As the Thanksgiving holiday draws near, Oakland International Airport (OAK) prepares for an anticipated rise in travelers. A recent press release predicts that over 360,000 passengers are expected to pass through OAK between the 17th and the 27th. This estimate reflects a 2.2 percent increase from last year and is close to 85% of the 2019 pre-pandemic traffic.
Past travel seasons serve as guidance for airlines, airports, and passengers. The experiences of 2022 have led to an efficient travel process for those choosing OAK for their Thanksgiving plans. Airlines and the airport recommend passengers arrive early, check in online, and monitor their flight status. OAK, learning from the past, has established new concession locations, including OAK Clubhouse in Terminal 1, and Calavera and Southie in Terminal 2, to enhance the passenger experience.
Ensuring smooth travel for OAK's passengers requires both thorough preparations and mindful adaptation to guest traffic during peak times. According to airline schedules and past TSA statistics, on the 17th and 22nd are projected to be the busiest days for outgoing travel, while on the 27th will be the busiest for post-holiday travel.
Despite the expected increase in traffic, Craig Simon, Interim Director of Aviation at the Port of Oakland, is confident in the airport's capacity to handle additional travelers. He urges passengers to arrive earlier than usual and recommends reserving parking spots ahead of time. The airport's parking website offers real-time occupancy rates and alerts on sold-out lots.
The airport has implemented new concessions, including the OAK Clubhouse in Terminal 1, and Calavera and Southie in Terminal 2, to accommodate the expected increase in passengers. Detailed information about the concessions and hours of operation is available here.
