Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 3:06 PM - For Immediate Release
Holiday Travel Tips from Sacramento International Airport
Sacramento International Airport is preparing for the last busy travel season of the year with extra staffing, live entertainment, and food trucks in the free waiting area. Airport officials expect the biggest crowds from Dec. 20-24, with a surge of returning travelers on Dec. 29 and Jan. 5.
Whether you are flying or picking up friends and family members, here are some tips to make the most of your airport experience.
IF YOU ARE FLYING:
• The economy lot is expected to fill to capacity sometime on Christmas Eve. The good news is that the daily lot, at $12 a day, offers a cost-effective alternative which is closer to the terminals and involves a much shorter shuttle ride than the economy lot.
• Parking conditions and other airport information are broadcast to a three-mile radius from the airport on 530AM. Parking lot closures will be posted on overhead signs and roadway signs visible upon entering the airport.
• TSA PreCheck, the TSA’s program for expedited screening, is available at both terminals. Most travelers have been pre-selected by their airlines because of frequent flyer status or participation in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler program. If you are eligible, you will see the words “TSA PreCheck” at the top of your boarding pass. Proceed to the special lane at your terminal of departure.
• It’s a good idea to arrive 90 minutes to two hours before your scheduled departure, especially if you are not familiar with Sacramento International Airport.
IF YOU ARE PICKING SOMEONE UP:
• The free waiting area, also known as the cell phone lot, offers a place for visitors to park and wait until their passenger calls to let them know they are ready to be picked up. This year, food trucks will be available in the free waiting area during selected times. The current schedule includes Gyro King on Dec. 23 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Dave's Dawgs on Dec. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Orale Mole on Dec. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Slightly Skewed on Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Schedules may change without notice. For details go to the FoodMob website.
• Coming inside to meet someone? Holiday entertainers will be performing in the baggage claim area of Terminal B on Saturday, Dec. 21, Sunday, Dec. 22, Monday, Dec. 23 and Wednesday, Jan 1 (New Year’s Day) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 6-8 p.m. Check the airport website for a list of performers.
Information on these subjects and more is available visiting the airport’s website or Facebook page.
The Sacramento County Department of Airports is responsible for planning, developing, operating and maintaining the county’s four-airport system: Sacramento International Airport, Executive Airport, Mather Airport and Franklin Field. The regional economic impact of the Sacramento County Airport System is more than $4 billion annually. For more information, visit http://www.sacramento.aero/smf
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.