Holiday Travel Rush Hits Oakland International Airport
With Christmas just around the corner, the holiday travel season is in full swing, and Oakland International Airport is feeling the pressure. On the busiest travel day before the long weekend holiday, huge lines of people snaked out the door at the airport, with waits of up to 40 minutes just to check bags before dawn.
Officials at Oakland International Airport estimate that at least 500,000 people will be flying through the airport this holiday season, a 3% increase compared to last year. The airport is expected to be the busiest between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and then again between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Passengers were surprised by the long lines, with one traveler, Michonne Omo, stating, “I will take the lines as long as I get out and get there before Christmas.”
Meanwhile, at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Friday also lived up to its billing as the busiest travel day of the holiday season. SFO estimates that 2.5 million people will pass through the airport during the holiday travel period from December 15 through December 31. However, passengers at SFO are also facing long lines, with some reporting that the airport lines are moving slowly and feeling understaffed.
In addition to the holiday rush, SFO is experiencing delays, with about 15% of flights experiencing some delays as of midday Friday. Airport spokesperson Doug Yakel cited weather issues in Southern California, Phoenix, Texas, and Florida as contributing factors to the delays. He also reminded travelers not to pack wrapped gifts, as they may have to be unwrapped for security.
Despite the challenges, many travelers are maintaining a positive attitude and taking it all in stride. As traveler Thomas Jackson, who was left at the airport due to a flight problem, stated, “You just sit back and wait and be patient.”
With the holiday travel rush in full swing, both Oakland International Airport and SFO are working hard to keep operations running smoothly and ensure that passengers reach their destinations in time for Christmas.