San Diego Airport Household Information: Child-Pleasant Eating & Facilities for Sane Journey

I like San Diego Worldwide Airport (SAN). It’s a part of what my metropolis a fantastic place for household holidays. The airport is correct in the course of Downtown, which implies you possibly can standard areas shortly—Coronado, La Jolla, and past.

I’ve been utilizing SAN as my residence airport since I used to be eighteen. Now as a guardian and San Diego household journey advisor, I’ve been by way of it extra occasions than I can depend with youngsters in tow and so have my shoppers.

This information is designed that can assist you navigate the airport confidently with kids whether or not it’s your first journey or your fiftieth. It’s organized by terminal so you possibly can plan for what’s obtainable close to your gate, from household restrooms and lactation rooms to meal choices that work for choosy eaters.

Earlier than You Go: What Mother and father Must Know

It’s not a sophisticated airport. My household doesn’t thoughts arriving early due to the improved conveniences it gives these days. And extra of our regionally standard eating places and bars are opening shops contained in the airport.

This implies you possibly can style and sip the easiest of San Diego earlier than your flight (or seize one thing on the way in which to baggage declare). However first, let’s focus on the essential logistics mother and father wish to find out about.

Water Bottle Refills Are In all places

Deliver your individual refillable water bottle. There are bottle refill stations positioned post-security in each terminal plus a pair extra within the worldwide arrivals space. You’ll discover them close to restrooms and gate clusters.

(Simply bear in mind to empty them earlier than going by way of safety after all which is one thing my daughter tends to neglect to do.)

Wi-Fi and Interactive Terminal Maps

I take advantage of the airport Wi-Fi on a regular basis. It’s quick and free. Discover the sign and hook up with it. Then, a sign-in field will seem. Pop in your e mail, settle for the phrases, and surf away.

To seek out your manner across the airport, the interactive terminal map on SAN’s official web site is underneath On the Airport > Interactive Map. I’m supplying you with the hyperlink as a result of I’ve made the error of taking a look at outdated maps, because of the renovation. And this one is comparatively straightforward on a cellular system.

Safety: What to Count on and Learn how to Plan

TSA PreCheck is offered at each checkpoint, and children underneath 18 can undergo with you (test present guidelines to make certain).

CLEAR is offered at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 West, however not at Terminal 2 East. For those who’re flying out of East (American or Alaska principally) and need to use CLEAR, you could have two choices.

Possibility 1: Indoor route

• Step 1: Verify your baggage at Terminal 2 East desks inside.
• Step 2: Go downstairs to baggage declare, then stroll by way of the terminal to Terminal 2 West.
• Step 3: Use the set of escalators (or the close by elevator) to go upstairs to safety. You’ll see these as you stroll towards T2 West.

Takes lower than 10 minutes. I’ve carried out this loads of occasions with my daughter. It’s straightforward sufficient with older youngsters, however is likely to be an excessive amount of for those who’re juggling a stroller, automotive seat, or overtired toddler.

Possibility 2: Outside route (greatest with a stroller)

• Step 1: Verify your baggage with a skycap at Terminal 2 East.
• Step 2: Keep exterior and stroll left alongside the curb to the Terminal 2 West entrance.
• Step 3: Enter by way of CLEAR at Terminal 2 West.

Why this works: The East and West sides of Terminal 2 aren’t linked upstairs at check-in stage. For those who attempt to stroll inside, you’ll be compelled downstairs after which again up once more like in choice 1 this outside route skips the ground change.

Safety traces at SAN are usually very cheap exterior of vacation weeks or weather-related delays. Terminals 2 East and West are linked airside, so when you’re by way of safety in both half, you possibly can transfer freely between the 2.

Gate-Verify That Stroller

For those who’re flying with small youngsters, convey a stroller and gate-check it. It makes an enormous distinction whereas navigating the terminals, particularly in case your gate is an extended stroll or there are any delays.

On the time of this writing, each airline permits one stroller per little one to be gate-checked at no cost.

Sundries & Requirements

If a baby wants medication, you’re restricted to what’s stocked in Hudson or comfort outlets. It’s normally simply band-aids, ache relievers, some chilly and allergy medicines, Dramamine, hand sanitizer, travel-size wipes, and issues like this. I’ve seen toddler Tylenol up to now. The one technique to confirm inventory is to name.

USO San Diego: A Invaluable Useful resource for Navy Households

For those who’re an active-duty service member or touring with one, USO San Diego operates a devoted lounge pre-security, close to the place you get dropped off by the T2 East skycabs. It gives comfy seating, snacks, drinks, youngsters’ actions and play space, and a quiet house to regroup earlier than your flight.

