Key takeaways

• United Express is currently the exclusive commercial carrier for Johnstown (JST).
• Direct flights are available only to Washington D.C. (IAD) and Chicago (ORD).
• Flights are operated by SkyWest Airlines but booked via United.com.
• For more airline options, the closest major airport is Pittsburgh International (PIT), about 90 minutes away.
• Always check for “SkyWest” on your itinerary, as they operate the regional jets.

Primary Airline: United Express

Unlike larger metropolitan hubs, Johnstown is served by the federally subsidized Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which typically contracts a single carrier to provide consistent connectivity. Currently, that carrier is United Express.

Travelers looking to fly into Johnstown should book their tickets through United Airlines. While you are booking a “United” ticket, the actual aircraft is likely a Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jet operated by SkyWest Airlines. This partnership ensures that passengers can earn MileagePlus points and seamlessly transfer baggage to and from flights anywhere in United’s global network.

Direct Flights to Johnstown

Because Johnstown is a regional destination, direct flights are limited to United’s key hubs. These connections are designed to feed travelers into the broader national air system.

Note: There are currently no direct commercial flights from New York City, Philadelphia, or Pittsburgh to Johnstown. Travelers from these cities must connect through Washington Dulles or Chicago.

Connecting Flights from Major Cities

For travelers coming from outside the D.C. or Chicago areas, connecting flights are the standard method of reaching Johnstown. By leveraging the United network, you can check your bags at your departure airport and have them routed all the way to JST.

From New York City

Travelers from NYC (LGA/JFK/EWR) typically fly to Washington Dulles (IAD) and transfer to the short regional hop to Johnstown. Total travel time is often under 4 hours.

From the West Coast

Visitors coming from Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) will generally route through Chicago O’Hare (ORD). This provides a straightforward one-stop itinerary.

Alternative Airports Nearby

If the schedule for United Express does not fit your needs, or if fares are high, consider flying into a nearby airport and renting a car. The drive through Western Pennsylvania is scenic and relatively easy.

• Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT): Located approximately 70–90 miles west of Johnstown. It is a large international airport served by all major carriers (Delta, American, Southwest, JetBlue, etc.).
• Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE): Located in Latrobe, about 30 miles west. It is primarily served by Spirit Airlines, offering budget-friendly flights to Florida and Myrtle Beach.
• Altoona-Blair County Airport (AOO): Located about 45 miles east, offering similar regional service (often via Contour Airlines to Charlotte, though schedules vary).

Tips for Booking Affordable Flights

Flying into smaller regional airports like JST can sometimes be pricier than major hubs. To find the best deal:

• Book in Advance: Regional jets have fewer seats (often around 50), so they fill up quickly. Booking 3–4 weeks out is recommended.
• Check “United Express”: When searching on third-party sites, filter for United Airlines to see the most relevant results.
• Consider the Drive: Compare the price of flying directly to JST versus flying to Pittsburgh (PIT) and renting a car. The savings can sometimes justify the 90-minute drive.

If you’re planning a trip to Johnstown, PA and are wondering which airlines fly into the area, you may want to check out this article on the 5 best travel pillows for long flights this spring. Having a comfortable travel pillow can make your journey more enjoyable, especially if you have a long flight ahead of you.

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