the cheapest economy fares from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) occur in January–February and late September when tourism slows down after the holidays and before peak fall travel. Use flexible date searches for January and September departures to find the lowest fares and consider mid-week flights for additional savings.

Baggage rules depend on the carrier—budget and low-cost carriers serving Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) often charge separate fees for checked bags, while legacy carriers may include a carry-on and small personal item. Always check your airline’s baggage policy before departure to avoid unexpected fees and to compare cheapest economy fares accurately.

During major events such as the Monterey Jazz Festival in September, departures from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) can see higher demand, fuller flights, and higher economy fares, especially for nonrefundable tickets. Book early, allow extra transit time, and consider alternative nearby airports like San Jose or San Francisco if you need the absolute cheapest economy option.

Arriving on the cheapest economy (ECONOMY) ticket typically means limited amenities: possible fees for checked luggage, basic seat assignments, and lower priority for boarding and upgrades. Plan for extra time to collect checked bags and consider purchasing add-ons like seat selection or priority boarding if these amenities are important to you.

Yes—arriving in September, especially during the Monterey Jazz Festival, expect higher ground-transport demand and fuller rental car fleets; pre-book shuttles, rideshares, or rental cars. For the cheapest economy travelers, reserve ground transport in advance and consider arriving on off-peak days to avoid surge pricing.

Checked luggage fees and claim procedures vary by airline; budget economy fares often require paying for checked bags in advance online for lower rates. Check your airline's baggage policy before arrival, tag your bag clearly, and allow 20–40 extra minutes at medium-sized airports for baggage retrieval.

To keep costs low upon arrival, use rideshare apps, public transit, or shared shuttles; pre-booking can reduce walk-up surge pricing. For arrivals near Monterey, options often include shuttles to Carmel-by-the-Sea, taxi services, and regional transit to San Jose or San Francisco if continuing onward.

After arriving on cheap economy flights, travelers commonly continue to San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Sacramento depending on routing and connections. These cities are major hubs offering onward connections, rental car options, and budget ground transport for cost-conscious passengers.

Arrival procedures are generally the same regardless of fare class, but nonrefundable economy ticket holders have less flexibility for changes and may pay fees for rebooking or baggage. Keep electronic boarding passes and travel documents handy, and consider purchasing travel protection if concerned about changes.