San Diego International Airport (SAN) has marked a significant increase in passenger volume, reaching a post-pandemic record in October with approximately 6,000 more travelers going through its TSA checkpoints compared to the same period in 2019. As per the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, the overall surge in passenger volume this year compared to last year amounts to 3%.
Ahead of the Thanksgiving travel spree, authorities predict SAN to experience around 84,000 passenger landings and takeoffs each day. Historical data suggest that Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and Sunday and Monday after, are the heaviest travel days during the festive period. Preparations are in full swing to manage this influx of passengers effectively.
The new Terminal 1 (New T1) construction, currently ongoing at a significant pace, is expected to cause congestion near the existing Terminal 1 and on routes approaching the airport. Limited on-airport parking space is a further issue due to the construction of the New T1 Parking Plaza set to launch in late 2024.
SAN has shared crucial pointers for travelers, including arriving early, pre-parking reservations, and using free electric shuttles and ride-shares.
