Best Day To Fly: Sacramento Airport Travel Tips

Sacramento International Airport is the main airport serving the capital of California. It is one of the busiest airports in the region, with more than 10 million passengers passing through each year. With such a high volume of travellers, it can be a challenge to navigate the airport, especially during peak travel seasons. So, what is the best day to travel from Sacramento Airport?

How early you should arrive at the airport

Sacramento International Airport recommends that travellers arrive at least 2.5 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. This is especially important during holiday periods, when the airport is busier than usual.

Arriving early is crucial when travelling during the holidays. In the past, the airport has seen over 100,000 passengers during the 10-day holiday period starting on the Saturday before Christmas and ending on New Year's Day. During the 2023 holiday season, the airport expected to reach pre-pandemic levels, with more than 100,000 passengers expected between Monday and December 26.

If you are checking a bag, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight. This will give you enough time to check your bag and go through security. If you are not checking a bag, you may be able to get away with arriving a little later, but it is still advisable to give yourself plenty of time to navigate the airport and find parking.

If you are planning to park your car at the airport, be prepared for congested parking garages and lots. The airport provides five parking lots with different daily rates that can be monitored online. Alternatively, you can consider being dropped off at the airport or using public transportation, a taxi, or a ridesharing service.

To save time before your flight, you can also consider signing up for TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, which offer expedited security screening processes.

How to get through security faster

The best day to travel from Sacramento Airport to get through security faster is Thanksgiving Day. The worst day to travel is the Sunday after. However, there are several things you can do to get through security faster, no matter the day.

Firstly, planning ahead, arriving early, and being prepared are crucial to making security operations go smoothly. SMF recommends that travelers arrive at least 2.5 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. You can also check how many parking spots are available in real time on the Airport's Parking Status Webpage to save time looking for parking. Alternatively, you could consider getting dropped off at the airport by friends or family, or using public transportation, a taxi, or a ride-sharing app.

Another way to get through security faster is to enroll in TSA PreCheck. This allows travelers to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and their laptops in their cases, and travel-size liquids, gels, and aerosols in their carry-on luggage. On average, 88% of TSA PreCheck-eligible travelers waited 5 minutes or less to be screened in June 2023. You can pre-enroll on the Pre website and complete the process at the TSA PreCheck enrollment center in the baggage claim area in the southeast corner of Level 1 of Terminal B. The TSA PreCheck enrollment center is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to noon and 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

Additionally, you can use CLEAR to get through security faster. CLEAR uses your eyes to confirm your identity, moving you faster through the line. You can enroll in CLEAR online and at the airport.

To get through security faster, you should also be aware of the contents of your carry-on bag and ensure it does not contain prohibited items. You can use the MyTSA app and its "What Can I Bring?" feature to determine whether an item is allowed or prohibited in carry-on luggage. You can also snap a picture of an item and send it to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger for real-time assistance.

Finally, listen for guidance from TSA officers and follow their directions. SMF has security screening technologies in use that may allow travelers not to present a boarding pass during the travel document-checking process or leave all items in their carry-on luggage as it is screened by the X-ray.

Parking availability

Parking is available at Sacramento Airport via five main lots: Parking Garage, Hourly Parking, Daily, East Economy Parking, and West Economy Parking. The Parking Garage is a six-storey structure that offers short-term and long-term parking near Terminal A. The Hourly Parking Lot offers short-term parking near Terminal B. The Daily Lot is located near both terminals and offers long-term parking spots with a shuttle service every 10-15 minutes. The East Economy Parking and West Economy Parking lots are the farthest from the terminals and do not have a walking path, but they are the most economical options at $10 per day. These lots also offer regular shuttle services.

All parking at Sacramento Airport is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not available. The airport's parking website is regularly updated with the number of available parking spots in each lot, so it is recommended to check it frequently as parking conditions can change quickly. During holiday travel, lots can get tight and several may close for short periods as demand exceeds capacity.

There is also a free Cell Phone Lot located off Airport Blvd near the gas station, where drivers can wait for free for up to three hours until passengers are ready to be picked up.

