Thanksgiving Travel Advice for SJC–
Get to the Airport Early and Plan Ahead

SAN JOSE, CA – As the busy holiday travel season arrives, Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) wants to ensure that all travelers are prepared for takeoff.

Although SJC is expecting passenger traffic to be off about 5 to 10 percent, compared with the 10-day Thanksgiving travel period last year, it remains one of the busiest times of the year for airports. San José continues to advise holiday travelers to get to the airport at least 90 minutes before their flight because of ongoing SJC construction, current airline baggage policies, TSA security measures, and the presence of many passengers less familiar with rules and regulations governing air travel.

“Most airlines are charging a fee for checked bags now and this has a residual affect. Many passengers are now attempting to bring more carry-on bags through security checkpoints, and this tends to slow down TSA security screening process” said Bob Swensen, SJC operations manager.

“The good news is that we’ve actually improved the time for passengers going through security checkpoint by reconfiguring our security lanes since last year and working with TSA to make the process more efficient for everyone.”

The busiest holiday travel day in San Jose is expected to be the Sunday after Thanksgiving, November 30, as people return home across the country. Monday, December 1, and Wednesday, November 26, also will be busier than average.
The busiest travel days of the year in San Jose usually are in August when business and vacation travel are both at their peaks.

“Airlines have reduced flights and subsequently the number of available seats at airports throughout the nation since mid-year, which means that airplanes will be even fuller than in the past,” said Swensen. “We expect that flights out of San Jose will average about 90 percent filled on our busiest days over the holidays.”

Mornings are SJC’s busiest time when many flights depart beginning at 6:30 a.m. Passengers on early morning flights should be at the terminal about two hours ahead of their flights to make sure they have plenty of time to get through check-in, security, and boarding during the holiday morning rush.

Airport officials recommend that passengers should plan ahead, especially during the holiday period, when “infrequent fliers” far outnumber seasoned business travelers. The following tips will help ensure a more enjoyable holiday travel experience for all passengers:

Construction conditions and holiday parking

Travelers are advised that there have been significant airport roadway and parking changes since last Thanksgiving as a result of SJC’s comprehensive modernization construction program.

For travelers’ convenience, there will be no roadway construction at the airport during peak holiday travel periods.

Some of the recent changes this year include:

• A new ground transportation median has been opened near Terminal C where the Airport’s blue shuttle fleet, hotel courtesy vans, and other shuttles drop off and pick up passengers. Taxis will continue to be available at the south end of the Terminal C baggage claim area.
• The temporary bypass detour to Terminal C allows drivers to avoid the loop around the Terminal A garage.

Parking options at the Airport include:

• Cell Phone Waiting Area is a convenient location near the Airport for drivers waiting to pick up passengers and lets them avoid circling terminal roadways or paying for parking. The area is located on both sides of Airport Parkway between Highway 87 and Technology Drive, and it is just one minute away from Terminal A.
• Guaranteed Long-Term Parking ensures that everyone who parks at SJC over the Thanksgiving holiday period will have a space either in the long-term lot on Martin Avenue or in the short-term lots by the terminals.
• Long-term parking is $15.00 per day. Short-term parking in the Terminal A Garage is $30.00 per day and short-term parking at the Terminal C hourly lot is $40.00 per day.
  

SJC and TSA Holiday Travel Tips
TSA’s “3-1-1 program” is a simple way to remember security rules now in effect at airports. By following these guidelines ahead of time, passengers can help make the security screening process much faster and easier for everyone.

• 3-ounce or smaller containers of liquid or gel are permitted. More than three ounces must be packed in checked baggage.
• 1-quart clear plastic, zip-top bags for holding 3-ounce or smaller containers.
• 1 bag per traveler is allowed. Be sure to take the bag out of your carry-on and place it in a plastic tub for inspection by TSA.
• Beverages and other items purchased by passengers after security checkpoint are allowed on the plane. Beverages purchased prior to passing through security will not be permitted through the checkpoint.
• During the holiday season, passengers should bring only unwrapped gifts, as wrapped items may have to be unwrapped and inspected, causing delays.
• Avoid wearing metal in clothing. Go to www.tsa.gov for the latest security policies.

TSA Opens “Family Friendly” Security Lanes
Families and individuals traveling with medically necessary liquids this holiday season now can take advantage of TSA’s family-friendly lanes that have opened at SJC and airports across the nation this month.

TSA staff at these designated lanes will use their training and explosive detection technologies to assist passengers traveling with medically necessary liquids, gels and aerosols, including baby formula, insulin, cough syrup, contact lens solution, and prescription medications.

The family lanes went into service on Thursday, November 20, at all checkpoints in Terminal A, Terminal C, and the International Arrivals Building. Look for the green signs directing passengers to these family-friendly lanes.

Additional Quick Tips for Travelers

• Check in online and print your boarding pass at home.
• Know your airline’s baggage rules. Many airlines now charge for even one checked bag.
• Travel light to avoid checking bags. If you’re traveling with children, they’re entitled to a carry-on bag too.
• Consider eating before boarding the plane and take along snacks. Check with your airline about meal service availability.
• Log on to SJC free WiFi for Internet access throughout all public areas in both terminals.

The New Airport
The airport’s comprehensive terminal area improvement program is replacing and upgrading existing terminals and roadways over the next two years. When completed in 2010, the new airport will provide better service and greater convenience for the benefit of travelers and businesses in the South Bay.

The overall project includes the construction of a new Terminal B that will take the place of Terminal C, originally built in 1965; upgrades and expansion of Terminal A to provide more spacious waiting areas and faster security check-in systems; a new 3350-space rental car and public parking garage directly in front of the terminals; more options for food, beverage, and retail services; and improved roadways serving the airport.
The $1.3 modernization program continues to be on schedule and on budget.

About Mineta San José International Airport
Mineta San José International Airport, a self-supporting enterprise, is owned and operated by the City of San José. SJC served 10.7 million passengers and handled approximately 209 million pounds of air cargo in 2007. SJC has approximately 155 flights a day on 13 domestic and international carriers to 26 nonstop destinations.

For more Airport information, visit www.flysanjose.com, or call Airport Customer Service at (408) 501-0979. Motorists can also tune their radios to 530 AM within two miles of SJC for current information on airport traffic, parking and security.

-SJC-

1732 N. First Street, Suite 600, San José, CA 95112-4538 24 Hour Media Line: 408.501.7700