San Diego International Airport Forecasts Busy Independence Day Travel

San Diego International Airport (SAN) anticipates a busy Independence Day travel period, with nearly 800,000 passengers expected to arrive and depart between Sunday, June 28 through Monday, July 6. Passengers are urged to plan ahead.

Daily passenger volumes during the nine-day travel period are projected to reach approximately 90,000 travelers, with peak days approaching 95,000. The busiest travel days are expected to be Monday, June 29 and Thursday, July 2, prior to the holiday, and Monday, July 6, as travelers return home.

Passenger traffic is expected to increase by approximately 10 percent compared to last year at this time. Top travel destinations from SAN during the holiday are San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, Seattle, and Las Vegas.

"We are very pleased to see the demand for travel this summer remaining strong at SAN," said Atif Saeed, President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. "Each holiday, we typically see more travelers, and it is especially true during Independence Day. With this year's holiday falling on a Saturday and it being observed on Friday, July 3, we anticipate heavier weekday travel and encourage passengers to allow extra time when traveling to the airport."

SAN recommends the following tips to help travelers navigate the busy holiday period:

Check Your Flight Status
Before coming to the airport, be sure to check with your airline to confirm your flight time.

Arrive Early
Give yourself enough time to arrive at the airport before your flight departs. As the airport continues construction near Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, traffic may be delayed. Peak curbside activity typically occurs between:

• 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.

Reserve Airport Parking in Advance
More than 8,000 parking spaces are available at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 Parking Plazas. Travelers planning to park at the airport are encouraged to reserve parking ahead of time, including curbside valet service, to guarantee availability. Make reservations here.

Travel Between Terminals with Ease

If you need transportation between Terminal 1 and 2, passengers can ride the Inter-Terminal Shuttle between the two terminals at no cost.

Free Old Town Transit Shuttle

The San Diego Flyer is a free shuttle bus service between the Old Town Transit Station and SAN. The electric shuttle buses operate seven days a week, with an average arrival time of every 20 to 30 minutes. The first pick up is at 4:45 a.m. and the last pick up/drop off at 12:30 a.m.

Take Rideshare or Get Dropped Off

Have friends or family drop off or pick up. Lyft, Uber, or other rideshare options are also good alternatives.

Follow Airport Traffic Signs

Whether dropping off or picking up passengers, please follow construction signage and stay within marked lanes. Be alert and ensure car doors and personal belongings are not blocking other drivers and passengers. Lastly, follow the directions of Airport Traffic Officers - they are there to ensure the safety of everyone at the airport.

Use the Cell Phone Lot for Passenger Pickups

Avoid circling airport roadways by utilizing SAN's free Cell Phone Lot, located in the Terminal 2 West Parking Lot on McCain Road. The lot is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and provides a convenient waiting area until your party arrives.

Once at SAN … Shop, Dine, and Relax

Travelers can take advantage of SAN's wide range of shops, restaurants, and services throughout both terminals, offering everything from travel essentials and snacks to full-service dining options. Visit san.org/Shop-Dine-Relax for hours and locations.

For additional information about airport operations, construction impacts, parking, transit options, and traveler resources, visit san.org.