San Diego Airport Guide

SAN Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at San Diego International Airport.

What to Expect

San Diego Airport (Code: SAN) is separated into Terminals 1 and 2, which are easy to stroll between on the landside. There is a mix of local and well-known shops and eateries, though most close for the night. Vending machines are the only overnight food options. WiFi is free, though it is limited to 2-hour sessions. Economy class travellers who want to upgrade their layover can pay to enter a few airport lounges; one even has shower facilities.

Sleeping in San Diego Airport

After security checkpoints close for the night, passengers are restricted to landside only. Passengers sleeping airside will be required to return to the landside until security reopens, and they will need to clear security again to re-enter.  Seating options have armrests, so bring something soft for sleeping on the cold floor if you want to stretch out. Here are sleep spots that travellers have reported:

• Pre-Security, Terminal 2’s far end, by the Sun Country check-in counters, is quiet.
• Head to the Baggage Claim area to grab the few available armrest-free circular sofas.

If you are a daytime napper, the areas on the airside are a little more comfortable, but overall seating remains limited and equipped with armrests. Common complaints are noisy overhead announcements and cleaning crews, so earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones are helpful.

For uninterrupted sleep, a few nearby hotels offer free shuttle service for guests. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.

Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our San Diego Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

TSA, airline check-in, and baggage drop hours vary by airline and flight schedule. If you are in the public (landside) area overnight, access to the secure (airside) areas may be restricted until TSA screening opens in the morning. Confirm early-morning access times with your airline before planning an overnight stay.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

San Diego Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near San Diego Airport with free airport shuttles:

• TownePlace Suites San Diego Airport   » Check Rates
• Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport – Old Town  » Check Rates
• Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina  » Check Rates
• Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego Airport Liberty Station  » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near San Diego Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program.

• Aspire Airspace Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, near Gates 22 and 23. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
• United Club – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Mezzanine Level, near departure gates. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of United Airlines ticket • United Club Membership.
• Airline Lounges (members only)
• Delta Sky Club – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, next to Gate 37. Lounge Access: Elite Status • Lounge membership programs.

Military Lounges

• USO Lounge – The USO offers a free lounge to active members of the US military and their families. Location: Terminal 2 East Floor, Gate Parking Lot.

Drinking Water

Water bottle refill fountains are available on both landside and airside.

Food & Drinks

Food concessions operate on varying schedules. There are currently no 24-hour dining options. Vending machines offering drinks and snacks are available throughout both terminals.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage and lockers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Power outlets and USB ports are available at many seating areas. FuelRod portable charging kiosks are also available for purchase. Locations: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Showers

Shower facilities are available inside the Airspace Lounge. See Airport Lounges above.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at San Diego Airport for two hours. Connect to the “#SANfreewifi” network. After the session ends, free access can be restarted by viewing another short advertisement. This can be repeated as needed.

Security & Safety

Airport staff seem to tolerate overnight sleepers as long as they stay in the pre-security areas.

At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at San Diego Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

• Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
• Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
• Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
• Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.

More Airport Information