Aerial View of Orange County John Wayne Airport

Orange County John Wayne Airport SNA

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Orange County John Wayne Airport (SNA) Guide

Discover the unique charm of Orange County John Wayne Airport (SNA), a gateway to Southern California's wonders. Known for its statue of its namesake, John Wayne, SNA combines ease and efficiency with a touch of Hollywood history. This concise guide equips you with essential information, from navigating terminals to dining options, ensuring a seamless journey.

Whether it's flight updates, parking, or shopping, our guide simplifies your airport experience. Dive into our resources for a hassle-free visit to SNA.

For a deeper dive into airport insights, explore iFly's Comprehensive Airport Guide, your ultimate travel companion.

Orange County Airport has three terminals: Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C. Terminal A has 10 gates and is primarily used by Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Terminal B has 14 gates and is used by American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and WestJet. Terminal C has 14 gates and is primarily used by United Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

Getting around the airport is easy with clear signage and helpful staff. There are moving walkways and elevators to help passengers navigate between levels and terminals. Restrooms and water fountains are located throughout the airport.

For dining and shopping options, passengers can find a variety of restaurants and stores in each terminal. Terminal A has options such as Peet's Coffee, California Pizza Kitchen, and Ruby's Diner. Terminal B offers options such as Javi's, Ruby's Diner, and Starbucks. Terminal C has options such as Javi's, Ruby's Diner, and California Pizza Kitchen.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

SNA has three terminals: Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C. The terminals are all connected by a pedestrian walkway, making it easy to navigate between them. The walk times between the terminals are relatively short, with Terminal A and Terminal B being the closest and Terminal C being a bit further away.

If you prefer not to walk, a shuttle bus service is available to transport passengers between the terminals. The shuttle buses run every 15 minutes and are free of charge. The shuttle bus stops are located outside of each terminal, so simply follow the signs to the shuttle stop.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

The airport provides several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. Curbside parking is available for a maximum of two minutes in front of the terminals for active loading and unloading only. It is important to note that vehicles cannot be left unattended, and drivers must stay inside their vehicles at all times. Violators may be subject to a citation or towing.

If you need to wait for your arriving passenger, the airport offers cell-phone waiting areas located near each terminal. These areas are free to use and provide a convenient place to wait until your passenger has arrived and claimed their luggage. Once your passenger is ready to be picked up, you can proceed to the curbside area for active loading and unloading.

Parking Facilities & Options

Orange County John Wayne Airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. There are multiple parking lots and garages available, including Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C parking structures. Each parking structure is conveniently located near its respective terminal, making it easy for travelers to access their flights.

If you're waiting to pick up a passenger, there are also cell phone waiting areas available. These areas are free to use and allow you to wait in your car until your passenger is ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking structures and lots. Designated spaces are located near elevators and shuttle stops for easy access.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available. These parking lots are located near the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the terminals. They can be a great option for travelers looking to save money on parking fees.

Get details about Orange County Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

SNA, located in Santa Ana, California, offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers.

For those who prefer to rent a car, the airport has several car rental facilities available, including major providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. These facilities are conveniently located near the terminal, and offer a range of vehicles to suit any traveler's needs.

If you prefer to take a taxi, there are several drop-off areas located near the terminal. Fares vary depending on your destination, but are typically around $2.50 per mile.

Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at the airport. Pickup areas for these services are located outside of the terminal, and there may be restrictions on the number of passengers or amount of luggage allowed.

Airport shuttles are another option for travelers. These services typically offer door-to-door service to and from the airport, and fares vary depending on your destination. Pickup areas for airport shuttles are located outside of the terminal.

Finally, for those looking for a more budget-friendly option, public transportation is available near the airport. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) offers bus service to and from the airport, with fares starting at just $2.

Airport Hotels

Traveling can be tiring, but finding the perfect hotel near the airport can significantly enhance your travel experience. Whether you're on a business trip, a vacation, or just passing through, the convenience of staying close to the airport can't be overstated. Our guide provides an overview of some of the best hotel options, offering a blend of comfort, accessibility, and luxury to cater to all types of travelers. From hotels that are just a stone's throw away from the airport, to beachfront properties and tranquil retreats, there's something for everyone. Each hotel brings something unique to the table, be it complimentary shuttle services, pet-friendly accommodations, fitness centers, or private patios. Discover more about these fantastic options at John Wayne Airport Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Traveling through Orange County Airport and looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping? You're in luck! The airport offers a wide variety of restaurants and stores to choose from, including California Pizza Kitchen, Pei Wei, Sunglass Hut, and Brookstone, just to name a few. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, find your choice of amenities here.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at SNA Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, find your choice of amenities here.

Passenger Services

SNA Airport, located in the United States, offers a variety of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.

For those needing to stay connected, free WiFi is available throughout the airport terminals, including Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C.

