San Diego International Airport 

Located in California, the San Diego International Airport was opened in 1928. It is famous for being the busiest airport with only one runway. This airport covers around 663 acres of land. It also handles quite a good number of passengers traveling to different international destinations. The airport is known to be the main base for Southwest Airlines. 

Further details about the airport structure, the facilities offered there, the number of terminals, and information regarding the lost and found department are all discussed below. 

What is the General Information about San Diego International Airport? 

Essential elements of the airport San Diego that help in getting its basic overview are listed down here. It includes the airport location, number of runways and terminals, etc: 

What is the Official San Diego Airport Code? 

The airport code for San Diego will be decided by the aviation authorities. The different codes as  given by the different authorities are highlighted in the following table: 

What Does the San Diego Airport Map Show? 

The map of San Diego Airport is a depiction of the entire design and outline of the airport’s terminals and structure. It shows where passengers can check-in, deposit their baggage and board their flights. Essentially, it highlights the location of the different checkpoints of the airport. The main purpose of this map is to help passengers find their way to their respective gates. 

Given below is the digital view of this map which is also found on the official site of the airport: 

How Many Runways are there at the San Diego Airport? 

The San Diego International Airport SAN is widely famous for having only one runway yet being one of the busiest airports. All the airlines using this airport operate via this runway: 

What are the Additional Services and Facilities Offered at the San Airport? 

To make it easier for passengers to get through the wait time, the San Diego Airport SAN offers a variety of amenities. These range from shopping, and dining to other relaxation facilities as mentioned below: 

• Shopping:
  • Bay Books of Coronado 
  • Hudson News 
  • KUSI News 
  • Stellar News Express 
  • Tech on the Go 
  • The Beach House 
  • Be Relax Spa 
  • Brookstone 
  • CNBC Express 
  • Gaslamp MarketPlace
  • InMotion Entertainment 
  • Lindbergh Field News 
  • Old Town News and Market 
  • PGA Tour Shop 
  • Rip Curl 
  • SANd News 
  • Sky Free Shop 
  • Sound balance 
  • Sunglass Hut 
  • Swarovski 
  • US News and World Report 
  • Warwick’s of La Jolla 
• Dining:
  • Bankers Hill Bar and Market 
  • Ciao Gourmet Market 
  • Einstein Bros Bagels 
  • Jack in the Box 
  • Jetbox 
  • Pacifica Breeze Cafe 
  • Peet’s Coffee and Tea 
  • Starbucks 
  • The Counter: Custom-Built Burgers 
  • Urban Crave 
  • Artisan Market 
  • Beaudevin Wine and Tapas Bar 
  • Bubbles Seafood and Wine Bar 
  • California Pizza Kitchen 
  • Camden Food Co. 
  • Elegant Desserts 
  • Panda Express 
  • Pannikin Coffee and Tea 
  • PGA Tour Grill 
  • Phil’s BBQ 
  • Prado at the Airport 
  • Red Mango 
  • Qdoba Mexican Grill 
  • Saffron Thai 
  • Starbucks 
  • Stone Brewing Company 
  • Tommy V’s Pizzeria 
  • Urban Crave – Authentic Street Cuisine 
• Other Services:
  • Lost and Found 
  • Parking Facilities 
  • Lounges 
  • Airport Art 
  • Clubs 
  • Pet Relief Areas 
  • Pre security services 

How Much is San Diego Airport Parking? 

Parking at San Diego Airport is offered at both terminals. It is as per the duration that the fee is charged. The longer the time you wish to use the parking space, the higher will be the parking fee. 

San Diego Airport Short Term Parking 

Short Term Parking San Diego Airport is offered near the Terminal 2 plaza. It has more than 100 parking spaces that are patrolled 24/7 by the airport authorities. 

San Diego Airport Valet Parking 

Valet Parking San Diego Airport is also made available both at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Drop-offs here will be undertaken between the hours of 5 am and 11 pm every day. To access this type of parking, you will have to pay a fee of USD 60 per day. 

How Long Are the San Diego Airport Security Wait Times? 

The duration of the San Diego Airport wait times depends on the rush of passengers at the TSA screening. If the passenger volume is high on a particular day, the time taken to complete the screening procedure will also be more. However, the average estimated time is given by the airport which is 15 minutes. Hence, if you wish to quickly get through TSA without any delay, you shall have to arrive well in advance at the airport. 

Is there a San Diego Airport Lost and Found Department? 

The items misplaced by the passengers at the airport are received and retained by the San Diego International Airport lost and found department until they are claimed. These items can include passports, jewelry, cell phones, laptops, or other legal documents. They will be returned to the passengers once an official claim is filed and the proof of possession is shown. 

