San Diego International Airport (SAN) — still affectionately called Lindbergh Field by locals — sits just three miles from downtown San Diego, making it one of the most conveniently located airports in the U.S. The single-runway layout handles over 20 million passengers a year, offering nonstop connections across the country and to key destinations in Mexico, Canada, and Europe.

SAN is served by major airlines including Southwest, Alaska Airlines, Delta, United, and American, as well as international carriers like British Airways, WestJet, and Aeroméxico. Its signature coastal views on approach and proximity to the city center give travelers an easygoing start or finish to their trips.

The airport’s ongoing Terminal 1 redevelopment project aims to expand capacity, add modern amenities, and improve passenger flow — reinforcing San Diego’s position as a top-tier travel hub in Southern California.

TSA security screening at SAN is managed efficiently across two main terminals:

• Terminal 1: Serves Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier. Expect the longest lines here during early morning hours (5:00–8:00 a.m.).
• Terminal 2: Handles Delta, Alaska, American, and most international flights, offering both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus lanes for faster processing.

Security checkpoints open around 4:00 a.m. and operate until the final departures of the evening. Travelers can check real-time TSA wait times through the MyTSA app or digital boards located in each terminal.

To avoid delays, aim to arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights — especially on weekends or during summer travel peaks when tourism traffic surges.

Because of its single-runway design, SAN can experience departure congestion during busy times. Check the airport’s real-time departure board before heading out. If you’re parked long-term, allow an extra 15 minutes for the shuttle ride back to the terminal.

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