Fresno Airport: Free Wifi And Internet Access Availability

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) offers free WiFi to all passengers. To access the WiFi, users must confirm that they have read a set of guidelines and click a button at the bottom of the page. The WiFi network's name is FAT, which stands for Fresno Air Terminal, the airport's former name.

How to connect to Fresno Airport's WiFi

Overview

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) offers free WiFi to all passengers travelling through the airport. This service is available throughout the terminal, both before and after security.

Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting

• Ensure you are within the airport terminal, as the WiFi signal may not be available outside the building or in the surrounding area.
• Open the WiFi settings on your device.
• Locate the correct network. The WiFi is typically labelled as 'FAT FREE WIFI'.
• Select this network and attempt to connect.
• Your browser should automatically redirect you to a page with guidelines regarding the WiFi service. Read through these guidelines.
• At the bottom of the guidelines page, there should be a button to click to gain WiFi access. Click this button.
• You should now be connected to the internet through the airport's WiFi.

Additional Information

• The Network/ID (SSID) of the WiFi is subject to change. The information provided here is correct as of March 2024, but it is always a good idea to check for the most up-to-date details.
• If you encounter any issues with the WiFi, you can check the airport's official website or consult with airport staff for assistance.
• For travellers with access to airline lounges, separate WiFi services may be available. These exclusive networks often offer a more secure and faster connection. Inquire within the lounge for specific details.
• Remember to consider your digital security when using public WiFi. It is recommended to utilise VPN services to encrypt your online activity and avoid accessing sensitive information, such as bank accounts.

Other amenities at Fresno Airport

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) offers a range of amenities to enhance your travel experience. Here are some of the amenities you can expect when visiting the airport:

Charging Stations

Conveniently located throughout the terminal seating areas, near the gates, and in lounges, charging stations ensure your devices stay powered up during your time at the airport. You can also find charging outlets at the bottom of the escalator in the Arts Lounge.

ATMs

An ATM machine is located pre-security in the terminal lobby, behind the Starbucks kiosk. This allows you easy access to cash or local currency for your trip.

Car Rentals

Several car rental companies are located inside the terminal, just steps away from the baggage claim area. Additionally, various on-site car rental agencies, such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise, offer convenient transportation options.

Food and Beverage Options

The airport offers a variety of dining choices, including John Muir Tavern, Home Team Sports Bar & Grill, and Starbucks. You can enjoy local craft beer, locally produced wine, and jet-set coffee. Food concessions operate on varying schedules, with some opening as early as 4:30 AM.

Restrooms

The airport provides a Companion Care Restroom, a private restroom located pre-security for travellers requiring caregiver assistance. Accessible stalls are also available in restrooms post-security.

Information Services

Staffed by the HandsOn Central California Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), friendly volunteers are available to assist you with any questions, maps, and tourism brochures. Additionally, an information desk is located adjacent to the ticket counters, and airport ambassadors in blue vests can be found throughout the airport.

Mother's Room

Located post-security, the Mother's Room offers a comfortable space with soft lighting, a handwashing station, and electrical outlets for travelling mothers.

Pet Relief Area

Service animals and travelling pets are welcome at Fresno Airport, and a designated Pet Relief area is available in the terminal post-security.

Water Bottle Filling Stations

Fresno Airport encourages travellers to bring their reusable water bottles and offers free water bottle filling stations throughout the terminal, providing fresh, cold water.

Safety tips for using public WiFi

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) offers free WiFi to all passengers. To connect, you will need to confirm that you've read a set of guidelines and click on the button towards the bottom of the page.

Verify the Network

Cybercriminals often set up fake WiFi networks in public places to trick people into joining. Pay close attention to the network name and, if possible, ask an employee to confirm the correct network name. You can also ask for the IP address.

Turn Off Sharing

When connected to public WiFi, turn off file-sharing preferences. If file sharing is enabled, there is a risk that a hacker on the same network could send you files infected with malware.

Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the most secure option when using public WiFi. A VPN encrypts your data and acts as a protected tunnel between your device and the server, preventing hackers from accessing your information.

