OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 20, 2009 – Oakland International Airport (OAK) is preparing for its busiest travel period of the year. Plenty of long-term parking is expected to be available throughout the holiday travel period. Renovations inside Terminal 1, and improved concessions in both terminals, are improving the passenger experience.

An estimated 200,000 passengers will travel through OAK over the eight-day travel period that begins Tuesday, Nov. 24. About 30,000 daily passengers are expected on the peak travel days of Nov. 25, 29 and 30.

Guaranteed Long-Term On-Airport Parking
Convenient parking will be available over the holiday period in all of OAK’s lots. The Economy Parking Lot, conveniently located within walking distance of the terminals, is a great value at just $15 per day. The Economy lot is expected to fill by the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 25. However, with OAK’s Parking Upgrade Program customers will receive a voucher at the Economy lot entrance, then they will be directed to park in the more convenient Daily 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 1700 AM near the airport for additional information.

Getting to the Airport
Thanksgiving travelers have many ground transportation choices at OAK. The airport and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) jointly operate a dedicated shuttle between the Coliseum/Oakland Airport Station and OAK every 10-15 minutes, with extra shuttles beginning on Nov. 23 through Dec. 1. One-way fares are $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children (ages 11 and under), and seniors and disabled with I.D., and can be paid on-board the shuttle with cash or a BART ticket in the exact amount only.

For BART/AirBART information, call 510-569-8310. Other ground transportation alternatives include AC Transit, regional shuttles, taxis and limousines. Visit 511.org or call the 511-information line from any Bay Area area code for personalized travel planning services.

Terminal Enhancements
OAK’s terminals offer many new amenities for improved comfort and convenience for travelers. In Terminal 1, new terrazzo flooring is in the concourse’s main walkway adjacent to the boarding gates, and in baggage claim. Also, customers are enjoying new, modern seating throughout the terminal.

OAK and its concession partners continue to offer passengers more choices in food, beverage and retail in both terminals. The most recent openings include Silver Dragon, a local favorite in Oakland’s Chinatown since 1956, in Terminal 1, next to gate 9; and a food court, featuring Burger King, Peony Asian Café, and Subway, opposite gate 25 in Terminal 2.

Free Wi-Fi is available in both terminals, allowing travelers to keep in touch with business and personal contacts between flights, at no cost.

Holiday Travel Tips
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. Before packing, visit the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) website, tsa.gov, to get the 3-1-1 on air travel. For carry-on bags, liquids, gels and aerosols must be in 3-ounce or smaller containers, and in a one-quart, clear, plastic zip-top bag; TSA allows one bag per passenger. 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 holiday gifts unwrapped, both in carry-on and checked baggage, as they may need to be inspected.

About the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport and 20 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the third busiest containerport on the U.S. West Coast. Oakland International Airport offers over 140 daily nonstop departures to 33 destinations; and the Port’s real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square, and hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation areas. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. Visit portofoakland.com and oaklandairport.com for more information.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Oakland International Airport
Rosemary Barnes
(510) 563-2892
[email protected]