OAK Offers Tips for Memorial Day Holiday Weekend Travelers
-- Still Time Left to Plan a Last Minute Getaway --
Oakland International Airport (OAK) is preparing for a busy Memorial Day Holiday weekend, which marks the beginning of the peak summer travel period. 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 120,000 passengers will travel through OAK over the five-day travel period that runs May 21 through May 25. About 30,000 daily passengers are expected on the peak travel days which are Thursday, Friday and Monday. An average day at OAK, based upon April 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) ranks as the No. 1 U.S. airport with the best on-time arrival record for the first four months in 2009. OAK was No. 1 in April among the top 40 U.S. airports, as was the case in January, February and March, 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 now 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.liquids.
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-
