Fresno Yosemite International Airport
Winter Holiday Travel Tips

Fresno, CA – Airports nationwide, including Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), will be busy during the winter holiday season now through January 2, 2025. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) projects the busiest days during the travel period to be Friday, December 20; Friday, December 27; and Monday, December 30.

Travelers are encouraged to arrive early and be prepared for travel. With flights anticipated to be at or near capacity, fewer options may be available to accommodate rebooking if flights are missed. Travelers are advised to immediately contact their airline if their flight has been impacted. It is recommended that travelers keep medications readily accessible and not packed in checked or carry-on baggage in the event baggage is delayed or their carry-on is not accessible.

During this busy holiday period, FAT recommends that travelers be prepared and provides the following holiday travel tips:

Arrive Early

• Passengers are strongly encouraged to arrive early at the airport two hours or more prior to domestic flight departures and three hours or more prior to international flights. Busiest times at the checkpoint are 4:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Airlines

• Please be prepared to be patient and flexible. Weather can change very rapidly and affect travel plans. Immediately contact your airline if your flight has been impacted.
• Check with your airline on flight status before leaving for the airport. Convenient flight status links are available on most airline websites and mobile apps, or passengers may telephone their airline for flight status information.
• When boarding, passengers are generally allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item within the airlines’ stated dimensions. To help make the boarding process as smooth as possible, please check with your airline for any additional carry-on restrictions.

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 at TSA.gov .

Prepare for TSA Security Screening

• TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travelers and families with disabilities, medical conditions, and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process. Call 72 hours prior to traveling at 855.787.2227 with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Or contact TSA Cares online at  https://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares.

• TSA recommends packing gifts in gift bags or boxes instead of wrapping them because if a gift triggers an alarm, it will need to be opened to resolve the alarm. Wrapped presents that trigger an alarm will need the gift wrap removed, but if the gift is in a bag or a box, it is much easier for TSA to look at the item to resolve the alarm.
• 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.
• Traveling with Food Tip: If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it, or pour it, the TSA considers this item a liquid. And if it’s larger than 3.4 ounces, then it should go in a checked bag.

Parking

• Parking is in high demand during the peak holiday periods. Since lots and the parking garage 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/ .
• Place Items Out of Sight: Keep valuables and personal items hidden from view. Place valuables in the trunk or cover them with blankets, jackets, or other non-descript items. Never leave electronics or bags in plain view.
• Lock Vehicles:  Always lock vehicle and ensure windows are fully closed before leaving the vehicle.
• Remove Spare Keys:  Do not leave spare keys in the vehicle or hidden under the vehicle.

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. 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.

Holiday Entertainment at FAT

• The Holiday Music Program returns for the seventh straight year with live musical performances by a talented lineup of local pianists. As part of the Airport’s Arts & Culture Program, these musicians will entertain travelers and create a festive holiday vibe in the boarding areas throughout the season.
• Several decorated and illuminated trees, including a Patriotic Tree, set the holiday tone in the terminal and holiday themed selfie stations welcome friends and family to capture holiday photos.

Health and Safety

• Review CDC travel tips for a healthy and safe holiday travel season https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/traveling-holidays.
• Remain Aware. Travelers should report suspicious activities and remember: If You See Something, Say Something.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport – Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is one of the largest drivers in economic activity in the Central San Joaquin Valley. Domestic and international carriers serving FAT offer Valley travelers nonstop flights to Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Dallas Love Field (Seasonal), Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, 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.

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