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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Timely with this year\u2019s holiday travel season is the recent opening of FAT\u2019s new terminal expansion. This first-class facility adds approximately 98,000 square feet to FAT\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
New flavors have landed at FAT, including Einstein Bros. Bagels and Ike\u2019s Love & Sandwiches, offering more food and beverage options for travelers flying through the airport this winter holiday.<\/p>\n
During this busy holiday period, FAT recommends that travelers be prepared and provides the following holiday travel tips:<\/p>\n
Arrive Early<\/p>\n
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. \u2013 6:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. \u2013 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. \u2013 12:00 a.m.<\/p>\n
Prepare for TSA Security Screening<\/p>\n
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 \u201cWhat Can I Bring<\/a>?\u201d page at TSA.gov<\/a> .<\/p>\n Review TSA\u2019s 3-1-1 Liquids Rule<\/a> for liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Passengers in need of additional assistance during the security screening process are encouraged to contact TSA Cares<\/a>.<\/p>\n Be prepared for any scenario. Have your photo identification and boarding pass ready. This will prevent slowing down the screening process.<\/p>\n Remember passengers 18 years and older need to present a REAL ID-compliant driver\u2019s license or another approved form of identification<\/a> to go through TSA checkpoints.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Monitor Airline Flight Status<\/p>\n Download airline apps to receive real-time updates such as flight status, boarding times, gate numbers, and any other important announcements.<\/p>\n Travelers are advised to immediately contact their airline if their flight has been impacted.<\/p>\n Medications should be kept on your person in the event of delayed-checked, or gate-checked carry-on baggage.<\/p>\n Plan for Parking, Ground Transportation, and Passenger Pickup<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Taxi service is available across from the Baggage Claim doors at the center median.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n