New restaurants and other improvements for Oakland International Airport
Oakland International Airport (OAK) is often overshadowed by San Francisco's SFO, its big brother across the bay. The airport's more than 13 million annual passengers (as of 2019) pale in comparison to the 58 million travelers who pass through SFO in a single year (as well as being below San Jose's 16-million-passenger annual volume).
However, Oakland's easy accessibility, very manageable airport layout and an increasing number of amenities and flight options may make travelers reconsider their airport of choice when coming to the San Francisco Bay Area.
To find out about new additions and future plans for Oakland Airport, TPG sat down with Bryant Francis, the Port of Oakland's Director of Aviation who manages overall operations, strategy and planning for the airport. He shared the latest news and his thoughts about the future of OAK.
Local connection and big future plans
The most obvious airport news to anyone traveling through OAK's terminals is the ongoing construction of many new food and beverage outlets, with several spots recently opening.
The Oaklandish Coffee Collective is one of the new offerings that fits into the airport's philosophy of connecting with the local community.
"We require all the shops here to have an area brick and mortar outlet," said Francis. Oaklandish is a local clothing line company that has partnered with numerous of East Bay coffee roasters to create a fashion and coffee-themed taste of Oakland in a space formerly occupied by a Starbucks.
The Oakland Draft House is scheduled to open in Terminal 2 in late July, providing travelers with local microbrews and some great views over the bay, as well as some nice plane-spotting opportunities. Tay Ho Oakland will be the airport's outpost for a popular local Vietnamese restaurant serving up spring rolls, dumplings, pho soups and banh mi sandwiches.
"The airport staff is actually really excited about Tay Ho for our lunches," said Kaley Skantz, senior marketing representative for the Oakland Airport. The airport currently also is beginning the process to contract out a reintroduction of its 5,500-square-foot food court.
The airport's single lounge, the Escape Lounge in Terminal One, was not overly crowded during a Friday airport visit, and according to Francis has been managing guest flow well. There are no current plans to add any more lounges to the airport, though the airport also has sets of Escape Work Pods (formerly known as Jabbrrbox) for those seeking some quiet workspace.
The airport has also made ongoing improvements in basic amenities like flooring, carpeting and seating, and is even implementing a three-year complete overhaul plan for its bathrooms. Electric buses are being added, new flight display monitors will be in place and other cosmetic improvements are on the way.
Oakland is looking farther to the future with an ambitious five-year plan for a "Terminal Modernization and Development Project." It will include the construction of a new terminal, consolidation of other passenger facilities, reconfiguration and relocation of cargo flight areas, and improvements to road and parking areas.
While the plan is just in its early phase of environmental reviews, Francis thinks the plan could be a game-changer.
"We're one of the few airports with an opportunity to really expand our existing terminal footprint," he said, adding that the expansion could greatly increase the airport's passenger and aircraft traffic, and do so efficiently. Don't expect any major changes until "mid-decade," though, due to the long planning and approval process.
Related: 5 Things to know about LAX according to the airport CEO
So much Southwest...and more coming soon?
Although recent years have seen some airlines ceasing or limiting operations from Oakland International Airport, Francis is still happy about the present situation and optimistic about some potential upcoming additions.
"Of course, Southwest has long been a great partner of ours," he said. With more than 120 daily departures, Southwest has "doubled down" with their partnership, according to Francis, essentially making OAK operate like a West Coast hub while adding a new baggage sorting and security facility beneath the terminal with new equipment.
Walking through Oakland's Terminal 2 on any given day gives the appearance of the airport serving as Southwest's direct bridge to Hawaii, with gate after gate announcing another Hawaiian flight boarding.
On a recent Friday, Southwest Airlines listed more than 40 flights en route to the islands, including landings at Honolulu (HNL) Hilo (ITO), Kona (KOA), Kahului, Maui (OGG) and Lihue, Kauai (LIH). Hawaiian Airlines also operates direct flights to Hawaii from Oakland. Alaska Airlines, however, discontinued its direct service from Oakland to Hawaii in 2021.
In addition to limited flights from Alaska and Delta, Oakland Airport offers flights from low-cost providers Allegiant, Contour, Frontier and Spirit Airlines. Volaris connects Oakland directly with four cities in Mexico, while Portugal's Azores Airlines provides seasonal routes from Oakland to the Azores after relaunched service from the airport this year after a two-year COVID-induced hiatus.
More airlines may be on the way, according to Francis.
"There's always some efforts going on behind the scenes," he told TPG. "We have a couple [of] carriers that may be added, we're hoping in the balance of this calendar year." The airport, he shared, has existing available gate capacity, so airlines can quickly launch flights once deals are made.
Many passengers (like this article's Oakland-based author) feel that Oakland's smaller number of flights compared to SFO make it a much more convenient airport to use as a travel base. With just two terminals and 32 gates spread in a "U" shape, you're not going to get lost at Oakland airport, and won't have to spend a half-hour from your car's dropoff point to reach any of these gates. Airport parking is literally across the street from the terminal ($38 per day) with $18 economy lots nearby. OAK will be launching a new parking reservation and payment app this summer to make it even easier. Public transit via BART connecting to an airport-specific tramline can bring you right to the terminal
Related: What is Southwest Airlines elite status worth in 2022
Bottom line
While Oakland International Airport still lags behind San Francisco's SFO and San Jose's SJC in terms of flight options and passenger capacity, particularly for international travel, OAK's manageable size and convenience factor still make it a great option for getting to and from the Bay Area -- if your destination is on the route list.
Southwest Airlines' frequent fliers are undoubtedly already fans of the airport. Also, with summer airline prices being so high overall, OAK's assortment of discount carrier options make it an attractive for bargain travel hunters. TPG will be keeping an eye on potential upcoming OAK airport announcements about new airlines and routes, and will certainly stop by to sample the new Oakland Draft House there.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.