• To collect your belongings from this department, you will have to make a prior appointment. 
• They can be collected between the hours of 7:30 am and 11: am from Monday to Friday and between 8: 00 am and 11: 00 am on Saturday and Sunday. 
• The non-emergency police phone number can be used as the San Diego Airport lost and found phone number which is 619-686-6272. 

Is there a Car Rental San Diego Airport Service? 

Passengers can use the San Diego Airport car rental services for drop-offs and pick-ups. You can book these services in advance with any of the companies serving this airport. The Consolidated Car Rental Centre at the airport provides these facilities. Further, shuttle services are also offered for passengers who require to travel between the terminals. 

• The Consolidated Car Rental Centre of this airport is located at 3355 Admiral Boland Way. 
• The shuttle services will be offered 24/7. 
• The San Diego Airport rental car return must be done on the basis of the agreement made during the booking of the service. 

What are the Airports Nearest to the San Diego Airport? 

There are a few airports located close to SAN. Some of such main airports near San Diego Airport are mentioned here. The distance by road is highlighted: 

• Tijuana International Airport (18 miles) – TU 
• McClellan – Palomar Airport (28 miles) – CRQ 
• Orange County John Wayne Airport (76 miles) – SNA 
• Palm Springs Airport (85 miles) – PSP 
• Long Beach Airport (93 miles) – LSB 
• Los Angeles International Airport (109 miles) – LAX 
• Hollywood Burbank Airport (121 miles) – BUR 

How Many San Diego Airport Terminals Are in Operation? 

The terminals at San Diego Airport are two in number called terminals 1 and 2. A total of 48 gates are managed by both of these terminals together. All the boarding and check-in procedures take place from these terminals. Also, parking facilities and general amenities are made available at both these terminals. 

San Diego Airport Terminal 1 

The San Diego International Airport Terminal 1 is divided into the east and west concourses. This terminal now has 14 gates that undertake all the boarding processes related to different airlines. Recently, five gates of this terminal were knocked down to make more space. Hence, the terminal is now able to handle a large number of passengers. 

San Diego Airport Terminal 2 

Similar to the first terminal, the San Diego International Airport terminal 2 is also categorized into the east and west concourses. A total of 32 gates are housed by this terminal. It is also home to different clubs and lounges like Delta Sky Club, United Club, and Aspire Lounge. Access to these lounges can be obtained on the spot upon payment or via an advance reservation. 

What are the Airlines Operating from the San Diego International Airport? 

The San Diego International Airport SAN manages the flights of different airlines that offer direct itineraries and connecting itineraries. Based on the nature of the aircraft, either of the two terminals is assigned to the particular airline. Passengers booked with the allotted airline should board their flight from their designated terminal. 

What is the Alaska Airlines San Diego Terminal? 

The Alaska Airlines terminal San Diego Airport is terminal 2. Specifically, the east gates of this terminal are utilized to conduct all the operations related to these flights. Once you finish the check-in process, you will be assigned a specific gate at the terminal. Passengers can continue the boarding process from here. 

What is the Frontier Terminal San Diego Airport? 

Terminal 1 is the official terminal that supervises all Frontier flights. With its modern infrastructure, the Frontier Airlines San Diego Terminal makes all types of facilities available to its customers. Any issue faced while accessing these facilities can be reported to the officials at this terminal. On-spot assistance will be provided by these agents. 

Which is the Air Canada Terminal San Diego Airport? 

Terminal 2 is decided to be the San Diego Airport Air Canada Terminal. The centers provided at this terminal make Air Canada check-in hassle-free. In case you wish to hasten your check-in and TSA screening process, you can book the pre-check facility. However, the rest of the boarding process remains the same for all passengers. 

What is the Southwest Terminal San Diego Airport? 

Boarding and departure of these flights take place from the first terminal. The San Diego Airport Southwest Terminal will be in operation between the hours of 4:15 am and 12:00 am. It is during these hours that any changes or requests regarding the flights can be made with the authorities. Any items misplaced on the aircraft from your Southwest baggage should also be reported at this time. 

What is the Allegiant Air San Diego Terminal? 

The operations of flights under this airline are managed by Terminal 2. It was just recently that this airline has been moved to the second terminal. For completing the TSA screening at the Allegiant San Diego Terminal, you will be required to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure of the flight. All passengers will be required to adhere to these time limits. 

What is the San Diego Airport Spirit Terminal? 

This carrier is allotted the first terminal at the SAN airport. It has different amenities like shopping, restaurant access, and other retail stores. Based on the availability, you can also use the lounges present at the San Diego Airport Spirit Terminal. If you have a prior registration, you can directly head to the lounge waiting line. Other queries can be resolved at the information desks. 

