More than 140,000 travelers expected between September 3 and September 8; new promotional event will send 2 lucky passengers from Oakland to Las Vegas
Oakland, Calif. – September 2, 2026: Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) projects that over 140,000 passengers are expected to travel through the airport between Thursday, September 3, and Tuesday, September 8.
Based on airline schedules, the busiest travel days at OAK are expected to be Thursday September 3, as travelers depart for the holiday weekend, and Monday, September 7. Airport officials encourage passengers to arrive early, allow extra time for parking and security screening, and check with their airline for the latest information about their trip.
“As travelers head out for the final holiday weekend of the summer, OAK is ready to welcome guests with the convenient, affordable, and stress-free experience that OAK is known for,” said Craig Simon, Director of Aviation at the Port of Oakland. “Whether passengers are beginning a holiday getaway or returning home, we are committed to providing an enjoyable travel experience that reflects the best of the Bay Area.”
OAK and iHeartRadio partner on unique travel giveaway
Passengers traveling through OAK this Labor Day weekend may also hear about a unique promotional event with iHeartRadio they can enter called the “OAK Suitcase Party” that will send two lucky travelers from Oakland to Las Vegas for an all-expenses paid weekend at the iHeartRadio music festival. Information on how to enter is available here.
The two-week promotional campaign will culminate in a live, on-air and in-person party inside OAK’s Terminal 2 Baggage Claim, where 25 radio contest qualifiers and their guests will arrive with suitcases packed and ready for a weekend getaway – not knowing who will ultimately be selected as the grand prize winner. During the two-hour event, one winner and their guest will be surprised with a trip departing immediately from OAK to attend the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas. Headlining artists include: BTS, Cardi B, Snoop Dogg, Muse, Ciara, and more.
The event will feature iHeartRadio on-air personalities and staff, music, food and beverages, photo opportunities, and airport-themed celebrations that showcase OAK as the Bay Area’s gateway to exciting destinations.
“OAK is always looking for innovative ways to engage travelers and connect with our community,” said Simon. “Partnering with iHeartRadio on this unique experience highlights the excitement of travel and the memorable journeys that begin at OAK.”
Visitors and passengers at OAK will notice several recent improvements designed to enhance comfort and convenience at OAK. The airport has completed the modernization of several public restrooms in Terminal 1. In Terminal 2, passengers can also enjoy new dining and retail offerings, including the recently opened Trader Vic’s, bringing the iconic Bay Area restaurant brand to OAK. Travelers can also stop by Plum Market, which also recently opened and offers fresh and healthy food options, beverages, local products, and travel essentials. A grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration for Trader Vic’s and Plum Market will be announced in the coming weeks.
OAK continues to invest in facility improvements, concession enhancements, and customer amenities as part of its commitment to providing a world-class travel experience while maintaining the convenience and accessibility Bay Area travelers value.
About Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) is the main airport for the greater East Bay, the most populated area in the metropolitan San Francisco Bay area. It is the closest airport to most Bay Area employers. By roadway and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) air-rail, OAK enables excellent access to all the region’s business, entertainment, and tourism venues. The vision of Oakland Airport is to be the airport of choice for San Francisco Bay Area residents and visitors alike. OAK is operated by the Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of East Bay waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 98,000 jobs in the region with more than a $174 billion economic impact.
Updates about current departure and arrival information, airport maps, and details about on-airport parking, shopping and dining and more, can be found at www.oaklandairport.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact
Kaley Skantz – Airport Spokesperson, [email protected]
Click here to access the OAK media on-site request form