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San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK)

San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK)

International Airport
Central East Oakland, Oakland
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6.0/10
2,505
ratings
  • Tips
    David E.
    "Be cool to the flight crew on Southwest - they're awesome!! :-)"(49 Tips)
    Lisa N.
    "AirBart to Bart is near Carousel 4, where you pick up your bags."(14 Tips)
    EM H.
    "OAK: it's not FREE wifi if you have to download an app to use."(18 Tips)
    Brooks J.
    "Some nice upgrades at OAK, much more comfortable."(7 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon602 Tips and reviews
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  • D J.heart icon on user image
    D JohnsonDecember 23, 2016
    If the planes are departing to the north have your camera ready. The first minute of the flight you will have an excellent snapshot of San Francisco & even the Goldengate bridge weather permitting.
    Upvoted 2 weeks ago
  • Tom L.heart icon on user image
    Tom LoweMarch 28, 2015
    If your gonna stay overnight at the airport, better make sure you grab a bench seat before 10pm. There is only a few and they fill up fast. Sleeping there is fine. Sandwich $8 water bottle $3
  • Leah B.heart icon on user image
    Leah BecerraDecember 13, 2014
    Grab some Peet's coffee in terminal 2 (so much better than Starbucks). Security was also very quick. Power stations all over the place. Love it.
    Upvoted Oct 1
  • Matt W.
    Matt WOctober 24, 2011
    Beautiful views of the bay (Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, SF, etc.) while flying in and out of this airport.
    Upvoted Sep 10
  • Taneshia B.
    Taneshia BlackwellSeptember 5, 2013
    I love this place. So much more convenient than going to the crowded SFO.
  • Joyce T.heart icon on user image
    Joyce TompsettAugust 21, 2016
    Been here 50+ times
    Some of the nicest, friendliest, most competent and speedy TSA folks anywhere. They are great. So different than SJC or SFO.
  • Jennifer H.heart icon on user image
    Jennifer HalliganMarch 4, 2017
    Love this airport ... good size and I like the Pyramid Brewing place to stop for a quick drink!
  • Brian S.heart icon on user image
    Brian StraussOctober 15, 2014
    Been here 50+ times
    Very easy to get in and out of. Baggage retrieval is generally swift. Great weather prevents delays. Huge Southwest hub. Wish it was better served by more airlines
  • Ha N.
    Ha NguyenMarch 2, 2020
    Been here 5+ times
    Best airport to fly in and out of the Bay Area. TSA lines are pretty quick and it's accessible by Bart. Flights are more affordable than San Jose and San Francisco.
  • Eater
    EaterJuly 11, 2012
    Top Dining Options: Heinold’s First and Last Chance, Terminal 1; Fenton’s Ice Cream, Terminal 2; Pyramid Ale Taproom, Terminal 2; California Pizza Kitchen, Terminal 2; Silver Dragon, Terminal 1. Read more
  • DJ Kyuheart icon on user image
    DJ KyuOctober 8, 2014
    Been here 100+ times
    If the security line in the Terminal 2 (Southwest Airlines) building is too long, it may be worth it to walk to Terminal 1 and do security there since the airport connects all gates in the back.
  • Eddie R.
    Eddie ReyApril 7, 2014
    Check out the Oakland Museum of Art's new exhibit-- "Bees". Left me so inspired I've decided to re-enroll in my beekeeping class when I return to San Diego! Pictured here: "Bee Hotel" for urban areas!
  • Alex D.heart icon on user image
    Alex DobyanDecember 17, 2017
    Definitely convenient for East Bay folks, but the usual gain you get in breeziness that you get at smaller airports is not quite in effect here - can be longish security lines.
  • George S.
    George S.September 5, 2018
    Been here 25+ times
    BART is a good option. It leaves you right at the airport. No need to worry about parking.
  • Paul M.heart icon on user image
    Paul MartinMay 12, 2021
    easy to negotiate this passenger friendly airport and plenty of options preflight
  • Katie H.
    Katie HoganJune 7, 2012
    Andalé has great guac - all fresh and creamy. If you ask nicely they'll give you a little taste before you order!
  • Tripti B.
    Tripti BurmanAugust 26, 2014
    Lots of private parking lots where you can get parking for as low as 5$ a day with prior online booking. Have tried 'park n travel' and was very pleased. Perfect for a weekend trip.
  • Ninaheart icon on user image
    NinaAugust 15, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    If you're using public transit, this is a great alternative to SFO. The BART/shuttle transfer to OAK is a little annoying, but totally worth it if you want to breeze through check-in and security.
  • Gary W.
    Gary WJuly 27, 2016
    Been here 50+ times
    Morning flight out of the Southwest Terminal? The Starbucks after the moving walkway is always has a super long line. Skip it, walk down a little further to Peets, which usually has no line.
  • Gabby H.heart icon on user image
    Gabby HNovember 4, 2018
    Been here 5+ times
    Small airport with easy day, weekly parking. Don’t skip the first Starbucks in Terminal 1 thinking the second will be less busy. Everyone else had the same thought. 😂
  • Craig V.heart icon on user image
    Craig VillamorAugust 2, 2016
    Been here 50+ times
    Solid alternative to SFO, less delays, less crowds, easier parking, close to downtown SF.
  • Mike G.
    Mike GreshamAugust 10, 2015
    Been here 25+ times
    Southwest terminal is smooth sailing in the morning, whereas you'll want to allow some time for any other airline.
  • MsTwixt M.
    MsTwixt MsTwixtJuly 7, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    @Essie nail polish vending machine in Terminal 2 (By @SouthwestAir) is very cool. Same price as stores; great color selection. Perfect for flight delays!
  • Daniel Z.
