Holiday travels at Fresno-Yosemite airport? Why gifts could trigger alarm

Things are about to get busy at Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

Officially, the winter holiday season runs through Jan. 4, but things are expected to be particularly bustling this week, as travelers head out (or back) from holiday trips.

The day after Christmas along with Dec. 28-29 will be the busiest, according to the airport.

It offers these suggestions to minimize hassles when checking in for a flight.

* Arrive early and monitor the flight: It is ubiquitous advice at this point, but worth restating. The airport suggests arriving two hours (or more) before domestic flights and three for international flights. Security screenings get particularly hectic from 4-6 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight, according to the airport.

Additionally, keep track of your flight via the appropriate airlines app. This will provide real-time information on fight status and boarding times, or changes in gate numbers. Contact said airline immediately if your flight has been impacted by delays.

* Plan for TSA screening: If you haven’t traveled in a while, you’ll want to check your travel bags for prohibited items before you start packing. Accidentally, bringing something to the airport is more common than you’d think. A list of prohibited items (and the TSA’s rules on liquids, gels and aerosols) can be found online at TSA.gov. It’s a kind of fun read, truthfully.

Keep cellphones, laptops, game consoles and other valuables in your carry-ons.

Gifts are of particular note during the holiday season.

TSA recommends leaving gifts unwrapped, or in gift bags or boxes.

“If a gift triggers an alarm, it will need to be opened to resolve the alarm,” according to TSA regulations. Wrapped presents are more difficult (and time-consuming) to clear if there is an issue.

Since May, travelers over 18 years old have been required to have a Real ID or other form of acceptable identification. According to the TSA, there is an identification verification process for those without proper ID. That process will cost $45 beginning in February. Those who choose to not provide acceptable identification or cooperate with the verification process will not be allowed through the security checkpoint.

All that to say: Have your photo ID and boarding pass ready.

This will save time for everyone in line, and it’s also just a bit of good manners.

Parking and passenger pickup

Parking will be an issue on peak travel days.

Several parking lots (and a garage) are available on the south side of the airport off McKinley Avenue, but guests should arrive early (see above) to allow time to find a spot. Rideshare drop-off and pick-up, along with the Fresno bus service can be found in front of the terminal Departures curb at the center median.

Taxis are available across from the baggage claim doors at the center median.

Early test of new expansion

This holiday season coincides with the opening of Concourse B, a 98,000-square-foot expansion that opened last week. The concourse features any number of new amenities (a curated public art program for one) including an international arrivals space that tripled the airport’s capacity with a lobby area and outdoor plaza for awaiting friends and family.

As part of the project, the airport expanded its security screening checkpoint (with extra line capacity) in April.