OAK Prepares for Memorial Day Holiday Travelers
-- Plenty of Parking Available; Improvements at Passenger Security Screening Reduce Wait Times --
Oakland International Airport (OAK) staff expects there will be plenty of extended-stay parking available over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Clear and TSA's Self-Select, two new programs at passenger screening, are reducing wait times for all travelers.
Airport officials expect that approximately 163,000 passengers will travel through OAK over the five-day travel period that runs May 22 through May 26. The peak travel days are Thursday, Friday and Monday. An average day at OAK, based upon April 2008 statistics, is about 32,000 travelers.
OAK travelers should plan to arrive at least 90 minutes prior to departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights, or as advised by their airline. Allow enough time for roadway traffic delays, parking, flight check-in, and baggage and passenger security screening.
GUARANTEED ON-AIRPORT PARKING
Parking will be available over the holiday period, however, the Economy Parking Lot may fill by the evening of Friday, May 23. With OAK's Parking Upgrade Program, when the Economy lot fills, customers will receive a voucher at the Economy lot entrance, then they will be directed to park in the more convenient ValuPark lot where the lower Economy rate will be honored (must present voucher to cashier upon exiting). Travelers should look for roadway signs or tune to 1700AM for additional information.
OAK offers nearly 8,300 parking spaces in its four lots which are open 24 hours a day. Frequent, free shuttles link the lots and the terminals. 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.
On-airport parking rates per 24 hours are: $15 in the Economy lot, $19 in the ValuPark lot, $22 in the Daily lot and $32 in the Hourly lot. OAK's premium Valet lot service is available to customers who are running late and/or prefer convenience and care. Valet customers receive complimentary water and newspapers.
OAK's Park & Call Zone allows meeters and greeters who can connect to their passenger by cell phone to wait for FREE up to 30 minutes. Drivers must stay with their vehicle at all times. The 25-space lot is available on a first-come, first-served basis. From Airport Drive, take the second exit ramp for John Glenn Drive and follow the signs to the Park & Call entrance, on the right near the Oakland Maintenance Center.
SPEEDING THROUGH FLIGHT CHECK-IN AND SECURITY
OAK and all other U.S. airports continue to maintain a high-level of security. Help us to help you have a pleasant travel experience by planning ahead before coming to the airport. Some valuable travel tips follow:
BOARDING PASS AND I.D. - to proceed through OAK's passenger security checkpoint, a government-issued photo ID is required of all travelers age 18 and older and ALL passengers must present a boarding pass or other airline-approved document;
3-1-1 - get the 3-1-1 on air travel: liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers and placed in a one-quart, clear, plastic zip-top bag; Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows one plastic bag per passenger. Larger quantities of liquids and gels will need to be placed in checked bags;
CHECKED BAGS - some airlines now charge for more than one checked bag, so pack only what is absolutely necessary for travel to avoid additional costs. Visit airline websites to learn checked bag policies; and
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE - travelers are limited to two carry-on bags, which include a personal item such as a handbag, briefcase, diaper bag or laptop computer. To avoid a secondary inspection which may average three minutes per person, place loose metal items such as coins, keys, cell phones and jewelry in carry-on bags; remove outer garments and shoes as the TSA has made shoe screening mandatory for all passengers.
At OAK, two new programs help speed travelers through passenger screening. TSA now offers Self-Select lanes that guide passengers based on their travel needs and knowledge. Signs are marked Expert, Casual and Family/Special Assistance, and TSA staff assists travelers with getting in their appropriate lane. Clear members are now able to speed through security screening at OAK with more predictability and less hassle. Clear lanes open at 4:30 a.m. and are clearly marked with neon blue signs.
OAK recently completed its $300 million Terminal Improvement Program which is designed to add convenience, security and customer service to the passenger experience. OAK customers are now enjoying easier travel through the airport's newly expanded and renovated Terminal 2, roadways, curbsides and parking lots. OAK is a revenue division of the Port of Oakland, an independent department of the city of Oakland. OAK has served the travel needs of San Francisco Bay Area residents and visitors for over 80 years. Visit oaklandairport.com for more information.
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