Ruth Haines
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is awesome for many reasons. Firstly, it has a rich history, having opened in 1967 as Sacramento Metropolitan Airport, with one 8600-foot runway. Since then, it has expanded significantly, with Terminal A opening in 1998 and Terminal B in 2011. SMF offers various transportation options, including app-based ridesharing, taxis, shuttles, and public transportation, making it convenient for travellers to get to and from the airport. The airport also has a wide range of dining and shopping options, and its website provides useful information on services for passengers with disabilities, lost and found, and other amenities. SMF has also shown a commitment to sustainability by investing in solar energy, which is expected to supply around 30% of the airport's electricity needs and result in significant cost savings. In addition, SMF has seen steady growth in passenger traffic over the past five years due to an increase in domestic destinations and non-stop flights. While some have questioned its status as an international airport due to its limited international flight offerings, SMF has recently expanded its international service to include destinations like Vancouver, Toronto, and various cities in Mexico. The airport has also secured funding for a new air traffic control tower and has plans for further expansion, demonstrating its commitment to growth and improvement.
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What You'll Learn
SMF has a range of convenient transport options
Shuttle services such as SuperShuttle, SuperShuttle Express, and ExecuCar offer direct, flexible, and stress-free transportation to and from the airport. These services provide upfront pricing and can accommodate large groups or families. SMF Airport Shuttles are another reliable option, with shuttle services available to many places in the area.
Ride-sharing apps like Lyft and Uber are also simple and convenient options for travellers. For those seeking more legroom, taxi and limo services are available, offering quick and comfortable rides.
For travellers who prefer to drive themselves, car rental services are available at the rental car terminal on the airport property. A complimentary airport shuttle van runs approximately every 10 minutes to and from the rental car terminal.
Public transport is also an economical and affordable option for getting to and from SMF. SacRT's Route 142 offers an express bus service from the airport to downtown Sacramento, while Yolobus provides hourly service to destinations such as the Woodland County Fair Shopping Mall and UC Davis Memorial Union Station.
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It has a good selection of food and shopping
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) offers a wide range of dining options to suit all tastes and preferences. Whether you're after a quick bite to eat on the go or a more leisurely sit-down meal, SMF has you covered.
For those in a hurry, the Farm to Fork to Sky Kiosk in Terminal B offers a convenient grab-and-go service, while Freshii’s in Terminal A is a great choice for health-conscious travellers, with its nutritious salads, soups, wraps, burritos, juices and smoothies. If you're looking for a more substantial meal, there are a variety of enticing dining options to choose from, including familiar favourites and exceptional cuisine from the region's top culinary names.
SMF also boasts an unrivalled passenger lounge experience. The Escape Lounges in Terminals A and B offer complimentary drinks, delicious seasonal and locally-inspired food, cosy corners, and spaces to work, catering to those travelling for both business and pleasure.
When it comes to shopping, SMF delivers a rich and diverse experience. The airport caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences, from high-end brands to local souvenirs. @ease, for example, offers high-performance men's and women's athleisure wear, perfect for comfortable travel attire. InMotion Entertainment provides a unique blend of cutting-edge electronics, accessories, music, movies and rental services, ensuring travellers are well-equipped for their journeys. The Well is a one-stop shop for news, local food, and gifts, ideal for any last-minute purchases. Vino Volo, a boutique retail store with a stylish tasting lounge and bar, allows guests to relax and savour a selection of wines and small plates. With its variety of exciting shopping options, SMF ensures travellers can make the most of their carry-on space and embark on their journeys with a sense of satisfaction.
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The airport is clean, modern and functional
Sacramento Airport is clean, modern, and functional. Many travellers have praised the airport for its cleanliness and modern design. The airport is well-maintained and boasts impressive artwork.
Although smaller than O'Hare or LAX, Sacramento Airport is still a spacious and functional space. The airport is designed with ease and convenience in mind, ensuring a smooth experience for travellers. The airport has a good flow, making it easy for passengers to navigate and find their way around.
The airport's modern design is evident in its architecture and facilities. The layout is well-planned, with efficient use of space, and the decor is contemporary and aesthetically pleasing. The airport feels bright and airy, with a good atmosphere.
The functionality of the airport is also noteworthy. Sacramento Airport has efficient systems in place to ensure a seamless travel experience. The processes are well-organised, from check-in to boarding, making for a stress-free journey. The airport also offers a range of services and amenities to cater to the needs of travellers, including a variety of dining and shopping options.
