- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Oakland International Airport
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m.
232 reviews for Oakland International Airport
Place keeps getting better. Though I miss the bean pies.
But, with all the updates and so forth, I will still prefer SFO because then I don't have to deal with that AirBART nonsense. Seriously, BART needs a spur here!
That and the free WiFi didn't work on my phone.
At one time, Oakland Airport was my favorite having flown in time and again by myself for the last 30+ years. It has always been easy to manage and get around mostly due to its size. Over the last bunch of years, there has been tons of construction and changes and though I have been quite happy with my flights, it is the airport I am more and more frustrated with.
Free Wi-Fi is great and I appreciate it.
The newer restaurants and Peet's is always a welcome sign at any airport. Decent food (even if expensive) and good coffee are definite pluses!
Here is what I hate:
-The bathrooms are almost always DIRTY and smell like SNASS (a mixture of snatch and ass and yes, you can steal this term). Why can't they be cleaner?
-It takes FOREVER to get your bags. I have never experienced such a slow wait time getting our bags at any other airport. This has been the case for the last 3+ years since the new expansion.
-The smoking area is where the passenger pick up is. Gross to walk through a cloud of smoke to get picked up. It needs to be moved further down and away from the doors exiting baggage claim.
This last trip I didn't feel inundated by the overhead announcements that Toni hates. Maybe I have just become better at tuning it out?
Free Wi-Fi now?
SCORE!!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
4/13/2009
It's been very cool to see OAK metamorphosize from a dump to a top notch airport. I mean, like, if… Read more »
Flyin outta here right now! Easy rental return and pick up. Free wifi...hell yeah. TSA check no prob. I'm in and out of this place at least 2 times a month. SFO sucks big time. I rather come into OAK and drive to the city. Don't eat or shit here so no opinion on those facilities. Second best to RNO. They could use some slot machines here.....
That's right...I'm yelping about Oakland International...from Oakland International!!!
I really do love this airport. It's small, clean, and now has free WiFi (obviously). Since I always fly Southwest, which is located in terminal 2 (the airport only has two terminals, and honestly even combined there just as big as ONE terminal at most airports) my restaurant choices are Pyramid Taproom, Gordon Beirsch Brewery, and where I always end up for my pre-flight margarita...Andale. It also boasts a California Pizza Kitchen ASAP, Peet's Coffee, Starbucks, Max's Deli, and Fenton's Ice Cream.
For the most part my flights have always been on-time. Although, tonight my flight from Oakland to Phoenix is delayed 50 minutes (I'm blaming Southwest though). Security here is always upbeat and friendly and so are the flight attendants working the terminal. Speaking of security, one of the most annoying aspects of airline travel (going through security) is pretty painless here. There's plenty of comfy seating and outlets for your laptop, which is a plus at the terminals as well.
If you have a choice of which airport to fly in and out of in the Bay Area I would choose this over SFO for sure. Yeah, SFO is a big airport, but it's always packed with long lines and delays.
NOTE: I don't know if this is a good thing or bad thing but you can pretty much get anything you want to past security at this airport. I don't like checking in my bags and I don't do travel size toiletries. I've never had a problem getting any of my over sized liquid products past security here though.
Now, I'm gonna engage in one of my other Oakland International traditions...catching up on episodes of 30 Rock on Hulu. Cheers!!!
This airport does have the most ontime flights in the bay
Nothing special here
no fancy lounges, no fancy resturants.
it is just a basic American Airport
IT is nice that the airport fee's here is cheap which is good for southwest and jet blue
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/1/2009
It is the hub for southwest so many cheap flights fly here and nothing else really fly's out.
Not… Read more »
Is it big? No. Is it fancy? Hell no. Is it the fastest and easiest hub to get in and out of? You better believe it.
People always tell you,"You better get to the airport about an hour ahead of time, you gotta go through security ya know..." Not at OAK. You fly through security here.
Is this airport confusing? Not at all- there are only 2 terminals to choose from so you can't really get lost. Is this airport small? Kinda, but it has tons of big name airlines come through like JetBlue, US Airways, United, and Southwest.
