San Diego Airport: A Historical Overview Of Its Age And Evolution

San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN, ICAO: KSAN, FAA LID: SAN) is the primary international airport serving San Diego, California, and its surrounding metropolitan area. The airport is located three miles northwest of downtown San Diego and covers 663 acres of land. It is the third busiest airport in California in terms of passenger traffic, serving over 24 million passengers, and is the busiest single-runway airport in the United States. The history of the airport dates back to 1928 when the city of San Diego approved a bond issue for the construction of a two-runway municipal airport, inspired by Lindbergh's historic transatlantic flight. The airport was dedicated on August 16, 1928, and was named San Diego Municipal Airport – Lindbergh Field.

San Diego Airport's history

San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN, ICAO: KSAN, FAA LID: SAN) is the primary international airport serving San Diego and its surrounding metropolitan area. It is located three miles northwest of downtown San Diego and is the third-busiest airport in California in terms of passenger traffic, serving over 24 million passengers.

The history of San Diego Airport can be traced back to 1928 when the city approved a bond issue for the construction of a two-runway municipal airport, inspired by Lindbergh's historic 1927 transatlantic flight. The airport, named San Diego Municipal Airport – Lindbergh Field, was dedicated on August 16, 1928, with 140 Navy and 82 Army planes participating in a flyover. The airport became the first federally certified airfield to serve all aircraft types, including seaplanes, and also served as a testing facility for early US sailplane designs.

In 1930, a regular airmail route between San Diego and Los Angeles was established, and in 1934, the airport gained international status. During World War II, the US Army Air Corps took over the field, improving it to handle heavy bombers manufactured in the region. Two camps, Camp Consair and Camp Sahara, were established, and the airport became "jet-ready" with the construction of an 8,750-foot runway.

In 1949, Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) began service at Lindbergh Field, and in September 1960, the airport saw its first scheduled flights using jets. Nonstop flights to Chicago began in 1962, and to New York in 1967. The current Terminal 1 opened on March 5, 1967, followed by Terminal 2 in 1979.

In 2001, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority was established, and it assumed jurisdiction over the airport in December 2002. The airport's name was changed from Lindbergh Field to San Diego International Airport in 2003.

Today, San Diego International Airport continues to undergo expansions and improvements, including the construction of a new Terminal 1, expected to be completed in two phases by 2028.

Terminal 1's replacement

San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN, ICAO: KSAN, FAA LID: SAN) is currently undergoing a massive project to replace Terminal 1, which was built in 1967. The new terminal is designed to improve transportation, mobility, and access to the airport for locals and visitors. The project is expected to cost $3.4 billion and will be completed in phases, with the entire project expected to be finished by early 2028.

The first phase of the project consists of constructing a new 19-gate standalone facility east of the original Terminal 1, along with a new 7,500-space parking structure, a new dual-level arrivals/departures roadway, a new entry road parallel to Harbor Drive, and an expanded aircraft taxiway. This phase is scheduled to be completed in 2025 with a budget of $2.6 billion.

The second phase, planned for 2028, will involve demolishing the original Terminal 1 and replacing it with 11 additional gates for the new Terminal 1. This phase will also include a post-security outdoor seating area, new lounges with outdoor decks, and fresh restaurants and retail options. Six public artists have been commissioned to design spaces in the outdoor plazas, ticketing lobby, and a family play area, among others.

The new Terminal 1 will also include sustainability features such as energy and water conservation initiatives, clean-air technologies, and zero-waste programmes. The goal is to achieve LEED Gold certification.

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority debuted part of the new Terminal 1 in August 2024 with the opening of the first stage of the new Terminal 1 Parking Plaza, which added 2,834 parking spaces, 519 of which are for clean vehicles.

The airport's location and transportation

San Diego International Airport is located on San Diego Bay, just three miles northwest of downtown San Diego, California. The airport's address is N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101. It covers 663 acres of land and is the third busiest airport in California in terms of passenger traffic, serving over 24 million passengers.

The airport is accessible by car from various directions:

• From downtown San Diego, head west on Broadway toward Third Ave, then turn right onto N Harbor Dr.
• From Five Points, California, take I-5 S, exit for Front St, continue onto W Cedar St, turn right onto State St, then left onto W Hawthorn St, and finally turn right onto N Harbor Dr.

There are several public transportation options to and from the airport:

• Amtrak & COASTER: Provides services between Los Angeles and Orange County, as well as downtown San Diego and coastal North County, with stops in Carlsbad, Encinitas, Sorrento Valley, Solana Beach, Oceanside, and Old Town.
• Route 992 (Metropolitan Transit System): Connects travellers from the airport with Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner and the COASTER at Amtrak's Santa Fe Depot train station. It operates daily from 5:00 am to 11:30 pm, with a frequency of every 30 minutes on weekends and holidays and every 15 minutes on weekdays.
• San Diego Trolley: A light rail transit network with three lines (UC San Diego Blue Lines, the Orange Line, and the Sycuan Green Line) serving popular areas. It can be accessed from the airport by taking City Bus Route 992 to the Broadway and Kettner Blvd bus stop downtown or the Rental Car Shuttles at the transit islands at both terminals.

