San Antonio's Airport: What's The Deal?

San Antonio, Texas, is served by San Antonio International Airport (SAT). The airport is located in Uptown Central San Antonio, about 8 miles (13 km) north of Downtown. It was founded in 1941 when the City of San Antonio purchased 1,200 acres of undeveloped land for a project to be called San Antonio Municipal Airport. The airport has two terminals, 27 jet bridge gates, and averages 260 daily departures and arrivals. It is the 44th busiest airport in the United States by passenger traffic.

San Antonio International Airport's history

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) was established in 1941 when the City of San Antonio purchased 1,200 acres of undeveloped land north of the city limits. The airport was founded as a military airfield, called Alamo Field, during World War II. It was used by the United States Army Air Forces as a training base. The airport opened in July 1942, but due to the war, it was not fully finished until after the war ended.

At the end of World War II, the airport was no longer needed by the military and was turned over to the City of San Antonio for civil use. In 1944, the airfield was officially named San Antonio International Airport and regular flights began. The first airline to serve the airport was Braniff Airlines in 1943, followed by American Airlines in 1944.

In the early 1950s, a number of renovations and upgrades were carried out, including the construction of the first terminal in 1953 (which became Terminal 2). The terminal had ground-loading holding areas and was expanded in 1959 with new east and west wings. In 1968, a new satellite concourse was built to handle visitors to HemisFair '68, a World's Fair held in San Antonio.

In 1975, the city adopted its first Airport Master Plan, which included plans for a new parking garage and a new terminal (formerly called Terminal 1, now called Terminal A). The new terminal was completed in 1984 and brought the airport's capacity up from eight gates to 27 gates.

San Antonio International Airport has continued to expand and renovate its facilities over the years. A second Airport Master Plan was developed in 1994 to take the airport into the 21st century, which included plans for more parking spaces, improved airport access, and an improved concession program. The original Terminal 2 closed in 2010 and was replaced by Terminal B, with Terminal 1 being renamed Terminal A.

Today, San Antonio International Airport covers more than 2,600 acres and has two terminals with 27 jet bridge gates. It is the 44th busiest airport in the United States by passenger traffic, averaging 260 daily departures and arrivals at its gates.

The airport's location and transport links

San Antonio International Airport (IATA: SAT, ICAO: KSAT, FAA LID: SAT) is located in Uptown Central San Antonio, about 8 miles (13 km) north of Downtown. The airport is situated near the intersection of Interstate 410 and U.S. 281, providing easy access to the city centre and other areas of San Antonio.

The airport offers a range of transportation options for travellers. It has a consolidated rental car facility, which is connected to Terminal B via a sky bridge. This facility houses numerous rental car brands, offering convenience for travellers who prefer to drive themselves.

For those who opt for public transportation, the VIA Metropolitan Transit provides weekday express bus services. These buses connect the airport directly to Downtown San Antonio and a park-and-ride facility in Stone Oak via Route 7. Additionally, Route 5 offers local bus service and allows for transfers to other routes at the North Star Transit Center.

The airport also provides a Cell Phone Waiting Lot, located near the airport off 410/Airport Blvd. This lot offers a convenient and free option for those waiting to pick someone up, with nearby dining options such as QMart and Burger King.

San Antonio International Airport has undergone various expansions and improvements over the years, with ongoing projects aimed at enhancing the airport's capacity and accessibility. These developments include the construction of new terminals, additional parking facilities, and improved roadway systems to accommodate the growing number of passengers utilising the airport.

Airlines that serve the airport

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) serves 14 airlines that fly non-stop to 45 destinations across the US and Mexico. The airport is the 44th busiest airport in the United States by passenger traffic, averaging 260 daily departures and arrivals.

The airlines that serve San Antonio International Airport include:

• Southwest Airlines
• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Spirit Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
• Allegiant
• JetBlue
• AeroMexico
• Volaris
• Viva Aerobus
• Condor

The airport's terminals and gates

San Antonio International Airport has two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, with a total of 27 jet bridge gates. Terminal A is the larger of the two, with 17 gates and serving the majority of the airport's airlines, including all international carriers. Terminal B, with its recent expansion, now offers 10 gates and primarily serves domestic flights.

Terminal A

Terminal A features updated food courts, new signage, and modern terrazzo floors. It houses 17 gates and serves the majority of the airport's airlines, including all international carriers. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility is located in Terminal A. The terminal has two security checkpoints located near Gates 1-7 and Gates 8-12. The terminal also has a Global Entry Enrollment Center located near baggage claim.

Terminal B

Terminal B offers amenities such as the United Club, located between gates B3 and B5, and a USO lounge on the arrivals level near baggage claim. It has 10 gates and primarily serves domestic flights. Terminal B has two security checkpoints located near Gates 13-18 and Gates 19-24.

Getting Around the Airport

To move between the terminals, passengers can take advantage of clearly marked pedestrian pathways. Key tips for getting around the airport include following the signs to navigate between gates and terminals, taking note of the locations of amenities, and asking airport staff for directions and information.

Efficiency of the airport's security

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) in Texas has a range of security measures in place to ensure the safety of its passengers. The airport has two terminals with 27 jet bridge gates in total, serving 14 airlines flying non-stop to 45 destinations. As the 44th busiest airport in the United States by passenger traffic, efficient security measures are crucial.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recently deployed advanced imaging technology at the airport. This technology includes millimeter wave and back scatter imaging, which meets national health and safety standards. The imaging technology is an integral part of the TSA's efforts to stay ahead of evolving threats and ensure the safety of travellers. Passengers can opt out of this screening and request a pat-down from a same-gender security officer.

To further enhance security, the San Antonio City Council approved the lease of a Knightscope K5 robot in February 2024. This 420-pound autonomous robot is equipped with HD video streaming, two-way communication, thermal anomaly detection, and license plate recognition. The robot is strategically positioned to respond to door alarms in secure, non-public areas. This technology improves efficiency by reducing the need for employees to manually check each alarm, allowing staff to focus on other areas.

The airport also offers convenient parking options through Airport Security Parking, a family-owned business located near the airport. With over 20 acres of parking space, they provide free 24-hour shuttle services to and from the airport, complete with luggage assistance.

Additionally, the airport provides online check-in and self-service kiosks for quicker processing, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall efficiency of the airport's security and departure processes.

Frequently asked questions