The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority recently launched the SAN Pass, a pass that allows residents to experience the Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, including greeting or seeing off friends and family at the boarding gate, shopping at airport stores, enjoying restaurants, and exploring art venues, without the need for a boarding pass or ticket. This initiative aims to offer a unique opportunity for residents who have always wanted to spend time in the terminals without actually boarding a flight.
“We are excited to open up the terminal experience to a wider San Diego community in a safe and convenient manner,” said Kimberly Becker, President, and CEO of the authority. San Diego International Airport (SAN) is one of the busiest single-runway commercial airports in the world and the third busiest airport in California. It boasts 11 direct international flights to Europe, South America, and Asia, contributing nearly $12 billion in economic benefits to the San Diego region.
In September of this year, the airport authority inaugurated the first phase of the newly constructed Terminal 1, which offers a larger and more efficient terminal, significantly enhancing the passenger experience at SAN. The new Terminal 1 is expected to be fully completed by 2028, boasting 30 boarding gates and bringing in over $4.5 billion in revenue to the San Diego economy, creating more than 25,000 job positions and paying out a total of $2 billion in wages to local workers.
Residents can apply for a free pass for a specific date within a week, with a limited daily availability on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to approval by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Applicants must provide their legal name, date of birth, and gender (matching the information on a TSA-approved photo ID). Once approved, applicants will receive an electronic SAN Pass in the form of a PDF attachment via email.
When going through standard security checkpoints, visitors must present a TSA-approved REAL ID and the electronic SAN Pass (printed copies are not accepted); cardholders must adhere to TSA security procedures, including restrictions on prohibited items. Moreover, SAN Pass holders are not eligible for TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or any other fast-track security initiatives.
The pass is designed for non-air travelers, and minors must also possess their own SAN Pass, always accompanied by an adult pass holder, with one adult allowed to accompany up to three minors at most.
For more information about the pass program, please visit: SAN Pass Program – SAN Airport. ◇