Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 1:28 PM - For Immediate Release
What’s New at Sacramento International Airport
Sacramento, CA – This fall brings a pair of new flights and the return of a popular non-stop route to Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Hawaii will be relaxing its travel restrictions to allow travelers new options to visit, while still working to maintain low transmission rates.
New and Returning Flights
jetBlue has reinstated nonstop flights between SMF and New York City (JFK). The flights operate on Thursdays and Sundays. New York City is a world-class destination for business and leisure travelers because of its rich history, dynamic neighborhoods, culinary experiences and spectacular museums. The fall months are also the perfect time to see the Northeast’s dramatic fall foliage. Tickets are available now on www.jetblue.com.
Pina Coladas for Christmas? American Airlines is launching seasonal nonstop service between SMF and San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico (SJD) beginning this December. The flights will operate on Saturday only during the Christmas/New Year’s holidays and then resume from mid-February to April of 2021. The flight will depart SMF at 10:00 a.m. and arrive in SJD at 2:20 p.m. The return flight will leave SJD at 3:00 p.m. and arrive at SMF at 5:04 p.m. local time. The American flight joins Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines, both operating seasonal nonstop flights to one of Mexico’s most popular destinations. Cabo San Lucas is known for its beaches, scuba diving and nightlife.
A new Volaris nonstop will link the capital cities of California and Mexico. Mexico City is not only the country’s business and political center but also a cosmopolitan city that brings together colonial-era history with a buzzing modern city. Mexico City may be best known for exceptional culinary options – from street food to fine dining – and vibrant arts and culture. The route will launch on November 10, 2020 and will depart SMF on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:13 p.m., arriving in MEX at 4:11 a.m. The flights from MEX leave at 6:21 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays and arrive at SMF at 8:58 p.m. local time. Tickets are available now on www.volaris.com.
“It’s exciting that American Airlines and Volaris see Sacramento International Airport as an important partner and continue to expand their options for passengers – especially to incredibly exciting destinations like Cabo San Lucas and Mexico City,” said Cindy Nichol, Sacramento County Department of Airports Director. “We’re also thrilled that jetBlue has resumed nonstop flights to New York City which provides convenience for travelers who are visiting the east coast.”
Hawaii for the Holidays
Starting today, October 15, Hawaii’s Pre-Travel Testing Program will allow some travelers an exception from the state’s 14-day mandatory quarantine. Travelers must provide written confirmation of a negative test result from a state-approved COVID-19 testing facility that has been administered within 72 hours of travel to the islands to receive the exemption. SMF has a number of options to get travelers to several islands with direct flights on Hawaiian, Alaska and Southwest Airlines.
For more on what travelers need to know before visiting the Aloha State, visit the Hawaii State Department of Health’s website.
Know Before You Go
As we gear up for the holiday travel season, Sacramento International Airport continues to put the health and safety of passengers first. Not only has the airport changed the way they prepare the terminal for travelers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has rolled out new rules to reduce the spread of coronavirus. A few things to keep in mind before arriving at SMF that will make traveling easier:
Parking: the Economy Lots are closed. Parking is still available in the Daily Lot for a discounted rate of $10/day and the Garage at $18/day. The Hourly Lot B pricing is still $29/day.
Self-Scanning: passengers will scan their own boarding passes and not hand them over to TSA employees.
Liquids: liquids still must be in 3.4 ounce or smaller containers with the exception of hand sanitizer, which can be in a 12-ounce container. It must be removed from baggage before it goes through the X-ray and will be screened separately.
Food: if passengers bring meals on their flights, they should be placed in a clear plastic bag, in a separate tray from their luggage, for scanning.
Beyond the security screening area, passengers should minimize touchpoints and are encouraged to use touchless options, like online check in, mobile boarding passes, prepayment of bag fees, etc. SMF reminds everyone to travel safely and take extra precautions when at the airport. Anyone in a public space is required to wear a face covering. The airport has installed social distancing signage not only inside the airport but also in areas where passengers wait for pick-up, taxis, rental car shuttles and ride hailing apps.
As always, it is recommended travelers arrive early in anticipation of additional security screenings. For more information visit our website.
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The Sacramento County Department of Airports is responsible for planning, developing, operating and maintaining the county’s four airports: Sacramento International Airport, Executive Airport, Mather Airport and Franklin Field.
The Sacramento County Department of Airports is responsible for planning, developing, operating and maintaining the county’s four airports: Sacramento International Airport, Executive Airport, Mather Airport and Franklin Field. Sacramento International Airport offers more than 155 daily nonstop flights on 12 domestic and international carriers to 36 destinations. The regional economic impact of the Sacramento County Department of Airports is more than $4 billion annually. For more information, visit sacramento.aero.