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
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.
iFly Tip: Find out how to make the most of your parking experience by visiting our Airport Parking page.
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.
Tips from OAK Frequent Flyers
To help make your experience at Oakland International Airport 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
"If you're flying Southwest, you'll be in Terminal 1, which is super convenient because it has a direct walkway connection to Terminal 2. This makes it easy if you need to switch terminals for any reason. Just follow the signs, and you won't get lost!" — Carlos M., Alameda, CA, December 2023
"I always double-check my airline and terminal info before heading to OAK. Terminal 1 is mainly for Southwest, but if you're flying with other airlines like Alaska or Delta, you'll be in Terminal 2. It's a quick walk between the two, so no stress!" — Emily T., San Leandro, CA, February 2024
Getting To/From the City
"The BART system is your best friend when traveling to or from San Francisco. It's affordable and connects directly to the airport via a shuttle that runs frequently. Just make sure you have a Clipper card for easy access." — Rajesh K., Berkeley, CA, March 2024
"For those late-night arrivals, I recommend checking the AC Transit bus schedules. They run even when BART stops, and it’s a reliable way to get into Oakland or to the BART station." — Mei L., Hayward, CA, May 2024
Parking
"If you're planning to park long-term, the Economy Lot is the way to go. It's cheaper and just a short shuttle ride away from the terminals, but make sure to book in advance during busy seasons." — David S., Walnut Creek, CA, June 2024
"The cell phone waiting area is a lifesaver when picking up passengers. It's free, and you can wait there until your friends or family are ready to be picked up at the curbside." — Laura R., Fremont, CA, August 2024
Inside the Airport
"Terminal 2 has a nice selection of dining options with shorter lines. My favorite spot is the food court near Gate 20, where you can grab a quick bite before your flight." — Alex J., Pleasanton, CA, September 2024
"If you have a sweet tooth, don't miss See’s Candies in Terminal 1. It's perfect for grabbing a last-minute gift or just a treat for yourself." — Maria N., Oakland, CA, October 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"To avoid long security lines, try to arrive at least two hours before your flight. The early morning and late evening flights tend to have shorter lines at security." — Jamal P., Richmond, CA, November 2024
"Keep an eye on the flight information displays for real-time updates. It's also handy to have your airline's app downloaded for notifications on gate changes or delays." — Hannah W., Dublin, CA, January 2024
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: 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.
- Taxis: Taxi services are available at the airport, with designated drop-off areas located outside of both terminals. Fares are metered and vary depending on the destination.
- Ride share services: 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: 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.
- Public transportation: 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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