Plan to arrive at least 2.5 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights to allow time for parking, check-in and security at SMF. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is preparing for another busy holiday travel season, with passenger volumes expected to exceed last year’s totals.

Between Thanksgiving and the New Year, hundreds of thousands of travelers will pass through SMF.

During the Thanksgiving period the busiest day is expected to be Sunday, Nov. 30.

For the winter holidays (Dec. 24–31) 30 percent more seats are available compared to the same week in 2024 which means the potential for even more travelers at SMF.

“We know how important these trips are for our passengers,” said Sheri Thompson-Duarte, Deputy Director, Airport Operations and Public Safety for the Sacramento County Department of Airports. “We’re ready for a safe, efficient and festive holiday season, and we encourage travelers to plan ahead so they can start their journeys stress-free.”

In addition to preparing for higher passenger volumes, travelers will find new dining options across the terminals.

Sidewalk Juice and West Coast Sourdough are now open in both terminals, offering fresh sandwiches, soups and smoothies, while Terminal A welcomes Golden Grove Market and a new Starbucks location.

Travelers can make their holiday trips smoother by arriving early and allowing extra time for the busiest travel days. Airport officials recommend getting to the terminal at least two and a half hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures to accommodate parking, check-in and security screening.

Drivers should check parking availability in advance, as the parking garage and daily lot often fill quickly during peak morning hours. Officials suggest using an Economy lot and taking a shuttle to the terminal. Real-time parking updates are available on the SMF website at flysmf.gov/.

Those picking up passengers can avoid curbside congestion by using the airport’s free cell phone waiting lot until their party is ready for pickup.

Travelers are also encouraged to pack smart and review TSA guidelines for carry-on items, especially when bringing food, gifts or liquids.