Traveling via plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours is unlike anything else.
The whole navigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. To help make your time at San Diego International Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from parking and New T1 construction impacts, to where to eat and details on the airport’s 85+ nonstop flights.
What to know
- Parking | Not everyone has a bestie who will drop everything to drop them off at the airport. Luckily, SAN has plenty of parking options, including short-term parking, the free Cell Phone Lot, the long-term Terminal 2 Parking Plaza, curbside valet, and 5,200+ spaces at the new Terminal 1 Parking Plaza.
- TSA | Peak screening hours are typically between 5-7 a.m., 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and 7-9 p.m.; you can check TSA wait times via the agency’s app. SAN’s website also offers helpful info on security + regulations. Departures only occur between 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m., and the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority told SDtoday that mornings are peak hours at SAN. The busiest days to travel are Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays.
- Food and drink | There are so many local eateries at SAN. For a nice little taste of San Diego, don’t miss the steak street tacos at Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant.
- Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before you step foot inside, this interactive map of the entire airport will be your saving grace.
- Reminder | As of May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or a passport to board commercial flights in the US.
- Flight status | While we recommend staying updated via your respective airline, you can also check the airport’s dashboard for your flight status in a pinch.
Nonstop flights
SAN offers 85+ nonstop flights — 76 domestic that go to various US regions, plus 11 international locations. Here are 20 nonstop flights you might want to hop on soon:
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Austin, TX
- Boston, MA
- Los Cabos, Mexico
- Munich, Germany
- Charlotte, NC
- Honolulu, HI
- Kansas City, MO
- Las Vegas, NV
- London, England
- Nashville, TN
- New York City, NY
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Portland, OR
- Sacramento, CA
- San Antonio, TX
- San Francisco, CA
- San Jose, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Tampa, FL
Bonus: Get lower fares by signing up for Going. You’ll get emailed when flights are 40-90% cheaper than usual. Get a two-week free trial of the Premium plan, which lets you set custom destination flight alerts (score).
Pro tip: Remember that flight times and schedules will often change — you should rely on your respective airline for exact timing and to stay updated on any changes.
Current airport updates
Construction began in November 2021 on the largest infrastructure project in SAN’s history: the $3.8 billion plan to replace Terminal 1 designed to improve transportation, mobility, and airport access for locals + visitors.
SDtoday got a first look at the new 940,000-sqft terminal in late August 2025. Check out these pics:
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Phase 1A of the New T1 officially debuted on Sept. 23, 2025 with these highlights:
- 19 new gates operated by several airlines: Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and SunCountry.
- Outdoor check-in pavilions.
- A roomy ticketing hall with 69 check-in kiosks + 66 ticket counters.
- An expansive security checkpoint with 13 lanes.
- Upgraded seating at the gates.
- Seven baggage carousels that can handle 4,000 bags per hour. Fun fact: The system runs through the basement underneath the baggage claim area, so your luggage is going on quite the little ride.
- A post-security outdoor dining deck with views of the downtown skyline.
- Four miles of new roadways, including a new three-lane airport entry roadway and duel-level roadway for departures + arrivals.
- A stage for live music and other performances.
- Five commissioned public art pieces, including “Torrey Pines” by Nova Jiang above the TSA security checkpoint lines and “RISE,” a giant jellyfish sculpture by Matthew Mazzotta at the entrance on the arrivals curbside.
- The five-story Terminal 1 Parking Plaza, which partially opened in August 2024 and fully opened in June 2025 with 5,200 spaces, a free tire inflation station, and luggage carts.
These 17 concessions + retail stores spanning 90,000-sqft debuted during Phase 1A, too:
- Better Buzz
- Parfait Paris
- The Taco Stand
- Ambrosio 15
- Luna Grill
- McDonald’s
- Lofty Coffee
- Market Hall
- SIP Wine & Beer
- Novecientos Grados by Tony Hawk
- JT Bros. Handcrafted Sandwiches
- Cutwater Restaurant & Bar
- Univision Travel Store
- The Arts District Market
- SAN Supply Co.
- No Boundaries
- Liberty Station Gifts
With the New T1 up and running, the 58-year-old original Terminal 1 will be fully demolished.
