Ruth Haines
John Wayne Airport, formerly known as Orange County Airport, is located in Santa Ana, California, and is the only commercial service airport in the county. In 2012, the airport served nearly 9 million passengers. While the airport is generally efficient and manageable in terms of security wait times, with digital displays providing real-time wait information, it is still recommended that travellers arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before their scheduled flight to account for potential variations in wait times. The airport has a varied history, dating back to 1923 when aviation pioneer Eddie Martin founded the airfield, and has undergone several name changes and infrastructure developments over the years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | John Wayne Airport |
| Location | Santa Ana, California |
| IATA Code | SNA |
| Year Established | 1923 |
| Year Opened | 1941 |
| Owner | County of Orange |
| Distance from Los Angeles | 35 miles |
| Number of Security Checkpoints | 3 |
| Number of Animal Relief Areas | 3 |
| Number of Parking Structures | 3 |
| Parking Rate | $4 per hour |
| Number of Passengers in 2012 | 9 million |
| Security Check Wait Time | Less than 15 minutes |
What You'll Learn
John Wayne Airport security wait times
John Wayne Airport, Orange County, is a busy airport with a good reputation for efficient security checks. The airport recommends passengers plan to arrive 1-2 hours before their domestic flight and 3 hours for international flights. This is to allow for parking, security screening, and check-in procedures.
The airport has three security checkpoints, each with smart scanning devices and TSA PreCheck lanes. The wait times at these checkpoints can vary, especially during peak travel periods. TSA PreCheck is available at all security checkpoints, providing enrolled passengers with a faster security check process that usually takes less than 5 minutes. However, expedited screening is not guaranteed for any traveller due to variable security protocols.
Digital displays at each checkpoint provide real-time wait information, but these are estimates and may not reflect the actual wait time upon arrival. It is advised to check the flight status for any delays before heading to the airport.
To save time at the airport, passengers can check-in online via their airline's website. There are also parking alternatives to consider. Off-airport parking lots offer lower costs, a little further away from the terminals.
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TSA PreCheck availability
John Wayne Airport in Orange County is known for its efficient security checks, with advanced security tools and three security checkpoints to ensure a smooth security check process. The airport offers the TSA PreCheck program, which allows passengers to wait in a shorter TSA line—usually five minutes or fewer when departing. This program is available at all security checkpoints at the airport, offering enrolled passengers a streamlined security check process.
The TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center at John Wayne Airport is located on the Arrival (lower) Level of Terminal C, near Baggage Carousel 7, next to the U.S. Customs exit. The Enrollment Center is open from Monday to Friday, 6:30 am to 3:00 pm, with a break from 11:00 am–11:30 am. While walk-ins may be accommodated, travellers are encouraged to pre-enrol or make an appointment online at www.TSA.gov or by contacting the Universal Enrollment Services Call Center at 855-DHS-UES1 (855-347-8371), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 10 pm (ET).
The TSA PreCheck program is available to eligible passengers travelling domestically on participating airlines and those who are members of CBP Trusted Traveller programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS. To enrol in the program, you must show proof of U.S. citizenship, fill out an application, provide fingerprints, and take a digital photo. If your background check is approved, you will receive a "known traveller number" within a few days, allowing you to use TSA PreCheck.
The TSA PreCheck lanes at John Wayne Airport have varying hours of operation by checkpoint. For Checkpoint A1, the hours range from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm on Mondays, with varying closing times throughout the week and weekend. Checkpoint B1 operates mainly from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm on selected days, and Checkpoint C's hours range from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm, depending on the day. It is important to note that these hours may change based on operational needs.
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Airport parking
Orange County John Wayne Airport, located in the city of Santa Ana, is a busy airport with generally manageable security wait times. The airport recommends passengers arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure to account for parking, security, and boarding.
Parking at the airport is available in Terminal Parking Structures A1, A2, B2, and C. These lots tend to fill up quickly, so it is recommended to allow extra time to find parking. The rate for parking in these structures is $4 per hour, and dedicated two-hour parking spaces are available on the lower level of A1, B2, and C. There is also a cell phone waiting lot located south of Parking Structure C with 18 designated spaces where visitors can wait in their vehicles for free until they are contacted by arriving passengers. This lot is less congested after 9:00 am. Curbside Valet and the Main Street Parking Lot are additional parking options, both of which offer a free shuttle service. The Main Street Parking Lot is located at 1512 Main Street, Irvine, and the shuttle service runs every 15 minutes between 4:30 a.m. and 12:00 a.m.
