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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions at San Diego International Airport.
If you have a question not answered here — or throughout our web site —
please contact us. We look forward to serving you.
San Diego International Airport (SDIA) is open twenty-four hours a day; however,
departures only occur without penalty between 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. Each airline has its own
operating hours, but typically ticket counters are staffed by 4:30 a.m. for check-in.
For specific check-in information, please
contact the airline you are flying directly.
Terminals
Ground Transportation
Flights and Airlines
Other
Where do I rent a car upon arrival at San
Diego International Airport? Top
SDIA has no car rental facilities onsite. Persons who wish to rent automobiles may
visit the Interaction Visitor Center centrally located in Baggage Claim of Terminal 1,
Terminal 2 and the Commuter Terminal. Volunteer Airport Ambassador assistance is
available at the Information Desks in each of the baggage claim areas of Terminal
1 and Terminal 2. For more information, click on
Ground Transportation.
Where can I catch a shuttle, taxicab or other
mode of ground transportation to destinations in/around San Diego?
Top
Ground transportation at SDIA can be obtained at the Transportation Plazas located
in front of the Commuter Terminal, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Customer Service Representatives
(under the blue umbrella) are located across the street from each respective terminal
and are available for assistance. Public mass transit (bus) is also available. For
further assistance ask a Volunteer Airport Ambassador located at the Information
Desk in the baggage claim area of Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. For more information,
click on Ground Transportation.
How much can I expect to pay for the closest
parking to San Diego International Airport? Top
Parking rates at San Diego International Airport are defined
here. Rates are also clearly posted at each parking lot. Your first 24 hours
are only $21.00. After the first 24 hours, each additional 24-hour period or any
part thereof is $26.00. Lost tickets will be charged at the maximum daily rate.
What other longer-term parking options are
available in/around San Diego International Airport?
Top
Parking is available at several locations surrounding SDIA at various rates. SAN
Park Pacific Highway is one option, available for $10 per day, which includes convenient
and timely shuttle service to SDIA. For more information, click on
Parking.
How do I get to Mexico from San Diego International
Airport? Top
You can catch the Airport Flyer #992 public bus in front of each terminal at San
Diego International Airport (SDIA). Request a Regional Day Pass for $5 which allows
for free transfers. Exit the bus at Broadway and Kettner, take the Blue Line Trolley
going towards San Ysidro from American Plaza Transit Center. For more information,
visit www.511sd.com. Shuttle
and/or taxi service is also available.
Where can I exchange currency or purchase
traveler's insurance at San Diego International Airport?
Top
Foreign currency exchange and travelers’ insurance services are available daily
at two locations in Terminal 2: in the Baggage Claim area (5am - 6pm) and in the
gate areas (5am - 1pm, 4:30pm - 7:30pm). You can reach the Baggage Claim location
at (619) 260-1921, or the location in the gate areas at (619) 200-3530 for more information.
How do I get to the Airport from locations
within San Diego County? Top
Information regarding ground transportation to SDIA, including shuttle and taxicab
services can be viewed at
Ground Transportation. You may also drive your own vehicle. On-site short-term
parking rates range from $6.00 per hour, to $21 per day (for the first day, $26
each additional day). Other less expensive long-term options are also available.
What services do you offer for guests with
disabilities/mobility impairments? Top
Various accessibility services are conveniently located throughout SDIA to assist
travelers with disabilities. TDD telephones, visual paging monitors and a courtesy
cart operated by the Volunteer Airport Ambassadors are conveniently located throughout
San Diego International Airport. Also, Volunteer Airport Ambassadors, Harbor Police
Officers and Airport Traffic Officers are available at key locations inside and
outside the terminals to assist travelers with special needs. For assistance, click
on Passenger Assistance: Accessibility
Services.
Where are the nearest mailboxes at San Diego
International Airport? Top
All three mailboxes at the airport are located curbside (outdoors). Mailboxes can
be found in front of the Commuter Terminal, at Terminal 1 at the Airport Loop, and
at Terminal 2 near American Airlines curbside check-in.
Where can I smoke at San Diego International
Airport? Top
SDIA is a smoke-free facility. Smoking is only permitted outside of the terminal
buildings. California law prohibits smoking within 20 feet of all entrances to public
buildings. For your convenience, ashtrays are located in the vicinity where smoking
is permitted.
Where can alcoholic beverages be purchased
at San Diego International Airport? Top
There are several locations at SDIA to purchase alcoholic beverages. In Terminal
1, options are available pre- and post-security. The Commuter Terminal and Terminal
2 have only post-security options. For more information, click on
Terminals: Food & Beverages.
Where can I store my luggage at San Diego
International Airport? Top
Due to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) heightened security requirements,
all lockers and storage unit use has been suspended. It may be possible to check
in early with your airline, please see the ticket agent when you arrive.
Where are ATM machines located at San Diego
International Airport? Top
There are eight Bank of America ATMs located throughout the three terminals at SDIA.
- Commuter Terminal - Main lobby (pre-security) near entrance
- Terminal 1 - Food Court (pre-security) and gate concourses (post-security)
- Terminal 2 East - Food Court (pre-security near Starbucks), and gate concourses
(post-security)
- Terminal 2 West - Across from Baggage Carousel #7 in Baggage Claim (pre-security)
and gate concourses (post-security)
Where do I catch all flights to Los Angeles?
Top
All flights connecting to/from Los Angeles depart from the Commuter Terminal. Flights
numbered 3000 – 6000 operate from the Commuter Terminal. The complimentary
Inter-Terminal "Airport Loop" bus connects all terminals and departs every ten minutes from
curbside locations.
Do you have public showers available at San
Diego International Airport? Top
Public showers are not available at San Diego International Airport.
