OAK Airport Insights & Guide
- Frequent Flier Tips
- Airport Recent News
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Metropolitan Oakland Airport (OAK) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from OAK-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"OAK has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 handles most of the international flights and several domestic airlines. Terminal 2 is exclusively for Southwest Airlines. Make sure to check your terminal before arriving to save time." — Jason M., Alameda, CA, August 2023
"If you’re flying internationally, remember that Terminal 1 has a separate security checkpoint. It’s usually less crowded in the early morning, so try to schedule your flight accordingly." — Maria R., San Leandro, CA, September 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The BART station at OAK is incredibly convenient. It connects directly to the Coliseum station, from where you can get to downtown Oakland or even San Francisco. It’s a great alternative to driving, especially during rush hour." — David K., Oakland, CA, July 2023
"If you’re taking a ride-share service, head to the designated pick-up area outside the terminals. It’s well-marked and usually has plenty of cars available, even during peak times." — Emily S., Berkeley, CA, October 2023
Parking
"OAK offers a variety of parking options, from hourly to long-term. The Economy Lot is the most budget-friendly, but it’s a bit of a walk to the terminals. There’s a free shuttle service, though, which runs every 10-15 minutes." — Carlos T., Hayward, CA, November 2023
"For short trips, the Premier Lot is closest to the terminals and offers the quickest access. It’s a bit pricier, but the convenience is worth it if you’re in a hurry." — Linda P., San Lorenzo, CA, December 2023
Inside the Airport
"OAK has some great dining options. If you’re in Terminal 2, don’t miss out on the local favorite, ‘Andale Mexican Restaurant.’ Their burritos are a must-try." — Tom H., Alameda, CA, January 2024
"For some last-minute shopping, Terminal 1 has a variety of stores, including a duty-free shop. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or travel essentials." — Jessica W., Oakland, CA, February 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Check the TSA wait times online before you leave for the airport. OAK usually has shorter lines compared to other Bay Area airports, but it’s always good to be prepared." — Alex B., Alameda, CA, March 2024
"If you’re traveling during the holidays, get to the airport at least 2-3 hours early. Security lines can get quite long, and it’s better to be safe than sorry." — Michelle L., San Leandro, CA, April 2024
iFly Tip: Find out how to make the most of your parking experience by visiting our Airport Parking page.
Helpful Tips & Resources
Is Oakland Airport (OAK) airport a bit unfamiliar to you? Look no further than iFly.com for insightful tips and advice. Read on!
- Upon passing through security, go to the map of OAK's airport to navigate through the terminals, and view the restaurant, bars and shopping options as you head to your gate.
- Check here for info on lounges or clubs where you might be able to access via a day pass if you're not a member or flying in first class.
- At times, Oakland airport has changes to its airlines. Review the airlines that have scheduled flights from Metropolitan Oakland Airport OAK here.
- Waiting to pick up an arriving passenger? To see where the plane is, when its slated to land, and which terminal it will deplane, use the live flight tracker.
- Want to find the cheapest flight fare from OAK airport? Compare multiple providers, check directly with airlines, and look into alternative airports.
Getting to Know OAK Airport
Welcome to the Metropolitan Oakland Airport Online Guide. Serving as a key gateway to the San Francisco Bay Area, OAK boasts two well-equipped terminals and a host of passenger-friendly amenities. One of the unique features of this airport is its seamless connectivity to the city via the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system. This guide provides an overview of the airport's facilities, services, and everything you need to know to navigate the airport with ease. If your journey involves other airports, our comprehensive guide to worldwide airports can provide you with valuable insights.
Airport News
Metropolitan Oakland Airport (OAK) has been the focus of several noteworthy updates in 2023. Delta Air Lines has commenced nonstop service to Atlanta, providing passengers with more options for direct flights to the East Coast. Additionally, there has been significant discussion regarding a proposed name change for the airport, which has sparked debate among local officials and stakeholders. This proposed change aims to better reflect the airport's regional significance but has faced opposition from some quarters (SFO officials push back). (sources: MSN, Oakland Airport)
Navigating OAK's Terminals
OAK Airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 has 14 gates and is primarily used by Southwest Airlines, while Terminal 2 has 10 gates and is used by all other airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, and Volaris.
When arriving at OAK, passengers should check their airline and terminal information before heading to the airport. Both terminals are connected by a walkway, so passengers can easily walk between them. Once inside the terminal, passengers should follow the signs to their airline's check-in counter. After checking in, passengers can proceed to the security checkpoint and then to their departure gate.
For those looking for food, services, and airline departure gates, use our interactive airport map to locate these amenities in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Connecting Between Terminals
The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus service that runs every 10-15 minutes. The shuttle bus stops are located outside of both terminals and are easily identifiable.
If you prefer to walk, it is possible to do so between the terminals. The walking distance is approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on your pace. To walk between the terminals, exit the terminal building and follow the signs that direct you to the other terminal.
iFly Tip: Find out how to accompany someone to the gate with advice from our gate pass information page.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At the Metropolitan Oakland Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the terminals. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, and drivers are not allowed to leave their vehicles unattended. The airport authorities advise drivers to use the cell-phone waiting areas, which are free of charge and conveniently located near the terminals.
