San Diego International Airport (SAN) expects up to 1.4 million people arriving and departing during the upcoming winter holiday travel period which runs for 18 days from Friday, December 19, 2025 through Monday, January 5, 2026.
Busiest travel days are anticipated to be December 23, December 28, and January 4. On average, the airport anticipates 75,000 travelers daily during the holiday travel period and 85,000 people on peak travel days.
The forecasted passenger volume this year is estimated to be a 4 to 5 percent increase over 2024. The increase is driven by airlines offering new and expanded service from SAN.
Most popular travel destinations this year from SAN are Las Vegas, San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, and Seattle. SAN offers flights to more than 80 destinations globally.
Passengers are urged to plan ahead before heading to the airport. Below are suggested tips for travelers coming through SAN during the winter holiday travel period:
Before arriving at SAN:
Pack wisely. Avoid bringing prohibited items in carry-on luggage. Download the MyTSA app and use the “What Can I Bring?” feature. Or reach out to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger for real-time assistance. Travelers can also send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).
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.
On the airport roadways:
Direct airport access – A new on-airport roadway now takes westbound drivers off North Harbor Drive to Terminals 1 & 2. Follow signage and drive safely. For more information click here.
Keep “hello” happy: Pickup loved ones faster by avoiding the right lane of the Arrivals roadway as you approach the entrances to Terminals 1 & 2. Choose a pickup area towards the west end of the Arrivals curbside and avoid creating a line of cars.
Goodbyes with smiles: During peak travel times, consider dropping off loved ones who are flying out of SAN at the west end of the Arrivals curbside at Terminal 1 & 2; this helps avoid traffic congestion at the Departures level.
Follow the signs. Whether dropping off or picking up, please follow 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.
Getting Around SAN:
Make parking reservations in advance. Terminal 1 and 2 Parking Plazas are open and offer more than 8,000 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.
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 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 – Use our Cell Phone Lot. Avoid circling when picking up! 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.
Enjoy holiday performances and cheer! During December, SAN will host holiday carolers, musical performances, and photo opportunities with Santa and his elves in the terminals. For information on performances, visit san.org/Events.
ABOUT SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SAN)
Owned and operated by San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority), San Diego International Airport (SAN) is one of the busiest single-runway commercial service airports in the world and the third-busiest airport in California. SAN serves 11 nonstop international routes to Europe, South America, and Asia, and contributes nearly $12 billion in economic activity for the San Diego region. In September 2025, the Airport Authority opened the first phase of the new Terminal 1, a larger and more efficient facility that has greatly enhanced the customer experience at SAN. Once the New T1 project is complete in 2028, it will feature a total of 30 gates and will have generated more than $4.5 billion for San Diego’s economy and created more than 25,000 jobs, paying a total of $2 billion in wages to local workers. For more information about SAN, please visit san.org.
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