How early should I get to Sacramento airport for Thanksgiving? How much does parking cost?
More than 100,000 people are expected to fly in and out of Sacramento International Airport during Thanksgiving week, according to the Sacramento Department of Airports.
How early should you get to the Sacramento airport for holiday travel?
Where can you park? And how much does parking cost?
Here are some tips from airport officials to make your trip easier.
How early should I get to Sacramento airport?
Travelers taking domestic flights from the Sacramento airport should plan to get to the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure times, said Scott Johnston, Department of Airports spokesman.
Those headed to international destinations should add an extra hour, getting to the airport at least three hours before their flights leave, he added.
According to the county Department of Airports website, peak travel times for departing flights will be between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. Tuesday through Nov. 26.
Transportation Security Administration checkpoints are open starting at 4 a.m. to accommodate morning travelers, Johnston said.
Local travelers had polarizing responses to a 2022 Sacramento Bee poll asking when they typically arrive at the airport for holiday travel.
Some respondents said they arrive earlier for flights during the holiday season than they normally would, while others said they show up about the same time as usual: roughly 1.5 hours before a flight.
Airport: Prepare for busy parking lots
If you plan to park your car at the Sacramento airport during holiday travel, be prepared for congested parking garages and lots, Johnston said.
“The parking does fill up pretty quick,” Johnston said. “We will have a place for you to park if you’re leaving your car here, but it may not be a spot that you’re used to.”
Before heading to the airport, you can check real-time availability for all five parking garages and lots through the Sacramento airport website.
Where can I park at Sacramento airport?
Sacramento’s airport offers five garages and lots where travelers can park their vehicles.
Paid lots and garages are designed for travelers to leave their cars for an extended amount of time. If you plan on leaving your car for longer than three weeks, call 916-874-0825.
How much does parking cost?
Below is a price breakdown of Sacramento airport lots and garage:
Hourly parking
Location: Across from Terminal B
Price: $2 per half hour, maximum of $30 per day
The hourly garage is designed for shorter stays, but can be used for travelers planning overnight trips.
Daily parking garage
Location: Across from Terminal A
Price: $2 per half hour, maximum of $18 per day
The daily parking garage is easily accessible for terminals A and B. There are pedestrian bridges from the garage to Terminal A on the third floor, and on the fifth floor for Terminal B. All parking spots are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Daily parking lot
Location: Behind the daily parking garage
Price: $2 per half hour, maximum of $12 per day
Although the daily parking lot doesn’t provide cover for cars, it is still relatively close to both terminals depending on where you park. Shuttle service is available every 15 to 20 minutes in this lot.
East parking lot
Location: Aviation Drive
Price: $2 per half hour, maximum of $10 per day
For those flying from Terminal A, the east economy parking lot may be a good option. It’s located further out, but it is one of the most economical lots at the airport. Shuttle service is provided every 25 to 30 minutes from this lot.
West parking lot
Location: Lindbergh Drive
Price: $2 per half hour, maximum of $10 per day
The west parking lot is a good option for those flying from Terminal B. It’s one of the furthest lots at the airport, but also one of the most economical. Shuttle service is provided every 25 to 30 minutes from this lot.
Where do I pay for parking?
As you prepare to leave a Sacramento airport parking lot or garage, keep in mind that cashier booths at exits do not accept cash.
There are pay-on-foot parking kiosks located throughout the airport that accept both cash and cards. You can pay there before returning to your vehicle.
If you pre-pay for your parking, you’ll have a 20-minute grace period to get to your car and exit the parking space.
Here’s where to find pre-pay parking kiosks:
▪ In the parking garage and outside of door 1 at Terminal B.
▪ On level 1 in lobbies C and D and level 3 in Lobby C in the parking garage.
▪ On level 5 in Lobby C of the parking garage and outside door 1 at the crosswalk to the hourly lot.
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