San Diego International Airport: Difference between revisions
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{{infobox|fullname=San Diego International Airport<br />(Lindbergh Field)|location=San Diego, California|iata=SAN|icao=KSAN|aptype=Commercial|website=http://www.san.org|mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=32.734801,-117.190175&spn=0.020131,0.038242&t=h&hl=en|mapsource=Google Maps|atctower=118.3 338.225|atcground=123.9|atcclearance=125.9|atcapproach=119.6 (West)<br />124.35 (East)|atcdeparture=119.6 (West)<br />124.35 (East)|atcatis=134.8<br />619-298-0997|atcunicom=122.95}} | {{infobox|fullname=San Diego International Airport<br />(Lindbergh Field)|location=San Diego, California|iata=SAN|icao=KSAN|aptype=Commercial|website=http://www.san.org|mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=32.734801,-117.190175&spn=0.020131,0.038242&t=h&hl=en|mapsource=Google Maps|atctower=118.3 338.225|atcground=123.9|atcclearance=125.9|atcapproach=119.6 (West)<br />124.35 (East)|atcdeparture=119.6 (West)<br />124.35 (East)|atcatis=134.8<br />619-298-0997|atcunicom=122.95}} | ||
San Diego International Airport is the primary commercial airport for San Diego County. No airline maintains a hub there, and Southwest Airlines is the dominant carrier, followed closely by Alaska Airlines. The vast majority of scheduled flights are to points within North America | San Diego International Airport is the primary commercial airport for San Diego County. No airline maintains a hub there, and Southwest Airlines is the dominant carrier, followed closely by Alaska Airlines. The vast majority of scheduled flights are to points within North America including the Hawaiian Islands. In terms of international service, Air Canada Express, Air Canada, and WestJet operate to destinations in Canada. There are a handful of flights to Mexico, but service to points in Mexico is dominated by nearby [[Tijuana International Airport]]. British Airways, Japan Airlines, KLM, and Lufthansa provide intercontinental wide-body service with flights to London-Heathrow, Tokyo-Narita, Amsterdam, and Munich, respectively. | ||
The airport has only a single runway, 9/27, and normal operations call for arrivals and departures on runway 27. Runway 9 usage is uncommon. They will use runway 9 if the cloud ceilings are below 600 feet from airport elevation due to non-precision only approaches for runway 27 | The airport has only a single runway, 9/27, and normal operations call for arrivals and departures on runway 27. Runway 9 usage is uncommon. They will use runway 9 if the cloud ceilings are below 600 feet from airport elevation due to non-precision only approaches for runway 27 and if the visibility is reduced to less than 1 1/2 miles. In addition, easterly winds known as "Santa Ana" winds will force runway 9 operations if strong enough; and conditions are usually clear which is rare for reverse operations. Runway 9 has an operating ILS which can account for the lowered ceiling and visibility. | ||
The airport is notable for its approach to runway 27, which due to the airport's close proximity to Downtown San Diego, allows spotters a view of many aircraft flying level to the roofs of the downtown skyscrapers. | The airport is notable for its approach to runway 27, which due to the airport's close proximity to Downtown San Diego, allows spotters a view of many aircraft flying level to the roofs of the downtown skyscrapers. | ||
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===Harbor & Laurel Parking Lot=== | ===Harbor & Laurel Parking Lot=== | ||
[[Image:Nw320san-375nc.jpg|left|thumb|Northwest A320 on final approach to 27, photographed from the Harbor & Laurel lot at street level]] | [[Image:Nw320san-375nc.jpg|left|thumb|Northwest A320 on final approach to 27, photographed from the Harbor & Laurel lot at street level]] | ||
''It was noted in December 2023 that this spot appeared to be closed as part of New Terminal 1 construction; it is unknown it if will reopen in the future.'' | |||