    Daniel ZMay 3, 2019
    Bring empty water bottle through security. Refill right after security on your left hand side between Peet's and Gate 4. Hidden free fountain made to refill bottles. Don't pay 5 bucks for water.
  • Kenny K.
    Kenny KatzoffJuly 20, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    OAK looking better except for the high concession prices. Still the best airport in Bay Area!
  • Sandrene M.
    Sandrene MathewsApril 3, 2019
    The food options are much better near terminals 20-32, especially if you’re vegetarian. Some places will serve breakfast past 10:30. And all the coffee is Peet’s but the prices vary at each location.
  • Kimberly W.heart icon on user image
    Kimberly WongJanuary 23, 2013
    This airport always has a breezy security line if you know what you're doing. :) Remember in winter to take off that hat, scarf, jacket, and bulky sweater!
  • Reginald B.heart icon on user image
    Reginald BFebruary 3, 2020
    Been here 50+ times
    there is no more air bart shuttles going to the train station. now for a few years there's a light rail at the airport that goes directly to the bart station
  • Nick C.heart icon on user image
    Nick CampbellMarch 3, 2014
    Terminal 2 definitely seems like the more happening spot. More diverse food options, a wine bar, and a pub. Terminal 1 has lots of plug-in spots but only offers a Chilli's and mall-familiar pan-Asian.
  • Jennifer Y.
    Jennifer YipSeptember 22, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    park'n'fly is only $10 a day! they shuttle you into the airport for free.
  • Flo
    FloJune 1, 2021
    Been here 10+ times
    When you exit Southwest Airlines and need to get to the BART station, head back towards Alaska airlines. That is where the walkway to the BART train is at
  • Ginger B.
    Ginger BryantMarch 12, 2019
    Been here 100+ times
    Holy cow, all the Starbucks are closed and so all the coffee is now Peets, which is fine but they do t have the same breakfast options (where is my oatmeal?). I
  • Sarah S.
    Sarah SchlengerOctober 14, 2019
    Been here 5+ times
    The Ride share area is not working well. Airport staff regularly yell at cars and riders to pull up and not Double park but the app assigns you a section for pick up.OAK work with the app developers!
  • Damian B.heart icon on user image
    Damian BayonaJune 28, 2017
    Been here 5+ times
    Great option for domestic flights though calling OAK an intl airport is a stretch. Avoid incoming intl flights if you can, very limited capacity to handle plane loads of incoming passengers 🙅🏻‍♂️
  • B N.
    B NashMay 13, 2013
    Been here 50+ times
    They must have seen my previous tip, because they have new Rental Car Shuttle buses that are clean and pleasant, and helpful well-dressed drivers! Nice work OAK!
  • Addictive I.
    Addictive ImagesDecember 28, 2018
    Been here 10+ times
    Arrive early, be prepared and dress comfy. Small but busy. Get your energy up.
  • Spare the Air a.
    At Ron Cowan Pkwy & John Glenn Dr on 4/26, trade in your working, old gas powered lawnmower & save up to 60% on the purchase of a new one. Pre-register at http://ow.ly/uICy2 or call 1-844-262-3495
  • Jasonheart icon on user image
    JasonJanuary 26, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    Invest in TSA Pre ✅ for $85. You will speed through the security line in five minutes, get to leave your shoes on and your laptop in your bag.
  • Javier G H.heart icon on user image
    Javier G HRJune 1, 2021
    Bring your snacks, nothing open late night.
  • Beth
    BethAugust 30, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    Pick up a magazine at HMS and ask for their Magazine card. Buy 6 magazines and get the next one free. If you're a frequent flyer, this is an awesome deal!
  • Patricia W.heart icon on user image
    Patricia WJanuary 14, 2013
    At security checkpoint, please move all your bins forwards as you stuff them so we dont have to wait in a line behind you. don't take it personally if I leapfrog you with all that space ahead of you.
  • Sean F.heart icon on user image
    Sean FoleySeptember 3, 2018
    Incredible, very Cool place to visit...getting to see all of the Sights!
  • Franklin C.heart icon on user image
    Franklin ChengNovember 19, 2022
    Been here 10+ times
    Get here at least 1.5 hour early or sign up for clear to beat the security line especially during thanksgiving weekend.
  • Ian K.
    Ian KennedySeptember 7, 2018
    Been here 50+ times
    New Escape Lounge in Terminal One free with Amex Platinum cards has WiFi, food & drinks makes T1 almost worth it.
  • Marc W.
    Marc WolenikMarch 23, 2011
    Been here 50+ times
    Park at Espresso Parking - best in town, and pickup a chicken BBQ salad from CPK to eat ON the plane (to pass the time) - but be sure to get extra dressing or you'll be disappointed at 35k feet....
  • Jay
    JayMarch 14, 2019
    Been here 25+ times
    Over in T1 by Gate 8 is an escape lounge for Amex Platinum card holders - nice!
  • Patti L.
    Patti LewDecember 23, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    If the security line a Terminal 1 (Southwest) is super long, just take the short walk to Terminal 1 where there's usually no or little line. Best way to navigate OAK. Especially during the holidays.
  • DoubleTree by Hilton M.
    If you have time between checking-in, people watching and waiting in the Starbucks line, bring a good book to keep you busy during layovers. For more travel tips, follow @DoubleTree on Twitter!
  • Jeffery A.
    Jeffery AllenDecember 7, 2018
    Been here 25+ times
    Even when the airport is busy, as king as you're there at least an hour before your flight you shouldn't have any problems making your flight. TSA is quite efficient.
  • DJ Kyuheart icon on user image
    DJ KyuMarch 15, 2014
    Been here 100+ times
    If you need to mail something before you fly-there are two mailboxes just outside the terminal 1 building, and another one on the northeast wall of the Terminal 1 Hawaiian/International ticket counter
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