Airport Offers Tips for Busy Winter Holiday Travel

Fresno Yosemite International Airport Offers Tips for

Busy Winter Holiday Travel

Fresno, CA - Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) anticipates a busy winter holiday travel period now through Sunday, January 4, 2026. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) projects that the busiest days at FAT are expected to be December 26, December 28, and December 29.

Timely with this year's holiday travel season is the recent opening of FAT's new terminal expansion. This first-class facility adds approximately 98,000 square feet to FAT's footprint with the new Concourse B, consisting of modernized passenger holdrooms and a brand-new international arrivals facility that triples the current capacity with a lobby area and an outdoor plaza for awaiting friends and family.

New flavors have landed at FAT, including Einstein Bros. Bagels and Ike's Love & Sandwiches, offering more food and beverage options for travelers flying through the airport this winter holiday.

During this busy holiday period, FAT recommends that travelers be prepared and provides the following holiday travel tips:

Arrive Early

• Passengers are strongly encouraged to arrive early at the airport two hours or more prior to domestic flight departures and three hours or more prior to international flights. Busiest times at security screening are 4:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Prepare for TSA Security Screening

• Pack smart by starting with empty bags. By packing for travel with empty bags, passengers are less likely to bring prohibited items through a TSA checkpoint. Check for prohibited items by using the "What Can I Bring?" page at TSA.gov .
• Review TSA's 3-1-1 Liquids Rule for liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags.
• Electronic devices such as cellphones, laptops or gaming consoles and other personal valuables should be placed in your personal item or carry-on bag, not your checked bag.
• Passengers in need of additional assistance during the security screening process are encouraged to contact TSA Cares.
• Be prepared for any scenario. Have your photo identification and boarding pass ready. This will prevent slowing down the screening process.

• Remember passengers 18 years and older need to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another approved form of identification to go through TSA checkpoints.
• TSA recommends packing gifts in gift bags or boxes instead of wrapping them because if a gift triggers an alarm, it will need to be opened to resolve the alarm. Wrapped presents that trigger an alarm will need the gift wrap removed, but if the gift is in a bag or a box, it is much easier for TSA to look at the item to resolve the alarm.

Monitor Airline Flight Status

• Download airline apps to receive real-time updates such as flight status, boarding times, gate numbers, and any other important announcements.
• Travelers are advised to immediately contact their airline if their flight has been impacted.
• Medications should be kept on your person in the event of delayed-checked, or gate-checked carry-on baggage.

Plan for Parking, Ground Transportation, and Passenger Pickup

• Parking is in high demand during peak travel periods. Keep an alternative parking lot in mind in case your first choice is no longer available upon arrival.
• Rideshare drop-off and pick-up area, Fresno Area Express (FAX), and V-Line are in front of the terminal Departures curb at the center median.
• Taxi service is available across from the Baggage Claim doors at the center median.
• A free Cell Phone Waiting Area is conveniently located near the terminal to accommodate friends and family who are picking up arriving passengers. Drivers must stay with their vehicles.
• Parking and ground transportation maps are available at flyfresno.com .
• Keep valuables and personal items hidden from view. Place valuables in the trunk or cover them with blankets, jackets, or other non-descript items. Never leave electronics or bags in plain view.
• Always lock vehicle and ensure windows are fully closed before leaving the vehicle.

Winter Holidays at FAT

• Several decorated and illuminated trees, including a Patriotic Tree, set the holiday mood in the terminal and giant holiday-themed selfie stations welcome friends and family to capture holiday photos.
• Enjoy holiday musical performances in the terminal lobby Tuesday, December 23, 2025, by Will Roberson Il from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Miel de Agave from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Health and Safety

• Review CDC travel tips for a healthy and safe holiday travel season https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel .
• Remain Aware. Travelers should report suspicious activities and remember: If You See Something, Say Something.

Winter Holiday Travel Updates

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Fresno Yosemite International Airport - Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is one of the largest drivers in economic activity in the Central San Joaquin Valley. Domestic and international carriers serving FAT offer Valley travelers nonstop flights to Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Dallas Love Field (Seasonal), Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Guadalajara, León, and Morelia in Mexico.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Fresno Chandler Executive Airport are municipally owned entities operating as a self-supporting enterprise.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @iflyfresno or visit our website at flyfresno.com.

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