Drivers can wait in their cars at the cell-phone waiting areas until their passengers are ready to be picked up. Once the passengers have collected their luggage and are ready to be picked up, they can call or text their drivers, who can then proceed to the curbside to pick them up. This system helps to reduce traffic congestion and ensures a smooth flow of passengers and vehicles at the airport.
Parking Facilities & Options
Metropolitan Oakland Airport offers several parking options for travelers. There are multiple parking lots and garages located within walking distance of the terminals.
Terminal 1 has a parking garage located directly across from the terminal. Terminal 2 has a parking lot located adjacent to the terminal. Both parking options offer hourly, daily, and long-term parking rates.
If you're waiting for an arriving passenger, OAK also offers a cell phone waiting area located near the airport entrance. This area allows drivers to park and wait for their passenger's arrival without having to circle the airport.
Handicapped parking is available in all parking lots and garages. Accessible parking spaces are located near the shuttle pick-up/drop-off areas and terminal entrances.
For travelers looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near OAK. These parking lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport and often have lower daily rates than the on-site parking options.
Get details about OAK parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
Oakland Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers arriving or departing from the airport.
Car rental facilities are available at the airport, with major providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. The rental car center is located just a short shuttle ride away from the terminals.
Taxi services are also available at the airport, with designated drop-off areas located outside of both terminals. Fares are metered and vary depending on the destination.
Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at the airport. Pickup areas are located outside of both terminals, and there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed.
Airport shuttles are available for transportation to and from nearby hotels, with pickup areas located outside of both terminals. Fares vary depending on the destination and shuttle provider.
For those looking for public transportation options, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system offers a station at the airport, providing easy access to San Francisco and other destinations throughout the Bay Area. Bus services are also available through AC Transit and the airport's own shuttle service, which provides transportation to the nearby Oakland Coliseum BART station.
iFly Tip: Understand the importance of crew coordination in the cockpit by visiting our cockpit operations page.
Airport Hotels
Looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? Our guide provides information on various hotels, each offering a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and amenities tailored to suit the needs of air travelers. Whether you're on a long layover, have an early flight, or are visiting the area, these hotels can make your journey much smoother. From budget-friendly options to luxury suites, these hotels offer a range of services to make your stay enjoyable. Explore the options and find the perfect accommodation for your needs. Oakland Airport Hotels
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
Are you traveling through Oakland Airport and looking for some delicious food or some last-minute shopping? Look no further! The airport offers a variety of dining options, from casual American fare at Chili's Grill & Bar to Chinese cuisine at Silver Dragon. If you're in the mood for something sweet, stop by See's Candies for some delicious chocolates. And don't forget to check out the duty-free store, World Passage, for some great deals on liquor and cosmetics. These are just a few of the many options available at OAK. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, discover what's available here.
Passenger Services
OAK offers a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience for all passengers.
For those needing to stay connected, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
If you have lost an item during your travels, the lost and found department is located in Terminal 1 and can be reached by phone or email.
Traveling with children? There are designated children's play areas located in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to keep little ones entertained.
Special-needs services are available upon request, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.
Banking services are available at the airport, with ATMs located in both terminals.
In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a medical clinic located in Terminal 1, as well as automated external defibrillators (AEDs) located throughout the airport.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight departure, especially if there are any delays, cancelations, or gate changes. Luckily, there are several ways to get flight status information at OAK Airport.
One of the easiest ways to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply locate your flight on the display and check the status.
Another convenient way to stay informed is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines offer apps that allow you to check flight status, receive alerts about delays or cancelations, and even change your seat or upgrade your ticket. You can also sign up for text, email, or push notifications to receive updates directly to your phone.
Lastly, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Metropolitan Oakland Airport (OAK) is located in Oakland, California, serving the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Terminals: The airport features two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
- Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. For a full list of airlines, visit the OAK Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Metropolitan Oakland Airport handles approximately 12,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees around 150 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from OAK are Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Seattle, San Diego, and Phoenix.
- Hub Status: Metropolitan Oakland Airport is a hub for Southwest Airlines and Allegiant Air.
Airport History
The Metropolitan Oakland Airport, also known as OAK, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1920s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1927 - The airport was established as the Oakland Municipal Airport.
- 1935 - The airport was renamed as the Oakland Airport.
- 1941 - The airport was taken over by the US Army Air Corps and used as a military base during World War II.
- 1946 - The airport was returned to civilian control and commercial airlines resumed operations.
- 1962 - The airport was renamed as the Oakland International Airport to reflect its growing international traffic.
- 1970s - The airport underwent major expansion and renovation projects to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic.
- 1980s - The airport added new airlines and destinations, including international flights to Mexico and Canada.
- 1990s - The airport continued to expand and modernize its facilities, including the construction of a new terminal building.
- 2000s - The airport faced challenges due to the economic downturn and increased competition from nearby airports.
- 2010s - The airport implemented several initiatives to improve passenger experience, including the installation of new technology and the addition of new airlines and destinations.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Metropolitan Oakland International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: OAK
- Airport Website
- Phone: +1 510-563-3300
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Oakland International Airport, 1 Airport Drive, Oakland, CA 94621, United States
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Metropolitan Oakland Airport Q&A
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