It's beginning to look a lot like…Busy roads and airports? The struggle to find available parking spaces? Lost luggage? Weather delays?
Much of this is expected as the American Automotive Association forecasts nearly 113 million people are planning to travel at least 50 miles or more from December 23 to January 2. While it is estimated that nearly 102 million people will be driving to their destinations, the AAA predicts a 14% increase over last year with nearly 7.2 million people choosing flights.
“If the distance is not reasonable to drive, more people are taking to the air to maximize the time spent at their destination,” Twidale adds. “Conversely, if the travel distances are reasonable and more than one or two people in the household are taking the trip, it may be more cost-effective to drive rather than buy multiple air tickets, rent a car, and spend too much money before the fun even begins.
The San Diego International Airport provided the following tips for those who will be traveling during the holiday season. These tips come as the New T1 project has placed much of the airport’s campus under construction.
Plan ahead and arrive early when traveling to the airport.
- Don’t cut it close―Plan to arrive two hours before flight departures for domestic and international flights.
- Due to construction, passengers should expect increased traffic and changes to airport roadways. Times in which the traveling public will see the most congestion include 4 a.m. to 6:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), peak screening hours at the checkpoints are typically between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Passengers could see extended wait times of up to an hour.
- If returning a vehicle to the Rental Car Center, allow additional travel time. Free shuttle buses run 24 hours per day between the Rental Car Center and airport terminals.
- Make sure to check where the airlines are located—Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
Parking is limited and reservations are strongly recommended.
- The Terminal 1 Parking Lot is permanently closed. As a result, on-airport parking is limited to the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza or Curbside Valet at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
- It is strongly recommended passengers reserve parking at Terminal 2 Parking Plaza or Curbside Valet as much in advance as possible at san.org/parking.
- The Terminal Loop Shuttle efficiently transports passengers between both terminals. Curbside pick-up is available every 10 minutes.
There are more ways than ever to get to the airport using public transit.
- Take the COASTER to Santa Fe Depot train station in Downtown San Diego or take the MTS Trolley to Old Town Station.
- MTS’s Route 992 stops at Terminals 1 and 2 and operates between 5 a.m. and midnight, every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends and holidays.
- Try the free San Diego Flyer, a convenient electric shuttle service connecting the Old Town Transit Center and the airport.
Let someone else do the driving.
- Taxi, Lyft, Uber, shuttles, or other airport-permitted commercial transportation options are great ways to get to and from SAN. Please note a new, temporary, ground-level crosswalk with a traffic light and crossing signal replaced the bridge to connect pedestrians from Terminal 1 to the Terminal 1 ground transportation island.
- Have friends or family provide rides.
Picking Someone Up? Use the Cell Phone Lot.
- Utilizing the Cell Phone Lot at the Terminal 2 West Parking Lot on McCain Road is a great way to avoid circling the airport and further congesting terminal roadways. The Cell Phone Lot is free and a convenient place to wait for arriving passengers. To get back to Baggage Claim to pick up passengers, follow detour signage to Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
For more information about the San Diego International Airport, visit https://www.san.org/.
