A Bustling Hub: Oakland Airport's Surprising Traffic

Oakland International Airport (OAK) is a bustling hub, serving passengers travelling to destinations across the United States, Mexico, San Salvador, and offering seasonal European flights. The airport is accessible by road and public transport, with several bus routes and a nearby freeway. OAK also has an air cargo base, which is one of the busiest in the country. With a range of concession offerings, passengers can enjoy a seamless experience with dining, drinking, and shopping options. The airport has a history of hosting notable flights, including British Airways and Air France Concorde supersonic flights to the Pacific in 1987 and a special around-the-world trip in 1989.

TSA security wait times

The TSA security wait times at Oakland International Airport (OAK) vary depending on the time of day. During peak hours, it generally takes 25 to 30 minutes to get through security. However, the average wait time is about 5 to 15 minutes, and it can be as short as 6 minutes. To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended to stay updated on the TSA wait times and be attentive to minimize wait times.

To bypass long security lines, passengers can enroll in the CLEAR Plus program, which offers expedited security lanes at Terminal 2 from 4:15 am to 8:00 pm. CLEAR Plus members can enjoy a more relaxed journey by reducing their time in TSA lines. The TSA PreCheck program is another option available to travelers at OAK, offering expedited security screening benefits. These benefits include not having to remove shoes, light outerwear, and belts, as well as allowing laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in carry-on bags. The TSA PreCheck program is available daily from 11 am to 4 pm at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 checkpoints. Enrollment for the TSA PreCheck program typically takes 3 to 5 days.

It is important to note that the security wait times at OAK are estimated based on historical flight data and TSA staffing schedules. While advanced data analysis methods are used to provide accurate predictions, unexpected factors can impact the wait times. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport well in advance of their flight's scheduled departure time and to stay updated with their airline for any changes or updates.

CLEAR Plus membership

The security wait times at Oakland International Airport (OAK) can be lengthy, with an average wait time of 6 minutes, extending to 25-30 minutes during peak hours. To avoid these long wait times, Oakland Airport offers TSA PreCheck, a program that allows expedited security screening. Passengers enrolled in the program do not need to remove their shoes, light outerwear, and belts, and can keep their laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags.

CLEAR Plus is a premium service that offers travellers a faster and more efficient airport experience. With CLEAR Plus, you can bypass long security lines and gain access to expedited security lanes, making your journey more seamless. CLEAR Plus is currently available at Terminal 2 for both Standard and PreCheck travellers from 4:15 am to 8:00 pm.

CLEAR Plus is a paid membership that provides access to designated CLEAR Lanes at TSA checkpoints. Members can verify their identity at a CLEAR Pod before flying, saving time at the airport. The membership costs $199 annually and includes exclusive travel perks such as expedited passport services and easier luggage shipment. Family members or friends can be added to the membership for $119 each, while children under 18 can join for free.

CLEAR Plus is a valuable option for frequent travellers, especially those with the right credit cards or airline loyalty programs, as some offer discounted or free memberships. For example, Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus provide discounted rates for members, and top-tier elites in these programs receive complimentary CLEAR Plus memberships. Additionally, holding elite status in certain airline loyalty programs or having specific credit cards can result in a free or discounted membership.

Airport concessions

San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK) is a busy airport, with varying security wait times. The average wait time is about 6 minutes, but this can extend to 25-30 minutes during peak hours. To ensure a smooth experience, it is recommended to check real-time wait times and stay updated on any departure delays.

