LOVE It here! Free wifi and Every seat has a power outlet! And bathrooms are super long so don't have to worry about being stuck in there with the luggage :)
Terminal 2 is where it's at. Beautiful and clean, it is undergoing construction to max out capacity at SAN and offer better international flights, such as Tokyo and London.
Looking for things to do near the airport? Get inspired on DTour plus a chance to win a stay with us. Tip: visit Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco shop minutes from the airport! Read more
Skip the terminal waiting nonsense (Terminal 1, at least) and enjoy the (relative) peace of the seating just past security screening but before the escalators. Plus, outlets galore (okay, like two)!
They have petrestrooms (with fire hydrant and "grass"!) and a cool LED sculpture which shows bird shadows in flight. Go on a Scavenger Hunt!! It's fun.
If you set off the alarm at the TSA security checkpoint make sure you ask for "extra Vaseline" before they start the invasive search. Also remember that they are here for YOUR safety. Right...
This airport is one of my faves. It is under construction so there are changes almost daily to how things go. Allow a little extra time to “embrace” the construction.
Flying Southwest? Print your boarding pass at a side kiosk before getting in line. You'll get directed to the shorter, speedier, bag drop-off line. Cuts your waiting time in half!
Commuter terminal is CLOSED! All flights from T1 & 2. May put cafeteria in the old commuter terminal. Also new rental car facility is open (on Pacific Hwy).
I've been through this airport many times, very nice, clean, personnel very helpful. There is a multitude of fun things to do in & around San Diego. A must see destination!
If you flight has connections be aware that you will aboard in the commute terminal despite your airline main location in terminals. Airportbuses are very helpful ;)
Tip the united curbside check-in and they'll put a priority tag on your luggage and overlook minor overages in weight restrictions. It also helps if you smile sweetly.
Take your assigned seat as quickly as possible and step out of the aisle to stow your bag. If you are flying Southwest, just pick any seat and sit down, it's not that difficult.
Don't forget, United to Newark or Houston is in Terminal 2! If you get out at the first United stop, its a long walk to the next terminal when you're carrying luggage!
San Francisco next? Check https://foursquare.com/tek/list/free-wifi--power-in-san-francisco for a list of places with free Wifi AND power outlets to work from in SF.
Didn't see any signs for shuttles to rental car companies inside the airport. Followed signs to ground transportation and once outside saw directions to the island where rental car shuttles stop.
Best Tip for travelers: SHIP your luggage to your final destination via UPS or FedEx instead of dealing with the hassle of checking your bags. Makes flying a total pleasure!
American Airlines is at the extreme opposite of the other Airlines in Terminal 2. It’s like it was put in the naughty corner. Download a map or ask someone in advance of wasting a walk.
SAN, dedicated in 1928, is also known as Lindbergh Field. San Diego was the city from which Charles Lindbergh began the journey that would become the first solo transatlantic flight.
Bathrooms are right down the hall on the left depending on where you are standing, remember to always tip your dealer and never drink and drive, have a safe trip
Traveling with a baby and need help? Arrive early and ask the ticket counter for a companion pass. If it's slow they'll allow someone to pass through security and accompany you to the gate.
Separate TSA screen for gates 3-10. If you bought a beverage after TSA coming on a connecting flight, be ready to chug; if your incoming and outgoing gates aren’t in the same range, you get TSA again!
If you are flying Southwest, you are in a long line to get through security, and you are going to miss your flight... let the security personnel know and they will move you to the front of the line.
Check your carry-on bag for free at the gate. Airlines like Alaska and Virgin America also let you board sooner if you only need the space underneath the seat in front of you for your personal items.
Beware if you are going out of Terminal 1; Gates 1, 1A & 2 have their own area & do NOT have TSA pre-check! They have 2 scanners & 2 potential lines but I've never seen PRE-check here!
I was once forced to land here unexpectedly. I had spilled my coffee aboard the pedal powered bi-plane I was piloting. If I was going to make it to Santa Fe by nightfall, I was going to need a refill.