Oakland International Airport

The Oakland International Airport stands out as the ultimate gateway for travelers seeking convenience and efficiency. Renowned for its seamless departure and arrival processes, it's the go-to choice for those prioritizing hassle-free travel. The security staff exemplify professionalism, swiftly navigating passengers through checkpoints with kindness and efficiency, ensuring a stress-free experience from start to finish. Additionally, the airport's ongoing expansion efforts indicate a commitment to meeting growing demands, promising even more amenities and services to enhance the overall travel experience. Whether you're jetting off for business or leisure, OAK is undeniably the epitome of convenience and comfort. Always highly recommended!

OAK is a Small airport, like the Bob Hope (BUR) airport in Burbank so, it has its pros and cons.

*Pros*
- no long lines when checking your luggage
- security checkpoint has been easy to go through
- catching a rideshare is easy, no shuttle's needed

*Cons*
- only one Flight/Gate information screen located in the back of the terminal, near gate 11, so, it will be terrible if you're in a rush trying to confirm your departure gate.
- The gate agents from multiple airlines talk over each other so it's very easy to miss your boarding details having to fight over what information to filter out. They need to fix this
- Not a lot of food options, probably since it is a small airport

Overall I would recommend this airport as opposed to SFO for the ease of it. And it is less crowded

Its OST (One Star Tue) again!!!!!

I have flown into OAK many times. When my parents were still alive, they lived in Alameda and OAK was very convenient.

I have committed to visiting friends & family in the area at least once a year, bc it is a short flight fr So CA to OAK. Nonetheless, the shitty experience I had with the rental car shuttle on Fri, 8/16, as well as no benefit for TSA Pre in Terminal 1, leaves much to be desired.

The first shuttle was full. So a family & I made a line where the previous bus stopped and waited for the next shuttle. The second shuttle overshoots us and stops in front of peeps who arrived after us. There were so many peeps I couldn't get on the shuttle again: I was pissed!

A third shuttle arrives and once again there is no designated line: I was fuming!!!!! I said fuk it and ordered an Uber. It cost me $25 w/ tip to get to the rental car station.

Secondarily, you get no benefit from TSA Pre or Clear in Terminal 1. Everyone lines up in general population. The TSA screeners are the slowest I have ever experienced. You have to put your luggage in a tray, and they expect you to put your tray away after being screened. I have never seen the foregoing at another airport.

Fuk U OAK!!!!! You idiots need to run more shuttles, or have staff to organize a queue so peeps get on the shuttle in the order they arrive at the pick up spot. Secondarily, travelers pay for TSA Pre & Clear. There should be a separate line like Terminal 2, or other up to date airports. This kind of mismanagement is why the city lost the Raiders, Warriors & A's. In addition, mismanagement is why peeps don't know that it is closer to fly into OAK to get to DTSF vs flying into SFO. It took management a gazillion years to add SF to the airport name. Doh!!!!!

Flying into OAK is normally pretty smooth. Quick deplaning, and the airport is organized pretty well. Whenever I'm picked up here, it's quick in and out. There's a nearby cell phone lot, which is convenient.

I've also rented a car from here - pretty smooth. You need to take a short shuttle ride to the car rental area. The lines go slow, but the car I got was pretty good. I was warned as I left not to park in the area because of all of the smash and grabs that were happening. I'm not surprised, because it's Oakland, but it was still a little unsettling.

On a recent visit to reunite with my pseudo siblings during Labor Day weekend, it was agreed we'd meet up in Oakland and then drive to our final destination of Lewiston. In the olden days when I'd visit my maternal family who live in Oakland, I would fly into San Francisco International Airport but I was advised to utilize Oakland International Airport (IATA known as "OAK") as one of my pseudo sibs lives only 5min away from the airport.

I was impressed there were multiple airlines which flies from Honolulu to Oakland and the fares were indeed competitive. I selected Hawaiian Airlines and overall, my experience at OAK was memorable.

Built in 1927 with air cargo, aviation and private jet traffic, in 1962 OAK further expanded their operations with cargo jet aircraft and commercial planes. Major airlines, such as American, Hawaiian, Southwest, Delta and Alaska fly in and out of OAK.