When I was in High School I took a field trip here, and they were telling us this is the 'Biggest Little" Airport in the USA- meaning for its teeny tiny size it does more traffic than any other airport like it.
I have never had a problem at Oakland International. I've flown in and out of here too many time to count, and it's always been smooth and painless. My flights have always taken off on time, and my flights have always landed here on time. Oakland International is the most convenient, close to home airport I could have ever asked for.
Perilously close to 1 1/2 stars. We get off the parking shuttle bus, walk w/ our luggage over to the SmartCarte rack to get a cart to pile them on and the machine only takes cash. No credit cards. WTF??? We'd just given our dollar bills to the shuttle driver. We walk to the next one and not only is it cash only, it's exact change. Extremely poor form. Other airports have machines (same company) that take credit cards. SOME airports have free carts. That was an inconvenience and and irritating way to start our travel day. Plus OAK's insistence on using those generic overhead announcements w/ the woman w/ the piercing voice. I hate those. Hawaiian airports seem to have shifted to a version of her, but the announcements are less frequent and the tone a little less harsh.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
11/10/2008
Another star or two for the free wifi which I'm currently using. It's much better and faster than… Read more »
second favorite bay area airport. the first time i rode a plane was out of here. so its a little sentimental:) i like the sign they have for the terminals. terminal 2 southwest airlines terminal 1...all other airlines!!!! that is soo funny. they dont even have to list the rest. its very easy to get around and i feel pretty comfortable in this airport. i would not necessarily drive from san jose to get to this one but its a good option. and yes it is easier to get to from downtown san francisco than sfo is. (kinda hard to believe but i clocked it once because its easier to get the bridge)
Everything went as smoothly as I could never have imagined.
The staff/security were all friendly and helpful.
Our flight was on time, the drinks at one of the bars were good and the people watching was a highlight.
However, the single most important thing I should note here is this: the tampons are FREE in all restrooms in the airport once you get thru security - that is hugely important fact to know for when your bitch ass auntie flo flies into town unexpected.
i'm just sayin........
This airport didn't aesthetically impress me, but then again, if that's what you're looking for in an airport, Oakland, CA isn't probably going to pop up on your radar.
What I love is that this airport is so simple. Planes seem to take off/land way closer to their scheduled times than SFO and SJC. All it takes is one bad experience at one of those and you'll understand...
-1 star for not exactly having the easiest way to get onto BART. You have to pay $2 for a shuttle to the BART station.
The Oakland Airport has gone through a lot of changes over the years and for the most part the changes have been for the better. It's a simple airport to figure out so if you're new to the airport you shouldn't get confused...hopefully? It's the main hub for Southwest Airlines, so if you're flying Southwest just be prepared for the lines. That is why best bet is just to check in online so you can just bypass that line and check in your luggage. I always wondered why people decide to check in their luggage curbside when the lines are extremely long and yet there's no one inside checking in luggage (but hey makes it better for the rest of us).
The parking situation is pretty awesome here since the short term parking is so close to the entrance and relatively cheap compared to SFO. They've done some renovation to the baggage claim area which is nice but it confused me when I landed since I haven't flown into OAK in a year or so. Luckily for me everything is well labeled.
There's nothing spectacular about this airport as far as restaurants go or shops or even art/decor. It's a smaller airport in the Bay but it does its job quite well.
I can't remember the last time that I've actually flown out of OAK. I usually find deals flying out of SJC or SFO and opt for those due to convenience. But with the better deal being had out of OAK my cheap-o self decided to fly out of there to go visit the family.
The exterior seems to have been reconstructed to include three or four "tiers" of drop-off, ranging from the off-site airport, a pick-up area, a drop-off area, and one for hotels. The tiered approach seems to be gaining favor at most airports and it makes sense, I guess.
The terminals seemed to be in the process of being updated with a bunch of construction going on, as well. In the terminal that I flew out of, the ceilings were exposed to show the HVAC, but looked like they had completed several of the concessions in the area since they looked pretty much brand new.