The cleanliness of Sacramento Airport is another standout feature. The airport is well-maintained, with a high level of hygiene and cleanliness. The facilities are kept in good condition, and the overall environment is pleasant and comfortable. The attention to cleanliness contributes to a positive and welcoming atmosphere for travellers.
Sacramento Airport's combination of modern design, functionality, and cleanliness enhances the overall travel experience for passengers. The airport's efficient systems, convenient layout, and pleasant environment make it a standout choice for travellers, offering a seamless and enjoyable journey.
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SMF has an extensive history, dating back to 1967
SMF, or Sacramento International Airport, has an extensive history that dates back to 1967. The airport officially opened on October 21, 1967, as the Sacramento Metropolitan Airport, becoming the first purpose-built public-use airport west of the Mississippi. The airport initially served over a million passengers in its first year, exceeding projections of 750,000.
Prior to 1967, commercial airline flights in the Sacramento region were handled by the Sacramento Municipal Airport, now known as the Sacramento Executive Airport. The construction of the Sacramento Metropolitan Airport was considered a risky endeavour due to its large scale and ambitious plans, encompassing nearly 6,000 acres north of downtown Sacramento.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the airport underwent significant construction and growth. Notable developments during this period included the addition of an in-flight catering facility, an FAA Flight Inspection Field Office, a second air cargo facility, and the east runway, which was inaugurated by the landing of a Concorde. Terminal A was also completed in 1996, featuring its own car rental area, setting a precedent for other American airports.
In 2008, the Sacramento County Airport System embarked on "The Big Build," a $1.03 billion terminal modernisation project. This project replaced the aging Terminal B to accommodate increasing demand for passenger services and attract new carriers and routes. The new Terminal B, completed in 2011, features 19 gates and is three times the size of the original.
Today, Sacramento International Airport continues to expand and improve its facilities. In 2023, funding was secured for the construction of a new air traffic control tower, expected to be completed by 2026. With its rich history, ongoing development, and dedication to innovation, SMF has established itself as a significant gateway to Northern California and beyond.
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It has an impressive and evolving route network
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1967 as Sacramento Metropolitan Airport. With a history of serving domestic destinations, the airport has evolved to offer an impressive and ever-growing route network, including international flights to Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico.
In 2011, the airport welcomed American Eagle Airlines and Delta Connection, expanding its intra-California market reach. Southwest Airlines, a dominant player in the region, further bolstered SMF's connectivity by introducing nonstop services to Honolulu and Kahului in 2019, marking a significant milestone in the airport's evolution.
The airport's route network continues to expand, with Air Canada recently adding year-round nonstop service to Toronto. Additionally, Hawaiian Airlines' potential expansion to Manila or Ho Chi Minh City could offer SMF passengers even more diverse travel options.
Looking ahead, Sacramento International Airport has ambitious expansion plans. The SMForward project, valued at $1.3 billion, aims to add three new gates, with two in Concourse B and one in Terminal A. Furthermore, the 2020 Master Plan envisions up to 18 additional gates across Terminals A and B or the construction of a new Terminal C with 12 gates. The airport also intends to extend the Green Line to provide a direct connection to Downtown Sacramento, making travel to and from the airport even more convenient.
Sacramento International Airport's ongoing commitment to expansion and improvement reflects its dedication to enhancing its route network, ensuring that it remains a competitive and attractive option for travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is awesome because it offers a variety of convenient transportation options, including app-based rideshare services like Lyft and Uber, shuttle services, and public transportation to nearby cities. The airport also has a range of dining and shopping options, and it is known for its clean, modern, and functional facilities.
SMF airport has a rich history, opening in 1967 as Sacramento Metropolitan Airport. It was the first purpose-built public-use airport west of the Mississippi. The airport is self-supporting through user fees and rentals, and it has seen significant growth over the years, with expansion projects underway to add new gates and terminals. SMF also has a solar array that supplies around 30% of its electricity needs.
SMF airport has undergone several improvements in recent years, including the addition of new airlines and destinations. In 2023, Air Canada expanded its service to include nonstop flights to Toronto, and Southwest added service to Honolulu and Kahului. The airport has also secured funding for a new air traffic control tower and is working on a $1.3 billion expansion project called SMForward, which includes plans for new gates and terminals.