The airport has a small free parking lot at the intersection of Harbor Dr. and Laurel St. for spotting. From here you will see aircraft arriving and departing on runway 27. You will need a ladder or tall vehicle to get camera lenses above the fence line for departure and taxi shots, though this may still be difficult as there is a second fence separating the shuttle bus access road from the ramp. However, you can photograph arrivals from street level with a long enough lens but you won't be able to get the "classic San Diego shot" with Mission Hills in the background nor the touchdown. Posted signs prohibit unattended vehicles. Avoid the adjacent Solar Turbines parking lot, but the sidewalk along Laurel St. should be okay. Lighting is best in the early afternoon, before 6:00, during summer. In the winter, light is typically good all day, though you may need to vary the angle of your shot as the sun moves across the sky. If you need a snack or drink, there is a convenience store at the Shell gas station located at the intersection of Laurel and Pacific Hwy (about a 5-10 minute walk). | The airport has a small free parking lot at the intersection of Harbor Dr. and Laurel St. for spotting. From here you will see aircraft arriving and departing on runway 27. You will need a ladder or tall vehicle to get camera lenses above the fence line for departure and taxi shots, though this may still be difficult as there is a second fence separating the shuttle bus access road from the ramp. However, you can photograph arrivals from street level with a long enough lens but you won't be able to get the "classic San Diego shot" with Mission Hills in the background nor the touchdown. Posted signs prohibit unattended vehicles. Avoid the adjacent Solar Turbines parking lot, but the sidewalk along Laurel St. should be okay. Lighting is best in the early afternoon, before 6:00, during summer. In the winter, light is typically good all day, though you may need to vary the angle of your shot as the sun moves across the sky. If you need a snack or drink, there is a convenience store at the Shell gas station located at the intersection of Laurel and Pacific Hwy (about a 5-10 minute walk). | ||
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===Aladdin Parking Garage=== | ===Aladdin Parking Garage=== | ||
This garage has amazing opportunities for capturing landings and taxiing to the runway. Takeoffs are a bit of a challenge as they require a long lense and the presence of heat haze is inevitable. The parking garage is located adjacent to Laurel Parking lot, on the other side of Laurel street. However, they do catch you fairly quickly and ask you to move. Unlike the Laurel, the staff here aren't nearly as aggressive in moving you off the property. If you do plan to park here, be warned. The last time I checked, they charge daily, not hourly. This isn't the best spot if you want to spot for a good amount of time. I have not been to this spot in nearly a year and a half, so maybe things have changed. As for now, just assume you will get asked to leave fairly quickly. | This garage has amazing opportunities for capturing landings and taxiing to the runway. Takeoffs are a bit of a challenge as they require a long lense and the presence of heat haze is inevitable. The parking garage is located adjacent to Laurel Parking lot, on the other side of Laurel street. However, they do catch you fairly quickly and ask you to move. Unlike the Laurel, the staff here aren't nearly as aggressive in moving you off the property. If you do plan to park here, be warned. The last time I checked, they charge daily, not hourly. This isn't the best spot if you want to spot for a good amount of time. I have not been to this spot in nearly a year and a half, so maybe things have changed. As for now, just assume you will get asked to leave fairly quickly. | ||
===Ivy St. and Albatross St.=== | ===Ivy St. and Albatross St.=== | ||
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===Laurel Airport Parking=== | ===Laurel Airport Parking=== | ||
This is the multi-story parking structure that aircraft fly over just before landing on runway 27. While tempting because of the possibility of down-the-runway views of the airport and belly shots of landing aircraft, there are signs posted that taking photos and videos are prohibited, and that they can have you arrested for trespassing for doing anything other than being actively engaged in the parking of vehicles. | This is the multi-story parking structure that aircraft fly over just before landing on runway 27. While tempting because of the possibility of down-the-runway views of the airport and belly shots of landing aircraft, there are signs posted stating that taking photos and videos are prohibited, and that they can have you arrested for trespassing for doing anything other than being actively engaged in the parking of vehicles. | ||