There are also numerous nearby hotels, such as Hilton, Marriott, and Wyndham, that offer SNA airport parking, which may be for self-parking or valet. Off-airport parking lots are another option, offering lower costs but being situated further away from the terminals.
John Wayne Airport offers complimentary electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in each parking structure and the Main Street Parking Lot. Accessible parking spaces are available in all parking facilities, with van-accessible spaces in Parking Structures A2, B2, C, and the cell phone waiting area. Vehicles parking in these spaces must display valid disabled person parking permits.
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Currency exchange services
John Wayne Orange County International Airport (SNA) does have currency exchange services available, although it is recommended to compare a few options before deciding to exchange your money at the airport to ensure you get the best deal. Using a multi-currency card from Wise for your travels is often a more cost-effective option than exchanging physical currency at an airport.
The official currency for Orange County is the US Dollar, abbreviated as USD. The airport has two currency exchange locations to choose from, with over-the-counter services allowing you to exchange money on the spot by visiting a currency exchange location and paying in cash or by card. This is a fast and convenient choice, but it can be expensive due to high fees and unfavourable exchange rates.
Some providers, such as CXI, allow customers to order their foreign currency online for airport collection, which can offer a better exchange rate than on-the-spot exchanges. It is also worth noting that currency exchange services at airports do not usually have a lot of competition, which can result in higher overall costs when switching your funds. Fees may be added to the available exchange rate, so it is important to look at both the fees quoted and the rate being used.
ATMs are located throughout the airport, in the luggage claim area and the departures area, and several banks are located in close proximity to the airport. The Wells Fargo Bank Newport Beach Branch is just 1.4 miles away, and the Bank of America Financial Center Irvine Branch is even closer at 1.1 miles from the airport. City National Bank is located half a mile from the airport, and Travelex World Wide Money is 3.2 miles away at South Coast Plaza, although it is unclear whether Travelex still operates in the United States.
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Airport history
John Wayne Airport, Orange County, is located in the city of Santa Ana. The airport is owned by the County of Orange and uses the International Air Transport Association (IATA) code "SNA".
The airport was originally known as the Orange County Airport. It was renamed the John Wayne Airport in 1979 after the late actor and Newport Beach resident. Ironically, John Wayne was known to have opposed the airport due to noise complaints, as he lived in close proximity to it.
The airport's history dates back to the 1920s when it was a private landing strip built by aviation pioneer Eddie Martin on Irvine Company land. In 1923, Martin founded a flying school and Martin Aviation, one of the oldest aviation firms in the country. In 1939, through a land swap between the Irvine Company and the County of Orange, it became a publicly-owned facility known as Orange County Airport.
During World War II, the airport served as a military base before being returned to the County by the federal government. The administration building, which served as the passenger terminal and control tower, was expanded and rebuilt several times until it was demolished in the mid-1960s when the airport was rebuilt. In 1941, the airport was relocated about a mile southeast along the "South Main Street Extension" through an agreement between Martin and Orange County.
In 1967, a new 22,000-square-foot terminal was constructed, which was later renamed the "Eddie Martin Terminal" to honour the airport's history and its original founder. The terminal was initially designed to handle 40,000 passengers per year, but it ended up serving 30,000 passengers per month due to unexpected demand.
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Frequently asked questions
Orange County Airport, now known as John Wayne Airport, is the only commercial service airport in Orange County, California. In 2012, nearly 9 million passengers were served. The airport is known for its efficient security checks, with advanced security tools and digital displays at each checkpoint providing real-time wait information. However, it is recommended that passengers arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before their scheduled flight departure to account for security screening and check-in procedures.
Orange County Airport was established in 1923 by aviation pioneer Eddie Martin and operated until 1939. The airport opened in 1941 and was renamed John Wayne Airport in 1979 after the late actor and Newport Beach resident. In the 1970s, it was one of the top five busiest airports in the country, with general aviation and transportation flights fuelling the booming local economy.
Security wait times at Orange County Airport can vary significantly, especially during peak travel periods. However, the airport generally maintains manageable wait times, and with TSA PreCheck, security checks typically take less than 5 minutes. It is still recommended to arrive well before your flight to accommodate for any potential delays.
There are several parking options near Orange County Airport, including off-site lots and parking at neighbouring hotels that provide shuttle rides. Using a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft is also a popular option. For a smoother departure experience, it is recommended to use TSA PreCheck and travel with only carry-on luggage.
