San Diego International Airport Prepares For Busy Thanksgiving Travel Season

SAN DIEGO, CA — As Thanksgiving week approaches, travelers were being advised to expect a busy travel season at San Diego International Airport, with the bulk of the travel expected to begin Friday.

The heaviest travel will continue through Dec. 1, with daily passenger volume during this 11-day period is anticipated to reach as many as 80,000, a 3% increase over last year, according to the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

The busiest day is expected to be Sunday, Nov. 30, with as many as 90,000 people traveling through the airport. Other peak days include Friday through Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving Day and the Monday after.

For those heading to San Diego International to pick up or drop off, expect delays both from heavy traffic and the airport's Terminal 1 project with ongoing construction. The busiest times curbside will be between 4 a.m. to 6:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 8 p.m. to midnight.

To help avoid holiday travel woes, the airport authority offered some tips:

-- Arrive at least two hours early to avoid the busiest times;

-- Be aware of roadway changes: A new on-airport roadway now directs westbound drivers on North Harbor Drive to Terminals 1 and 2;

-- Make parking reservations at www.san.org/parking;

-- Take the free San Diego Flyer shuttle service between the Old Town Transit Station and SAN. The electric shuttle buses operate seven days a week, with an average arrival time of every 20 to 30 minutes. The first pick up is at 4:45 a.m. and the last pick up/drop off at 12:30 a.m.; and

-- Have family or friends drop you off or use ride-hailing services.

— City News Service