Where is the Lost and Found office at San
Diego International Airport? Top
The Airport Lost & Found Office is located on the first floor of the baggage
claim area in Terminal 2 West. Daily office hours are 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The
phone number is (619) 400-2140.
How do I meet a minor who is traveling into
SDIA? Top
By prior arrangement, unaccompanied minors may be met at the aircraft arrival gate
by an airline representative. As another option, you may also contact your respective
airline to make arrangements for a Gate Pass. Otherwise, the Information Desks,
staffed by Volunteer Airport Ambassadors and located in each of the baggage claim
areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, are good locations to meet arriving passengers.
For a listing of airline telephone numbers, refer to
Flights: Airlines.
What are the hours of operation for airline
ticket counters at SDIA? Top
SDIA is open 24 hours a day; however, departures only occur without penalty between 6:30 a.m. and
11:30 p.m. Each airline has its own operating hours, but typically ticket counters
are staffed by 5:00 a.m. for check-in. For specific check-in information, please
contact the airline directly. For a listing of airline telephone numbers, click
on Flights: Airlines.
How early do I need to check in for flights
departing San Diego International Airport? Top
As a general rule, it is recommended to allow at least two hours for domestic travel,
and three hours for international travel. For more specific guidance, please contact
the airline directly. Click on Flights: Airlines.
Do you have a business center at San Diego
International Airport? Top
San Diego International Airport does not have a business center. Many local hotels conveniently located in the vicinity of the Airport
offer business center services.
Does San Diego International Airport offer
Internet or High-speed wireless Internet service?
Top
Yes, the Airport does have wireless service available free of charge to all airport
patrons.
Is there a USO located at San Diego International
Airport? Top
SDIA is host to one of the nation's largest United Services Organization (USO) center,
providing our military with a welcome respite while traveling. Opened in March 2010,
this 5,000 square-foot facility hosts approximately 150,000 service members and
their families each year.
The Center is located outside Terminal One, adjacent to Alaska Airlines ticket counter.
For more information, please call (619) 296-3192.
Who can I contact with questions regarding
Customs and Immigration at San Diego International Airport?
Top
The Federal Inspection Services International Arrival Terminal at SDIA can be reached
by calling (619) 230-8178. Other offices are available by pressing the appropriate
number when prompted:
- U.S Customs and Border Protection Service
- U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- U.S. Public Health Service
What items are permitted for transportation
aboard aircraft? Top
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) governs regulations regarding items
that may be transported aboard aircraft. Click on
Security: Traveler Tips or
Security: Prohibited Items.
What is the address of San Diego International
Airport? Top
SDIA is comprised of three adjacent terminal buildings and is located approximately
four miles west of downtown San Diego.
- Commuter Terminal - 3225 N. Harbor Drive
- Terminal 1 - 3665 N. Harbor Drive
- Terminal 2 - 3707 N. Harbor Drive
Each address is located in San Diego, California 92101.
How do I check the status of arrivals and
departures at San Diego International Airport? Top
To check the status of arriving and departing flights to/from SDIA click
here. To ensure the most accurate
and timely information, contact your respective airline directly. For a listing
of telephone numbers to airlines serving SDIA, click
here.
Where are the airline cargo offices located
at San Diego International Airport? Top
The following companies have air cargo offices located near SDIA:
- Delta Air Lines (619) 231-7122
- California Air Cartage (619) 291-8644
- Northwest Airlines (619) 231-7340
- United Airlines (619) 231-5604
- Southwest Airlines (619) 231-7345
Please contact the company directly for the exact location.
How do I get to the Cruise Ship Terminal
from San Diego International Airport? Top
The Cruise Ship Terminal is located approximately two miles east of SDIA on N. Harbor
Drive. Click on Ground
Transportation for options.
How do I find out prices for airline tickets
from San Diego International Airport? Top
The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is the owner and operator of SDIA.
Each airline operating at SDIA is its own business enterprise. For destinations
served from SDIA, click here. For availability
and pricing information, please contact the airlines directly. For telephone numbers
of air carriers operating at SDIA, click here.
Where are bicycle racks located at San Diego
International Airport? Top
Bicycle racks are available free for public use in the following locations:
- Commuter Terminal Lot (East End) - Located on the east side of the parking lot directly
in front of the Commuter Terminal.
- Terminal 1 Parking Lot - Under the Terminal 1 sky bridge in the area between the
escalator and Transportation Island.
- Terminal 2 Parking Lot (East End)
- Terminal 2 Parking Lot (West End)
Bicycles may be parked for up to 30 days.
Where can I get a tax refund for items purchase
inside the U.S. before I return to my country? Top
Foreign visitors to the United States frequently confuse the California state sales
tax with the value-added tax (VAT). The state sales tax is a small tax on purchases
or services, calculated at the time of purchase, which individual states assess
and which the U.S. federal government neither determines nor receives. The VAT,
on the other hand, is a national tax commonly applied in foreign countries that
is included in the actual sales price rather than at the time of purchase. The United
States does not have a VAT and the federal government cannot refund state sales
taxes.
State taxes are generally not charged to diplomats or employees of some international
organizations who have been issued a tax-exemption card. This card must be presented
at the time of purchase in order for sales taxes to be waived.
For additional information, please visit the
U.S. Customs website.
How may I contact San
Diego International Airport to offer my company’s services
or products? Top
Thank you for your interest in San Diego International Airport, operated by the
San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.
The Procurement Department maintains a list of suppliers interested in doing business
with the Authority. Vendor registration must be completed for your business to be
registered in the Authority's Vendor Database. Register your business here.
The Authority encourages open competition and conducts business in a fair and impartial
manner. Contracts can be awarded on the basis of best value using predetermined
evaluation criteria and weights. For additional information please call (619) 400-2540.
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