Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 8:04 AM - For Immediate Release
Fourth of July Travel Tips from SMF
Over 125,000 travelers are expected to fly out of Sacramento International Airport (SMF) during the July 4th holiday weekend – a level that will push traffic to nearly pre-pandemic volumes.
With the holiday falling on a Monday, analysts predict that the busiest travel days will be Thursday, June 30th, and Friday, July 1st. Returning travelers can expect increased demand on Tuesday, July 5th.
Top destinations flying out of SMF include Hawaii, Southern California, Mexico, Las Vegas and Seattle. However, SMF is expected to welcome thousands of travelers who will spend the holiday weekend exploring the region.
To ensure a smooth experience, all travelers are encouraged to be prepared by staying on top of communication from their airlines and ensuring they pack their patience when arriving at SMF. Here are a few additional tips for travelers heading out this weekend:
When to arrive at the airport
One of the best ways to save time before a flight is to make plans to arrive ahead of time. SMF recommends that travelers arrive at least 2.5 hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
Parking at SMF
During holiday travel, parking lots at SMF can get a little tight. Several lots may even close for short periods as demand exceeds capacity. Fortunately, travelers can check how many spots are available in real-time on the Airport’s Parking Status Webpage. For additional questions about parking at SMF, please email air-parking@saccounty.gov.
Travelers are also strongly advised to consider getting dropped off by friends/family, taking public transportation, or using a taxi or app-based ride-sharing.
- Public Transportation: Sacramento Regional Transit District’s route 142 runs express service between the airport and downtown seven days a week. YoloBus also offers daily routes throughout the region.
- App-Based Ride-Sharing: Lyft, Uber and Wingz all service SMF and have designated areas for pickup at both terminals
- Taxis: Taxi service is provided by the Sacramento Independent Taxi Owners Association. Travelers can make reservations by calling 916-444-0008. Taxis can be found outside of baggage claims at both terminals.Parking lot options and rates at SMF
SMF’s current parking rates are currently:
- Hourly: The hourly lot near Terminal B is $2 per ½ hour with a maximum of $29/day.
- Daily: The daily lot is conveniently located for both terminals and is $2 per ½ hour with a maximum of $18/day.
- East Economy: The economy lot is $10/day. Shuttles run every 25 – 30 minutes, but travelers should be prepared that it could take 60 minutes from the time you park till they get to the terminal. There is no walking path.
- West Economy: This economy option, also known as the “Overflow Lot,” is $10/day. Travelers will need to pay when they park by entering their license plate number at the pay station (located inside the bus shelters) and providing electronic payment. Shuttle service is provided at 25-30 minute intervals. It can take 60 minutes from the time they park until they arrive at the terminal.
- Cash is not accepted at parking lot cashier booths. If travelers must pay with cash, they must pay at a self-service kiosk, which are found in the garages and some terminal lobbies, before getting in their car.
Another insider tip: there are check-in kiosks throughout the terminal before security, not just near the airline counters, so travelers can avoid the crowds at the main desks.
Getting through security at SMF
Want to get through security faster?
SMF’s TSA Pre✓ enrollment center is also open at SMF. The TSA Pre✓ expedited screening process for travelers reduces the time spent waiting in the security line. If travelers pre-enroll on the Pre✓ website, they can go through the entire process at SMF in five minutes or less.
The application center is located in the baggage claim area in the southeast corner of Level 1 of Terminal B. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Walk-in customers are accepted and will be accommodated around scheduled appointments.
SMF has expedited lanes for CLEAR subscribers that speed up the identification process in the security line. CLEAR uses your eyes to confirm your identity, moving you faster through the line. Still, it has an annual membership fee and you need to be subscribed before getting to SMF.
To become a CLEAR member, visit their 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. 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.