San Diego Airport

San Diego International Airport, more commonly known as Lindbergh Field, is the busiest single-runway commercial airport in the United States. Over 18 million passengers a year pass through San Diego Airport, which is managed by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. Due to its proximity to residential areas, flights operate between the hours of 6:30am to 11:30pm. With its convenient location to downtown San Diego, travelers are able to get from the airport terminal to their destination in minutes, thanks to a wide array of transportation options.

History

San Diego has a rich tradition of aviation history, harkening back to 1927. In fact, the current site of San Diego Airport is very close to Dutch Flats, the dirt patch that Charles Lindbergh used for take-off in the Spirit of St. Louis, on his way to becoming the first to fly non-stop across the Atlantic. In 1928, the City of San Diego formally opened Municipal Airport, which became more commonly known as Lindbergh Field. In 1934, the airport welcomed its first international passenger service, prompting the airport to become San Diego International Airport.

During World War II, San Diego's main airport experienced tremendous growth. The U.S. military used the runway extensively during the war, adding a nearly 9,000 foot runway to handle long-range bombers. Aircraft manufacturers including Consolidated and Ryan Airlines built legendary aircraft right next to the runway. B-17s, PBY Catalinas, and other well-known aircraft of the time could be seen taxiing their way to join the war.

The 1960s ushered in the era of jet aircraft, with both American Airlines and United Airlines operating the Boeing 720. San Diego-based Pacific Southwest Airlines soon followed suit, with its fleet of Boeing 727s.

Today, San Diego Airport accommodates 600 departures and arrivals of both commercial and civilian aircraft. In terms of traffic, it is only second in the world after London Gatwick airport. San Diego Airport has three main terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the Commuter Terminal. Each terminal services different business travelers, and affords unique parking and transportation options.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is actually the oldest of the terminals, with its construction dating back to 1967. Terminal 1 serves such airlines as United, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines. The terminal is split into two sections or "hubs", each connected by a central baggage claim area. While waiting for your transportation to arrive, Terminal 1 offers a host of shops and restaurants for travelers. Chili's, Starbucks, Karl Strauss, Quizno's, and Baja Fresh are all conveniently found in Terminal 1. Terminal 1 also offers a general parking lot, connected by a Skybridge that spans roughly 6 lanes of traffic.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 is the largest and most modern of the terminals at San Diego Airport. The original Terminal 2, dating from the late 1970s, was dramatically remodeled and modernized in 1998. Most of the airlines serving San Diego Airport are located in Terminal 2, including American Airlines, Air Canada, Continental, Delta Air Lines, Frontier, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and US Airways. Several smaller airlines, including Virgin America, Sun Country, and WestJet also serve San Diego-bound travelers out of Terminal 2. Travelers deplaning make their way to the central baggage area (pictured), which offers modern, baggage conveyors in an open setting. Curbside pickups are steps away, outside the south-facing glass wall of the Terminal building.

Restaurants include Starbucks, California Pizza Kitchen, Karl Strauss Bar, Cramer's Deli, and the ever-popular Home Turf. There are also several specialty retainers, including Author's Bookstore, Spirit of San Diego, and I-Tech Wireless.

Commuter Terminal

The Commuter Terminal is the newest terminal to open at San Diego Airport. The Commuter Terminal is actually housed in a building that use to serve as the headquarters and primary hanger facility for Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA). When PSA was acquired by US Airways in 1987, the building converted to a maintenance facility for the new parent. When US Airways decided it did not need a maintenance hub located at San Diego, the Airport was able to seize the opportunity and provide a terminal for commuters traveling short distances. In 1998, the Commuter Terminal opened to the public.

Airlines served include American Eagle, Delta Connection, United Express, and SkyWest Airlines. All of the flights operating out of the Commuter Terminal are short duration (usually one hour or less), with 1-4 turbo-props and smaller jets parked at any time. Passengers departing the Commuter Terminal don't leave from a jetway; instead, they are able to walk to the airplane as it sits on the tarmac. There is one central baggage claim belt, with a small food area for travelers on their way out of San Diego Airport.

Parking and Transportation

Parking fees have been increasing in recent years, with a stay of 0-30 minutes currently costing $2.00. For travelers staying multiple days, the first day is $21.00, while each consecutive day is $26.00. Valet parking is also available curbside for $30 per day. Additional open-air long-term parking lots are available, with daily rates ranging from $10-16 per day. These open lots are located off-site of the main airport property, and provide transportation to/from San Diego Airport via shuttle bus.

Why pay to store your car in an open, unprotected lot located off-site of San Diego Airport? You have your choice of transportation companies that serve San Diego Airport, including taxis, shuttles, and private car transportation. TerraMoto offers travelers flying to and from San Diego Airport the experience of luxury transportation, using a fleet that is environmentally friendly. Plus, TerraMoto Transportation can help you save money on parking fees, and avoid the hassles and delays that come with trying to find an open parking spot. Your TerraMoto driver drops you off curbside at the airport, right at your gate, for a fraction of the cost of an extended parking stay. Find out how by requesting a quote today.

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