I'm flying into Oakland, CA and my friends are going to pick me up. I'm not familiar with that airport and I'm wondering where a good "meet" place is, especially since they won't be able to get past the security stations to meet me at the gate. Is there a bar or cafe someone could mention?

thanks!

Hi Carla, in Oakland, to my mind you enter security right near the ticket counters and there aren't really any restaurants outside the security area. It's not a really big airport but there are more than one terminals. I've always met folks at baggage claim. If your friends know your airline and flight number they can determine where you will pick up your bags and meet you there.

Carla,
There are only 2 terminals, easy walk between them. Terminal 1 is every airline except Southwest, Terminal 2 is Southwest only. Each has its own baggage claim. Have them do laps around the parking lot until you get to the curb in front of your terminal. Curbside pick-up is the easiest way to go at this airport.

I agree with Carolyn--that is what I do. Tell them what airline and stand in front of that part of the terminal. Very small airport.

We went on Jet Blue and used terminal one.Our daughter checked either by phone or internet if the flight was on time. Then she circled the airport and when we got our baggage claim , I called her on her cell phone and told her where to meet us outside--worked fine.
There is a eating area with tables that is adjacent (but not inside) the security line up. I saw a lot of people in that area waiting for arrivals (this is in terminal ONE .
PS really liked Jet Blue, great prices,comfortable leather seats and each passenger has there own video screen with earphones. No food except snacks and lots of drinks-free soft drinks .

Thanks to all that replied; this helps a lot!