I picked-up at $10 turkey wrap from a Chili's-to-go kiosk and made my way to the gate to wait for my plane. Due to construction, the waiting area seemed really packed-in with people seemingly on top of each other.
Overall, it was an ok experience out of OAK. I'm not sure that I'd fly out of there again. I prefer the convenience of flying out of SJC, and it's only taken me 10-15 years to figure out that paying for convenience is much better than the headache of an hour's drive to SFO or SJC after flying for an extended period of time.
When compared to San Francisco International Airport (KSFO), fares into Oakland are generally inexpensive. However, this varies -- depending on the airline you fly (Southwest pricing tends to be comparable, whether flying into KSFO or Oakland).
And when compared KSFO, I experience less of a wait for checked-in baggage to arrive. Further, I have found TSA lines to flow quickly.
When traveling to the East Bay of the Bay Area, I suggest Oakland. When traveling to the metro area of San Francisco, I suggest KSFO.
Additional Notes:
- The airport offers free WiFi Internet -- although you will be burdened with ads.
(-)I know this is a typical airport thing, but seriously, would it kill you to leave something open after 10pm? I had to sit around and wait for friends to come in on a different (and very late, delayed) flight.
(+)There was, however, a really comfortable leather seat at the gate. I was able to curl up in it and almost fall asleep.
(-)We almost missed the last AirBART. 12am is rough when flights are delayed.
(+)The staff puts up with obnoxious requests from whiny patrons who think the world revolves around their swollen egos. Poised and graceful with sarcastic undertones that the ungrateful asshat doesn't realize at 11.30pm? Beautiful.
It gets me to San Francisco. That's a-ok for me.
I am sitting in the Oakland Airport as I write this review. I get to visit lots of airports. This airport was evacuated 45 minutes ago. I do not know why but everyone had to leave the building and stand across the street. Even people waiting in line to get on a plane had to get out of line and leave the building. None of the planes could take off. I would give the evacuation efforts 3 stars.
It really took longer than I thought to get everyone out of the building and there were very few security personnel taking charge to give directions. I give security 1 star.
After we waited about 15 minutes they told us to proceed back through security. Now what do you think happened? Yes, a stampede. It was a very organized stampede and no one was trampled or hurt. No shouting or arguing. I give the stampede 5 stars.
Once we were back inside the airlines started paging passengers who were not on the planes. Paging announcements were going off every 10 seconds. Where did they think everyone was? Of course they were stuck in the long security lines caused by the evacuation and reentry into the building. To the airline employees who were paging these poor people; your tray back table does not go all the way up. I give the airlines -5 stars for total stupidity.
The airport is always under construction, the rental cars are complicated to get to and its hard to find your way out. The whole layout of this complex is poor. Rating 1-2 stars
Security layout has been improved but still needs work. The TSA workers have an attitude and are basically jerks. They get 0 stars
The airport food service is a giant snack bar so don't show up hungry. Rating 1 star, because you can survive on Vitamin Water and Power Bars.
They do have free internet service that works well in some areas of the airport which is why I could write this review. 5 stars
The only reason to use this airport is because SFO is worse and you can easily get into San Francisco or the East Bay area in a reasonable amount of time from the Oakland Airport. The Bart Train System is available from this airport but be very cautious of some of the clientele riding with you.
it's 3.5 stars, not 4.
Yah! BART doen't go in there. I have to take a bus, AirBus to the nearest BART station which I have to pay for.
Otherwise, it's alright. Just like any airport in the United States which a shuttle bus takes you to a car rental place or the nearest train station or bus depot.
Airport like that usually gets 3 points from me but since it's BART that the shuttle bus goes to, extra half point is rewarded!
I hadn't flown through OAK in awhile (especially since Southwest is flying to SFO again), but when I am staying in the East Bay, it really makes more sense to fly into OAK.
Getting in and out of the airport is a breeze, no matter if you are being picked up at the curb, getting a rental car or taking public transportation to get your destination.
The recent upgrades in the terminals make it much more pleasant to wait for your flight. Good food options and free wi-fi go a long way to making this weary and frequent traveler a happy camper.
