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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions here (listed from A-Z).

Advertising

My company would like to advertise at Sacramento International Airport. Who should I contact?
Sacramento International Airport’s advertising inventory – static and multi-media – is managed by Clear Channel Airports, a third-party contractor:

Amber Lyons, Facilities Manager
Clear Channel Interspace
1107 9th St., Sacramento, CA  95814
(916) 402.9459
Jswlyons@gmail.com

Airlines

What airlines serve Sacramento International Airport?
Please see the Airlines page for more information about the location of your airline.

How soon should I arrive for my flight?
Please contact your airline carrier for their recommendation. A rule of thumb is an hour and a half for domestic flights and two hours for international flights.

Keep in mind that you may be denied check-in if you arrive less than 45 minutes before your flight.

How do I register a complaint about an airline?

Complaints and comments about airline service other than safety or security issues may be registered with U.S. Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Protection Division.

Airport Shuttles

What are the hours of the airport shuttles?

The airport provides free shuttle service at both terminals to and from the rental car terminal, the Daily lot, the Economy lot, and between the terminals 24 hours a day.

Where do shuttles drop people off at Terminal B?

On-airport shuttles drop off and pick up at the east entrance of the ground (baggage claim) level. Passengers should take an escalator or elevator to the second floor (departures) to check in at the ticket counters. Visit the Maps page for more information.

Is there a shuttle between airport terminals?

To travel between terminals, select the daily parking shuttle which leaves every 10 minutes from the ground transportation curbs outside Terminal A and Terminal B. If you are at Terminal A, you have the additional option of boarding any shuttle, because its next stop will be Terminal B. Visit the Maps page for details.

Animals

Where are the pet relief areas?
The Terminal A pet relief area is located in the grassy area outside the east end of the building. Exit the building, turn left and look for the signs.

The Terminal B pet relief area is located in the grass patio area on the south end of the terminal on the first level. A second pet relief area is located by the north east corner of the Hourly parking lot.

I am having an animal shipped to me. Where can I pick it up?
Please ask the party who is shipping the animal to you for the following details at the time of shipment: Airline, flight number, if the animal is shipped as cargo and what you will need to have in hand when you retrieve your animal.

I am a member of a service animal group. Can we arrange to bring the animals to the airport for familiarization?
Sacramento International Airport and the Transportation Security Administration are happy to help arrange service animal familiarization outings with recognized organizations. Please contact us for more information.

Business

How can I find out about business opportunities at Sacramento International Airport?
The Opportunities section of our website offers links to to current bids, leasing information and more.

Does Sacramento International Airport have meeting rooms available?
Sacramento International Airport does not have meeting room space available to the public. Sacramento Jet Center, the on-site fixed-base operator that provides services to general aviation customers, has some meeting space available.

Charter Operations

How do I conduct aircraft charter operations at SMF?

Operators that wish to conduct aircraft charter operations at SMF are required to complete the Charter Operations Submittal Form in its entirety and send to Air-CharterRequest@saccounty.net before being approved to conduct a charter operation at SMF.

This form must be submitted to airport operations at least 72 hours prior to arrival but no more than 14 days in advance.

The Airport will review requests and if approved, and will return the “permit” back to the requesting party.

Children

My child will be flying as an unaccompanied minor. Can I go with him/her to the airline gate?
Each airline has specific protocol for unaccompanied minors. Please contact your airline directly for details.

Do you have car seats or strollers available for rent at the airport?
Sacramento International Airport does not offer car seat rentals. If you are renting a vehicle, please check directly with your rental agency about renting a car seat.

Currency Exchange

Does Sacramento International Airport have a currency exchange?

Sacramento International Airport does not have a currency exchange.

Disabled Services

Parking
Persons with disabilities whose vehicles have a disabled license plate or valid DMV placard may park in the designated spaces located in economy, hourly, and daily lots and in the garage. Posted parking fees apply to everyone using these spaces. For assistance regarding parking lot access, please call (916) 874.0681.

TDD Phones
10 telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) are located at the airport throughout terminal lobbies and concourses.

Wheelchairs
Wheelchair assistance is available from airlines and curbside skycaps at no charge. Skycaps may also assist with luggage. To request wheelchair or skycap assistance, please visit your airline's ticket counter. In Terminal A, the ticket counters are on ground level. In Terminal B, take an elevator or escalator to the second level to find your airline's ticket counter.

Those wishing to transport a battery-powered wheelchair aboard an aircraft should make arrangements with their airline in advance.

The airport recommends contacting your airline before your trip to learn about wheelchair assistance. Please visit our Passenger Services page for links to individual airline information for customers with disabilities.

Electric Vehicle Chargers

Where are electric vehicle chargers located?

Electrical vehicle charging stations are located in the Free Waiting Area, the garage, and the daily lot.

Direct current (DC) fast-charge stations are available in the Free Waiting Area. DC fast chargers can accommodate most types of EVs manufactured by domestic and foreign automakers. There are also two L2 chargers for electric or hybrid vehicles without a fast-charge connection.