I found the facilities at OAK to be bright and well set up as it was easy to navigate myself throughout the airport. The airport seemed on the smaller scale in comparison with major cities that I usually travel to but it was efficient.

So why not 5-stars? When I flew out of OAK to return back to Honolulu, the TSA staff were borderline rude where I almost spoke my mind. I had my hand carry items go through the X-ray and followed the guys in front of me. I waited for my turn as one of the guys had an item that exceeded the restrictions and had the option of checking in the luggage and pay the surcharge or have the item of issue discarded. When it was "my turn" the agent barked at me asking if I'm with the other guys and when I advised him I wasn't, he again barked at me asking why am I standing there and for me to go. I was never advised I was clear of leaving the screening area and I sure didn't appreciate being barked at.

Overall, a relatively great experience utilizing OAK where I wouldn't mind flying into this airport again. Clearly it was much smaller than the airports that I'm accustomed to with much less foot traffic and options of shopping and eating. But clearly the airport is well organized and I appreciated the less foot traffic which brought down the stress level and hence my experience was comfortable and relaxing.

2023 #75

Easy airport to zip in and out, and OAK is a Southwest Hub, offering plenty of flights.

Smaller airport makes for faster security checks and easier maneuver to gates. Always appreciate OAK

Just another quick update on Oakland International Airport.

Although it's my preferred airport, it's not the most convenient for me so I typically use San Jose International Airport for most domestic flights and SFO for specific international flights.

The one thing that I've noticed is that the airport itself is safe, but if you're coming to visit with rental cars etc and need to stop by shops, restaurants, etc. in the area, it's not so safe. So just be careful and hide all things inside your car or bring your luggage in with you wherever you are.

Aside from that, OAK is a great airport. As I mentioned in previous reviews, delays here are fewer than the surrounding airports. So that's why I do prefer this airport.

Airport drop off and pick up is relatively convenient but don't linger as the security will not want you to be idling. There's a park and call on the way to the terminals which is helpful when waiting for arrivals of loved ones (or perhaps not loved ones). All parking is uncovered so prepare with umbrellas if needed.

Beside that, your standard airport that's convenient if you're closer to it. Just adjust time coming to and from this airport as 880 can be a nightmare during peak commute times.

OAKs on you.

I flew in and out of OAK in early May 2023.

1. Yes, it is quite a small airport. Much smaller than I was expecting quite honestly.

2. Yes, there are food places and stores, but I would recommend buying (if you're able to) any food and snacks for the plane before being dropped off. Like most airports, the prices are sky high, especially for food items.

3. Yes, arrivals and departures are on the same level (which I thought was quite interesting for a mainland airport). This was also an aspect that was unexpected.

4. Yes, the TSA agents (in my personal experience) are not very personable or polite. My carry-on was searched for an item (a wine opener I bought in Napa) and was eventually confiscated (totally my fault, I have no one else to blame but myself) because it had a blade. The female agent was quite sarcastic (IMHO) when she suggested I should go back to the ticket counter and "check it in". Needless to say, I just allowed the item to be taken and was on my way.

5. No, the suitcases/baggage did not come out in a timely manner on the baggage carousel upon arrival at OAK. I thought by the time I deplaned (I was sitting way in the back) and used the bathroom that my suitcase might be already on the carousel. No such luck. When I finally made it to the baggage carousel, it wasn't even turned on! I think I waited another 20 minutes before I was reunited with my suitcase.

B O T T O M L I N E
A not so friendly flying first-time experience at OAK.

I've been coming to the Oakland (OAK) International Airport for many years. I usually go to the Sacramento (SMF) airport. However, this one is my second choice for taking flights depending on where I need to go. The terminals are easy to navigate through. There is a decent amount of restaurants and shops available. The bathrooms are usually clean and well-stocked. The seats in multiple waiting areas are comfortable. The airport staff members are helpful, kind, and friendly. This airport gets the job done and I will continue to fly from here.

Security is terrible! Lines stretch out to the street and move at a snail's pace! It us no fun to fly out of OAK. I will never do this again. SFO is the better choice simply based on the bad security situation.