Thanksgiving travel tips from San Diego International Airport

SAN DIEGO – 2012-11-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Traveling during the holiday season can be hectic, so to help air travelers navigate safely to their Thanksgiving getaway or vacation this year, the Airport Authority has some important information for those using San Diego International Airport (SDIA).

Plan Ahead
Arrive at least 1½ hours before departure for domestic flights and 2 ½ hours for international flights. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website provides helpful tips on how to reduce wait times at security checkpoints, such as how to pack and what items are permitted and prohibited. These tips are available at www.tsa.gov.

Construction Update
Construction on the airport’s Green Build Terminal 2 expansion is well under way. Please allow additional time to pick up or drop off your passenger curbside, as construction may cause congestion on the roadways.

Think Security
Self–Select Lanes Program at San Diego International Airport. Self-Select Lanes are designated by signage that directs passengers through the security checkpoint based on their travel needs and knowledge.

– Expert – for the business traveler who flies several times a month
– Casual – for passengers traveling less frequently but familiar with the security process
– Family/Special Assistance – for passengers traveling with small children or strollers, elderly passengers and passengers who may need special assistance

Follow 3-1-1 for liquids in carry-ons:
– 3-ounce bottles or less for all liquids, gels and aerosols placed in
– 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag
– 1 bag per passenger, placed separately in a security bin for X-ray screening
The liquid restriction applies only to carry-on bags. Passengers can pack larger quantities of liquids and gels in checked baggage.

For more information on the security process, please visit the TSA website.

Passenger Numbers
As many as 60,000 passengers a day are expected to pass through the airport during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. Typically, the airport serves 40,000 to 50,000 passengers a day. The airport is deploying extra staff to help passengers through lines and the security process.

Holiday Entertainment
With Thanksgiving kicking off the holiday performing arts season, passengers can enjoy the joyous sounds of live music as they travel through the terminals at San Diego International Airport.

On Wednesday, November 21 passengers will be treated to performances by:

  • Holiday Trombone Quartet, brass performance from 6 – 8 a.m. in Terminal 2 West
  • Full Measure Carolers, vocal performance from 6 – 8 a.m. in Terminal 2 East
  • Rockin’ Cranberries, vocal performance from 8 – 10 a.m. in Terminal 1

Parking
Valet Parking. The valet service was created to aid travelers in situations where time,  convenience and parking availability are a concern. When coming to the airport, drive into the designated valet areas in front of Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. When coming back to San Diego, pick up luggage first on the way to the valet cashier. The cost is $36 per 24-hour period. Take the receipt to curbside valet and your vehicle will be brought to you, or text (619) 888-6675 with your information once you’ve landed.

Short- and Long-Term Parking. The parking options available at SDIA include color-coded shortand long-term SAN Park lots:

Orange is for SAN Park NTC, located west of the airport
Green is for SAN Park Harbor Drive, located east of the airport
Blue is for SAN Park Pacific Highway, located north of the airfield
Free shuttle buses from long-term lots to all airport terminals are also color-coded and sport scenes of popular San Diego County destinations.

Cell Phone Lot. Located east of the Commuter Terminal on Harbor Drive, accessible via a traffic light at Rent-a-Car Access Road. Motorists can wait in this parking lot for up to 60 minutes free of charge. Once cell phone contact is made between the driver and incoming passenger, the motorist can drive over to the terminal for quick, convenient traveler pick-up.

Disabled Parking. Parking for travelers with disabilities is available at all airport lots. For additional information call 619-291-2087.

Contact: Katie Jones
619.400.2884/kjones@san.org

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