Remedy Canines at SAN

SAN’s volunteer program, Prepared, Pet, GO!, brings licensed remedy canines and their handlers into the terminal. I do see them in gate areas they usually love assembly youngsters and calming nerves. They aren’t all the time roaming the airport however preserve an eye fixed out for them.

Baggage Carts

You’ll discover SmartCarts the place you get dropped off on the terminal. They price $8. You’ll use a contactless cost to pay and when you do, a cart shall be launched on your use. My daughter and I used one lately to get our baggage to the Alaska counter.

At T2, the skycaps are actually proper subsequent to the baggage cart so that you don’t want one for those who’re checking in with them. In the event that they’re closed or the traces are lengthy and also you need to haul your baggage inside, the carts assist cross the skybridge over the road that connects the drop-off space to the terminal.

Terminal 2 West (Gates 36–51): An Straightforward Concourse for Households

For those who’re flying Delta, United, or most worldwide carriers, you’re possible departing from Terminal 2 West. That is the perfect terminal for households thanks to raised eating, extra room to unfold out, and the airport’s solely play space (till the brand new play space opens in Terminal 1).

Provisions Earlier than Safety

If it was all you would do to get the household into the automotive to the airport, you do have a meals choice earlier than safety close to the check-in desks—Einstein Bagels. We have now ducked in there earlier than to proper the ship earlier than going by way of safety.

There’s additionally a comfort retailer for magazines and snacks known as Lindbergh Subject Information.

San Diego Airport Play Space in T2 West

The Chase Sapphire Lounge positioned close to Gates 46–47, is the one lounge at SAN previous safety with a devoted kids’s playroom. It’s a clear, contained house the place little ones can entertain themselves earlier than the flight whereas mother and father take a breather with included scorching meals and drinks.

Entry is offered primarily by way of the Chase Sapphire Reserve bank card. For those who’re touring with youthful youngsters and have lounge entry, they’ll adore it, and there’s a pleasant altering desk plus normally some diapers within the lavatory. The bonus is that that is my favourite lounge in San Diego airport. We go early simply to make use of it.

The place to Eat in T2 West with Youngsters

• Phil’s BBQ (Gate 45): An area San Diego favourite that gives beneficiant plates of ribs, hen, and fries.
• Pannikin Espresso & Tea (Gate 39): Not only for adults — they provide baked items, pastries, and scorching cocoa, making it a fantastic cease for snacks. The unique outpost was in La Jolla for many years and Mexican scorching chocolate is a La Jollan favourite (has cinnamon and nutmeg). Native teenagers adore it.
• Elegant Desserts (Gate 38): Cookies, delicate serve, and different candy treats that work as bribes, rewards, or peace choices mid-tantrum.
• Beaudevin Wine Bar (Gate 39): Whereas not designed for teenagers, it’s a quieter house with shareable flatbreads and salads if you might want to sit down on this finish of the terminal.
• Starbucks (Gate 46-47): This outlet takes cellular order which I extremely suggest in any other case you’ll wait.
• Stone Brewing (Gate 36): A smaller outlet of a bigger native brewery identified for craft beer and it opens early at like 6 a.m. It’s a spot with tables if mother and father/guardians need to sit and have a drink whereas youngsters snack on gastropub fare.

Snack Runs and Final-Minute Necessities

For grab-and-go choices or forgotten gadgets, T2 West is effectively stocked.

• Stellar Information (Gate 39 space): Provide snacks, bottled drinks, gum, exercise books, and fundamental journey wants.
• Camden Meals Co. (close to Gate 36): Recent sandwiches, salads, reduce fruit, baked items, and packaged snacks with a more healthy tilt.
• Gaslamp MarketPlace (close to Gate 46): A mixture of San Diego–themed items, snacks, and children’ souvenirs.
• Tech on the Go (close to Gate 37): Chargers, headphones, and small electronics for surviving an extended flight.
• Warwick’s of La Jolla (Gate 47): This store is a real gem and should go to in La Jolla. I purchase a great deal of items and skip Amazon to purchase books right here in particular person. This beloved native bookstore has a fantastic youngsters’ part with books, puzzles, exercise kits, and little trinkets. It’s top-of-the-line stops for one thing quiet and screen-free earlier than you board.

Restrooms & Lactation Room

• Household restrooms are positioned all through the terminal and are clearly marked.
• A lactation room is offered close to Gates 34–35. It’s totally non-public and features a sink, electrical shops, and cozy seating.