Additionally, limousine and luxury sedan services are available, as well as rental car pickups and drop-offs at the Consolidated Rental Car Center. Rideshare services such as Lyft, Uber, Opoli, and Wingz are also available, with drop-off and pickup locations at both terminals.

The airport has onsite Terminal and Valet parking options, but these can be expensive. Offsite parking spaces near the airport offer more affordable rates. The Terminal 2 Parking Plaza is the only long-term parking option currently available. Short-term parking is also available in front of both terminals.

For those needing to navigate between the terminals, there is a Terminal Loop Shuttle that runs daily between Terminals 1 and 2 from 6 am to 11 pm.

TSA and security

San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN, ICAO: KSAN, FAA LID: SAN) is located three miles northwest of downtown San Diego, California. It is the third-busiest airport in California in terms of passenger traffic, serving over 24 million passengers annually.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented several programs to enhance security and facilitate the travel experience at San Diego International Airport.

TSA PreCheck

The TSA PreCheck program allows low-risk travellers to enjoy an expedited screening process. Enrolled members can utilise a dedicated lane at Terminal 2 from 6 am to 5 pm, expediting the security process and reducing wait times.

CLEAR Lanes

CLEAR Lanes are available at the Terminal 2 West checkpoint, offering an additional layer of convenience and efficiency. Travellers can enrol in the CLEAR program at the dedicated enrolment centre located on the second floor of Terminal 2, to the left of the entrance.

TSA Wait Times

The average TSA wait time at San Diego International Airport is approximately 3 minutes, but this can vary depending on factors such as time of day and traveller volume. To make informed decisions, travellers can utilise the TSA's app to check real-time wait times at the airport.

TSA Cares

The TSA Cares helpline assists travellers with disabilities or medical conditions, providing guidance and support during the screening process. Travellers are advised to contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before their trip to ensure that their specific needs are addressed.

SAN Assist

SAN Assist is a service tailored for travellers with non-visible disabilities, such as chronic illnesses or autism. This program provides guidance and assistance when navigating the airport terminals and security screening processes. Requests for SAN Assist should be submitted at least three business days in advance to ensure a seamless experience.

The airport upholds the rights of travellers and prohibits discrimination based on colour, race, or national origin. Travellers who experience any form of discrimination can file a Title VI complaint within 180 days of the incident.

Lost and Found

The airport's Lost and Found service is available to assist travellers with misplaced items. Claims can be submitted, and the Lost and Found custodian will respond within 48 hours if a matching item is located.

Curfew

To address concerns regarding noise pollution, a curfew is in place at the airport. Takeoffs are restricted to the hours between 6:30 am and 11:30 pm, with exceptions made for law enforcement, emergency, fire, or rescue aircraft, as well as medical flights.

Peak Hours and Days

According to the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, mornings are generally the peak hours for departures at San Diego International Airport. Additionally, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays tend to be the busiest days for travel, so travellers should anticipate higher passenger volumes during these periods.

Food and drink options

San Diego International Airport, also known as Lindbergh Field, is one of California's busiest airports. The airport has a long history, dating back to the early days of aviation, and has been serving the city of San Diego for decades.

When it comes to dining, San Diego International Airport offers a variety of options to satisfy any craving or dietary need. In total, there are more than 40 food and beverage establishments throughout the airport, ensuring that travelers have plenty of choices.

For those looking for a quick bite or a casual dining experience, there are numerous options available both pre and post-security. Popular choices include Burger Lounge, offering organic burgers and milkshakes; Phil's BBQ, a local favorite serving up award-winning barbecue; and Stone Brewing, where travelers can enjoy a selection of craft beers and gourmet pub fare. For something on the healthier side, travelers can opt for a fresh salad or wrap from Saladworks or pick up a nutritious snack from one of the airport's many grab-and-go options, such as Harvest & Grounds.

In addition to these casual dining spots, the airport is also home to several full-service restaurants, offering a more sophisticated dining experience. At the Terminal 2 West Plaza, travelers can enjoy breathtaking runway views while dining at the Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens or try out the local favorite, Queenstown Public House, which offers a unique take on New Zealand-inspired cuisine. Those looking for a taste of luxury can head to the United Club, which features a full-service bar and a seasonal menu crafted by renowned chefs.

Coffee lovers will also find a variety of options to get their caffeine fix, including Starbucks and local favorite Ryan Bros. Coffee, which offers a selection of organic, fair-trade coffees and teas. For travelers who want to enjoy a drink while waiting for their flight, there are several bars located throughout the airport, including the Craft Beer Lounge and the Vino Volo wine bar, which offers a carefully curated selection of wines from around the world.

Whether you're looking for a quick snack on the go, a casual meal, or a fine dining experience, San Diego International Airport has something to offer every taste and preference. With its diverse range of food and beverage options, travelers can enjoy a true taste of Southern California's culinary scene, making their time at the airport both enjoyable and delicious.

Frequently asked questions