SAN DIEGO – May 22, 2015 – As Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the busy summer travel season, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is reminding San Diego International Airport (SAN) visitors to keep several useful tips in mind to help quickly and safely navigate through the airport.
Plan Ahead
Arrive at least 1½ hours before departure for domestic flights and 2 ½ hours for international flights. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website provides helpful tips on how to reduce wait times at security checkpoints, such as how to pack and what items are permitted. These tips are available at www.tsa.gov.
Commuter Terminal Airline Relocation
Beginning June 4, all airlines in the Commuter Terminal will be relocated to their respective airline gates in Terminals 1 and 2 to help streamline the travel experience for passengers. Changes include:
- United Airlines service (operated by United Express) will move to Terminal 2 West
- American Airlines service (operated by American Eagle) will move to Terminal 2 East
- All Seaport Airlines service will operate out of Terminal 1
To help plan ahead, passengers can visit the airport’s interactive map at sanmap.san.org for all airline locations.
Dual Level-Roadway
The new dual-level roadway, which opened in August 2013 as part of The Green Build expansion, eases curbside congestion by separating arriving and departing passengers in Terminal 2. With 32 airline counters and 20 easy-to-use curbside kiosks, departing passengers can check-in, print their boarding pass and check luggage before even entering the terminal.
Expedite Security
TSA Pre✓™ at San Diego International Airport. TSA Pre ✓™ offers expedited screening for eligible participants. TSA Pre✓™ lanes are available for passengers traveling through SAN on the following airlines:
- Terminal 1 – Alaska Airlines, Southwest
- Terminal 2 – Air Canada, JetBlue, Hawaiian, American, Delta, United, Virgin America, Sun Country Airlines and US Airways
Active duty military are also eligible for TSA Pre ✓™. For more information on TSA Pre ✓™, please visit the TSA website.
Parking
· Short- and Long-Term Parking. The parking options available at SAN include color-coded short- and long-term lots for ease of use:
Green is for the Long-Term Lot (formerly SAN Park Harbor Drive), located east of the airport.
Blue is for the Economy Lot (formerly SAN Park Pacific Hwy), located north of the airfield.
Free shuttle buses from these short- and long-term lots to all airport terminals are also color-coded and sport scenes of popular San Diego County destinations.
· Valet Parking. The valet service was created as a convenient option for travelers. When coming to the airport, drive into the designated valet areas in front of Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. When coming back to San Diego, pick up luggage first on the way to the valet cashier. The cost is $36 per 24-hour period. Take the receipt to curbside valet and your vehicle will be brought to you or text (619) 888-6675 with your information once you’ve landed.
· Cell Phone Lot. Located east of the Commuter Terminal on Harbor Drive, motorists can wait in this parking lot for up to 60 minutes free of charge. The lot features flight information boards, vending machines and restrooms – everything a motorist needs while waiting. Once cell phone contact is made between the driver and incoming passenger, the motorist can drive over to the terminal for quick, convenient traveler pick-up.
· Disabled Parking. Parking for travelers with disabilities is available at all airport lots. For additional information call (619) 291-2087.
Shops and Restaurants
The Airport Authority has increased its shopping and dining options from 55 to 85 as part of its Concession Development Program. New offerings include favorite local, national and international concepts such as Phil’s BBQ, Stone Brewing Co., Einstein Bros. Bagels, Jack in the Box and many more. Before arriving at the airport, please take look at the list of current operational shopping and dining options by visiting www.san.org/Shop-Dine-Relax.
Volunteer Airport Ambassadors
Dressed in their distinctive green polo shirts, Volunteer Airport Ambassadors (VAAs) provide way-finding and other forms of assistance to passengers from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. VAAs are based at the information desks in the baggage claim areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. They also roam the airport and operate a courtesy shuttle in Terminal 2 West to assist guests with mobility impairments.
With more than 315 VAAs, this is one of the largest volunteer airport programs in the country.
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