Still a short commute to L.A. - by air

United Express daily flights to Los Angeles International Airport were up 300 percent, and SkyWest Delta Connection reported six full flights on Wednesday.

While commuter cars crawl to work on snarled San Fernando Road, some drivers are opting for the 30-minute commute from Palmdale Airport to Los Angeles International.

United Express and SkyWest make six flights daily to LAX.

While it's doubtful many will use the airport as an alternative route to work, it's been a useful means of transportation for those who needed to get to L.A. in a hurry this week.

The bulk of traffic is coming from residents making connecting flights on Delta or United at LAX.

"We're swamped," said Earl Von Buck, manager of SkyWest. All of the airlines' six flights - each holding 19 passengers - were full on Wednesday, he said.

None of the passengers bought tickets in advance, so they paid the full $54 one-way fare to LAX.

The first three SkyWest flights this morning were sold out and the rest of the day's flights were threequarters full, he said.

United Express is also bustling.

"Let's just put it this way - it's been real hectic," said station manager Brandon Eaton.

Eaton said he expects an increase in passenger traffic over the next couple of weeks as residents realize how difficult it is to drive to Los Angeles.

While a one-way ticket to LAX without advance purchase on United Express is $84, Eaton said it only costs an extra $5 to $10 if passengers are making a connecting flight on United.

Tim Jaworski, of Lancaster, said he canceled his scheduled trip to San Jose out of Burbank after the earthquake and booked at LAX so he could fly SkyWest from Palmdale.

In light of the convenience, the $54 ticket price was worth it, he said. But Jaworski said it's more of a bargain when he can make a connecting flight on United or Delta and pay the small add-on fare with his regular ticket.

Jaworski said his family flew in from Virginia over the holidays using the Palmdale Airport commuter flight. "It was less hassle than LAX - it's a zoo down there," he said.