The parking and vehicle access is one of the things that is most remarkable about this airport. Other than that and the large bathroom stalls, this place is not all that special.
It'd get 4 stars if it wasn't for the stupid incline after the security checkpoint that I had to drag my luggage up and the fact that they blared the TV volume up on all the flat screen TVs.
I read a lot of the reviews on this place before writing my own review and I can not figure out how this place gets such good reviews. There are parts of the airport that should have been updated 20 years ago, and there are parts that are under construction. There are no good parts. This time around it took far too long for the bags to reach the baggage claim. It may be quick and convenient for some, but its not for me. I usually use SJC and occasionally SFO. I will not make the mistake of using Oakland again. I did not experience anything that made me have positives thoughts of this place.
I trained out in San Ramon and flew into this Airport frequently.
It seems that everytime we go to the Pacific Northwest, we have a connection out of here.
I really don't mind as Oakland International Airport is so clean and organized that I never get any stress coming through here.
I don't have the energy or the time to discuss why, but I was forced into parking in a pay lot at the Oakland Airport. Since I was running short on time I thought the daily lot would be the most time efficient and get me on my way the quickest.
Not so fast.......
Even though they do provide shuttle service from the lot, the shuttles do not run frequently and you actually can walk faster to the terminal than waiting for the bus.
Another downer? I entered the lot at approximately 1:30 on a Wednesday and left the following day at around 6:00. Total price paid? $44!! Are you kidding me???
This review does offer a solution to madness. Even though it is considered "off airport" I suggest parking at Expresso Parking in San Leandro. Not only will you get to the terminal just as fast but it is also a million dollars cheaper. At $5.95 a day ($4.95 for AAA members) this may be the best bargain in the entire East Bay.
http://www.expressopar...
There you have it, two reviews for the price of one!
Life has me on the run and this means that I get to spend a lot of time in airports. This airport used to be small before it started to offer international services, and while the expansion has managed to keep its intimate feel, the facility has not managed to keep parallel with a growing demand for better shops and restaurants. Unfortunately, the most memorable thing about the airport is still limited to See's candies, and the Bay Area sports shop that sells collegiate and professional apparels is too small to be entertaining. All the shops and newspaper stands close earlier than expected, and the curbside drop off for buses is an inconvenient two stoplights away from the terminals.
Unlike San Francisco International, there is no direct BART service while the cost is higher to fly to and from Oakland. My most recent visit to the Southwest curbside service was the most outrageous experience ever. To make the long story short, I had to go back and forth between their service agents and TSA in order to finally get a ticket to get through security. Hello? It's curbside check in! Lastly, the baggage claim can take forever and not all flights are accurately announced electronically atop the carousels.
Defying any common sense that assumes that an expansion would bring greater convenience to customers, the poor quality of service, boring shops and restaurants, and a lack of personality makes this one of my least favorite airports to spend time in. Two stars.
Coming from the Portland International Airport (voted best airport 3 years running by Conde Nast), this airport isn't much to look at. Sure it was clean and fairly well laid out but I guess there is something to be said about asthetics.
When we flew out, we had some time to kill after checking in and getting through security. Unfortunately the choices for a place to eat/drink are very limited. Apparently there is a new wing with lots of varied and attractive offerings but that wasn't where we were. Our choices were Starbucks, a burrito joint, a snack bar, and Chili's Too. Pretty pathetic.
They've improved it (with the new wing of T2, some additional food options, and the improved pickup area out front) but it still has a way to go. Some parts of it, like the lobby in T1 where the security line is, look more like a bus station than a real airport.
And speaking of security lines, I've seen enough long ones at T1 and T2 to shatter the commonly held myth that "OAK is so much easier to get into and out of than SFO because it's small". I'll take the adequately staffed, professional operation at SFO instead, thanks.
They are also cutting service here because of the economy...a lot of flights to the Central and Eastern time zones have vanished. Now only JetBlue and Southwest can get you across the Rockies from here.
First time at OIA
Clean, fast. in and out in no time at all. I've never had a reason to fly into this airport, I was surprised to see a newer, modern airport. I think I may fly into OIA again, it is very convenient for work.
