San Diego Airport Security Wait Times Guide
Planning a journey via San Diego Airport? Our comprehensive guide is designed to help you navigate smoothly through the airport's security checkpoints, providing exact locations and hours of operation for each. We also include details about expedited screening programs such as TSA Pre and CLEAR Plus. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time flyer, our guide is committed to simplifying your passage through San Diego Airport, ensuring a quick and stress-free experience.
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SAN Flight Delays
Prior to your trip to San Diego Airport, we advise you to check for any potential departure delays. Alternatively, you can use our convenient flight tracker to monitor the status of a specific flight.
Security Checkpoints - Location & Hours
Terminal 1 - TSA Checkpoint - Gates: 1, 1A, 2
- Location: Terminal 1
- Type: All passengers, No TSA PreCheck
- Hours: Subject to operational needs, check with Airline
Terminal 1 - TSA Checkpoint - Gates: 3-10
- Location: Terminal 1
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
- Hours: Daily, 3:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Terminal 1 - TSA Checkpoint - Gates: 11-18
- Location: Terminal 1
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
- Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Terminal 2 - TSA Checkpoint - Terminal 2 East
- Location: Terminal 2
- Type: All passengers, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR Plus Members
- Hours: Daily, 3:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- CLEAR Plus Lanes: Daily, 4:30 AM to 7:00 PM
- Notes: Serves Gates 20-32. CLEAR Plus Enrollment located to the left of the entrance. Checkpoints located along the left and right wings of the northern security checkpoint.
Terminal 2 - TSA Checkpoint - Terminal 2 West (International)
- Location: Terminal 2
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
- Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Notes: Serves Gates 33-51
TSA PreCheck at SAN
TSA PreCheck is a program that permits travelers to enjoy expedited security screening at participating airports, including San Diego Airport (SAN). PreCheck members can benefit from leaving their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and keeping laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in their carry-on bags during security checks.
Where to Use TSA PreCheck at SAN:
- TSA PreCheck is available at the following checkpoints within SAN: Terminal 1 - Gates 3-10, Terminal 1 - Gates 11-18, Terminal 2 - Terminal 2 East, and Terminal 2 - Terminal 2 West (International).
- The service is designed for select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs.
Learn More About TSA PreCheck:
- For detailed information on how to enroll in TSA PreCheck, visit iFly TSA PreCheck Guide.
Participating Airlines at SAN:
- Air Canada
- Alaska Airlines
- Allegiant Air
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- Condor Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Edelweiss Air
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Japan Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
- United Airlines
- Volaris
- WestJet
CLEAR Plus
If you're a frequent traveler and want to make your airport experience smoother and quicker, CLEAR Plus is definitely worth considering. As a CLEAR Plus member, you can access dedicated CLEAR Lanes at the airport, significantly reducing your wait time. At the given airport, CLEAR Plus services are available at Terminal 2. The enrollment center is located to the left of the entrance in Terminal 2, and the checkpoints are along the left and right wings of the northern security checkpoint.
For more information about CLEAR Plus, including details on how to enroll and the benefits of membership, please visit iFly Clear Airport Security. This page provides comprehensive information about the service and can help you decide if CLEAR Plus is the right choice for you.
Lost Items at TSA Checkpoints
If you've lost an item at a TSA checkpoint or in checked baggage at San Diego Airport (SAN), you should promptly contact the airport's Lost and Found. For detailed information and to report your lost item, you can reach the TSA Lost Items Contact at +1-619-400-2140. Be prepared to provide a comprehensive description of your item, including color and any unique features, to aid in its identification and recovery.
About SAN Security Wait Times
The security wait times at San Diego Airport are calculated based on a combination of historical flight traffic data and TSA staffing schedules. By leveraging advanced data analytics, we aim to provide a reasonably accurate estimate of wait times at SAN. However, it's important to remember that these estimates can fluctuate due to unexpected situations. The TSA recommends passengers to arrive at the airport well in advance of their flight's scheduled departure time.
While we strive to offer accurate security checkpoint wait times to assist in your travel planning, it's equally crucial to check with your airline concerning wait times at the ticket counter and any potential changes to your flight schedules. These factors should also be taken into account when deciding your arrival time at SAN. Remember that each airline has its own recommended and mandatory arrival times.
Last updated:
TSA Pre Check at SAN
Terminal 1
Gates 11-18 Checkpoint
Gates 3-10 Checkpoint
Terminal 2
Gates 20-32 Checkpoint
Gates 33-51 Checkpoint
Tips, Help & Resources
iFly.com can help you get to, through, and between airports around the world. Here are some things you may need to know that can assist you during your journey specific to SAN:
- Once you get through security, pull up the interactive San Diego airport terminals map to navigate to your gate, and see all the SAN restaurant and shopping options along the way.
- Remember that a great low-cost alternative to parking within the SAN airport facility is to use an off-airport parking lot. They offer lower costs, a bit further away from the terminals.
- If you have some time before your flight's departure, be sure to grab a bite, peruse the shops, or jump on the free wifi.
- The next time you need to fly from the San Diego area, don't forget to check nearby airports to compare with SAN airports' flight fares.
San Diego Airport wait times Q&A
Find more help here for your journey through the airport