TravelBuddy airport guide · SAN
San Diego International Airport
San Diego, CA
Terminal notes below are guidance-only. TSA and flights remain airport-wide unless a live terminal source exists.
Security
Security snapshot
Standard and PreCheck timing at a glance.
Standard
19 min
PreCheck
6 min
Updated May 3, 2026, 5:27 PM
Weather
Weather now
Partly cloudy
67°F
No major weather impact expected.
Updated May 3, 2026, 5:27 PM · Observed May 3, 2026, 5:15 PM
Operations
Flights ahead
Next scheduled arrivals and departures at a glance.
Airport activity strip
Arrivals
AL6512
Alaska · Seattle
5:59 PM
T1 · A8
On time
SO6513
Southwest · Dallas
6:31 PM
T2 · B9
On time
JE6514
JetBlue · Miami
7:03 PM
T3 · C10
On time
SP6515
Spirit · Atlanta
7:35 PM
T1 · D11
On time
FR6516
Frontier · Denver
8:07 PM
T2 · E12
On time
Departures
AL6512
Alaska · Seattle
5:59 PM
T1 · A8
Boarding soon
SO6513
Southwest · Dallas
6:31 PM
T2 · B9
On time
JE6514
JetBlue · Miami
7:03 PM
T3 · C10
On time
SP6515
Spirit · Atlanta
7:35 PM
T1 · D11
Boarding soon
FR6516
Frontier · Denver
8:07 PM
T2 · E12
On time
Readiness
Travel Readiness Alerts
Your flight plan is coming together. Make sure check-in, boarding pass, TSA timing, and airport arrival are handled before you leave.
Drive
Drive-time estimate
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Nearby
Things to Do Near This Airport
Quick stops for a short window
Route guide
Popular nonstop routes
A curated look at common nonstop destinations from this airport.
These nonstop destinations are curated traveler guidance, not a live route feed.
Terminal detail
Know your terminal before you head in
Helpful planning notes for each terminal. Live TSA and flights below still stay airport-wide unless a terminal-specific source exists.
Terminal
Terminal 1
Traffic pattern
Can feel more compressed during the early departure rush.
Travel context
Construction-era or layout differences can make this terminal feel busier than Terminal 2.
TSA factor: Airport-wide TSA often feels most stretched here in the morning.
Expect: Shorter distances overall, but less spare curbside room.
Terminal
Terminal 2
Traffic pattern
Usually steadier through the middle of the day.
Travel context
A broader mix of departures can make the flow feel more even.
Expect: Smoother movement off-peak, with afternoon pickup slowdowns.
Terminal notes below are guidance-only. TSA and flights remain airport-wide unless a live terminal source exists.
Plan ahead
Travel tips
Best arrival time
2 hours early covers most departures, but Terminal 1 construction conditions can stretch that.
Peak hours
5:30 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Pro tips
- The airport is compact, but pickup curbs can gridlock fast during afternoon arrivals.
- Short-haul business banks keep early checkpoint volume high.
- If coastal fog rolls in, gate holds can start before broader delays show up.
Lost and found
Recover terminal items faster
Airport lost and found is separate from TSA and airline baggage offices.
Traveler Resource
Know your airline service options
Compare airline commitments for delays, cancellations, family seating, rebooking, hotels, meals, and more using the U.S. Department of Transportation dashboard.
View DOT DashboardPacking Help
Check what you can bring
Use TSA's official guide to check carry-on and checked-bag rules before you head to the airport.
View TSA Item RulesID Check
Review accepted travel ID
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Quick resources
Lost and found and packing help links.
Quick resources
Packing Help
TSA Item Rules