There is no other airport that has me as divided as this airport and I have spent a lot of times at airports all over the country. I use to split my time between SJC and OAK, but now my current house is closer to OAK so OAK it is for most flights. Since I am so split I am just going to spill random thoughts out.
PROs:
1) They have plenty of parking options on-site and near-by.
2) You can take BART than AirBart, so if all else fails and no one can give me a ride I can slum it via public transportation from my house.
3) The wings are connected, yes you have to walk a bit but you can get around if you are really bored.
4) I was in military uniform coming home once with a big plastic box, I didn't even have to ask and some one working for the luggage handling company came over with a push cart to help me out.
5) They can get a lot of people through security in pretty quick manner.
Cons:
1) They seem to have construction going on all the time.
2) Their construction blocked off a major portion of the Southwest Terminal which is a pain in the butt.
3) Their construction has forced the closure of some of the food options in the Southwest Terminal, so if you are on the run and don't have the time to run around for food you are hosed.
4) I have waited for almost one hour for my bags to be off-load during peak hours/peak-season.
5) I have been told my flight is at one terminal because it was with one airline only to have to walk to the other terminal when I got past security.
This review is solely for TSA. TSA here sucks!! After finding something 'sharp' in my purse (my tweezers) they had to search and re-xtray my bag. Right after..... they just left all my things on the stupid converyer belt. In a rush, I tried to get everything... but they took my Devils & Angels book away. =( I'm gonna try my best not to fly outta here.
I guess the moral of the story is... make sure you got all ur shit out the belt before you leave.. but still. TSA are asses. No concern. I like TSA @ SFO better. way better.
Oakland International feels like it was built by two different people and just joined together. Some terminals are great and have tons of food and toilets while others will maybe have a starbucks and a restroom. It reminds me of a place at my school (UC Berkeley) called Dwinelle Hall. It's a building that is notorious for being excessively convoluted.
I don't fly a lot but my mom does so my most common experience with Oakland International is trying to pick my mom up without crashing into anyone or getting yelled at by airport staff. What is with designating 70% of the sidewalk as non drop-off/pick-up sites?!? I usually don't listen to the signs and just stop wherever the hell I see my mom.
Also, would it be possible to make the cell phone lot bigger?
The first time I ever flew I was 6 years old and I flew out of this airport. I have a lot of fond memories of Oakland International.
Today however could have been a little better. Besides the fact that its my husbands birthday today and I have to fly to Seattle on business. I really didn't want to be here today.
I had to park in the daily parking section. Now may be I am unaware of signs or it was very early and I'm half a retard but I parked and walked to the terminal only to find out that I walked to the wrong part of the terminal and had to hoof it all the way to the other end to Alaska Air. I was almost late to check my bag. I don't know whether to blame myself or the airport at this point.
They have really upgraded a lot of things here and being there at 6 in the morning probably also helped with getting through the security lines. Always cheap flights from here. Its easy to navigate around considering I parked way to far away from the appropriate terminal.
My favorite airport as it's close to home. I can leave my house, drive to the airport, park and be in my seat in the plane in 25 minutes. Unfortunately my recent travels have limited my use of it.
This airport has undergone a tremendous transformation. However, it seems like it has an identity crisis. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 up to gate 25 are dark, with low ceilings and worn carpeting. The new part of Terminal 2 is bright, airy with nice shops and restaurants.
The recent improvement to the roadway has resulted in better traffic flow and the transportation area is well organized.
The biggest benefit to flying in and out of here versus SFO is that OAK is not subject tot he kinds of massive delays that SFO is.
I love that I can park across the street, walk inside, meet a close friend, and be driving them home within 10 mins. Can't pull that crap at SFO !
2 Stars
I've been here before i started yelping and I can tell u that this is probably one of the worst airports I've been in. Limited food selection is one thing that can be overlooked, but crappy attitudes on a lot of the people that work there can't be. It was pretty annoying to watch the idiot working the security station where you walk thru the metal detectors giving attitude and being rude to older passengers. He would give instructions in such a low voice that I could barely hear him when standing behind him, then would get annoyed when people 10 feet away couldn't hear him thru all the airport noise and carry-on machine noise.
