Plan for winter holiday airport travel

By SDCN Editor

San Diego, CA–San Diego International Airport expects to see more than 700,000 people arriving and departing during the upcoming winter holiday travel week which runs from just before Christmas Day through New Year’s Day. 

According to airport officials, December 23 and December 30 are anticipated to be the busiest travel days of the holiday week. The airport anticipates approximately 80,000 people will travel through the airport each day that week.

Passengers are urged to plan before heading to the airport. There are suggested tips for travelers coming through the airport during the winter holiday travel week:

• Before coming to the airport, be sure to check with your airline to confirm your flight time.  
• Expect traffic congestion due to construction on the roadways approaching the airport and in front of the existing Terminal 1. Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight. Busiest curbside times are 4 a.m. to 6:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. View current construction impacts at NewT1.com.
• With construction underway on the new Terminal 1 parking structure (scheduled to open in late 2024), on-airport parking is extremely limited. Parking is currently available at Terminal 2 Parking Plaza. 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 Terminal Loop Shuttle helps get passengers around the airport. Passengers parking in the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza but flying from Terminal 1, can ride the Terminal Loop Shuttle which transports passengers between the two terminals.

The San Diego Flyer is a free shuttle bus service between the Old Town Transit Station and the airport. The electric shuttle buses operate 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 12:30 a.m.

Passengers can use taxis, Lyft, Uber, or other rideshare options to get to the airport.

Whether dropping off or picking up passengers, 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.

Drivers waiting to pick up passengers can use the Cell Phone Lot in the Terminal 2 West Parking Lot on McCain Road. The lot is open from 5:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Shops and restaurants inside the terminals are open to provide travel necessities, meals, snacks, and last-minute gifts. Visit san.org/Shop-Dine-Relax for hours and locations of airport concessionaires.

During December, the airport will host live musical and circus performances in the terminals. Plus, the airport’s restaurants will offer special holiday-inspired menu items, and the shops will offer special holiday deals to passengers.