Construction on the next phase of the New T1 — Phase 1B — will begin in early 2026 and continue through 2028.
Phase 1B will bring three additional gates to the terminal in spring 2026 operated by Air Canada and WestJet. Eight remaining gates operated by Delta will open in early 2028 for a grand total of 30 new gates. Phase 1B will also bring additional concession + retail options.
New T1 construction is still somewhat impacting airport parking, so give yourself plenty of time for possible delays when traveling to the airport.
Gates
Here are a few gates with popular food and drink options, stores, and lounges nearby:
- Gate 22, Terminal 2 (East Concourse) | Alaska, American | Nearby services: Airspace Lounge, See’s Candies, and the Duty Free Americas store.
- Gate 27, Terminal 2 (East Concourse) | Alaska, American | Nearby services: The Prado at Balboa Park — a mini version of the restaurant found at the landmark — plus the Be Relax Spa.
- Gate 35, Terminal 2 (West Concourse) | British Airways, Delta, and more airlines | Nearby services: One of three lactation rooms for moms at SAN (on second level), one of the Be Relax Spa locations, and Stone Brewing.
- Gate 45, Terminal 2 (West Concourse) | Hawaiian, Lufthansa, United, and more airlines | Nearby services: Phil’s BBQ, Gaslamp Marketplace, and Pannikin Coffee & Tea.
- Gate 47, Terminal 2 (West Concourse) | Delta, JetBlue, and more airlines | Nearby services: Warwick’s of La Jolla bookstore — an extension of the longtime local gem we know and love — plus Delta Sky Club, Kids Love San Diego, and PGA Tour Shops.
Bonus: Don’t miss the public art and exhibitions around the San Diego International Airport.
Food and drink
SAN is a hub of eateries with dozens of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops for fliers to dine before or between flights, like:
- Urban Crave | Terminal 2 West, Gate 48 | Menu highlights: Angus beef burgers, chorizo breakfast burritos, and beer.
- Asian Kitchen | Terminal 2 West, Sunset Cove | Menu highlights: You can have it all here — Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Korean dishes.
- Stone Brewing Company | Terminal 2 West | Menu highlights: Soft Hemp Seed Pretzels, the Arrogant Bastard Chicken Sandwich, and lots of beer at this local craft brewing staple.
- The Prado at the Airport | Terminal 2 East, Gate 26 | This spot is inspired by the local flavors of The Prado at Balboa Park.
- Phil’s BBQ | Terminal 2 West, Gate 46 | Menu highlights: Local barbecue favorites like ribs and chicken with all the fixings.
- Elegant Desserts | Terminal 2 West, Gate 48 | Menu highlights: Grab a donut from San Diego’s famous Donut Bar.
Don’t forget: Many new restaurants joined SAN’s New T1 in September 2025 (see list in “Current Updtes” section) and more will land at the New Terminal 1 in 2028.
Fly comfortably
While we may not be able to offer solutions for crying babies or mysterious in-flight meals, we do have some tricks up our sleeves for upping your comfort while flying. Browse some of our favorite travel essentials:
- Lights Out Sleep Mask | This eye mask provides optimal comfort and aids restful sleep amid changing environments and varying light conditions.
- The AirFly Pro | Make sure you can always access in-flight entertainment (while avoiding the wired headphones airlines pass out) by using an AirFly. It plugs into your seat’s headphone jack and connects to your earbuds or headphones via Bluetooth.
- Trtl travel pillow | The Trtl pillow is scientifically designed to provide a better head position when sleeping upright, thanks to an internal support system comfortably cushioned in cozy fleece.
- Leather Dopp Kit | Keep your essentials organized and easily accessible, ensuring hassle-free journeys wherever you go.
- Bose Noise Canceling Headphones | These headphones are tried-and-true traveling companions, beloved for their crisp sound and ability to block exterior noise.
- Cozy Earth joggers | These Oprah-approved joggers are polished enough to navigate the airport in, but comfy and stretchy enough for long flights.
- Snacks | Bringing your own snacks ensures dietary preferences are met — plus, you’ll save time and money while traveling.
- Anti-nausea wristbands | Some simple anti-nausea wristbands might relieve a nervous stomach or sensitivity to turbulence while flying.
