San Diego Airport

Avoid Terminal 1 Southwest at all costs. This is the most poorly designed terminal I have ever seen. Considerable food stands zero seating. One restroom for 8 gates. Two security lanes apparently performing on- the-job training for TSA staff.

This airport has really stepped up its game in recent times with the upgrade. I have traveled through more than 300 airports and this one ranks as one of the more aesthetically appealing I have seen at least in the US. I recall on my first visits in the 90s and early 2000s when the terminal felt very cramped. The hallways were narrow and people were sitting in the aisles because there was not enough room in the gate area. That has changed drastically for the better. The airport is what I would call medium-sized and therefore is quite manageable. Upon our arrival it was late and the airport was not crowded. We were nonetheless struck by the improvements in appearance. The walk to the baggage claim was not bad at all. We did have to wait a rather long time for our luggage and that was probably the biggest negative we experienced. Otherwise everything was smooth. We found our way out to the taxi area without too much difficulty though the directions were not as well marked from our end of the terminal. There were plenty of taxis waiting and we had no problem getting one right away. Our hotel did not have a shuttle and it was about $18 with tip to get to the Hyatt about 3 miles away. There is a lack of transportation options. It would be nice if they extended a light rail line to the airport or provided some alternate means of public transport. With our departure the check-in area functioned smoothly and the security lines were fairly well managed making the wait times pretty reasonable. The facilities in the airport were quite nice. I waited with my daughter for her flight back home and there was plenty of space to sit and relax for the short time before the flight was called. In the Delta Sky Lounge the facilities there were superb. The atmosphere was relaxing and presented a great place to wait for boarding. I did not take advantage of the shops and eating options in the airport while they seemed to be a bit limited the were nice. Overall I was quite impressed with this airport. The size makes it very usable. Getting to the airport and getting away are processes that are manageable. While the facilities might not be as packed with commercial options and eateries as some larger airports it is a small price to pay. The thing that cannot be underestimated is the general atmosphere that simply allows this place to become a very pleasant part of the travel experience and not a necessary evil.

Took a flight from London to San Diego. The airport is wonderful very clean and modern and the views of palm trees the bay and skyline from the moment one steps off of the plane (new T2) is a real treat. The immigration and customs area was smaller than expected but I hear they are working on expanding this as part of the general airport expansion plans. Staff is courteous efficient and friendly. The airport is conveniently located minutes from downtown and probably has one of the nicest physical locations of an international airport I've visited - it is surrounded by water and is right across (literally walking distance) from the bay with its resort hotels manicured promenades and huge marinas filled with pleasure boats.

Recently traveled through San Diego Lindbergh Field and the newly renovated and expanded Terminal 2 West. In addition to the added gates the new restaurants bars and Sunset Cove area deserve special mention. The new security area was large and easy to traverse with almost no waiting. There's a new elevated departures drop off zone which is very convenient. Improvements to Terminal 1 are being designed. Short of a new airport they've done a nice job.

Apparently upgraded recently to international airport and just not up to it. Facilities poor but not as poor as quality and competence of check in and gate staff who appear to be let down by their systems. Not a great advert for what San Diegans call the 'Greatest City in the USA'. If we went back there would seriously consider flying into LAX and driving down.

Security was quick and the walk to the gate is very short. However the airport is poorly designed. The gates are very crowded with little or no seating areas. The gate areas are not designed to handle the capacity of today's travel capacity. The gate areas are very dirty with trash everywhere. The airport is badly in need of a redesign and expansion.

Flew into T2 on BA. Terminal very quiet and we were through immigration in about 10 mins after leaving the plane. Baggage on the carousel within a further 10 mins. Passengers are then made to stand in line and have their hand and checked bags x-rayed and themselves scanned before being allowed to leave. Big queues by then as another flight had come in. What a shabby way to treat passengers.

SAN is very easy to get to your plane whatever time it is. I'm travel through this airport few times a year. The airport practically has to stop in order for British Airways B772ER to takeoff due to very small taxiways. Never had any problems with this airport. I agree T1 should be replaced soon.

Like many airports that have expanded in fits and starts over the years SAN is broken up between 3 terminals terminals one and two and the commuter terminal for short flights to Los Angeles. Terminal one is a bit older and cramped especially if you go in the morning rush or fly on Southwest. Terminal two is a bit nicer but currently undergoing expansion construction until 2013-2014. Parking is via shuttle and you have several choices between private and operators associated with the airport. The big plus is that the airport is located 5-10 minutes from downtown.

SAN airport is the most poorly designed airport. I live here and have to use that airport weekly which gives me the right to say this airport stinks. Terminal 1 is way too small sometimes so small that when Southwest has long check in lines you can't determine what is the check-in line versus the security line. The other thing is how long it takes to get your bags. I have no idea how places like DFW JFK and even O'Hare can have bags on the baggage claim carousels within 15 minutes of getting off of the plane but at SAN it takes an average of 25-30 minutes minimum - what the heck are they doing?