===Rental Car Facility=== | |||
Located on the top floor of this massive structure, this spot provides breathtaking views of the bay as well as a clear view of the touchdown of aircraft. This was the premier spot until a sign was listed on top of the roof stating "employees only." From then on, spotters usually tended to avoid this area. No further spotting was noted after the sign was put up. | |||
==Spotting Locations Map== | ==Spotting Locations Map== | ||
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32.7362,-117.2116~NTC Park; | 32.7362,-117.2116~NTC Park; | ||
32.7283,-117.1791~Laurel and Harbor Lot; | 32.7283,-117.1791~Laurel and Harbor Lot; | ||
32.728233,-117.165725~Ivy and Albatross; | 32.728233,-117.165725~Ivy and Albatross; | ||
32.733750, -117.173429~W Palm Street Pedestrian Overpass | 32.733750, -117.173429~W Palm Street Pedestrian Overpass | ||
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===Passenger=== | ===Passenger=== | ||
*'''Air Canada | *'''Air Canada''': 737 MAX 8 | ||
*'''Air Canada | *'''Air Canada Express (Jazz)''': CRJ-900 | ||
*'''Alaska Airlines''': 737-700, 737-800, 737-900, | *'''Alaska Airlines''': 737-700, 737-800, 737-900, 737-900ER, 737 MAX 8, 737 MAX 9 | ||
**'''Horizon Air''': | **'''Horizon Air''': ERJ-175 | ||
**'''SkyWest Airlines''': | **'''SkyWest Airlines''': ERJ-175 | ||
*'''American Airlines''': 737-800, A320-200, A321-200, A321neo | |||
*'''American Airlines''': 737-800, | *'''Breeze Airways''': A220-300 | ||
*'''British Airways''': | |||
**Winter Season: Once daily, 777-200ER | |||
*''' | **Summer Season: Twice daily, 777-200ER and 777-300ER | ||
*'''Delta Air Lines''': | *'''Copa Airlines''': 737 MAX 9 | ||
*'''Delta Air Lines''': 737-800, 737-900ER, 757-200, 757-300, A319-100, A320-200, A321-200 | |||
**'''Delta Connection (SkyWest Airlines)''': | **'''Delta Connection (SkyWest Airlines)''': ERJ-175 | ||
*'''Frontier Airlines''': A320-200, A320neo, A321-200, A321neo | |||
*'''Frontier Airlines''': | *'''Hawaiian Airlines''': A321neo, A330-200 | ||
*'''Hawaiian Airlines''': A330-200 | |||
*'''Japan Airlines''': 787-8 | *'''Japan Airlines''': 787-8 | ||
*'''JetBlue Airways''': A320, A321 | *'''JetBlue Airways''': A320-200, A321-200 | ||
*'''Lufthansa''': | *'''KLM Royal Dutch Airlines''': 787-9 ''(resumes February 23, 2026)'' | ||
*'''Lufthansa''': A350-900 | |||
*'''Southwest Airlines''': 737-700, 737-800, 737 MAX 8 | *'''Southwest Airlines''': 737-700, 737-800, 737 MAX 8 | ||
*'''Sun Country Airlines''': 737-800 | |||
*'''Sun Country Airlines''': | *'''United Airlines''': 737-800, 737-900ER, 737 MAX 8, 737 MAX 9, A321neo | ||
**'''United Express (SkyWest Airlines)''': CRJ-700, ERJ-175 | |||
*'''United Airlines''': 737- | *'''WestJet''': 737-700, 737-800, 737 MAX 8 | ||
**'''United Express (SkyWest Airlines)''': CRJ- | |||
*'''WestJet''': 737- | |||
===Cargo=== | ===Cargo=== | ||
*''' | *'''Atlas Air/DHL Cargo''': The 767-200s that are operated by Atlas Air are parked on the northside of the field have been nicknamed "the sleeping giant" by SAN spotters because they hardly ever seem to move. Many of the 767-200s on this flight are painted in full DHL colors. It typically arrives at approximately 7:00AM and departs to Phoenix, Arizona between 5:50PM and 7:00PM. Occasionally, this flight will be operated by a 767-300F. | ||
*'''Ameriflight''': Ameriflight operates the | *'''Ameriflight''': Ameriflight operates the Beech Airliner 99 and the Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner to SAN in the early evening, with arrival times from El Centro, California between 5:00PM and 7:00PM and are on the ground for less than 40 minutes usually before departure back to Ontario, California. | ||
