OAK Offers Tips for Fourth of July Holiday Travel

-- Parking Guaranteed in OAK's Convenient, Self-Park Lots --

Oakland International Airport (OAK) is preparing for a busy Fourth of July holiday weekend, with OAK airlines reporting solid passenger bookings. Plenty of on-airport parking is expected to be available, travelers can have certainty that their flight will operate on time, and OAK airlines are offering great fares, even for last minute travelers.

An estimated 125,000 passengers will travel through OAK over the five-day travel period that runs July 2 through July 6. About 30,000 daily passengers are expected on the peak travel days which are Thursday and Sunday. An average day at OAK, based upon May 2009 statistics, is about 26,000 travelers.

FOOTSTEPS TO YOUR FLIGHT

Convenient on-airport parking will be available over the holiday weekend. OAK's Economy Parking Lot is located footsteps from the terminals, and offers a low $16 daily rate. Plus, daily, hourly and valet parking options are available. Travelers should look for roadway signs or tune to 1700AM for additional information. OAK offers over 7,000 parking spaces in its three lots which are open 24 hours a day.

For parking availability and road conditions, travelers can call TravInfo's 511-information line, or the airport's parking assistance line at 510-563-3200, or visit oaklandairport.com.

LEAVE ON TIME

Oakland International Airport (OAK) ranked as the No. 1 U.S. airport with the best on-time arrival record for the first four months in 2009, according to FlightStats, an organization that tracks and compiles data about the airline industry. Travelers choose OAK over other Bay Area airports because they have certainty that their flights will arrive on time year-round.

FLY FOR LESS/TRAVELER CONVENIENCES

Bay Area residents and visitors have the choice of many airlines at OAK which offer low fares to in-demand destinations. There are plenty of nonstop flights still available making it a great time to plan a last minute holiday weekend getaway to Southern California, the Pacific Northwest, and even New York City or Honolulu.

Although OAK will be busy, enhancements to the terminals and roadways make traveling easier. Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminals, allowing travelers to keep in touch with business and personal contacts between flights, at no cost.

OAK continues to offer amenities that help speed travelers through passenger screening in both terminals. TSA's Self-Select lanes are offered for Casual and Family/Special Assistance passengers. Casual lanes cater to those who are somewhat familiar with procedures and have multiple carry-on items. Family/Special Assistance lanes are for those who need more time, such as new flyers, travelers with young children, and/or those carrying medical and other exempt liquids. OAK also offers business class lanes in both terminals.

HOLIDAY WEEKEND TRAVEL TIPS

OAK and all other U.S. airports continue to maintain a high-level of security. Travelers should plan ahead before coming to the airport. Before packing, visit the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) website, www.tsa.gov, to get the 3-1-1 on air travel.

Other travel tips include:

- Plan to arrive at OAK at least 90 minutes prior for domestic departures and three hours prior for international departures to allow for increased passenger volume at airline check-in and security screening.

- ALL passengers must have a boarding pass or airline-approved document and travelers age 18 and older must show government-issued photo identification before going through the passenger security checkpoint.

- Leave gifts unwrapped, both in carry-on and checked baggage, as they may need to be inspected.

Visit oaklandairport.com for more information.

-OAK-