San Diego International Airport Airlines List by Terminal
Imagine soaring palm trees, sunny skies, and the promise of adventure. Your journey begins at San Diego International Airport (SAN). But with the recent opening of the massive New Terminal 1 and a diverse roster of carriers, knowing exactly where to go is the first step to a stress-free departure. Finding your airline’s home base shouldn’t feel like a scavenger hunt, especially when you are balancing luggage, family, or a tight schedule.
Whether you’re jetting off on a cross-country business trip, a tropical vacation, or a quick regional hop, this guide is your essential map. In this guide, San Diego International Airport airlines are listed by terminal so you can head directly to the right check-in area, security checkpoint, and gates.
SAN Airport Terminal Overview
San Diego International Airport (SAN) has two major terminals that are intended to serve both local and international travelers efficiently. This overview gives you a brief idea of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, helping you get around, check in, and board at SAN more easily.
Terminal 1 at SAN
Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport is a modernized building that mainly services the domestic flights. It is a 19-gate terminal that provides renovated check-in areas, security, and passenger amenities. The terminal is designed for smooth travel and is home to several budget airlines.
Terminal 2 at SAN (East and West)
Terminal 2 is the bigger terminal at SAN. To better handle domestic and international flights, it was split into East and West sides. Besides a broader range of carriers, it also has additional services and gate space for long-haul and international routes.
San Diego International Airport Airlines At a Glance
Here is the organized breakdown of airlines and their respective terminals at San Diego International Airport (SAN) as of early 2026 to help you navigate easily.
| Airlines | Terminal | Other Information |
| Alaska Airlines | Terminal 2 | Contact Details: 800.252.7522Operation Hours: 4:00 AM to 12:00 AMSkycap Availability: YesBaggage Claim: Terminal 2 Check-in desk: Terminal 2 |
| American Airlines | Terminal 2 | Contact Details: 800.433.7300Operation Hours: 4:00 AM to 12:00 AM Skycap Availability: Yes Baggage Claim: Terminal 2 Check-in desk: Terminal 2 |
| Air Canada | Terminal 2 | Contact Details: 888.247.2262Operation Hours: 3 hours before your scheduled departure time Skycap Availability: Yes Baggage Claim: Terminal 2 Check-in desk: Terminal 2 |
| Breeze Airways | Terminal 1 | Contact Details: 501-273-3931Operation Hours: 2 hours before your scheduled departure time Skycap Availability: Yes Baggage Claim: Terminal 1 Check-in desk: Terminal 1 (for ticketing) |
| Copa Airlines | Terminal 2 | Contact Details: 786.840.2672Operation Hours: Monday to Sunday (5:00 am to 11:00 pm) Skycap Availability: Yes Baggage Claim: Terminal 2 Check-in desk: Terminal 2 |
| British Airways | Terminal 2 | Contact Details: 800.247.9297Operation Hours: Sunday to Thursday (2:30 pm to 6:15 pm); Friday to Saturday (3:15 pm to 6:45 pm)Skycap Availability: Yes Baggage Claim: Terminal 2 Check-in desk: Terminal 2 |
| Frontier Airlines | Terminal 1 | Contact Details: 801.401.9000Operation Hours: 4:10AM to 7:10AM; 9:15AM to 12:15PM; 7:30PM to 1:30AMSkycap Availability: Yes Baggage Claim: Terminal 1 Check-in desk: Terminal 1 (Ticketing) |
| Delta | Terminal 2 | Contact Details: 800.455.2720Operation Hours: 4:00 AM to 12:00 AMSkycap Availability: Yes Baggage Claim: Terminal 2 Check-in desk: Terminal 2 |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Terminal 2 | Contact Details: 800.367.5320Operation Hours: 2 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure Skycap Availability: Yes Baggage Claim: Terminal 2 Check-in desk: Terminal 2 |
| Japan Airlines | Terminal 2 | Contact Details: Operation Hours: 8:40 AM to 11:00 AMSkycap Availability: Yes Baggage Claim: Terminal 2Check-in desk: Terminal 2 |
| JetBlue | Terminal 1 | Contact Details: 800.538.2583Operation Hours: 2 hours before your scheduled departure; closes 30 minutes before the last scheduled departure Skycap Availability: Yes Baggage Claim: Terminal 1 Check-in desk: Terminal 1 |
| KLM | Terminal 2 | Contact Details: 800.618.0104Operation Hours: 3 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure Skycap Availability: Yes Baggage Claim: Terminal 2 Check-in desk: Terminal 2 |
| Lufthansa Airlines | Terminal 2 | Contact Details: 800.645.3880Operation Hours: 3 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure Skycap Availability: Yes Baggage Claim: Terminal 2 Check-in desk: Terminal 2 |
| Southwest Airlines | Terminal 1 | Contact Details: 800.435.9792Operation Hours: 4:15AM to 12:00AMSkycap Availability: Yes Baggage Claim: Terminal 1Check-in desk: Terminal 1 (Ticketing) |
| Sun Country Airlines | Terminal 1 | Contact Details: 800.359.6786Operation Hours: 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM Sunday to Friday; Closed on SaturdaySkycap Availability: Yes Baggage Claim: Terminal 1 Check-in desk: Terminal 1 (Ticketing) |
| United Airlines | Terminal 2 | Contact Details: 800.864.8331Operation Hours: 4:00AM to 10:00PMSkycap Availability: Yes Baggage Claim: Terminal 2 Check-in desk: Terminal 2 |
| WestJet | Terminal 2 | Contact Details: 888.937.8538Operation Hours: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PMSkycap Availability: Yes Baggage Claim: Terminal 2 Check-in desk: Terminal 2 |
Quick Traveler Tips While You Navigate Across SAN Airport
Here is what you should note to help you commute through the SAN Airport seamlessly.