The fast-charge stations accept most major credit cards. The L2 chargers require a Greenlots app for payment. The app is available for both Android and Apple devices. There is no fee to park in the Free Waiting Area.

There are two L2 electric vehicle charging stations on each floor of the garage.  Another four chargers are available in the daily parking lot. Look for signage directing you to the charging stations.

EV chargers and the designated spots in the parking garage and daily lot are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Use of charging stations is free. Standard parking fees apply.

Filming: Photography & Video

Can I film or take photos/video in the airport terminals?

The public can take snapshots and video for personal use with average cameras in most public areas of the airport.

If the photos, video or film are part of a commercial production, or require more than basic equipment, you must contact airport staff at least 10 working days in advance to arrange for a film permit.

Hours of Operation

What are the airport's hours of operation?

The public areas of Terminal A and Terminal B are open 24 hours a day. The concourses close 30 minutes after the last flight has landed. Although this changes depending on flight schedules, it is usually between midnight and 1 a.m.

What are the TSA checkpoint's hours of operation?

The TSA security checkpoints open at 4 a.m. daily and close at 12:30 a.m., depending on flight schedules.

Inter-Terminal Directions

My connecting flight is in the other terminal. How do I get there?

Terminal A and Terminal B are in separate buildings. You can get to the other terminal by walking or taking an airport shuttle. Walking takes 10 minutes and is the fastest option. Directions are here.

To catch a shuttle, go to the ground transportation curb and get on the Daily Lot shuttle, which arrives every 10 minutes. It will drop you off on the ground (1st) level of the terminal you are seeking. Follow the signs to the TSA checkpoint. Note: If you are at Terminal A, you may get on the Daily or Economy Lot shuttles and arrive at Terminal B, as it is the next stop for those routes.

Please note you will need to go through the TSA security checkpoint to reach your gate.

Lost & Found

I lost something at Sacramento International Airport. What do I do?
If you lost something inside one of the terminals or on an airport shuttle bus, please contact the airport’s Lost and Found Department and leave a detailed message about your item.
Phone: (916) 874.0701
Email: Air-SMFLostAndFound@saccounty.net

Hours: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Closed holidays.
Address: 7001 Lindbergh Drive (between Terminal A and Terminal B). Some onsite parking available.
You can also file a Lost Item Inquiry form online.

TSA

If you left your item at the TSA security checkpoint, please contact the TSA.
Phone: (916) 830.0227
Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Closed holidays.
Email: smf.lost@tsa.dhs.gov

Because of the volume of calls received, Lost and Found Department staff will only return your call if your item has been found.

If you left something at an airport restaurant, shop or business, please contact us and we will forward your email to the appropriate representative.
If you left an item on an aircraft, please contact your airline directly.

Noise

How can I log a comment or ask a question about aircraft noise?

The Sacramento County Airport System Noise Office manages noise concerns for Sacramento International Airport, Mather Airport, Sacramento Executive Airport, McClellan Airfield and Franklin Field. Go to the noise webpage to learn about roles and responsibilities, investigate concerns with our flight tracking application, read answers to Frequently Asked Questions, and learn about noise abatement procedures.

You can contact the Noise Office with your comment or question here:
http://www.sacramento.aero/scas/environment/noise/noise_comment_or_question

You can also submit comments or questions by emailing planenoiseinfo@saccounty.net or calling the aircraft noise report line at (916) 874-0800.

If you are thinking about purchasing a home near one of these airports, please review Information for Prospective Homebuyers’ pages: http://www.sacramento.aero/scas/environment/noise

Nursing Mothers

Where are lactation rooms at the airport?

Rooms for breastfeeding mothers can be found post-security in both terminals near the gates, adjacent to the women's restrooms. The rooms are spacious, have a sink, a chair, and electrical outlets for pumping.

View on Map: Terminal A Terminal B

Paging

How can I have someone paged at Sacramento International Airport?
Paging is managed by the Sacramento International Airport Communications Center. Please call (916) 929.5411 and press the appropriate prompt key to reach the operator.

Parking

Can I park at the curb briefly while I check in or drop someone off?
Due to security regulations, the curb is strictly reserved for active loading and unloading of passengers. Vehicles that wait at the curb an/or are left unattended will be ticketed and/or towed. Please park in an Hourly Parking area or use our Free Waiting Area.

What forms of payment are accepted at parking lots?

Airport lots accept cash, credit and debit cards. Credit cards accepted are Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Unattended payment lanes accept credit and debit cards only. There is one parking lot attendant on duty at all lots for cash transactions.

Pets

Are dogs allowed at the airport?

Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash and under the control of their owner.

Does Sacramento International Airport have pet relief areas?

  • The airport has a pet relief area located at each terminal. The Terminal A pet relief area is located in the grassy area outside the east end of the building. Exit the building, turn left and look for the signs
    View on Interactive Map | Get Directions via Google Maps
  • The Terminal B pet relief area is located in the grass patio area on the south end of the terminal on the first level, baggage claim. A second pet relief area is located by the north east corner of the Hourly parking lot.
    View on Interactive Map | Get Directions via Google Maps

These areas have bags to aid disposal of pet waste.

