Fresno, California – Airports across the country, including Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), will be busy during the winter holiday season through January 2, 2025. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) predicts that the busiest days during the travel period will be Friday December 20; Friday December 27; and Monday December 30.
Travelers are encouraged to arrive early and prepare for travel. With flights expected to be at or near capacity, fewer options may be available to allow for rebooking if flights are missed. Travelers are advised to contact their airline immediately if their flight has been impacted. Travelers are recommended to keep their medications close at hand and not pack them in their checked or carry-on baggage in case their baggage is delayed or their carry-on baggage is not accessible.
During this busy holiday season, FAT recommends travelers be prepared and provides the following travel tips:
Arrive early
- Passengers are strongly encouraged to arrive early at the airport two hours or more before domestic flight departures and three hours or more before international flights. The busiest times at the checkpoint are 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. to midnight.
Airlines
- Be prepared to be patient and flexible. Weather can change very quickly and affect travel plans. Contact your airline immediately if your flight has been impacted.
- Check with your airline for flight status before leaving for the airport. Convenient flight status links are available on most airline websites and mobile apps, or passengers can call their airline for information on the status of their flight.
- When boarding, passengers are generally allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item within the dimensions specified by the airline. To make the boarding process as smooth as possible, please check with your airline for any additional carry-on baggage restrictions.
Pack smartly
- Pack smartly; start with empty bags. By packing for their trip with empty bags, passengers are less likely to bring prohibited items through a TSA checkpoint. Check for prohibited items using the “What can I bring? ” page to TSA.gov .
Prepare for the TSA security check
- The TSA cares is a helpline that provides travelers and families with disabilities, health conditions or other special circumstances with additional assistance during the security screening process. Call 72 hours before 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.
- The TSA recommends wrap gifts in gift bags or boxes instead of wrapping them, because if a gift sets off an alarm, it will need to be opened to resolve the alarm. Wrapped gifts that trigger an alarm will need to be removed from the gift wrap, but if the gift is in a bag or box, it is much easier for TSA to examine the item to resolve the alarm.
- Examining ASD Rule 3-1-1 regarding liquids for hand luggage. Travelers can bring one liter bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in their carry-on baggage and to the checkpoint. These are limited to travel size containers of 3.4 ounces or less per item. Pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces in checked baggage.
- Tip for traveling with food: If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it, or pour it, the TSA considers that item a liquid. And if it weighs more than 3.4 ounces, it must be placed in a checked bag.
Parking
- Parking is in high demand during peak holiday periods. Since lots and parking can fill up quickly, please keep an alternate lot in mind in case your first choice is no longer available when you arrive. Travelers with parking questions can contact FAT SP+'s parking operator at 559.252.0052. For parking options and a printable map, please visit flyfresno.com/parking/ .
- Place objects out of sight: Keep valuables and personal items out of sight. Place valuables in the trunk or cover them with blankets, jackets, or other nondescript objects. Never leave electronic devices or bags in plain sight.
- Lock vehicles: Always lock the vehicle and make sure the windows are completely closed before leaving the vehicle.
- Delete spare keys: Do not leave spare keys in the vehicle or hidden under the vehicle.
Telephone waiting and ground transportation
- A free cell phone waiting area is conveniently located near the terminal to accommodate friends and family picking up arriving passengers. Look for blue signs indicating the entrance to the grounds. Drivers must stay with their vehicle.
- The carpool drop-off and pick-up area, Fresno Area Express (FAX) and V-Line are located in front of the terminal departures curb, at the central reservation and are marked with blue signage. For a map of ground transportation locations, please visit flyfresno.com/parking/
- A taxi service is available in front of the baggage claim gates in the central reservation.
Holiday Entertainment at FAT
- The holiday music program returns for the seventh consecutive 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 atmosphere in boarding areas throughout the season.
- Several decorated and lighted trees, including a patriotic tree, set the holiday tone in the terminal and holiday-themed selfie stations welcome friends and family to take holiday photos.
Health and safety
Fresno-Yosemite International Airport – Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is a major driver of 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 municipal entities operating as a standalone corporation.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @iflyfresno or visit our website at flyfresno.com.
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