What is the Official San Diego American Airlines Terminal? 

The American Airlines Terminal San Diego Airport has been recently shifted to Terminal 2. This terminal will be open during the hours of 4:00 am and 12:00 am. All the major flight operations take place during this time. This includes check-in, baggage deposit, collection of boarding passes, and actual boarding. A luggage collection facility will also be offered for passengers arriving at this terminal. 

Which is the Sun Country Terminal San Diego Airport? 

Terminal 1 is designated to undertake flights related to this carrier. If you have a stopover flight or just general wait time before departure, you can utilize it to visit the various stores located here. Further, the animal relief centers provided at the Sun Country San Diego terminal can be beneficial for passengers traveling with Sun Country pets. The availability of these spots can be checked at the airport. 

What is the British Airways San Diego Terminal? 

To board flights with this airline, passengers will have to go to Terminal 2. Out of the 32 gates present at the British Airways Terminal San Diego Airport, one gate for this airline will be allotted at the time of departure. Make sure to arrive at the correct gate before the allotted time. Only in case of British Airways cancellations, can this terminal be shifted. 

Which is the San Diego International Airport Delta Terminal? 

The second terminal of the airport is assigned to this carrier. The Delta Sky Club is located in this terminal. Based on your wait time at the Delta Airlines Terminal San Diego, you can use this club. Different dining and luxury facilities will be provided to the members of the club. However, other passengers can avail of the general amenities. 

What is the Hawaiian Airlines San Diego Terminal? 

This is one of the international carriers that operate from the second terminal at SAN. The Hawaiian Airlines Terminal San Diego generally opens 2 hours before the departure time. Hence, passengers have to be careful while completing their check-in process at this terminal. Any delays might result in your flight revocation. 

What is the Japan Airlines San Diego Terminal? 

All of this airline’s proceedings like check-in and Japan Airlines baggage deposit take place at Terminal 2. Facilities like charging stations and wifi services can be made use of this terminal. Further, any required information can be obtained at the ticketing centers or the help desks. The Japan Airlines San Diego Terminal will be open between 8:00 and 11:00 am on the days these flights are scheduled. 

Which is the San Diego Airport JetBlue Terminal? 

Terminal 2 is assigned as the official JetBlue San Diego Airport Terminal. All the passengers using this terminal must complete their JetBlue check-in procedure at least an hour before the departure of their flight. This is because this terminal will open 2 hours prior to the flight’s take-off and close 30 minutes before the schedule. Therefore, travelers must be quick while completing their proceedings. 

What is the Lufthansa Terminal at San Diego Airport? 

Another one of the carriers that use the second terminal for its operations is Lufthansa. The customer base for this carrier is generally high and hence this terminal is suitable to manage the crowd. The lounges provided at the San Diego Airport Lufthansa Terminal make it possible for passengers to enjoy a comfortable stay while waiting for their flights. 

What is the Main United Terminal San Diego Airport? 

Being a major airline, it is allotted the second terminal as its official United Airlines San Diego Terminal. The luggage collection and deposit points will be located here for easy access to the fliers. Passengers can utilize the self-check-in option if it is made available at this terminal. Also, it is necessary that all the passengers follow the minimum check-in time to avoid any kind of delay.  

What is the Main Westjet Terminal San Diego Airport? 

San Diego Airport Westjet Terminal is known to be Terminal 2. To undertake any of the processes related to this carrier, you will have to visit this terminal. In case of sudden or unforeseen Westjet cancellations, passengers will be allowed to stay back at this terminal for a while. Compensatory services and facilities will also be provided to the inconvenienced fliers. 

Where do San Diego Airport Arrivals Take Place? 

The two terminals present at the airport, that is, Terminals 1 and 2, undertake San Diego Airport flight arrivals. These terminals provide baggage carousels for you to collect your luggage once you arrive at the designated location. The car rental services will also be made available near the exit gates so that you can easily hire a vehicle to reach the city. Uber and other taxi services can be availed as well.

Where do San Diego Airport Departures Take Place? 

Terminal A, as well as Terminal B, are used as the San Diego Airport Departure Terminal. Passengers will be informed of the departure time at the time of reservation and have to be present at the airport well in advance of this time. Any delay in completing the departure proceedings might lead to the revocation of your flight. Hence, you will have to be cautious and pay heed to the announcements if you have a departure scheduled at the airport. 

The San Diego International Airport makes it possible for its customers to enjoy a variety of amenities and services. To make it more convenient for the passengers, it also offers car rental services and makes parking more affordable. It also ensures that there is no kind of hassle faced during the check-in and security procedures. 

Frequently Asked Questions