Visit Encrypted Websites Only

Only visit websites that use encryption. Look for HTTPS at the beginning of the website address, as well as a padlock symbol. This indicates that the connection is encrypted and any data submitted will be protected from eavesdropping or tampering.

Keep Your Firewall Enabled

A firewall acts as a barrier to protect your device from data-based malware threats. It actively monitors data packets from networks and blocks any malicious packets. Make sure your firewall is enabled before connecting to public WiFi.

Use Antivirus Software

Use an up-to-date antivirus program to detect malware that might get into your system while using a shared network. An alert will be shown if any known viruses are loaded onto your device or if there is any suspicious activity or malicious attacks.

Turn Off Automatic Connection

Always turn off automatic connections to WiFi networks. This will prevent your device from automatically connecting to an insecure or fake network.

Use Two-Factor Authentication

By using two-factor authentication, you add an extra layer of security to your accounts. Even if a hacker obtains your username and password, they won't be able to access your accounts without the second form of authentication.

Avoid Financial Transactions

Do not run financial transactions over public WiFi networks. Banking credentials and account passwords are valuable information for cybercriminals, and your data is at greater risk of being intercepted when using public WiFi.

Use Your Smartphone as a Hotspot

Instead of using public WiFi, it is generally safer to use your smartphone as a personal hotspot. This allows you to create a private and secure network for your internet connection.

The history of Fresno Airport's name

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) offers free WiFi to all passengers. To connect, you must confirm that you have read a set of guidelines regarding the WiFi and click a button to gain access.

Fresno Airport, also known as Fresno Yosemite International Airport, has undergone several name changes throughout its history. The airport in Fresno, California, first opened in June 1942 as Hammer Field, a military airfield and U.S. Army Air Force base. It was named in honour of Lt. Earl M. Hammer, California's first World War I soldier to be killed in action behind German lines in March 1918.

In 1946, after World War II, Hammer Field was inactivated, and the city of Fresno acquired the site to develop a commercial airport, recognising the limitations of the smaller Chandler Field. In 1948, the airport was renamed Fresno Air Terminal (FAT) when the new passenger terminal opened, attracting airlines like Trans World Airlines (TWA) and United Airlines.

In 1996, the airport underwent another renaming, becoming Fresno Yosemite International Airport. This change aimed to attract out-of-state and international visitors to Yosemite National Park. Despite the new name, scheduled international commercial flights only commenced a decade later, in April 2006, with services to Mexico.

The airport code "FAT" remains as a remnant of its former name, Fresno Air Terminal, and has been embraced in recent years with a major expansion project named "FATforward."

Transport options to/from Fresno Airport

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) offers various transport options for travellers to and from the airport. Here are some of the available options:

Bus Services

The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation bus service provides a direct connection between the airport and the Amtrak/Greyhound Station in Fresno. This journey takes around 15 minutes and costs between $1-2, making it an affordable and time-efficient option.

Additionally, the local Fresno Area Express (FAX) bus routes 26 and 39 serve the airport. These buses can take you to various locations within Fresno and provide an economical way to get around.

Taxi Services

Taxi cabs are readily available at the airport and can be utilised on a first-come, first-served basis. The taxi companies operating at the airport include authorised ride-sharing services such as Lyft and Uber, as well as traditional taxi companies. The cost of a taxi ride from the airport to Fresno is estimated to be around $20-24, and the journey takes approximately 9 minutes.

Car Rentals

For those who prefer to drive themselves, several car rental agencies are located inside the terminal, across from the baggage claim area. These include well-known companies such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty. Rental car drop-offs can be made at the adjacent Car Rental Lot.

Shuttle Services

The V-Line shuttle bus service offers a convenient and economical option to travel between the airport, Fresno, and Visalia. Additionally, local shuttle services, including limo buses and shared ride vans, are available for transport within Fresno and the surrounding areas.

Limousine Services

For a more luxurious option, limousine services are also available at the airport. These can be booked in advance or upon arrival, depending on your preferences.

Frequently asked questions