SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego International Airport (SAN) is gearing up for a busy holiday travel period, with officials expecting up to 875,000 passengers to pass through the terminals between Friday, Nov. 21 and Monday, Dec. 1.

Airport officials say daily traffic could reach 80,000 travelers, a 2–3% jump from last Thanksgiving. The single busiest day is projected to be Sunday, Nov. 30, when as many as 90,000 people are expected to fly in or out of SAN.

With heavy crowds and ongoing construction, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is urging travelers to plan ahead, arrive early, and prepare for changes both inside and outside the airport.

Tips for navigating SAN this holiday season

Check flight status

Travelers should confirm their departure time with their airline before heading out, as delays and schedule changes are common during peak travel.

Arrive early

Extra time is strongly encouraged, especially during the busiest curbside periods:

Expect roadway changes

With the first phase of Terminal 1 now open, roadways around the airport have shifted. A new on-airport route now directs westbound North Harbor Drive traffic to both terminals, and officials say drivers should follow signage carefully.

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Reserve parking

More than 5,000 parking spaces are available across Terminal 1 and 2 parking plazas, and spots can be reserved — along with curbside valet — through the airport’s website.

Convenient transit options

There are several ways to get to the airport aside from driving:

Terminal Loop Shuttle: Runs between Terminals 1 and 2 from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m.

San Diego Flyer: A free electric shuttle connecting SAN with Old Town Transit Center every 20–30 minutes, operating from 4:45 a.m. to 12:20 a.m.

Rideshare services: Uber, Lyft and other pickup zones are available at both terminals.

Cell Phone Lot: Open from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on McCain Road, ideal for avoiding terminal congestion while waiting for arriving passengers.

Inside the terminals

Shops and restaurants will remain open throughout the holiday period for travelers needing meals, last-minute items, or a place to unwind.

For updates on construction impacts, transit options and more, travelers can visit san.org.

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