Dear God,
It's me Cade. I'm sorry I haven't written lately... busy at work, church smells like...well a nun's armpit and dirty money, cat demands my love for 15 mins a day during the most inopportune times, her fish in the aquarium look and stare at me sitting in this chair, work is never-ending and fun but time-consuming, trying to get a business off the ground, kids on the internet need spankings...
Wait, this isn't about me. It's about you.
Thank you for getting my Mom safely in and out of your not-so-pearly gates. I know you're in Oakland and I try not to judge you based on the shitty city you are named after as well as being near the biggest damn Wal-Mart around (actually, the ONLY Wal-Mart around that I know of)...not that that's a good thing... but you occasionally offer cheap ass tickets because no one with any self respect uses you (but secretly they really do).
I have only flown in and out of you once, I think... and my Mom did this recent trip too.
Oh yeah, this is to God. Thank you God for having another metro airport within half an hour drive to keep my ticket prices low and for forcing me to the other side of the bay once in a while. I need the perspective change from the city and secret reason to fill my once-per-year Wal-Mart visit quota.
Too many people hate on this airport. And that is a shame. Probably because it's the most efficient of the three major Bay Area airports (if you still count San Jose). Here's why.
Bottom Line (if you dont read any further)
Oakland Airport... Simple. Cheap. Fun.
Flights:
Cheap and fun. This is the place to board Southwest for all your destinations. And let's face it, the majority of travel is within California as the big business is for intra-state travel between LA and the Bay. Jet Blue also makes regular trips out of OAK compared to SFO (it just started flying out of there recently).
Access:
OAK is easy to get to by public trans. Sure, by comparison, you can take BART directly into the terminal at SFO, but if you live in the East Bay, that trip takes about an hour if not more. THEN you have to do the whole check-in and security thing. Yes, you do have to take a little bus transfer (AirBART) from Oakland Coliseum Station to the terminals, but if youre going to complain about that, then you really must not fly that often to have that as your biggest grievance. Plus, the Port of Oakland is beginning construction on the new tram (think Disneyland) that will take passengers from the Coliseum Station to the terminals, totally eliminating the bus ride.
Security (Say it like Bon-Qui-Qui):
Its fast. Bottom line. I dont care if its a long or short line or hollidays or not. Fly out of here one year for xmas and then fly out of SFO or LAX the next. Then come talk to me. The earliest i've ever had to arrive was one hour before my flight. (1 1/2 hour from leaving my apartment)
Baggage Claim:
Sure, we've all had our luggage lost or misplaced somwhere... it happens. Get pissed. Start crying. Then get over it. The average time for lugguage to go from plane to claim is 20 minutes. How many other airports claim that?
Service:
Service is excellent. And i know because i've had to deal with them for good and bad reasons on more than one occassion. They are friendly and patient and willing to help.
Future Upgrades:
As mentioned, future upgrades (some already under construction) include:
1) AirBart Tram from Oakland Coliseum BART Station to Terminals
2) Ugraded Terminals 1 & 2
3) Construction of Terminal 3
4) Construction of Central Parking Structure
5) Improved roadways (almost completed)
OAK is closeby to where I used to live and I love this airport!
Provoking mixed emotions it has its up and downs. Luckily, there has been much improvement and well-spent effort into making travel quite more comfortable from new art exhibits to fresh new interior/infrastructure extending seemingly infinite long walkways (smaller than SFO of course). Free wifi, random hurdles, massive crowds, and expensive $10 coffees are a given at what was once not so but it's an airport, it's there the purpose is satisfying enough.
Like any get-away source much sentiment is often provoked... and I've remembered running crazy as if late for flights, picking up loved ones at the discombobulated (lol) loading zones at the curbs, just studying common yet unknown vacationers while I sat patiently waiting for my flight, perhaps even leaving the car at the public lot and taking the shuttle in the early slow hours amidst the muzzled haze anticipating departure or arrival and what may come right after. While others sat waiting for theirs, crossing distances not knowing so at first, the oblivion was always a blind curiousity. So many possibilites but I'll end it here... now reach for the stars so if you fall you'll land on the clouds haha.
