Oakland International Airport: What's New

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Valet Parking - Location Change

OAK is improving its roadways and curbsides to ease congestion by the terminals. During the next phase of construction, the Valet Parking pick-up and drop-off area will be temporarily relocated from its current site to a new one on the third curb for the next six-to-eight-weeks.

While the location may be changing, the premium service youve come to expect will not change. Vehicle pick-ups and drop-offs will continue to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Car wash and vehicle detailing are also offered for a nominal fee.

With Valet, OAK gets you on your way!

Food, Glorious Food!

-- Andal�, CPK ASAP, Fentons, Gordon Biersch and Max's All Now Open In OAK's Terminal 2 --

Gordon Biersch, Andal� Mexican Restaurant & Bar and a food court featuring CPK ASAP, Fentons Creamery, and Max's Eatz and Fresh Bakery, are now open in the new concourse at OAK's Terminal 2 and are whetting the appetites and thirsts of travelers.

Gordon Biersch, which began right here in the Bay Area in 1988, has found a new home in Oakland. OAK travelers can experience what was once a dream of Dan Gordon and Dean Biersch, by taking time-out in between flights to enjoy their exceptional name-brand premium beers on tap. Also available is an extended selection of domestic and imported bottled beers and wines.

Currently on Gordon Biersch's menu is their famous garlic fries. There's also a cold case chock-full of grab-n-go healthy selections for travelers who don't have time to linger. Soon to be added is Bratwurst on a sesame roll, hot wings and hot dogs.

Andal� features a menu with affordably-priced authentic Mexican food and beverage service, a full-service bar, Andal�-to-Go foods and Peet's gourmet coffee, all in a sit-down setting.

The atmosphere in Andal�'s 1,500-square-foot restaurant is airy and lively, and travelers can follow the latest news or their favorite sports team via the four-panel HDTV while in-transit.

The biggest challenge that travelers face when entering the food court is what to choose. California Pizza Kitchen ASAP offers hearth-baked pizzas and a grab-n-go case stocked with fresh salads and sandwiches. Fentons Creamery, a 112-year-old ice cream parlor and Oakland landmark, delivers generous portions of its signature ice cream made from fresh local ingredients. Max's Eatz and Fresh Bakery offers an extensive menu featuring upscale American comfort food at affordable prices.

Travelers won't be disappointed -- and they surely won't go hungry -- as they make their way through OAK.

OAK's Ninth Consecutive Year Of Passenger Traffic Growth In 2006

2006 14.4 million

2001 11.4 million

1996 9.7 million

1991 6.2 milliion

1988 3.8 million

OAK continued to experience passenger traffic growth in 2006, up 0.11 percent over the previous year to 14,433,669 passengers. This slight increase marks OAK's ninth consecutive year of growth and is a strong indicator that OAK's facilities reached capacity prior to opening brand new facilities in the last half of 2006.

Air cargo traffic was down slightly by 0.69 percent over the previous year to 668,239 metric tons, while landed weights grew by 1.55 percent to 12.98 billion pounds in 2006. The number of commercial aircraft takeoffs and landings also grew to 187,777 operations, an increase of 0.04 percent.

In 2006, OAK's focus was on opening new facilities in Terminal 2, including a new 27,000-square-foot baggage claim area and a 54,000-square-foot seven-gate concourse in July and November, respectively. These improvements offer Southwest Airlines' passengers all that they have anticipated -- comfort, convenience, security and state-of-the-art facilities.

Progress continued on renovating the existing concourse, expanding the passenger security screening and airline check-in areas in Terminal 2; and reconstructing the roadways and curbsides in front of Terminals 1 and 2.

New airlines that joined OAK in 2006 include ATA (Hilo, Honolulu and Maui, Hawaii), Azores Express (Terceira, Portugal), Harmony (Vancouver, British Columbia) and Primaris (Acalpulco, Mexico), each offering valuable nonstop, low-cost service to Bay Area travelers.

Summer Travel Tips

Can it be? Is summer here already? Here's a travel tips refresher in case your summer plans include a trip to the airport:

ARRIVE EARLY - Plan to arrive 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. Also, if you do arrive early, take a stroll over to the Terminal 2 extension and enjoy the public art, bay views and new dining and shopping options at the new Oakland Row (see Concessions story below).

BOARDING PASS AND I.D. - To proceed through OAK's passenger security checkpoint, travelers ages 18 and older must show government-issued photo identification and ALL passengers must have either a boarding pass or other airline-approved security document. Check with your airline to see if it offers online check-in which can be done from home or the office before leaving for the airport.

bag dimensions 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, pagers and jewelry in carry-on bags, and remove coats and shoes as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has made shoe screening mandatory for all passengers. Also, before packing, visit tsa.gov for a complete list of permitted and prohibited items.

PASSENGER SCREENING - 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; TSA allows one plastic bag per passenger. Larger quantities of liquids and gels will need to be placed in checked baggage.

Once at the passenger security checkpoint, remove the quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from carry-on luggage and place in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.
Remember, OAK and all other U.S. airports continue to maintain a high level of security. Help us help you to have a pleasant travel experience by planning ahead before coming to the airport.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL - All U.S. citizens (including infants and children) need a valid passport for travel to and from Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean (excluding Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Plan ahead and start the process to get or renew your passport today. Visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website, cbp.gov for more information.

