Sacramento Airport: Managing Busy Travel Times And Seasons

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is a bustling hub, with a record number of travellers passing through its security checkpoints. In 2023, the airport experienced its busiest summer travel season ever, with passenger volumes exceeding pre-pandemic numbers by over 10%. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus services aim to ease the flow of travellers, offering expedited security screening and shorter wait times. Despite these measures, travellers are encouraged to plan and prepare, as security wait times can vary, and certain items are prohibited in carry-on luggage.

TSA PreCheck

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is a busy airport, with more than 10 million passengers passing through each year. During the first 12 days of July 2023, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened more than 29.5 million people at 430 airports across the country, with Friday, June 30 being the busiest day on record.

To help ease the stress of travel, Sacramento International Airport offers TSA PreCheck, an expedited security screening process for vetted travellers. TSA PreCheck is available at both Terminal A and Terminal B within SMF. Terminal A PreCheck hours are daily from 3:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Terminal B PreCheck hours are daily from 4:00 am to 4:00 pm.

To enrol in TSA PreCheck, applicants must bring a current US passport or a driver's license, and an original or certified copy of their birth certificate. Fingerprints will be collected during the in-person appointment. The application fee is $85, and the Known Traveller Number is valid for five years. Applicants can begin the pre-enrollment process online at tsa.gov/precheck.

CLEAR Plus

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is a busy airport with a range of services and amenities for travellers. It offers various dining and shopping options, as well as easy transportation options like ride-sharing apps, taxis, shuttles, and public transportation. The airport also provides interactive maps, baggage policies, and parking alternatives to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Faster Security Clearance

Quick Identity Verification

TSA PreCheck® Benefits

Family Plan

Additional Perks

Average wait times

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) has been experiencing high passenger volumes, with numbers exceeding pre-pandemic records. During the first 12 days of July 2023, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened an average of 2.46 million people per day across 430 airports in the nation. This surge in travel demand has resulted in longer wait times at various airports, including SMF.

To address this challenge, SMF offers several programs and services to streamline the security screening process and reduce wait times for passengers. One notable option is CLEAR Plus, which provides faster security clearance and shorter wait times at Terminal A and Terminal B. CLEAR Plus members can enjoy the convenience of dedicated lanes, expediting their journey through the airport.

Additionally, the TSA PreCheck program is available at both Terminal A and Terminal B. This program is designed for select frequent flyers and members of specific trusted traveller programs. It allows participants to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on during screening, enhancing convenience and reducing wait times. TSA PreCheck hours vary by terminal, with Terminal A offering the service from 3:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Terminal B from 4:00 am to 4:00 pm.

According to TSA data, eligible travellers who utilised the TSA PreCheck during June 2023 experienced efficient processing, with 88% of them waiting five minutes or less to be screened. This data underscores the benefits of enrolling in the TSA PreCheck program for travellers seeking to minimise their wait times at SMF.

While SMF and third-party sources provide estimates and historical data on security wait times, it's important to recognise that actual wait times may vary. Factors such as unexpected delays or changes in airport operations can influence the duration of security checks. Therefore, travellers are advised to plan ahead, allow for sufficient time buffers, and stay updated by checking the official airport website or other reliable sources for the most current information on security wait times at Sacramento International Airport.

Busiest day

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) experienced its busiest day ever for TSA screening operations on Friday, June 30, when 22,558 people were screened through the airport's security checkpoints. This was also the busiest day ever for TSA operations nationally, with 2,884,887 people screened.

To put this into context, during the first 12 days of July, TSA screened more than 29.5 million people at 430 airports nationwide, which is an average of more than 2.46 million people per day. Current passenger volumes at SMF are more than 10% higher than pre-pandemic numbers in 2019.

To handle the increased traffic, TSA PreCheck is available at both Terminal A and Terminal B within SMF. This program allows eligible travellers to expedite their security screening process, with benefits such as keeping their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and retaining their laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags. More than 15 million people nationwide have enrolled in TSA PreCheck. At SMF, TSA PreCheck is available daily from 3:00 AM to 6:00 PM in Terminal A, and 4:00 AM to 4:00 PM in Terminal B.

Additionally, CLEAR Plus is offered at SMF Airport, providing faster security clearance and shorter wait times at both terminals.

Lost and Found

Losing an item at an airport can be stressful, but Sacramento International Airport has a Lost and Found Department to help you retrieve your belongings. Here is some information to guide you through the process:

Contact Information:

The Lost and Found Office is located between Terminals A and B at 7001 Lindbergh Drive. You can reach them by phone at (916) 874-0701 or by email at [email protected]. The office is open from 7 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday, and is closed on holidays.

Reporting a Lost Item:

When reporting a lost item, it is essential to provide as many details as possible about the item and the circumstances of its disappearance. This includes your first and last name, contact number, date and time of travel, airline used, and a detailed description of the item, including brand, colour, size, type, and any identifiable features.

Lost Items at Security Checkpoints:

If you lost an item at a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint, you should contact the TSA directly. Their phone number is +1-916-830-0227, and their email is [email protected]. The TSA office hours are 8 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday, and they are closed on holidays.

Lost Items on Aircraft:

If you believe you left an item on an aircraft, the first step is to return to the gate where your flight disembarked, as cleaning crews may have found and left the item there. If this is not successful, visit the Lost and Found desk at the airport, and if the item is not there, proceed to the luggage or baggage services desk for your airline, usually in the baggage claim area. Finally, if all else fails, contact your airline directly, as they may have specific procedures for items left on their planes.

Holding Period and Claiming Items:

All lost items are subject to a 30-day holding period. If you do not claim your item within this time, the TSA may sell it, turn it over to the government, or dispose of it. You can claim your item in person or arrange for delivery and cover the shipping costs.

Remember, the Lost and Found Department is there to assist you in retrieving your lost items. By following these guidelines and providing detailed information, you increase the chances of successfully recovering your misplaced belongings.

Frequently asked questions