San Diego International Airport (SAN) anticipates as many as 875,000 people traveling through the airport during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, from Friday, November 21 through Monday, December 1. Daily passenger volume during this 11-day period is anticipated to reach as many as 80,000, which is a 2 to 3 percent increase over last year.
The busiest day is expected to be Sunday, November 30 with as many as 90,000 people traveling through the airport. Other peak days include Friday through Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving Day and the Monday after.
With increased traffic, the Airport Authority encourages travelers and those picking up/dropping off to plan ahead.
Holiday Travel Tips:
Check your flight status. Confirm your flight time with your airline before heading to the airport.
Arrive early. Allow extra time for traffic and security, especially during peak curbside hours: 4–6:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., and 8 p.m.–12 a.m.
Roadway changes. Terminal 1’s first phase opened in September 2025; ongoing construction has changed airport roads. A new on-airport roadway now directs westbound drivers on North Harbor Drive to Terminals 1 and 2. Follow signage and drive safely. For more information click here.
Follow the signs. Whether dropping off or picking up passengers, please follow construction signage and stay within marked lanes. Be alert 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.
Make parking reservations in advance. Terminal 1 and 2 Parking Plazas are open and offer more than 5,000 parking spaces just steps away from the terminals. Parking and curbside valet reservations can be made on the airport’s website at https://www.san.org/parking.
Getting Around SAN:
Traveling between Terminal 1 & 2. Passengers can hop on the Terminal Loop Shuttle which transports passengers between the terminals. The shuttle operates between 4 a.m. and 2 a.m.
San Diego Flyer. Free electric shuttle between the Old Town Transit Station and SAN operates seven days a week, with an average arrival time of every 20 to 30 minutes. The first pick up is at 4:45 a.m. and the last pick up/drop off at 12:20 a.m. Visit San Diego Flyer for more information.
Get dropped off or use a ride-share. Have friends or family to drop off or pick up. Lyft, Uber, or other rideshare options are also good alternatives. Visit san.org/before-you-go-travel-tips/ride-services/ to learn more about pickup locations at Terminal 1 and 2.
Skip the traffic – Cell Phone Lot. Picking up? Avoid circling! The Cell Phone Lot in the Terminal 2 West Parking Lot on McCain Road is the perfect place to wait for your party. The lot is open from 5:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
SAN Pass Program. Meet loved ones at the gate, send off a traveler, or explore the airport’s restaurants, shops, and art without a boarding pass. For more information on SAN Pass and to apply, visit san.org/relax-before-you-fly/san-pass-program/.
At the Airport:
Shop, dine, and relax. Terminal shops and restaurants are open for meals, snacks, and travel essentials. Visit san.org/Shop-Dine-Relax for hours and locations of SAN concessionaires.
Construction & Transit Updates. To learn more about construction impacts, transit options, and more, visit san.org/airport-capital-improvement-projects/.