Considering how little I fly nowadays, I've come to enjoy OAK, much moreso than SFO or SJC any day! Mostly I would say it has to do with convenience, as it's easy to get to both in distance and in getting dropped off or taking in the bus if I'm parking. The close parking lot is also finished, but man at 430am in the dark, freezing cold while hauling 150lbs of luggage after only 2 hours of sleep and you're desperately close to missing your flight, you really don't want to wait for the hourly shuttle to come by so you haul the equivalent of the buses in the World's Strongest Man competitions to make the gate in time. Ah, good times....
But the remodel has finally fixed the waiting area between T2 and T1, and T2, at least the majority of the gates down the way a bit, are really really spacious and nice. Add to that the cool new laptop/power tables and power recliners, new kiosks, restaurants and better video gate monitors, and you've got yourself a real winner! As for the outside, the roundabout, the parking, and even the roads in and out of OAK are wider, better and easier to navigate. And the luggage area is so wide and open in T2, I never run out of space to get my bags.
My only real peeves are:
1) Starbucks doesn't take my Black Gold card for discounts! I keep forgetting, but after writing this, I'm going to Peet's from now on.
2) Hardware/Multimedia store isn't all that. It isn't even some of that. You don't have bluetooth earphone headsets? Even Fry's can do that!
3) T1 is still pretty dull. Thank goodness I often fly Southwest.
4) Parking and shuttling over, while convenient, still isn't as good as dropping close or even staying in the local close lot, but it's still pretty full most of the time.
5) No matter when I come, T2 is always packed with drop-offs/pick-ups
6) The "Expert Flyer" lane, which doesn't really bother to screen much, as opposed to those nitpickers at LAX
7) 15 mph into the terminal? Are you serious? It's seriously difficult to go from even 30 to 15 in that 200 meter stretch.
8) The dead zone, between T2 and T1. I swear twin girls will appear down that fast walker one day wanting to play forever and ever and ever....
9) Cool and great looking high-tech laptop/business center booths that are never open or available. This isn't a motel, why can't we use these?
10) The video montage in the luggage claim area. What's wrong with ice hockey? I guess OAK doesn't want disgruntled Southwest flyers body checking each other into the luggage carousel just to get their bags.
Still, I like it muchly.
I think it is an okay airport. I think I like San Jose a little bit more though I guess maybe I flown out of there more like 5 times more. Anyways I thought the security people were okay, they told me I forgot to get my Nintendo DS. Unfortunately, my belt was somehow stolen when they inspected it. My bag was somewhat opened. I guess they like the shininess of it. Maybe it was lost in Orange County. well who knows right. Anyways the people are okay though some where nice and some where not. They do have Fenton's icecream so I give them that for sure =) Oh yeah they do have free wireless internet, but free comes at a cost, they do a whole lot of advertisements which is super annoying and well slows down your computer and refreshes your screen so when I was typing my yelp review I got their advertisement, but could not see the screen argh. They are doing construction as well.
This is a very nice airport. You can easily walk from short term parking to the terminals. Food is adequate, but you didn't go to the airport to dine, did you? I especially like the cell phone lot where you can park and wait for the call to pick up traveling friends/family at curbside.
This is only in regards to the Southwest terminal ( I believe it's terminal 2). I don't know how travel is out of the other terminal.
This airport is great to fly out of and into. It's been newly updated recently so there are a lot of nice clean places throughout the terminal.
Free wifi! Yay! Well, at least once you get on. I had some issues getting online. But once I was on, I was good to go.
I fly into and out of this airport all the time for work and it's relatively easy. Security usually doesn't have a really long line, except on Fridays, for obvious reasons. Sometime though, randomly it will be busy on Wednesdays. There are a lot people like me that are flying up and down for business so it tends to be busy in the mornings and around 4-5ish.
Considering Southwest gets delayed frequently, I like the fact that this airport is nice with a bunch of amenities.
