Bay Area airports are expecting a busy holiday season, with the busiest days likely to be the days after Christmas.
Although Jessica Newberry experienced a slight delay on her daughter’s inbound flight to Oakland International Airport on Sunday, all things considered, she felt like the holiday travel day was fine.
“From what I’ve seen so far, it’s been pretty smooth,” she said.
Being in the middle of the holiday season, Newberry expected the airport to be very busy and experience many delays.
“I’m glad my daughter decided to fly on a Sunday instead of a weekday,” she said.
Although there wasn’t much activity during the time she was there, this holiday season is expected to be one of the busiest yet.
The Oakland airport expects to receive more than 500,000 passengers during the December holiday season. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) expects to receive more than 300,000 passengers between December 19 and January 5.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is forecasting 6.3 million passengers between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, which would represent a 15% increase over the 2023 holiday travel period.
“Definitely leave early,” said Nia Pitts, who flew from Burbank to Oakland. “I would definitely say – I know they say two hours ahead – maybe do a little more than that. TSA could get some support.
Keevey Davis booked more time than he actually needed on Sunday, and the move paid off.
“I usually don’t fly around the holidays because I know how hectic it can be during the holidays, and I just don’t have the patience to stand in long lines and things like that,” he said. “So far so good.”
Airlines expect the 26th, 27th and 29th to be the three busiest travel days.
“I would recommend not flying during rush hour,” Newberry said. “Don’t land at 5 p.m., don’t do that to your loved ones!”
