Airport operations have gotten complicated with all the changes and updates flying around. As someone with extensive travel experience, I learned everything there is to know about this topic. Today, I will share it all with you.

Santa Rosa Airport – Snoopy’s Home and Your Wine Country Shortcut

The official name is Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, which confused me the first time I heard it. Then I realized – oh, the Peanuts guy. Snoopy. Charlie Brown. That Charles Schulz.

He lived in Santa Rosa for decades, and the town embraced the connection completely. The airport’s got Snoopy stuff everywhere – decorations, displays, the whole deal. It’s actually pretty charming once you accept that your aviation experience includes cartoon dog nostalgia.

Why Would You Fly Here Instead of SFO?

Short answer: wine country. If you’re heading to Sonoma for vineyard visits, tastings, or just a nice getaway, Santa Rosa (airport code STS) drops you right in the middle of it. About seven miles from downtown.

Compare that to flying into San Francisco. By the time you get your bags, get a car, and drive through Bay Area traffic to wine country, you’ve burned 90 minutes to two hours. Sometimes more. Flying into STS, you’re at a tasting room in the time it would take to get out of SFO.

The Flight Situation

Alaska Airlines handles most routes – Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver, Phoenix. They connect you to their bigger hubs where you can get basically anywhere. During peak wine season, sometimes there are additional flights.

It’s not going to have the options of a major airport. You’re probably connecting somewhere. But when the flight times work out, the convenience is hard to beat.

What the Airport’s Like

Small. Like, genuinely small airport vibes. Two runways (the main one’s 6,000 feet, handles regional jets fine), a compact terminal with check-in, security, rental cars, basic food and shopping. Nothing fancy, but it all works.

The Peanuts stuff gives it personality. Most small airports feel interchangeable – STS feels like somewhere specific.

Getting Around Once You Land

Rental car is honestly your best bet. Wine country is spread out – you’ll want wheels. All the major companies operate here.

Rideshare technically works, but availability can be spotty. Don’t count on instant Uber pickup.

Taxis exist but limited. If you need one, maybe call ahead.

Parking’s straightforward if you’re leaving a car – short-term and long-term, easy terminal access.

Some History

The airport dates to the 1930s. WWII brought military development like it did everywhere. The Schulz naming happened in 2000 after he passed, honoring his decades in the community.

It’s one of those places where local pride shows. They do aviation education programs, community events, partnerships with regional businesses. More than just a transit point.

When STS Makes Sense

• Wine country is your actual destination
• You want to skip the SFO zoo
• Flights happen to line up with your schedule
• You’re doing beach plus wine – Melbourne’s on the coast

Practical Tips

• Don’t arrive too early. It’s a small airport – 60-90 minutes before departure is plenty.
• Book rental cars early during harvest season (September/October). They go fast.
• Check flight status before heading to the airport. Sonoma County gets fog. Delays happen.
• Limited routes means possible connections. Factor that into timing.

My Take

Santa Rosa won’t work for every trip – the limited flights mean you’re often connecting somewhere. But when the stars align and your destination is Sonoma wine country, flying into STS instead of fighting through SFO makes the whole trip more pleasant.

Plus you get to take a selfie with Snoopy. That’s gotta count for something.