Fresno Yosemite International Airport photo showing ongoing exterior terminal construction.

As part of the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) FATForward terminal expansion, construction is underway to replace the baggage system behind ticketing to a state-of-the-art automated system that improves the efficiency of moving checked bags through the airport.

Beginning Thursday, March 27, work will begin at the ticket counters to make room for this important phase of the project. While most of the terminal expansion project construction has been done behind the scenes, passengers will see visible changes at the ticket counter starting with the reduction of counters in use, relocation of some airlines from their normal locations and new queuing lines for check-in, according to an airports News release.

With spring and summer travel approaching, passengers are  encouraged to arrive two hours or more prior to domestic flight departures and three hours or more prior to international flights. Additionally, it is suggested that passengers review their airline’s cutoff time for checking in bags.

This major expansion will enhance the passenger experience and include remodeled airline baggage make up areas and an upgraded baggage handling system. The baggage handling system carries passenger baggage from airline ticket counters to baggage make up for processing before boarding. The installation of a modernized baggage conveyor system will provide for more efficient processing of checked passenger baggage.

While minimal delays are anticipated, airport officials will work closely with its airline partners to minimize impacts on passengers over the next six months during the project phases. These efforts include repositioning airline check-in queuing at ticket counters, ensuring airline representatives are available to assist passengers with the use of kiosks and queuing management.

The terminal exterior is completely enclosed with work commencing inside the building with the installation of equipment and finishes. The first phase of opening for the project will include the newly expanded passenger screening checkpoint in April with capacity for additional screening lanes, increased recompose areas and a public art mural. Grand opening for the terminal expansion is on schedule for later in the fall.