Holiday Travel Tips For SMF
From Sacramento International Airport
If you’re traveling for the holidays, you won’t be alone! Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is expecting holiday travel to be back at pre-pandemic levels this season, welcoming over 100,000 passengers between December 18 and December 26. Our customers can expect a festive atmosphere with live music in the terminals, special holiday menus at bars and eateries, and extra staff at TSA to keep lines moving.
Because of the high volume of traffic, we would strongly encourage you to arrive at the airport two and a half hours before your boarding time. If you have an early morning departure, TSA will begin screening at 3:45 a.m., and terminal concessions will be open at 4 a.m.
Once you make it through security, we are excited to announce a new partnership with entertainment venue Harlow’s and the CA Capital Venue Coalition (CCVC) to bring local artists into the terminals. Our customers will have eighteen opportunities to see local artists play a mix of holiday fare and original music. Live music will be offered on December 20 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Terminal A and from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Terminal B. Check the SMF social media pages for the most up-to-date times and locations.
Before you leave home:
- Please download your airline’s app and check for updates.
- Visit SMF > Parking (sacramento.aero) for current parking availability.
- If you are concerned about what you can bring in your carry-on, check out What Can I Bring? All | Transportation Security Administration (tsa.gov)
At the airport:
- Allow plenty of time to park and take the shuttle from economy lots. It can take an hour from parking to arriving at your terminal.
- Check in at kiosks throughout the terminal before security and avoid the busier main desks.
- Visit the information desk located in each terminal if you have additional questions.
- For those picking someone up, please park in the free waiting lot until you know your passenger is ready and what door they are exiting at.
Parking and Transportation:
- Due to high demand, the garage, daily, and hourly lots often fill up quickly, leading to closures. Real-time parking availability information is accessible on the Airport’s Parking Status Webpage. Given the high demand for parking, economy lots remain the most viable and reliable option. Shuttle service to and from the economy lots might take longer during peak hours, so passengers should plan accordingly.
- Rideshare and Public Transportation: Consider utilizing rideshare services like Lyft, Uber, and Wingz, or opt for public transportation such as Sacramento Regional Transit District’s route 142, which offers express service between the airport and downtown. Taxis are also available for travelers’ convenience.
Expedited Screening Options: Travelers can expedite their security screening process by enrolling in TSA Pre✓, available at SMF. The application center, located in the southeast corner of Level 1 of Terminal B, operates from 8 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additionally, CLEAR subscribers can enjoy expedited identification verification in the security line, with membership available on the CLEAR website.