*'''FedEx Express''': FedEx is the largest cargo carrier at SAN, with the longtime regular A300 and MD-10 flights largely replaced by the 757 and 767. Three flights usually arrive in the very early morning, before 6:00AM, and normally have all departed by 8:00AM. A second set of two flights typically arrives between 4:00PM and 6:30PM. These usually depart again between 7:00PM and 8:30PM. One of the Friday afternoon flights, typically arriving at approximately 5:00PM and departing after dark, and one of the Saturday morning flights, typically arriving at 5:30AM and departing between 7:00AM & 8:00PM, are usually operated by | *'''FedEx Express''': FedEx is the largest cargo carrier at SAN, with the longtime regular A300 and MD-10 flights largely replaced by the 757 and 767. Three flights usually arrive in the very early morning, before 6:00AM, and normally have all departed by 8:00AM. A second set of two flights typically arrives between 4:00PM and 6:30PM. These usually depart again between 7:00PM and 8:30PM. One of the Friday afternoon flights, typically arriving at approximately 5:00PM and departing after dark, and one of the Saturday morning flights, typically arriving at 5:30AM and departing between 7:00AM & 8:00PM, are usually operated by 767equipment. MD-11's are still somewhat rare, but made some appearances during the 2015 Christmas season. The 757 only operates at in the early morning and at night, so they are a bit hard to photograph. | ||
**'''FedEx Feeder (Westair)''': A series of Cessna 208B Cargomaster flights arrive between 6:00PM and 7:00PM from El Centro supplying cargo for the larger FedEx aircraft flying out of SAN. They depart usually in the morning around 6:30AM to 9:00AM | **'''FedEx Feeder (Westair)''': A series of Cessna 208B Cargomaster flights arrive between 6:00PM and 7:00PM from El Centro supplying cargo for the larger FedEx aircraft flying out of SAN. They depart usually in the morning around 6:30AM to 9:00AM | ||
*'''United Parcel Service (UPS)''': UPS operates two weekday flights on a somewhat variable schedule, generally using 767s. A morning flight usually arrives at approximately 5:00AM and departs around 6:30AM. A 767 arrives from the | *'''United Parcel Service (UPS)''': UPS operates two weekday flights on a somewhat variable schedule, generally using 767s. A morning flight usually arrives at approximately 5:00AM and departs around 6:30AM. A 767 arrives from the their mega hub in Louisville, Kentucky most weekday afternoons between 4:30PM and 5:30PM. Departures occur between 6:30AM and 7:30AM and in the evening between 7:30PM and 8:30PM. UPS does not operate on the weekends. | ||
==Facilities and Transportation== | ==Facilities and Transportation== | ||
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===Public Transportation=== | ===Public Transportation=== | ||
San Diego Transit bus [ | San Diego Metropolitan Transit Service bus [https://www.sdmts.com/getting-around/departures-and-schedules/schedules/992 Route 992], provides service to the airport terminals. The lines originate in downtown San Diego, with several stops including one near the official observation lot at Laurel and Harbor. Connections to these routes can be made at various locations in downtown San Diego to other bus routes as well as the [https://www.sdmts.com/transit-services/trolley San Diego Trolley], [https://gonctd.com/services/coaster-commuter-rail/ Coaster], and [https://www.amtrak.com/routes/pacific-surfliner-train.html Amtrak Pacific Surfliner] trains. Cash is accepted on board for a single ride, as well as can be purchased from a Pronto kiosk located near baggage claim in the terminals, however transit users may instead wish to use the Pronto app on their phones or purchase a Pronto card from the kiosk, since Pronto fares include free transfers within 2 hours as well as daily and monthly fare caps. The 992 bus stops at MTS bus shelters located curbside directly outside the terminals. | ||
The airport also operates a free shuttle called the [https://www.san.org/to-from/Public-Transportation#1178347-old-town-shuttle San Diego Flyer] which operates from the terminals to the Old Town Transit Center. Similar to downtown, connections can be made here to various bus routes as well as the Trolley, Coaster, and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. The San Diego Flier stops at the Courtesy Vehicles area outside the terminals, which is also used for hotel and parking lot shuttles. | |||