We were out for a drive and had always been curious about the Base so we stopped at the gate to ask…read moreabout touring. The staff at the gate were stern but helpful and personable. They told us there was a museum but we had to obtain a pass from the Visitor's Center. So off to the Center we went. The older gentleman working the desk at the Center wasn't helpful or friendly. He didn't greet us when we walked in, and had a stuffy attitude during the conversation as if we had no business there and weren't entitled to information. His answers were short and he wasn't forthcoming. We asked about a pass to tour the museum. He asked for our driver's licenses. After giving them to him he said the museum was closed that day. He returned our licenses and just looked at us. I asked if there were other areas we could tour (since we were there). His response was "you need a sponsor." I said, a sponsor? He said yes, with a military ID. Ok but that didn't answer the question and it was obvious he wasn't encouraging of "visitors" so we just left. I left wondering why have a Visitor's Center staffed by someone who couldn't care less about visitor's?

Travis is one of the largest Air Force Bases in the US. It's home to our largest military cargo…read moreairlift aircraft and with that comes the need for lots of real estate and... wait, I'm hearing the lyrics to a song: "Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies above, Don't fence me in." Yes, lots of land but sorry, land that's also very well fenced in. Advice: contact Pass & ID prior to your visit to get your requirements down and the location of the visitor's control gate. This will save you some time and possible grief. It can also be a long drive if you show up at the wrong entrance. Travis moves supplies, cargo, and equipment all over the world and it's one of only a few bases with that primary mission and as such, Uncle Sam and the Air Force do an excellent job of keeping things operational, functional, and updated. The main portions of the base are clean, neat, and well-maintained. The facilities that most will be interested in and using, like the Exchange, Commissary, and recreation-related spots are all nice and modern. They have a great bowling alley and gym. The rooms in base lodging are clean and comfortable as well. I'll get some reviews up for each of those separately.

Nut Tree Airport is a great little airport close to a number of restaurants in walking distance…read more Fuel is usually cheapest in the region for 100LL. I did my Private Pilot training here and made a lot of great friends along the way.

Yesterday was my first time flying into Nut Tree (KVCB) Airprot but, now that I know what to expect…read moreonce on the ground I plan on making Nut Tree a routine destination. More on that in a moment. Nut Tree is an uncontrolled airport with one just over 4000 foot runway. It's well maintained and if flying in or out after hours, the PCL is above average. Fuel. Is also reasonable at $4.72 per gallon and they do maintain a pilots lounge area to take a break (hours unknown). After landing and parking at one of the many spots with chain tie downs, it's a short walk via the field behind the hangers to local eateries or the Vacaville Outlets. A few mentionable items: Runway 2 is the calm wind runway with a left traffic pattern. If your flying to or from the South and progressing through Travis's Airspace, be sure you establish two way radio comms with Travis Approach. Remember, Travis still is an active AFB. The gate leaving the airport to the shopping area has a code but, that gate combo lock is a bit tricky. Be sure you play code and lock before leaving the gate so you don't lock yourself out.

Overall I had a pretty nice experience here. The staff were very friendly and the place was quite…read morecool. In fact, I met a 15-year-old cat here who worked at the facility! Overall, it is a great airport.

It's was really cool to see all the airplanes and they tour was really insightful about the pilots…read moreand why they were their yesterday 5/31. There was a competition and what a fascinating sight to see the planes do their tricks in the air. We would like to see this attraction on Halloween

There wasn't much traffic when we got dropped off at the Alaska airlines gate. We were able to…read morecatch a tram immediately to take us to the B gates. The security line was super short and we got through in 5 minutes. You no longer have to take your shoes off when you go through security which is really nice! If you're wearing a sweatshirt, and have shirt on underneath they will ask if you're comfortable removing it. After making it through I was very surprised to see all of the food choices have changed and 100% for the better! I grabbed a coffee at temple which I thought would eat some spare time but the whole process was surprisingly quick. You order and pay at the kiosks up front which helps the like go quickly. Then once your order is ready your name is called out. I think I only waited a total of 10 minutes! The one thing I will say is that sometimes they don't call names out very loudly so you have to stand close.

Thank you SMF for being consistent and reliable when it comes to travelling. I know what to expect…read morefrom this airport and I'm rarely disappointed or surprised. With that being said, they are making changes to the airport to expand it and hopefully improve it even more, but there are fears that with growth there will be some hurdles and drawbacks. For now, they have made some fun changes including many local businesses being featured in Terminals A and B. I love that they're sharing local flavors with the people passing through our airport and highlighting some of the cool places in our city. From our trips the airport is easy to arrive to, pick others up from, check into flights and navigate, they offer some decent food and drink options, and have a good amount of seating for those waiting on their flights. They also fly to a good amount of places with non-stop or connecting flights. Security is typically very efficient and we always arrive early for our flights and find ourselves with plenty of time ahead of takeoff to visit the restroom, pick up some bites or sips, and walk around. Baggage claim is also pretty straight forward and we've never had a problem picking up luggage after a trip and getting picked up or requesting a ride from Uber/Lyft. This airport is one of the more comfortable and easy to navigate airports that we've been through.