Can my pet fly with me?
Airlines have specific policies and fares for transporting pets. For the most accurate information, please contact the carriers directly. It is always advisable to discuss travel plans with your veterinarian to determine if the mode of travel will be suitable for your pet.

Public Records

How do I request public records in accordance with the California Public Records Act?
Please contact us with detailed information regarding your request for assistance.

Priority Security Lanes

Does Sacramento International Airport have Priority Security Lanes?

The airlines have established a Priority Lane for preferred customers at the security checkpoints at both Terminal A and Terminal B. All airlines are participating. Each airline has its own criteria for lane usage. Passengers are encouraged to contact their airline carriers for details.

Smoking

Can I smoke at Sacramento International Airport?

Smoking is prohibited inside or within 25 feet of any doorway leading to an airport building. The same rules apply to electronic cigarettes.

Storage

Does Sacramento International Airport have facilities to store luggage?
Sacramento International Airport does not have storage facilities for luggage.

Tarmac Delay Plan

Does Sacramento International Airport have a Tarmac Delay Plan?
Yes, please visit the General Information page on the Sacramento County Airport System website and click on "Reports and Plans" for information on our Tarmac Delay Plan.

Tours

Does Sacramento International Airport offer tours?

Sacramento International Airport does not offer tours. However, groups may visit the public portion of either terminal at their convenience. Brochures about the art collection are available at the information desks.

Translation

How does Sacramento International Airport ensure that they can communicate with customers who may not speak English?
Sacramento International Airport offers translation services by telephone in approximately 150 languages. Customers with limited English proficiency can dial 0 on any airport courtesy phone to be connected with the service. The service is also available at ticket counters, retail stores, and restaurants on an as-needed basis.

Uber & Lyft

Are Uber and Lyft at Sacramento International Airport?
Uber, Lyft and Wingz have agreements to operate at Sacramento International Airport. Passengers can meet their drivers at the ground transportation curb where hotel shuttles and offsite taxi cab companies operate.

Weapons

I have a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Am I allowed to carry it inside Sacramento International Airport?

Sacramento International Airport is on county property and is subject to Sacramento County Code (SCC) ordinances. The SCC prohibits carrying, transportation, use or possession of dangerous weapons upon county grounds.Guns are considered a "dangerous weapon."

The prohibitions do not apply to law enforcement officers or county employees who are required to carry a weapon to perform county business.

The complete code is listed below:

Chapter 9.42 DANGEROUS WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS ARTICLES ON COUNTY PROPERTY

9.42.010 Prohibition

The carrying, transportation, use or possession of dangerous weapons or dangerous articles is prohibited in or upon any building or grounds. (SCC 264 § 1, 1976.)

9.42.020 Dangerous Weapon Defined.               

As used in this chapter, “dangerous weapon” includes any instrument or weapon of the kind commonly known as a blackjack, slingshot, billy, metal knuckles, dagger, knife, pistol, revolver, or any other firearm, razor with an unguarded blade, and any metal pipe or bar used or intended to be used in a club. (SCC 264 § 1, 1976.)

9.42.030 Dangerous Article Defined.

As used in this chapter, “dangerous article” includes any explosive or flammable substance which can be exploded or burned in a manner which is capable of producing bodily injury or damage to property, or any bomb, grenade or similar device. (SCC 264 § 1, 1976.)

9.42.040 Exemptions.

a. The prohibitions of this chapter shall not apply to any judge, sheriff, deputy sheriff, policeman, marshal, deputy marshal, member of the California Highway Patrol, member of the California State Police, agent of the Department of Justice, agent of the Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement, guard or parole officer of the State Department of Corrections or California Youth Authority, or probation officer or deputy probation officer who is acting in the course of employment and who is lawfully authorized to possess such weapons.

b. The prohibitions of this chapter do not apply to any County employee or agent of the County who is required to possess dangerous articles in order to perform County business, work or service on County premises. (SCC 264 § 1, 1976.)

9.42.050 Violation a Misdemeanor.

Any person who violates the prohibitions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable as provided in Section 1.01.190. (SCC 264 § 1, 1976.)

Wireless Internet (WiFi)

Does Sacramento International Airport have WiFi available? How much does it cost?
Sacramento International Airport has free wireless Internet (WiFi) service available in both airport terminals and concourse, the rental car facility, the Sacramento Jet Center, and the Free Waiting area, which some customers call the cell phone lot.WiFi is not provided in the garage or other parking lots.

The free WiFi network has a dedicated speed 130Mbps. Users are limited to 5Mbps . The system supports 802.11 A/B/G/N clients.

What is the name of the Sacramento County Airport System WiFi network?
The official network name is FlySacramento.

Volunteers

How can I volunteer to be an Airport Ambassador?
Sacramento International Airport’s Information Booths are staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers. Volunteers must be age 18 or older, able to speak and write English fluently, have basic computer skills including an email address, and be available to volunteer for two 4-hour shifts a month.

The most available shifts are from 4-9 p.m. daily, although this can change depending on the time of year. If interested, please contact us.