Las Vegas Joins Orlando and Phoenix as Top Destinations for Nearly 700,000 Travelers at San Diego International Airport This Fourth of July Weekend – Travel And Tour World

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, San Diego International Airport (SAN) is preparing for a surge in travelers.

From Sunday, June 29 to Monday, July 7, nearly 700,000 passengers are expected to pass through the airport, making it one of the busiest travel periods of the summer.

Airport officials are urging travelers to plan ahead and allow extra time to navigate the airport, especially with construction nearing completion on the new Terminal 1, which is set to open this September.

“Summer travel season has definitely started at SAN,” said Kimberly Becker, President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “Passenger volumes this year are tracking closely with 2024, which was a record-breaking year. We’re anticipating around 80,000 people per day, with peak days reaching 85,000 passengers.”

As the busiest travel days approach, the Sundays and Mondays before and after the holiday are expected to see the heaviest traffic. Sunday, July 6, is projected to be the single highest-volume day, with the airport handling thousands of travelers heading to and from top destinations like Las Vegas, Orlando, and Phoenix for Independence Day celebrations. Travelers are advised to follow key tips and take advantage of the available resources to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Key Tips for a Stress-Free Experience at SAN

With the airport anticipating a significant increase in passenger volume over the holiday period, here are several tips to help travelers navigate SAN efficiently:

• Check Flight Status Ahead of Time:
  Before heading to the airport, make sure to check your flight status with your airline to confirm your departure time and any updates. With increased passenger traffic, airlines may adjust schedules or experience slight delays, and being informed will allow you to adjust your plans accordingly.
• Arrive Early:
  Due to construction near Terminal 1, travelers should allow extra time for potential traffic delays. SAN advises arriving at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. Expect peak traffic around curbside check-in during the following times:
  • 4:00 a.m. to 6:15 a.m.
  • 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

This will help you avoid the busiest times and ensure you have ample time to get through security and check-in.

• Reserve Parking in Advance:
  With more than 8,000 parking spaces available at Terminals 1 and 2, it’s highly recommended to book parking in advance. Travelers can reserve their spot at san.org/Parking and select the lot closest to their terminal to save time and avoid parking-related stress. With the increase in passenger numbers, parking lots are expected to fill up quickly, so booking ahead will secure a spot and ensure smoother arrival at the airport.
• Use Free Shuttle Services:
  For those needing to travel between terminals, SAN offers a free Terminal Loop Shuttle that connects Terminals 1 and 2. Additionally, the San Diego Flyer provides free electric shuttle service to and from the Old Town Transit Station, with departures every 20–30 minutes from 4:45 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. This service is a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate between terminals or reach nearby transit connections.
• Consider Rideshare or Drop-Off Services:
  For those looking to avoid parking altogether, rideshare services like Lyft and Uber are available at SAN, and can be an efficient way to reach the airport without the hassle of parking. Alternatively, family and friends can drop passengers off at designated areas, which can help alleviate the parking congestion during the busy travel periods.
• Use the Cell Phone Lot:
  If you are picking someone up from the airport, consider using the Cell Phone Lot located in the Terminal 2 West Parking Lot on McCain Road. Open from 5:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., this lot is a convenient place to wait for arriving passengers without having to circle the airport or pay for parking.
• Follow Construction Signage:
  Construction near Terminal 1 is expected to cause some traffic delays, so it’s important to follow all posted signage and instructions from Airport Traffic Officers. By adhering to the directions provided by the airport, travelers can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure safety during the construction phase.

Amenities at the Airport

While navigating the airport can be a challenge during peak times, travelers will find plenty of options for dining, shopping, and relaxation at SAN. The airport offers a wide variety of shops and restaurants that cater to both quick bites and sit-down meals. To plan ahead, passengers can visit san.org/Shop-Dine-Relax to explore the available options, and check the hours of operation for their favorite locations.

From coffee and snacks to sit-down meals, there are options to suit every traveler’s needs, whether you are waiting for a connecting flight or just looking for something to enjoy before takeoff. Additionally, with free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport, passengers can easily stay connected, browse the web, or relax with entertainment while they wait.

Looking Ahead: The Opening of Terminal 1

The Terminal 1 renovation project is scheduled to be completed in time for a September 2025 opening. The new terminal will feature more space, better amenities, and updated facilities to improve the overall passenger experience. The new terminal is expected to include a variety of new dining options, modernized gates, and streamlined check-in processes. As the construction nears completion, travelers can look forward to a more modern and convenient airport experience in the coming months.

Final Thoughts on Traveling through SAN

The busy Fourth of July weekend is always a hectic time at airports, and San Diego International Airport is no exception. However, by planning ahead, arriving early, utilizing available services, and staying informed about the construction schedule, passengers can reduce the stress of navigating through the airport. The airport is committed to ensuring passengers have a smooth and enjoyable travel experience, even during one of the busiest times of the year.

For more information about SAN, flight status updates, parking reservations, or shuttle services, travelers can visit the official airport website at san.org.

«Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us»