- The New T1 Experience: If your flight is with Southwest or any other flight in Terminal 1, you will be entering and exiting through the newly opened Phase 1A facilities. This also means that there will be a centralized security checkpoint and a massive new parking plaza right opposite the terminal.
- International Arrivals: No matter which carrier you choose, all international arrivals (except those from airports with U.S. Pre-clearance, such as Vancouver or Calgary) will be processed at the International Arrivals Hall in Terminal 2 West.
- Check-In Deadlines: For Terminal 2 West (International), the best advice is to get there three hours before your flight, whereas Terminal 1 (Domestic) is still a case of the usual two hours.
How to Check Your Terminal at SAN | SAN Diego International Airport Airlines?
Knowledge of the right terminal is the key to a hassle-free journey through San Diego Municipal Airport Airlines. Below is a guideline to help you quickly find your terminal at SAN using reliable sources before you arrive at the airport.
Checking Airline Websites and Tickets
Before heading for the airport, check your flight itinerary or the airline’s website to make sure you are going to the right terminal at San Diego International Airport. The airline always shows the terminal location for your departing flight on your booking, boarding pass, or flight status page. In the event of any change, the airline will be the first to publish updated terminal information.
Using SAN Airport Official Resources
Another way to check your airline’s terminal is via the official airline listings on the SAN website. This tool indicates which terminal each airline operates from (Terminal 1 or Terminal 2), thus you can better schedule your arrival and the check-in process.
Check‑In and Security Tips by Terminal
Security lines at San Diego International Airport can vary depending on the time of day. Because the morning and late afternoon/evening hours are typically the busiest, it’s wise to allow extra time for check-in and reach the airport early to ensure a hassle-free journey to your gate.
TSA Checkpoints and Expedited Screening
SAN operates TSA security checkpoints in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 (East and West) of both. All checkpoints are equipped with TSA PreCheck, which allows eligible travelers to get through security more quickly and with less hassle, such as removing shoes, belts, and laptops.
Conclusion
Knowing which terminal your airline calls home makes navigating San Diego International Airport (SAN) much more relaxed. Whether you are catching a domestic flight from the newly opened Phase 1A of Terminal 1 or heading out on an international journey from Terminal 2, a little bit of planning ensures that your check-in is smooth and you have plenty of time to explore the airport’s local dining spots and modern amenities.
As of early 2026, the airport has seen significant changes, with the “New T1” now fully operational for airlines like Southwest, JetBlue, and Frontier, while Terminal 2 remains the primary hub for major carriers like Delta, United, Alaska, and all international partners. Since terminal assignments can occasionally shift during ongoing construction phases, it is always a smart move to double-check your gate with your airline or the official SAN website before you leave for the airport. This simple step keeps your travel day stress-free and lets you focus on the adventure ahead.
FAQs
San Diego International Airport features a combination of domestic and international airlines. Terminal 1 is home to Southwest, JetBlue, Frontier, Breeze, and Sun Country, among others, whereas Terminal 2 houses Alaska, American, United, Delta, British Airways, Air Canada, and other international airlines.
San Diego’s leading airline by passenger traffic is Southwest Airlines. Operating primarily from Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport, it offers extensive domestic routes. The airline is an integral part of the region’s efficient travel services.
Southwest Airlines is the airline that has the highest number of flights at San Diego International Airport. Southwest, a low-cost carrier with its primary base in Terminal 1, offers very frequent domestic routes across the U.S., making it the busiest carrier in terms of flight departures from SAN.
Yes, the airline terminals at San Diego International Airport might change in case of operational adjustments, renovations, or airline scheduling. It is a good habit to check your flight itinerary, boarding pass, or the official SAN website to confirm the correct terminal before going to the airport.
To have a hassle-free experience at San Diego International Airport, you should give yourself an extra two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Checking in, handing over luggage, going through security, and getting to the boarding gate can all comfortably take up this time.