Fresno Yosemite International Airport Offers Tips for Busy July 4th and Summer Travel

Fresno, CA (June 21, 2023) – Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) expects a busy July 4^th holiday weekend and summer travel season. With passenger traffic projected to surpass pre-pandemic volumes, travelers are encouraged to arrive early and to check with their airline for any requirements to ensure a seamless trip. With flights anticipated near or at capacity, fewer options may be available to accommodate rebooking if flights are missed.

The busiest times through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at FAT are 4:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.; 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and again 9:30 p.m. to midnight. Thursdays and Fridays as well as Sundays and Mondays are the busiest days to travel locally and nationally.  Travelers are advised to plan ahead and arrive early to complete every step of the airport travel process.

Travelers are encouraged to monitor airline flight status as well as prepare for any changes to itineraries and to immediately contact their airline if their flight has been impacted. Medications should be kept on their person in the event of delayed checked, or gate checked carry-on baggage. With the expected volume of passenger traffic this summer, travelers are reminded to please pack their patience to help ensure a pleasant travel experience.

For easy and happy travels, FAT offers these tips to help with the travel journey:

Airlines

• Passengers are strongly encouraged to arrive early at the airport up to two hours prior to domestic flight departures and up to three hours prior to international flights.
• Check with your airline on flight status before leaving for the airport. Convenient flights status links are available on most airline websites and mobile apps, or passengers may telephone their airline for flight status information.
• Be sure to check with your airline and review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for the latest travel requirements specific to your destination and requirements for international travelers returning to the United States.

Pack Smart

• Pack smart; start with empty bags. By packing for travel with empty bags, passengers are less likely to bring prohibited items through a TSA checkpoint. Check for prohibited items by using the “What Can I Bring?” page on TSA.gov .

TSA Security Screening

• Carrying firearms, ammunition, knives, or weapons through TSA Screening Checkpoints of an airport is prohibited by Federal law and regulations. Please check carry-on baggage for firearms and other prohibited items.
• Fireworks are forbidden in carry-on and checked baggage.
• Review TSA’s 3-1-1 Liquids Rule for carry-on bags. Travelers may bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in their carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces or less per item. Pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces in checked baggage.
• Empty your pockets before arriving at the TSA screening checkpoint to reduce waiting times. Place wallets, phones, keys, sunglasses, and other loose items from pockets inside carry-on bag instead of placing items in a bin.  This will ensure personal items are not left behind.
• Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to travel with any questions about screening procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA Cares also arranges assistance at the checkpoint for travelers with specific needs.

Parking

• Parking is in high demand during peak travel periods. Since lots can fill up quickly, please keep an alternate lot in mind in case your first choice is no longer available upon arrival. Travelers with parking questions can contact FAT’s parking operator SP+ at 559.252.0052. For parking options and a printable map, please visit flyfresno.com/parking/ .

Cell Phone Waiting and Ground Transportation

• A FREE Cell Phone Waiting Area is conveniently located near the terminal to accommodate friends and family who are picking up arriving passengers. Look for the blue signs to the lot entrance. Drivers must stay with their vehicles.
• Rideshare drop-off and pick-up area, Fresno Area Express (FAX) and V-Line are in front of terminal Departures curb at the center median and marked with blue signage. YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transit System) to Yosemite National Park is located across from Baggage Claim at the center median. For a map of ground transportation locations, please visit  flyfresno.com/parking/
• Taxi service is available across from the Baggage Claim doors at the center median.

Health and Safety

• While masks and face coverings are optional for U.S. and some international travel, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people wear face masks in indoor areas of public transportation and transportation hubs. CDC provides health recommendations for domestic travel and for international travel on its website at: CDC.gov.

Travel Updates

For summer travel updates, like us on facebook.com at iflyfresno or follow us on Twitter @iflyfresno and Instagram @iFlyFresno or visit our website at www.flyfresno.com .

Fresno Yosemite International Airport – Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is one of the Central San Joaquin Valley’s largest drivers of economic activity. Domestic and international carriers serving FAT offer Valley travelers daily nonstop flights to Chicago (Seasonal), Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Guadalajara, León, and Morelia in Mexico.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Fresno Chandler Executive Airport are municipally owned entities operating as a self-supporting enterprise.               

Like us on facebook.com at iflyfresno or follow us on Twitter @iflyfresno and Instagram @iFlyFresno or visit our website at www.flyfresno.com .

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