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How early should I get to SAN?

San Diego International Airport, San Diego, CA · Checked Oct 14, 2026

The short answer

As a general rule, allow at least two hours for domestic travel; contact your airline for specific guidance

Allow at least three hours for international travel

Those are blanket rules. Your real number depends on your terminal, the time of day, traffic from your door, and whether you have PreCheck or a bag. Leave By works out your exact leave time.

Source: san.org

Security lines at SAN

Nationally, TSA checkpoints are busiest from 5 to 7 AM local time. See TSA's hourly numbers and the busiest days to fly.

TSA PreCheck: SAN says TSA PreCheck is available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 but does not publish lane hours or locations by checkpoint. Add your Known Traveler Number to your reservation.

CLEAR: Available at this airport (see terminals below for which checkpoints).

Touchless ID: SAN is on an April 2026 list of 65 airports with TSA PreCheck Touchless ID; participating airlines there were not specified. Opt in with your airline.

Terminals and checkpoints

Terminal 1 (new)

Southwest, JetBlue, Frontier, Sun Country, Breeze, Air Canada, WestJet

Terminal 1 security checkpointPreCheckCLEARNew 13-lane checkpoint. SAN lists TSA PreCheck in both terminals and CLEAR only at Terminal 2 East.
  • The first phase of the new Terminal 1 (19 gates) opened in September 2025, and the original 1967 Terminal 1 is closed and being demolished
  • Phase 1B construction is adding 11 more gates, lounges and a children's play area, with completion in 2028
  • The Terminal 1 Parking Plaza is directly across from the terminal ($3 per 15 min, $40 daily max)

Terminal 2 (East and West)

Alaska, American, Delta, United, Hawaiian, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM, Copa

Terminal 2 East checkpointCLEARCLEAR+ 4:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m. daily. SAN says PreCheck is available in Terminal 2 but does not list it by checkpoint.
Terminal 2 West checkpointCLEAR
  • SAN's four lounges are in Terminal 2
  • Terminal 2 Parking Plaza is directly across from the terminal (about 2,900 spaces, 8'2" clearance)

Between terminals: Terminals 1 and 2 are not connected after security. During construction the roadway between them is closed to all traffic; SAN says the best way between terminals is the free Inter-Terminal Shuttle (daily 4 a.m.-2 a.m.) from the Terminal 1 curb. A secured walkway connector to Terminal 2 East is planned, with construction expected to start in 2027.

Terminals are not connected after security. Go to the right terminal the first time.

Getting to SAN

Rideshare and taxi: Uber, Lyft, Wingz and PrimeTime can drop off curbside at both Terminals 1 and 2. Pickup is across the crosswalk from baggage claim at Terminal 1, and in the second lane of the Transportation Plaza at Terminal 2.

Transit: MTS Route 992 stops at both terminals every 15 minutes, 4:15 a.m.-midnight, and connects downtown (Broadway & Kettner) with the Trolley, COASTER and Amtrak. The free San Diego Flyer shuttle runs between both terminals and the Old Town Transit Center. The Trolley does not stop at the airport.

Driving and parking: Take I-5 to the airport exits (Hawthorn St northbound, Sassafras St southbound) and then N. Harbor Dr. A three-lane airport entrance road opened Aug 1, 2025, just past Laurel St & Harbor Dr, giving a signal-free route to both terminals. Terminal 1 and 2 Parking Plazas cost $3 per 15 min ($40 daily max) and can be reserved up to 30 days ahead; valet is $60/day; the free Cell Phone Lot (1-hour limit) is at 2311 McCain Rd.

Construction and changes in 2026

  • Terminal 1 Phase 1B under way (11 more gates, completion 2028); the original Terminal 1 is being demolished
  • The roadway between Terminals 1 and 2 is closed to all traffic during construction; use the Inter-Terminal Shuttle (4 a.m.-2 a.m.)
  • Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 East connector in design, construction expected to begin in 2027

Checking a bag

Southwest (Terminal 1): bags at least 45 min before departure, check-in 30 min (domestic). Delta: bags 45 min, check-in 30 min without bags, at the gate 15 min before. Alaska: check-in and bag drop typically close 40 min before. SAN says ticket counters are typically staffed by 5:00 a.m.

SAN tips first-timers miss

  • Know your terminal before you go. Terminals 1 and 2 are not connected after security and the road between them is closed, so a wrong-terminal drop-off means a shuttle ride (Inter-Terminal Shuttle, 4 a.m.-2 a.m.).
  • Southwest, JetBlue and Frontier fly from the new Terminal 1; Alaska, American, Delta, United and most international airlines use Terminal 2
  • CLEAR at SAN is only at Terminal 2 East, 4:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
  • The airport entrance road off Harbor Dr just past Laurel St skips the Harbor Drive stoplights
  • Parking reservations can sell out while drive-up space remains; SAN says to call SP+ at 619-291-2087 to check availability
  • SAN says departures operate without penalty only between 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.

Leaving for SAN?

Pick your flight and where you're starting. Leave By checks live traffic, security lines and your terminal, and tells you the minute to walk out the door.

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Questions travelers ask

How early should I get to the San Diego airport?

SAN recommends allowing at least two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international flights, and checking with your airline for specific guidance.

Are Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 connected at SAN?

Not after security. During new Terminal 1 construction the roadway between terminals is closed, and SAN recommends the free Inter-Terminal Shuttle, which runs daily from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Which terminal is Southwest in at San Diego?

Southwest flies from Terminal 1, along with JetBlue, Frontier, Sun Country, Breeze, Air Canada and WestJet.

Sources

Airport conditions change. Always follow your airline's check-in and bag-drop deadlines.

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