If you have lost an item during your travels, the airport's Lost and Found department is located in Terminal A and can assist in retrieving your lost belongings.

Traveling with children? The airport offers designated children's play areas in each terminal to keep kids entertained before their flight.

Special-needs services are also available, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms. Contact the airport's Passenger Services department for more information.

Need to take care of banking during your travels? An ATM is located in each terminal for your convenience.

In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a medical clinic located in Terminal B, and trained medical personnel are available on site.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is essential to stay informed about the status of your flight, especially when traveling through busy airports like the airport. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status updates at this airport.

The most convenient method is to use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time information about flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply look up your flight number on the display to get the latest updates.

Another way to stay informed is to download your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines offer apps that allow you to track the status of your flight, receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes, and even check-in for your flight. You can also sign up for text, email, and push notifications through the app to receive updates about your flight.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Orange County John Wayne Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your domestic flight and 3 hours before your international flight. The busiest times at SNA are during the morning and evening rush hours, so it is best to avoid these times if possible. Additionally, be sure to check with your airline for any specific recommendations on arrival time.

Getting to the Airport

The best way to get to SNA is by car. The airport is conveniently located off of the 405 freeway and has plenty of parking options, including valet, self-park, and off-site parking. If you prefer not to drive, there are also several shuttle services and taxis available. Additionally, the airport is accessible by public transportation, including buses and trains.

Getting Oriented

When you arrive at SNA, be sure to use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented. These maps allow you to easily navigate the airport and find your gate, restaurants, shops, and other amenities. You can also use the maps to check real-time flight information and to locate restrooms and other important facilities.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at SNA, be sure to check in online before you arrive at the airport. This will save you time at the check-in counter and allow you to go straight to security. Additionally, be sure to pack your carry-on bag according to TSA guidelines to avoid any delays at security. Finally, be aware of any weather or traffic conditions that may affect your flight and plan accordingly.

Security Wait Times

At Orange County John Wayne Airport, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the day of the week. During peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends, wait times can be longer than usual. However, the airport has implemented several measures to help reduce wait times, including the use of automated screening lanes and TSA PreCheck. To ensure you have enough time to get through security, it's recommended that you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.

Airport Facts & Stats

Orange County Airport is a small airport located in Santa Ana, California, United States. It has three terminals - Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C.

The airport serves as a hub for several airlines, including Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. On average, the airport handles around 25,000 passengers daily and has approximately 200 daily flights.

There are over 20 destinations served by SNA, with the top 5 destinations being San Francisco, Denver, Seattle, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at SNA are Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.

Overall, SNA Airport is a convenient and efficient airport for travelers in the Southern California area.

Airport History

The airport, located in Santa Ana, California, has a rich history dating back to the 1920s. Originally known as the Orange County Airport, it was a small airfield used for general aviation and crop dusting. Over the years, the airport has undergone several name changes and expansions, becoming the bustling commercial airport it is today.

Significant events in the airport's history include:

  • 1923: The Orange County Board of Supervisors approves the purchase of 100 acres of land for the Orange County Airport.
  • 1939: The airport is renamed the Santa Ana Army Air Base and is used for military training during World War II.
  • 1949: The airport is returned to Orange County and is renamed the Orange County Airport.
  • 1967: The airport is renamed the John Wayne Airport in honor of the famous actor and Orange County resident.
  • 1990: The airport undergoes a major expansion, adding a new terminal and runway.
  • 2000: The airport is renamed the Orange County John Wayne Airport.
  • 2011: The airport completes a $543 million improvement project, including a new terminal and parking structure.
  • 2020: The airport experiences a significant decrease in passenger traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, Orange County John Wayne Airport serves over 10 million passengers annually, offering flights to destinations throughout the United States and Mexico.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about John Wayne Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: SNA
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 949-252-5200
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: John Wayne Airport, 18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, CA 92707, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

Last updated:

Orange County John Wayne Airport Q&A

The airport has three terminals connected by a pedestrian walkway. You can easily walk between terminals, or use the free shuttle bus service that runs every 15 minutes.
There are a variety of restaurants and stores in each terminal. For a complete list and locations, find your choice of amenities here.
The airport offers multiple parking lots and garages near each terminal, cell phone waiting areas, handicapped parking, and economical off-airport parking. For more details, visit parking options and rates.
The airport offers car rentals, taxis, shared ride services like Uber and Lyft, airport shuttles, and public transportation. For more information, check the car rental, taxi, airport shuttles, and public transportation pages.
Yes, there are several hotel options near the airport offering a range of amenities. For more information, visit John Wayne Airport Hotels.
You can check the status of your flight by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com for real-time updates.
The airport offers free WiFi, a Lost and Found department, children's play areas, special-needs services, ATMs, and a medical clinic. For lost items, visit the Lost and Found page.