John Wayne Airport was for many years known as the Orange County airport. It was renamed in 1979 after the actor John Wayne died as he had lived in the area. Unfortunately for Mr. Wayne, the Orange County name seemed much easier for many to remember, and locals will respond to both names when talking about the airport.
The airport has two terminals and two runways. From an aviation perspective, John Wayne is unique because of the length of its runways. They are considered quite short and require that plane take off at nearly full power to achieve lift-off. Travelers will experience this as a kind of gentle rubber band effect - the pilot will essentially hit the gas with the brakes on, and then when the airplane is fully powered up release the brake and shoot up into the sky, snapping passengers back into their seats.
This feature of John Wayne Airport - Orange County also effectively limits the size of plane that can use the airport. Super-jumbo will not be found here, and as a result the airport focuses on domestic flights and shorter hops. Most flights travel up and down the West Coast, with service to Memphis, Chicago and Denver being the primary eastern routes.
Although limited in range, John Wayne is star struck. The location has appeared in both movies and television shows. Sometimes it plays itself, although it is also used as a double for San Diego International. The airport appears in Jerry Maguire, Clear and Present Danger, Arrested Development, and episodes of The O.C.
Getting to the airport is possible on OCTA buses #76 and #212. The Irvine Shuttle also serves the airport, as do a number of private hotel shuttles. Just 14 miles from Disneyland, there are also a number of hotel transfers to the park area available. Private car, taxi and limousine service can also be booked.
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