By Tina Fontenot
On October 6, 2011, the first scheduled flight will depart from the new Terminal B at the Sacramento International airport. This is an exciting time for the Sacramento area as this new terminal gives us a much-needed update. The project, known as “The Big Build”, began in 2003, but construction didn’t actually start until 2008. Just three years later, the new terminal is ready for use, and that’s a pleasant surprise since the original opening date was set for 2012. Not only will it open earlier than anticipated, but the project came in under budget. The original budget was for $1.08 million. As a result of scrapping the plans for a new parking garage and hotel on the airport property, the final budget came to $1.03 million.
The new terminal is constructed with a lot of glass that makes the space very open and airy. You can see all three levels from just about anywhere in the public areas of the building. The glass also keeps the eco-friendliness of the whole structure going by bringing in a lot of natural light. The entire space is very warm and welcoming. Even the ticket counters are situated as islands – not backed against a wall. This allows both passengers and airport personnel an unobstructed view of what is going on around them.
There are four levels in the new terminal. The transfer level is where the concessions and vendors are located. This level will also be accessible by non-ticketed guests who are waiting for flights to arrive or who would like to spend a little extra time with friends and family before their departure flight. Once ticketed passengers are ready to proceed to their gate, they will board the automated people move (APM) on the transfer level for a one minute ride to the new 19-gate concourse.
Several community business leaders attended a private function in the new terminal recently and they commented that the new terminal makes you feel like you’re no longer in Sacramento, but have been transported to a much larger city. Overall, the business leaders liked the new terminal. However, there is much discussion among the residents in our area about some aspects of the new space that they see as less than positive. Among the topics of discussion are the artwork and the likelihood of more congestion inside, as well as outside this new terminal.
There are 12 major pieces of art on exhibit within the new terminal and concourse buildings. The piece that’s has created the most buzz would have to be the 56-foot long steel and aluminum bright red rabbit. His name is “Leap” and he’s suspended from the ceiling and is diving into a granite suitcase that is located in baggage claim on the first level. He not only serves a functional purpose in showing arriving passengers where to locate their luggage, but he will also spark a lot of conversation – not to mention be very entertaining for the younger crowd.
As far as congestion is concerned, we will really just have to wait and see how it goes. The members of the planning board for this new terminal believe they have made the best decisions for traffic flow within the terminal, as well as outside. They traveled to airports all over our country over the last 3 years to determine the best course of action for us. Travel to and from the concourse building will be done via the APM. Although it is just a short ride, there is only one APM car per direction. That has many would-be travelers concerned with long lines waiting for a ride to/from the concourse building. Another concern that has been expressed is the potential for confusion in dropping off/picking up passengers, as there are two levels to the outside traffic flow. There is one level for each direction – arrivals vs. departures. Airport representatives say there is a lot more signage that will be posted to make it very easy to understand. Hopefully they are right.
So if you’re going to be traveling on any airlines other than Continental/United, Delta/their affiliates or US Airways on or after October 6, you may want to give yourself some extra, EXTRA time and arrive earlier than you normally would.
Interested in taking a tour of the new facility prior to its official opening? There are two options available for you:
- October 1st at 7pm – Experience B Celebration – the cost is $75/person and offers not only a tour of the new space, but food and beverages provided by the new concessionaires. For more information or to purchase tickets go online at http://experiencebparty-eorg.eventbrite.com/.
- October 2nd from 12pm – 2pm or 2pm – 4pm – Community Preview Day is open to the public and is free of charge. You do still need to register as space is limited. For more information or to register, go to http://previewb-autohome.eventbrite.com/.
Continue to enjoy flying the friendly skies, and take the time to explore and enjoy your brand-new Terminal B as well!