When it comes to airport concessions, OAK offers a variety of options to enhance the travel experience. The concessions available at OAK include:

• Food and beverage options: Oakland Airport provides a range of dining and drinking establishments, allowing travellers to enjoy a meal or a quick bite before their flight. These options are available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
• Retail shops: OAK features a selection of retail spaces where travellers can purchase goods, including souvenirs, gifts, and travel essentials. These shops are located in both terminals, providing convenient access to passengers.
• Personal services: The airport also offers personal services, such as salons or spas, to cater to travellers' comfort and convenience.
• Business services: OAK provides business services, including facilities and amenities to support business travellers and those who need to work while on the go.
• Display advertising: The airport utilises display advertising to promote various products and services, offering businesses a platform to reach a captive audience of travellers.
• Telecommunications services: OAK offers telecommunications services, ensuring that travellers can stay connected and access various communication needs during their time at the airport.
• Rental cars: For travellers who require a vehicle during their stay, OAK provides rental car services, making it convenient to explore the surrounding area or continue their journey by road.

It is important to note that concession opportunities at OAK are awarded through a competitive process, and interested parties can stay updated through the provided email form. Additionally, OAK offers the Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program, promoting diversity and equal opportunities in airport concessions.

Transport to and from the airport

Transport to and from Oakland International Airport (OAK) can be done in a variety of ways. The airport is accessible by car, with parking available, and rideshare companies operating at the airport. SuperShuttle, for example, offers a shuttle service to and from the airport, providing transportation from your home to the airport terminal in a black car, SUV, or private van.

Public transportation is also an option, with the BART station located just across the street from the OAK terminals. The train ride from the airport to the Coliseum BART station takes approximately 8 minutes, and there are connecting services to all BART destinations. Several bus lines also serve the airport, including Line 73, which connects the airport to the Coliseum/Oakland Airport BART station every 15 minutes between 4:56 a.m. and 12:06 a.m. Line 805 is a late-night service that operates hourly between 12:35 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., connecting the airport to downtown Oakland.

For those looking for a faster security screening process at the airport, the TSA PreCheck program is available, offering benefits such as not having to remove shoes, light outerwear, and belts, and allowing laptops and liquids to remain in carry-on bags. CLEAR Plus is another premium service that provides access to expedited security lanes, reducing wait times.

It is recommended to check for departure delays and stay updated on security wait times, as these can vary depending on rush hours and unexpected factors.

History of Oakland International Airport

Oakland International Airport (OAK) has played a significant role in the history of aviation. The city of Oakland first considered constructing an airport in 1925. The announcement of the Dole Air Race from California to Hawaii in 1927 provided the impetus to purchase 680 acres of land for the airport. The airport's 7,020-foot-long runway was the longest in the world at the time and was completed in just 21 days ahead of the race start. The airport was inaugurated by Charles Lindbergh on September 17, 1927, three months after its first use.

In December 1927, Boeing Air Transport, a precursor to United Airlines, began scheduled flights to Oakland. Trans World Airlines (TWA) followed in 1932. In 1929, Boeing established the Boeing School of Aeronautics on the airfield, which expanded in 1939 as part of the Civilian Pilot Training Program. During World War II, Oakland Airport became a crucial military base, with all scheduled flights redirected to San Francisco Airport. Oakland served as the marshalling point for all aircraft bound for US forces in the Pacific.

Following the war, Oakland Airport resumed commercial operations, attracting major airlines such as American Airlines, Western Airlines, and United. In 1962, the airport opened its first Jet Age terminal (now Terminal 1) as part of a $20 million expansion, which included a 10,000-foot runway. Oakland became a hub for non-scheduled and supplemental air carriers, with companies like Transocean Air Lines, World Airways, and Universal Airlines basing their operations there.

During the Vietnam War, World Airways utilised Oakland International Airport to transport thousands of military personnel to Southeast Asia. An international arrivals facility was constructed, enabling the airport to handle international flights for the first time. In the 1970s, after the Vietnam War, the airport opened a second $16 million terminal. A large FedEx cargo station was also established, which has since become one of the busiest freight terminals in the United States.

Oakland International Airport has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing aviation landscape. It has faced competition from its neighbouring airport in San Francisco but remains a significant airport in the Bay Area. The airport has a bright future, with ongoing improvements such as the BART connector, which will provide a seamless and environmentally friendly transport option to the city centre.

Frequently asked questions