โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
San Diego International Airport operates through two main terminals that are currently undergoing significant modernization and expansion as part of a comprehensive redevelopment program. Terminal 1 primarily serves Southwest Airlines and select other carriers with domestic operations, while Terminal 2 accommodates Alaska Airlines' West Coast hub operations along with major carriers including American, Delta, United, and international airlines serving routes to Mexico, Canada, and seasonal European destinations.
Terminal 1 features a linear concourse design with gates arranged for efficient Southwest operations, emphasizing quick turnarounds and point-to-point service typical of the airline's business model. Terminal 2 offers a more extensive layout serving Alaska Airlines' hub operations and other carriers, with gates distributed across multiple concourse areas connected by moving walkways and shuttle services. Inter-terminal connections require exiting the secure area and taking shuttle buses or walking via the landside connector, adding 15-25 minutes to transfer times.
Security checkpoints are located in each terminal with TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes available in both facilities. Wait times vary by terminal and time of day, typically ranging from 15-25 minutes during off-peak periods to 45-75 minutes during peak morning departure banks and summer travel season when San Diego experiences high leisure travel volume. The airport's single runway operation can create departure delays during peak periods, affecting overall processing times.
International operations are distributed between both terminals with customs and immigration facilities including Global Entry kiosks and standard CBP processing areas. San Diego serves as an important gateway to Mexico, particularly Baja California, with strong leisure and business connections. The airport also handles seasonal service to Canada and Europe, primarily during peak travel seasons when demand supports expanded international connectivity.
San Diego's terminals reflect the city's laid-back coastal culture with amenities including restaurants featuring California cuisine, craft beer from local San Diego breweries, and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, retail shops highlighting surf and beach culture, San Diego sports teams, and California products, and multiple airline lounges including Alaska Airlines Board Room and American Admirals Club. The airport emphasizes its connection to San Diego's perfect weather and outdoor lifestyle with design elements throughout the terminals, while the ongoing modernization project will significantly expand capacity and improve passenger amenities including new restaurants, shops, and transportation connections including the recently opened trolley extension providing direct rail service to downtown San Diego.
๐ Connection Tips
Inter-terminal transfers require exiting security and taking shuttle buses or walking via landside connector, adding 15-25 minutes for connections between Terminal 1 (Southwest) and Terminal 2 (Alaska, American, Delta, United, international). The facility maintains excellent operational reliability due to San Diego's nearly perfect year-round weather, though marine layer fog during May and June can occasionally cause morning delays until conditions clear. Ground transportation options are excellent and include the new UC San Diego Blue Line trolley extension providing direct downtown connections, rental cars from all major providers, ride-sharing services, and taxi stands at both terminals, with the trolley being particularly popular for accessing the Gaslamp Quarter and downtown attractions. Seasonal weather patterns have minimal impact on flight operations due to San Diego's Mediterranean climate with temperatures rarely exceeding 85ยฐF or dropping below 45ยฐF, though occasional Santa Ana wind events can create brief operational challenges during autumn months. The airport's strategic location serves as Southern California's premier leisure destination gateway, supporting massive tourism to San Diego's beaches, Balboa Park, world-famous San Diego Zoo, and serving as a crucial business hub for biotechnology, defense, and international trade with Mexico. Emergency services and medical evacuation capabilities are extensive with coordination to world-class medical facilities including UC San Diego Health, Sharp Memorial Hospital, and Scripps Health systems, while the airport maintains specialized aircraft rescue and firefighting capabilities.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the primary international airport serving New Mexico, located just three miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. The airport boasts a distinctive Pueblo-style architectural terminal, which is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. This single, multi-level terminal efficiently manages all arrivals and departures, featuring a logical layout designed for passenger convenience. The lower level is dedicated to arriving passengers, housing baggage claim areas (three in total to serve Concourses A and B) and providing direct exits to ground transportation.
The upper level of the terminal is the departure zone, where travelers will find airline ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and access to the two main concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A primarily serves American Airlines, Delta, and United, while Southwest Airlines predominantly operates out of Concourse B. The terminal has a total of 22 gates, ensuring ample capacity for its scheduled domestic flights and limited international services. Recent upgrades include a TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project, which has enhanced security screening with up to four lanes and modern passenger amenities like new escalators and elevators.
Amenities at ABQ are comprehensive for a regional international facility. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, numerous charging stations, a variety of shops (including those offering local artisanal gifts), and diverse dining options ranging from cafes and fast-food outlets to restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine. Additional facilities like a Meditation Room and an observation deck contribute to a comfortable travel experience, complemented by a notable art collection displayed throughout the terminal.
๐ Connection Tips
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is predominantly a domestic airport, offering non-stop passenger flights to 31 destinations within the United States. Key airlines operating at ABQ include Southwest, American, Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines, providing crucial connections to major hubs such as Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Phoenix (PHX), and Los Angeles (LAX). While ABQ is designated as an international airport, direct international flight routes are limited.\n\nFor domestic connections, ABQ's single-terminal design and compact layout contribute to efficient transfers. A minimum connection time of 45-60 minutes is generally sufficient for domestic-to-domestic transfers, but it is always recommended to allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours, especially during peak travel times or early morning departures. All connecting passengers must pass through TSA security, and ABE offers TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes to expedite this process.\n\nIf connecting from an international flight, passengers will typically route through larger US international airports (e.g., DFW, LAX) where they will clear U.S. Customs and Immigration. They would then proceed to their connecting domestic flight to ABQ. Conversely, for international departures from ABQ, travelers would typically connect via a major hub. It is essential to check luggage policies with individual airlines, as interline transfers are common but require careful coordination if separate tickets are involved.
โ Back to San Diego International Airport