San Diego Security Wait Times: SAN Checkpoint Delays

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 Diego Airport (SAN) Terminals

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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.

Updated on: November 16, 2023

TSA Pre Check at SAN

AVAILABLE

Terminal 1

Gates 11-18 Checkpoint

CLOSED

Gates 3-10 Checkpoint

OPEN

Terminal 2

Gates 20-32 Checkpoint

OPEN

Gates 33-51 Checkpoint

CLOSED

San Diego Airport wait times Q&A

Yes, San Diego Airport (SAN) has CLEAR lanes. These lanes are available at Terminal 2. The CLEAR Plus Enrollment center is located to the left of the entrance in Terminal 2.

Yes, TSA PreCheck lanes are available at several checkpoints within SAN. These include Terminal 1 - Gates 3-10, Terminal 1 - Gates 11-18, Terminal 2 - Terminal 2 East, and Terminal 2 - Terminal 2 West (International).

The operating hours for the TSA Checkpoints at San Diego Airport vary. For Terminal 1 - Gates 3-10 and Terminal 2 - Terminal 2 East, the hours are daily from 3:00 AM to 10:00 PM. For Terminal 1 - Gates 11-18 and Terminal 2 - Terminal 2 West (International), the hours are daily from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Yes, there are a couple of ways to expedite the security process at SAN. Travelers can enroll in the TSA PreCheck program, which allows for expedited security screening. Additionally, frequent travelers can consider becoming CLEAR Plus members, which provides access to dedicated CLEAR Lanes at the airport, significantly reducing wait times.

The security wait times at SAN are calculated based on a combination of historical flight traffic data and TSA staffing schedules. However, these estimates can fluctuate due to unexpected situations, so it's always recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight's scheduled departure time.

Several major airlines participate in the TSA PreCheck program at San Diego Airport. These include 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, and WestJet.

If you've lost an item at a TSA checkpoint or in checked baggage at San Diego Airport, you should promptly contact the airport's Lost and Found. 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.

As a CLEAR Plus member, you can access dedicated CLEAR Lanes at San Diego Airport, significantly reducing your wait time. The service is 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.

At the security checkpoints at SAN, you will be required to remove your shoes, belts, and light outerwear, and place them in a bin for screening unless you are a TSA PreCheck member. You will also need to remove your laptop and 3-1-1 compliant liquids from your carry-on bag unless you are a TSA PreCheck member.

Yes, currently there is a promotion for CLEAR Plus at SAN where you can enjoy 2 Months Free of the service. This promotion lets you add up to 3 other family members to the trial.

TSA Security Wait Times