Name: All you need to know about the San Diego International Airport
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All you need to know about the San Diego International Airport

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Traveling via plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours is unlike anything else.The whole navigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. To help make your time at San Diego International Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from parking and New T1 construction impacts, to where to eat and details on the airport’s 80+ nonstop flights.
    
    
    
    
The San Diego International Airport is currently undergoing a massive, $3.4 billion project to replace Terminal 1 designed to improve transportation, mobility, and access to SAN for locals + visitors.The “New T1" will bring 30 new gates, a parking plaza for 5,000+ cars (set to open in fall 2024), a post-security outdoor seating area, new lounges with outdoor decks, and fresh restaurants and retail. In June 2023, SAN announced its first round of new food spots coming to the terminal in 2025 and 2028, including local favorites Puesto, Parakeet Cafe, Better Buzz Coffee Roasters, Mostra Coffee, Kettner Exchange, and Cutwater Bar + Restaurant. The New T1 is being completed in three phases and is expected to be finished by early 2028.New T1 construction has been impacting airport parking. The Terminal 1 lot is permanently closed and the only long-term parking is in the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza, so reservations are strongly recommended. The Airport Authority tells SDtoday it’s best to arrive at SAN with plenty of time — no matter which terminal you’re flying out of — to factor in these changes and potential construction-related delays.Pro tip: SAN says traffic congestion in the curbside drop-off areas is especially busy during these times daily amid construction — 4 a.m.-6:15 a.m.; 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 8 p.m.-12 a.m.
    
    
Not everyone has a bestie who will drop everything to pick them up from their 3 a.m. landing. Here are the current parking options at SAN:The Terminal 2 Parking Plaza provides easy access to both terminals and all airlines.Hate the thought of driving yourself? Try out a shuttle, public transit, rideshare, or taxi service that will take you to and from the terminal. These are suggested by the San Diego International Airport:To access the rideshare pick-up location out of Terminal 1, exit the baggage claim, use the new pedestrian crosswalk, and head to the Ground Transportation zone. For travelers out of Terminal 2, use the main crosswalk and head to Transportation Plaza, where you’ll find rideshare pickup in the second lane on the right. Rideshare travelers can be dropped off curbside at both terminals.
    
    
SAN offers 84 nonstop flights — 73 domestic that go to various US regions, plus 11 international flights to five countries. Here are 20 nonstop flights you might want to hop on soon:Bonus: Get lower fares by making a free account on Going. Add SAN to your notification list (you can add up to five airports on the free plan), and you’ll get emailed when flights are 40-90% cheaper than usual.Pro tip: Remember that flight times and schedules will often change — you should rely on your respective airline for exact timing and to stay updated on any changes.
    
    
Here are 7 gates with popular food and drink options, stores, and lounges nearby:
    
    
SAN is a hub of eateries with dozens of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops for fliers to dine before or between flights, like:Update: 19 new restaurants will join SAN’s New T1 — some landing in 2025, and others in 2028. New retail shops are coming, too.Bonus: Don’t miss the public art and exhibitions around the San Diego International Airport and the Spirit of Silence meditation room in Terminal 2 West.
    
    
While we may not be able to offer solutions for crying babies or mysterious in-flight meals, we do have some tricks up our sleeves for upping your comfort while flying. Browse some of our favorite travel essentials:

Traveling via plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours is unlike anything else.The whole navigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. To help make your time at San Diego International Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from parking and New T1 construction impacts, to where to eat and details on the airport’s 80+ nonstop flights.
    
    
    
    
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All you need to know about the San Diego International Airport

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