Winter Holiday Travel Tips from

Fresno Yosemite International Airport

Fresno, CA (December 20, 2019) –   Airports across the country, including Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), are anticipating increased passenger activity during the 2019 Winter Holiday air travel period.  Airline trade organization Airlines for America projects passenger volumes on U.S. airlines will exceed 2018 Winter Holiday travel by 3 percent during the 18-day travel period beginning Friday, December 20 through Sunday, January 5, 2020.

In preparation for the busy Holiday travel period, FAT offers travelers helpful tips to simplify the travel process, updates on new amenities, and scheduled holiday entertainment.

 Travel Tips from FAT

• Passengers are strongly encouraged to arrive at the airport up to three hours prior to international flights and up to two hours prior to domestic flights.  TSA Pre✓^® for expedited security screening is available at Fresno Yosemite International Airport.
• Consider peak early morning and late night departures at Fresno Yosemite International Airport may extend security screening wait times.
• Remember airline ticket counters close for passenger check-in as early as 45 minutes prior to domestic flight departures and 60 minutes prior to international flight departures.
• Check with your airline on flight status prior to leaving for the airport.  Convenient flight status links are available on most airline websites and mobile apps or passengers may telephone the airline for flight status information.
• Review your airline’s website for travel policies, baggage limitations and fees, customer service plans and automated flight alert notifications to cell phones or mobile devices.
• Travel with a current government-issued ID and have your boarding pass out and ready. Beginning October 1, 2020, every traveler must present a REAL-ID compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to fly within the United States.
• Turkeys and hams can fly in carry-on. Wrap the food items well and use plastic bags within your bag. Pastries, pies, stuffing and more can also fly. TSA’s tip for determining what food items go in carry-on and what goes in checked baggage – if you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it, pour it or if it’s 3 ounces or more, it’s technically a liquid and should be packed in checked baggage.

Traveling With Gifts

• Consider NOT wrapping your gifts until you arrive at your location. If your gifts are pulled aside by security, they may be unwrapped and searched, so save yourself time and hassle and wrap at your final destination. Opt for gift bags instead of a wrapped gifts; they are easier to inspect and you won’t have to rewrap.
• Make sure your gifts comply with TSA guidelines. Stow gifts with over 3.4 ounces (like that snow globe or wine) in your checked bag. And make sure to pack any toys/sporting goods like water guns or baseball bats in your checked bag as they will be flagged at security.
• Give extra security to your gifts by putting them in a hard-shelled suitcase and by adding extra padding with your clothing items or bubble wrap.
• Avoid hassle by shipping gifts to your final destination or shopping once you arrive. You may also want to consider buying smaller presents and gift cards to make your travel experience easier (and lighter).
• For your safety and security, keep all valuables including expensive gifts close by in your carry-on luggage.

Holiday Entertainment at FAT

• The Holiday Music Program returns for the third straight year with performances by a talented lineup of local pianists. As part of the Airport’s Arts & Culture Program, these fine pianists will entertain travelers and create a festive holiday vibe in the boarding gate areas throughout the season.
• A number of decorated and illuminated trees will set the holiday tone in the terminal.  This year’s Patriotic Tree welcomes travelers and guests to share a holiday message with local Veterans by filling out a postcard available at the tree. The American Red Cross Central California will collect all postcards on December 22 to distribute to local Veterans.
• A giant holiday themed selfie station will be staged in the central lobby area for taking photos with friends and family.

 New at FAT this Holiday Season

• Part of the Airport’s Arts & Culture program, a new arts lounge provides a welcoming and relaxing seating area for travelers. The lounge is configured to offer a comfortable workspace or a quiet place to relax and enjoy works of art by Central Valley artists.
• A new credit card only Long-term Lot and a new Economy Parking Lot provides more parking that is available for travelers. Both lots are credit card only.  Parking rates and maps are available at flyfresno.com/parking/ .
• An expanded Cell Phone Waiting Area in a new location is now open.  Conveniently located near the terminal, the free waiting area accommodates 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 located outside of the terminal Departures doors at the Rideshare/Bus Plaza and marked with blue signage.

Remain vigilant.  If You See Something, Say Something. Please report all suspicious activities or items to airport security personnel.

Safety and security are top priorities for all airport personnel. Passengers can help ensure a smooth security process by following the TSA’s security procedures available at www.TSA.gov or by reaching out to the AskTSA team via Twitter at @AskTSA.

 

Fresno Yosemite International Airport – Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the largest driver in economic activity in the Central San Joaquin Valley with $844 million of annual economic activity and 9,800 direct, induced and indirect jobs. Domestic and international carriers serving FAT offer Valley travelers daily nonstop flights to Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Guadalajara, León and Morelia, Mexico.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport is a municipally owned entity operating as a self-supporting enterprise. No City of Fresno general funds are used to operate Fresno Yosemite International Airport or Fresno Chandler Executive Airport.

 Like us on facebook.com/FresnoYosemiteInternational or follow us on Twitter @FresnoAirport and Instagram @iFlyFresno .

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