The parking rates vary based on the lot and the type of parking chosen. Sacramento Airport parking fees start at $2 for 30 minutes and can go up to $29 for a day's parking. The long-term parking rate starts at $10 per day and can go up to $29 per day. The hourly lot near Terminal B is $2 per half-hour with a maximum of $30 per day. The daily lot is $2 per half-hour with a maximum of $18 per day.

Pick-up and drop-off options

Drop-off Options:

• Personal Vehicle: If you are being dropped off by a friend or family member, they can easily access the airport and drop you off at the departure terminal. It is recommended to arrive at least 2.5 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight to allow sufficient time for check-in and security screening.
• Public Transportation: Sacramento Regional Transit District's Route 142 offers express service between the airport and downtown Sacramento. This is a convenient and cost-effective option for travellers.

Pick-up Options:

• Free Waiting Area: Sacramento International Airport offers a free waiting area called the "Free Waiting Lot" for those picking up travellers. This area provides a convenient space to wait until your party is ready for pick-up, avoiding the need to circle the airport endlessly.
• App-Based Ride Share: Ride-sharing services such as Lyft, Uber, and Wingz are readily available at Sacramento International Airport. These services offer a quick and convenient option for travellers who want to get on their way promptly after their arrival.
• Taxis: Taxi services are also available at the airport. The Sacramento Independent Taxi Owners Association provides taxi services, and travellers can make reservations by calling them directly. Taxis can be found outside the baggage claim areas at both terminals.

General Recommendations:

• Allow Sufficient Time: Regardless of your drop-off or pick-up method, it is always advisable to allow extra time when travelling to or from the airport. This accounts for potential traffic delays, finding parking, and navigating through the airport terminals.
• Consider Traffic Conditions: Check traffic conditions before departing, especially if travelling during peak hours or holiday periods. This can help you avoid unexpected delays and ensure a timely arrival at the airport.
• Utilize Real-Time Information: Sacramento International Airport provides real-time information on its website, including parking availability and shuttle tracker. Utilize these tools to make informed decisions and plan your trip efficiently.

Alternative transport options

If you're looking for alternative transport options to and from Sacramento International Airport, there are several options available. Here are some detailed suggestions to help you plan your journey:

Public Transportation

The Sacramento Regional Transit District offers an express bus service, known as Route 142, which connects the airport and downtown Sacramento. This service runs every 20 to 30 minutes, seven days a week. Additionally, YoloBus provides daily routes throughout the region, offering another convenient option for travellers.

App-Based Ride-Sharing

If you prefer ride-sharing services, options such as Lyft, Uber, and Wingz are available and offer designated pickup areas at both terminals. These services provide a flexible and often cost-effective alternative to traditional taxis.

Taxis

For those who prefer the convenience of a taxi, the Sacramento Independent Taxi Owners Association provides taxi services to and from the airport. You can make reservations by calling their number, and taxis are readily available outside the baggage claim areas at both terminals.

Shuttle Services

Shuttle services are another option and can be particularly useful if you're travelling to and from the parking lots. However, during peak hours, be prepared for longer wait times as shuttles typically operate at 25 to 30-minute intervals. It's important to plan for this additional time, as it can take up to an hour from parking to reaching the terminal.

Car Rentals

If you're looking for more flexibility, renting a car at Sacramento Airport is a viable option. This choice gives you the freedom to move around at your own pace and can be convenient if you plan to explore the surrounding areas.

Train Services

For those arriving at San Francisco International Airport and looking to travel to Sacramento, there is an option to take a train. However, it's important to note that there is no direct train service between these two points. The journey involves taking the BART train on the Red Line towards Richmond and then transferring to the Capitol Corridor (CC) Amtrak train headed for Sacramento. The entire trip typically takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes, depending on schedules and any delays.

Bus Services

Another cost-friendly alternative is to utilise public buses. From San Francisco Airport, you can take a BART train to the city's transit centre, followed by a direct bus to Sacramento. The total trip time averages about 4 hours. Additionally, bus services like Greyhound and Flixbus offer connections from downtown San Francisco to Sacramento, with a typical travel time of up to 3 hours.

Frequently asked questions