Revised Procedures at Oakland International Airport Require All Passengers To Have A Boarding Pass Prior to Passenger Security Checkpoints

Contact: Cyndy Johnson (510) 563-2820
Rosemary Barnes (510) 563-2892
After Hours (510) 563-3360
TSA Media Relations (202) 385-1800

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is implementing changes to the passenger screening process as part of its on-going commitment to enhance security and improve customer service. Beginning Wednesday, January 15, 2003, all Oakland International passengers must have a boarding pass or other airline-approved security document to be admitted through the passenger security checkpoint. All previously permitted documents such as a paper ticket, e-ticket or ticket confirmation (travel agent or airline itinerary) will no longer be accepted at this location.

Previously, the process of selecting passengers for additional screening was conducted at the boarding gate. Now this will take place at the passenger security checkpoint where screening technology and law enforcement staff is located. To access the passenger security checkpoint, passengers will be required to present a boarding pass or other airline-approved security document and photo identification.

There are four ways to obtain a boarding pass or other airline-approved security document:

1. Go to your airline's ticket counter at the airport.
2. Use curbside check-in.
3. Use your airline's self-service ticket kiosk in the airport lobby (if available).
4. Print documents from your airline's website (not all airlines provide this option). Visit www.southwest.com and www.alaska-air.com.

Airlines at Oakland International that currently offer self-service ticket kiosks include Alaska, Continental, JetBlue and Southwest. American Airlines is expected to offer this service in the near future.

Passengers should continue to arrive at least two hours prior for domestic flights and three hours for international flights to allow time for these revised security procedures unless otherwise advised by their airline. Passengers with special needs such as unaccompanied minors or those with disabilities may be accompanied to and from the boarding gate by a friend or family member carrying an airline-issued escort pass that can be obtained at airline ticket counters. These and other helpful travel tips can be found at the TSA web site www.TSATravelTips.us.

Oakland International Airport served 11.4 million passengers and handled more than 600,000 metric tons of air cargo in 2001 and expects to have served 12.6 million passengers in 2002. Oakland International has over 200 flights a day on 15 domestic and international carriers to 37 nonstop destinations, including the Hawaiian Islands, New York, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Mexico. Travelers are reminded that the 98th Avenue corridor is open to both inbound and outbound traffic creating a fast, direct route to and from Interstate 880. The airport is a revenue division of the Port of Oakland. For more information, visit the airport’s Web site at www.oaklandairport.com.