I always loved this little airport. Always so clean So many…read moreinteresting people. I even learned to fly a plane here. My two sons also took flying lessons here. My folks loved the restaurant at this airport. It was so unique because the chef would put a big river rock on top of the steak to cook it through. Never seen that done before. Besides steaks, lots of other delicious choices. I really like this place.

Today was my first time landing and departing from Napa…read more The PROS: They have three runways and able to accommodate the always blowing and changing winds. The ramps, especially the one in front of the Napa Flight Center is well paved and maintained. The CONS: Not a radar equipped facility. I was handed off to Napa's tower and asked for location and altitude. Kind of the last thing I need to worry about on my final approach into the airport. When departing, I was asked to depart on 28L which is just over 2,500 feet long. When I'm flying solo, it's not really an issue but, with a full load and passengers, I need and would like a runway over 3,500 feet. Because they are not a radar equipped airport, I couldn't request a VFR departure. I had to wait until I was airborne and radio Oakland Center with my flight following request. Napa's a nice airport but, I think a bit behind the times. A city like Napa, with it's clientele deserve more and better.

This is the cutest little airport ever! We landed here and it was a little bumpy but a great flight…read morenonetheless. Also they are very pet friendly here and I saw a cute dog! I highly recommend flying JSX to Concord!!

This is my home airport, what is not to love? =)…read more Anyways, Buchanan Airport is one of the more competitive GA airports here in the Bay Area. There are FBO's onsite to cater your fueling and pair needs as well as a few flight schools to help you on getting your license. There is also a kids play area on the airport and I always give the a nice wave when passing by to and from my parking. It always nice to taxi along jets as JSX airlines is also present in this field. Although a restaurant is not present within the premises, fret not. There are a multitude of good restaurants just stones away form Buchanan airport. From the transient parking, the Veranda is just over a half mile with shops, restaurants, end even a movie theatre. I am glad to have KCCR as my home airport.

Taking a little short trip…read more Oakland Airport Great airport. Easy parking and not too long wait for security. Very clean and staff was all very nice. A must try airport.

NICE EXCEPT FOR POWER OUTLETS: Located in terminal 1 between…read moregates 8 and 8a. We arrived mid afternoon on Monday and the lounge was perhaps half to one third full. Food was Ok. Free drinks included coffee, tea, and soda and there was a carafe of water and of lemonade and one of cranberry juice. Free alcoholic drinks consisted of red and white wine. The DOWN SIDE was that less than half of the power outlets worked and some of those that did work the plugs were so worn out that my power plug literally fell out of the outlet. Anyways 4 star experience down rated to 3 stars because of this.

This quaint little non-towered airport (O88) could be a hidden gem in terms of 100LL. Just browsing…read morearound the Bay Area airports, Rio Vista's 100LL price is very competitive. Being local to O88, they have some very good folks out there. Bathroom, kitchen, and a pilot's lounge are some of the convenience here, but do not expect vending machines for snacks and drinks. Overall, O88 is A++ in my book.

Rio Vista Municipal Airport is a small general aviation airport located in the city of Rio Vista…read more The airport is somewhat new and opened in 1993. Its FAA Location identifier is O88 It has two runways 7/25 at 4,200 feet and 5/33 at 2,200 feet. Both runways are asphalt. Fuel and storage is available 24 hours a day, but you may need to call ahead. We have on occasion made a fuel stop there in the chopper. The re-fuelers are quick and friendly even though we arrived at 3am. Aside from that its a pretty spartan affair