OVER-SIZED LUGGAGE - Items such as golf clubs, fishing and sports gear such as baseball bats and lacrosse sticks must be checked. Golf equipment with grass fertilizer residue should be cleaned off to prevent triggering baggage screening equipment. Fireworks are not allowed on airplanes, in checked or carry-on baggage, for safety and security reasons.

By following these tips, your summer travel will be a more enjoyable experience. OAK staff looks forward to serving you soon.Can it be? Is summer here already? Here's a travel tips refresher in case your summer plans include a trip to the airport:

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, pagers and jewelry in carry-on bags, and remove coats and shoes as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has made shoe screening mandatory for all passengers. Also, before packing, visit tsa.gov for a complete list of permitted and prohibited items.

By following these tips, your summer travel will be a more enjoyable experience. OAK staff looks forward to serving you soon.

Azores Express Resumes Seasonal Summer Service To Portugal

azores express

Azores Express resumes seasonal summer service from OAK to the beautiful Azores islands in Portugal. The weekly flight operates June 10 through September 30, with flights arriving at OAK and departing to Terceira, Azores on Sundays.

In the middle of the Atlantic, more than half way between New York and Portugal are the Azores islands. A couple thousand miles east of New York City, and scattered over several hundred miles of ocean, the nine islands of the Azores are the closest point in Europe to the United States.

The Azores are a hiker's, walker's, or cyclist's paradise, waiting to be explored. Ribbons of road twist along black rock sea cliffs, plugging down into a green-blue ocean. The islands are dotted with tiny towns with local cafes where the menu is whatever the fishing boats brought in.

Azores Express passengers check-in in OAK's Terminal 1 at the international ticket counters. Azores Express flights are operated by SATA using Airbus A310/300 aircraft. For more information and reservations, contact your travel agent, visit azores-express.com or call Azores Express at 800-762-9995.

Southwest Airlines Adds New Service To Denver From OAK

-- Also, Second Daily Nonstop to Houston/Hobby Begins in August --

Southwest Airlines offers new nonstop service from OAK to Denver, Colorado (DEN) beginning June 17. Southwest will serve this destination with five daily flights. Also, Southwest plans to expand service to Houston/Hobby (HOU) by adding a second daily nonstop beginning August 4.

With these new flights, Southwest will offer 148 daily nonstop departures to 22 U.S. cities from OAK. Southwest Airlines served over 60 percent of OAK's 14.4 million passengers in 2006. Now with its code share partner, ATA Airlines, Southwest connects travelers with the Hawaiian Islands.

Over the past 18 years, Southwest has shown its commitment to OAK by placing the majority of its west coast service here. OAK is currently fifth in Southwest's top ten airports in terms of daily departures.

For Southwest information and reservations, visit southwest.com or call 800-435-9792.

Skybus Airlines Offers Low-fare Flights To Columbus, Ohio From OAK

-- At Least 10 Seats at $10 on Every Flight, Every Day --

Skybus Airlines will take to the skies from Oakland International Airport (OAK) beginning June 12, offering a daily nonstop flight to Columbus, Ohio (CMH) on full-size Airbus A319 aircraft.

Skybus' pricing structure, starting as low as $10 per flight, is designed to offer passengers the lowest fares available, then allow them to choose as many or as few add-ons as they like. Passengers have the option to check baggage, obtain priority boarding, and purchase a wide range of food and beverages and gift items on board their flight.

"Passengers can buy airline tickets for less than the cost of a tank of gas," said Bill Diffenderffer, Skybus CEO. "Travelers who visit our web site will find outrageously low fares on nonstop flights to major markets and to cities that are underserved from Columbus. And these fares -- starting with at least 10 seats at $10 on every flight -- will always be offered. They are not "promotional" fares that will go away in a couple of weeks. These are the everyday low fares we promised when we began working to build Skybus."

Steve Grossman, director of aviation for the Port of Oakland, which owns and operates OAK, said, "For the first time, convenient travel is now available between the San Francisco Bay Area and Columbus and the Central Ohio region. We are pleased that Skybus Airlines chose Oakland as its Northern California launch city. We look forward to working with Skybus staff to get their brand-new operation successfully off the ground."

Skybus features 150-seat Airbus A319 jets, one of the most fuel-efficient aircraft in commercial service. Customers will find an informative, easy-to-navigate web site that allows them to make and change reservations, rent cars, reserve hotel and resort accommodations, and purchase admission to popular attractions.

For Skybus information and reservations, visit skybus.com.

Life In The Comics

Comics

OAK, in conjunction with its public art partner, The Oakland Museum of California, features its newest exhibition, LIFE IN THE COMICS.

The comic art form is experiencing a renaissance. Reflected in the unprecedented number of comic stores, conventions and websites, popular interest in comics has never been higher. The San Francisco Bay Area is an important part of this activity, with local artists offering some of the most challenging and critically celebrated material.

Life in the Comics features four very different artists from our local community.
This work emphasizes storytelling based on realism, autobiography and mature subject matter.

Artists Paul Madonna, Frederick Noland, Gene Yang and Hellen Jo have taken the comic form out of the realm of children's entertainment to communicate complex ideas about the everyday moments that make up an average life.

Life in the Comics is on display in the connecting walkway between Terminals 1
and 2 through July 11, 2007.