Spring has sprung, and construction is in full bloom at San Diego International Airport (SAN) as work continues with the New T1. The New T1 will replace the current outdated Terminal 1 with an attractive, modern, and more efficient facility with up to 30 gates. For people that will be traveling during the next several weeks in celebration of Spring Break, SAN wants to prepare you for current construction impacts and offer travel tips to ensure a safe and seamless journey.
Start dreaming: SAN has more than 70 nonstop destinations available on 17 airlines. Visit our destinations page for some travel inspiration before booking a flight. Some popular Spring Break destinations accessible from San Diego include:
- Hawaii – Four destinations are available on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
- Mexico – Three destinations available on Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
- Florida – Three destinations are available on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and JetBlue Airways.
- California – 10 destinations are available on Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
- Nevada – Two destinations available on Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines.
- Texas – Seven destinations available on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
Do pre-trip research: Check with the airline and travel destination for any special requirements or information before your trip. Travelers should have a clear understanding of state, local, and territorial government travel restrictions.
Secure your spot, make parking reservations: Anyone planning to park at the airport should make reservations in advance. Reservations can be made for the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza or Curbside Valet. The airport’s reservation system can be accessed at reservations.san.org/SanDiegoBooking/. View a helpful video on parking options at the airport here.
Don’t cut it close: Arrive at the airport two hours before the flight departure time. Yes, this has been said time and time again, but it is strongly suggested due to lots of construction happening at the airport. There are lane closures, traffic congestion, and construction signage on the airport campus. Two hours will allow enough time to get to the airport, park, go through security, and get to the departure gate. You can view current construction impacts at newt1.com.
Fly before your flight: The San Diego Flyer is a free shuttle bus service between the Old Town Transit Station and SAN. The electric shuttle buses operate seven days a week, with an average arrival every 20 to 30 minutes. Pick up and drop-offs are timed to meet the first and last Trolley, Coasters, Amtrak trains, and MTS busses with the first pick up at 4:45 a.m. and the last pick up/drop off at 12:30 a.m.
Mask up: It’s a federal mandate to wear a mask while on airport property and on an airplane. Masks for sale at many of the concessionaires and through vending machines. Complimentary masks are available at the airport Information Desks.
Please excuse our mess: Whether dropping off or picking up passengers, please follow construction signage and stay within marked lanes. Be aware and ensure car doors and personal belongings are not blocking other drivers and passengers. Lastly, follow the directions of Airport Traffic Officers, they are there to ensure the safety of everyone at the airport.
The waiting game: The Cell Phone Lot is at the Terminal 2 West Parking Lot on McCain Road. After waiting in the Cell Phone Lot, follow the signs to the exit, exit left onto Spruance Road, turn left on McCain, and then turn left at the light onto North Harbor Drive to head South back to Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 to meet passengers. View a useful video on how to access the Cell Phone Lot here.