Perfect little airport…read more The Stockton Metro Airport might just be the most convenient airport there is. If you drive yourself there, you will see two large parking lots where they offer paid overnight parking. There are plenty of spots available so there is no need to arrive extremely early to hunt for an open spot. There is a kiosk inside where you can conveniently pay for parking when you wait for your belongings at baggage claim. This is definitely not an airport where you have to follow the general rule of showing up two hours early. I have shown up less than 30 minutes from boarding time and made it to the gate with plenty of time to spare. If you do decide to come early and have daytime/early evening flight, you can stop by the small restaurant for a bite. Since the only flights out of STK Airport are to Phoenix and Las Vegas, the majority of travelers don't check a bag. This makes the bag check line super short and quick. The TSA line also goes by super quickly. There is only one agent to check IDs, but there is never any hold up. Even through the government shutdown, I experienced no TSA delays. For travelers with TSA Pre-Check, you'll likely be the only person in line and will get through even quicker. It only takes a few moments to get through the security clearance before you're greeted by a large waiting area and bar. The waiting area by the gates is quite spacious. Right before the flight boards, it can get quite packed but there are typically still seats available. The intercom system is awful. It sounds like static. If you pay attention or sit closer to the gate, it shouldn't be an issue though. The bar is the perfect addition, especially before Vegas flights. Many people taking that weekend night flight to Vegas uses the bar as a pre-game for their night out. Don't expect to sleep on those flights, they're super rowdy! The drinks at the airport bar are typical for airport prices. We got three drinks for $27. The bar, of course, is limited on what they can make due to their few ingredients. My margarita was made with mixer and had nothing on the rim. Despite being super busy, the bartender got the drinks out super fast. He ran that bar by himself like the military and with style. He slid the drinks across the bar top giving everyone a little show too. Because the departing flight is directly dependent on the flight coming in, there are sometimes small flight delays. They have to deboard everyone and do a quick pass through to let everyone else on which can take a while. Despite what you may think about Allegiant Airlines itself, this is a fantastic airport, especially for those wanting a weekend getaway or a connection to a larger airport.

Tiny airport, but it's clean and efficient, and it gets the job done! Currently, only Allegiant…read moreflies to SCK to/from Las Vegas and Phoenix. The airport is extremely quiet as the only people ever here are those deplaning or waiting to board the departing flight. There is no need to arrive here too early as the check-in process and TSA security process take mere minutes. Remember, the only people here are the ones on your same flight! I'd recommend bringing your own food to the airport, as there aren't many options. There's a restaurant/bar/coffee shop outside security, as well as a bar inside the gate area. There are also vending machines scattered throughout. Boarding and deplaning are done via air stairs on the tarmac, so if there is inclement weather, you will be subjected to it! We got wet because it was raining upon arrival! If you're a visitor, keep in mind that there is no car rental facility located at this airport, so you will have to go either downtown or to the Stockton Auto Mall to pick-up a rental car. The only rideshare service authorized to pick-up here is Lyft. When we arrived around 10 PM, it took a while to get a Lyft to pick us up, likely due to the low volume of drivers at night. So plan accordingly!

It has been more than a decade since my last visit to SFO and honestly I still think this is one of…read morethe best airports in the United States. [Pros] * Convenient AirTrain (automated people mover) that takes travelers from the terminals to BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) & the Rental Car Center. The ride time between stations is approximately 3 minutes and it was a fairly accurate estimate. Our party dropped off the rental car at 6:15 PM and arrived at Terminal 1 approximately 20 minutes later. * Easy TSA process - I was able to complete the TSA screening in 10 minutes on Sunday at 6:45 PM. * Really nice food and drink options in Terminal 1 like Tony's Pizza Napoletana (SF Eats Food Hall), Napa Farms Market (SF Eats Food Hall), Starbird (Gate B13), and Mama Go's Filipino Cuisine (Gate B18). * Heck there is even a small museum exhibit (SFO Museum) and a bookstore (Green Apple) in Terminal 1. * Top-notch retail options like the LEGO Store in Terminal 1. * There is a dressing room inside the men's restroom as well as a children's playground (between Gate B18 and Gate B19) & a yoga room (near Gate C2) in Terminal 1. [Cons] * Slightly confusing layout for TSA PreCheck (Level 3 - the upper level) vs regular TSA screening (Level 2 - the lower level). * I am not a fan of the extra AirTrain stop at West Field Road (no one got on or off at this stop). [Terminals] * Terminal 1 = Aer Lingus, Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, and Sun Country * Terminals 2 & 3 = Air Canada, Breeze, Southwest, United (Domestic), and WestJet * International Terminal = United (International) and all other international airlines [Conclusion]: This airport has all the amenities travelers can think of & this airport also has some of the best food and souvenir shop options travelers can find at airports in the United States.

SFO International Airport is the central airport if you're going to be visiting San Francisco or…read morethe Millbrae area. If you're going to spending most of your time in the East Bay, Oakland International (OAK) may be the better choice. But, SFO is one of the largest airports in the area and most domestic and international flights comes through here. My last visit was through Terminal 2 and it was adequate for arriving and departing flights. Lots of dining options at this terminal and quite a lot of foot traffic. There were some display exhibits about old technology throughout the terminal, which was neat. Overall was a good experience here. Just wish the pick-up and drop-off areas ran smoother. It can get confusing depending where you're coming or going to, but there's some minor inconveniences half the time coming through SFO. But it all works fine and is a dependable airport.