Airplane Recognizing & Quiet Distractions

There’s a tucked-away known as Sundown Cove with some counter order spots (pizza, ramen, Mexican meals) with floor-to-ceiling home windows and good runway views. This is among the greatest locations on the airport for teenagers to look at planes take off and land. There’s additionally fro-yo right here.

Different quiet wins for visible distraction:

• Look out for artwork: Close to the Chase Lounge that’s a cool ceiling show we like with rotating lights and sculptural design delicate however surprisingly mesmerizing for teenagers.
• Massive home windows all through the concourse: Good for stating plane, gasoline vans, and floor crew exercise.
• The sculpture space close to Peet’s Espresso generally has attention-grabbing issues happening. Final time we have been there, dancers have been performing.

Terminal 2 East (Gates 20–33): Straightforward to Navigate, However Can Really feel Tight

In case your flight departs from Terminal 2 East (Alaska Airways and American Airways principally), you’re in one of the crucial compact, simple areas of the airport. I’ve spent a whole lot of time right here as an American AAdvantage Govt Platinum member.

It’s not as spacious as Terminal 2 West, nevertheless it’s simple to maneuver by way of which generally is a enormous plus when touring with youngsters.

Why This Terminal Works for Households

All the pieces you want is pretty shut collectively: safety, meals, bogs, and boarding gates are all kind of clustered in the identical wing that perhaps takes 5 minutes to stroll from finish to finish.

For those who’re attempting to keep away from gate-checking a stroller, that is most likely the simplest terminal for sporting a child in a provider although I’d preserve the stroller for toddlers.

That mentioned, when the airport is busy, seating close to the gates can refill shortly. There have been occasions after I’ve needed to stand within the Alaska gates whereas ready to board as a result of the ready space was packed. It’s not unmanageable simply one thing to concentrate on for those who’re touring throughout peak hours or holidays.

Child-Permitted Eating in Terminal 2 East

The eating space close to Gate 26 has the primary three locations on this listing side-by-side. These should not sit-down, however fairly counter order locations with restricted menus which might be mini variations of their bigger shops. There’s an space with tables you possibly can take your meals to subsequent door, that has enormous floor-to-ceiling home windows for aircraft recognizing.

• California Pizza Kitchen (Gate 26): You’ll be capable of seize a pizza or a salad to go.
• Panda Specific (Gate 26): Constant and quick. Youngsters love the rice, noodles, and orange hen.
• Jack within the Field (Gate 26): One other fast and acquainted selection.
• Artisan Market (Gate 23): Nice for more healthy grab-and-go snacks, recent pastries, and a big selection of drinks together with oat milk, almond milk, and scorching cocoa. There generally is a line nevertheless it normally strikes shortly it doubles as Pannikin which is the well-known native espresso store I discussed in T2 West. There’s no seating right here, you’d take this to your gate.

Aspire Lounge: Handy However Not Assured

The Aspire Lounge, positioned between Gates 23 and 33, is usually utilized by households together with mine. It’s usually a peaceable place to regroup, however there are a number of caveats:

• It’s not an enormous lounge and there’s no youngsters’ play space.
• Not too long ago, there have been traces to get in because of capped capability. So whereas it’s a fantastic choice for those who’re capable of enter, I wouldn’t depend on it 100%. I’ve seen this in any respect hours of the day.
• Youngsters underneath 2 are usually admitted free, which is a pleasant perk for households with infants.
• There’s an included buffet with fundamentals like continental breakfast gadgets, cheese and crackers, and low machines. Home wine and beer are included however they pour premium drinks at further cost. In addition they have Bare Juice smoothies behind the bar that youngsters like.

I feel the rationale for the traces is as a result of you will get in with an Admirals Membership membership, AMEX Platinum card, Precedence Go, and day passes. There are too some ways to get in. I’ll inform you than once they’re at capability, Admirals Membership takes precedence. I’ve been admitted with Admirals Membership however not AMEX earlier than.

Different Necessities & Structure Notes

• Household restrooms and lactation rooms can be found post-security, near Gate 23.
• The terminal connects airside with Terminal 2 West, so if you might want to cross over after safety, you can achieve this.
• There are many giant home windows right here too for planespotting.

Terminal 1 (New): What Households Ought to Know

I actually disliked the outdated Terminal 1. It was cramped, outdated, and onerous to handle with youngsters. There weren’t sufficient locations to take a seat, little or no meals selection, and general it might be an disagreeable begin to a visit.

The brand new Terminal 1 is an enormous enchancment for households. It’s brighter, cleaner, and feels prefer it was truly designed with passengers in thoughts. You’ll discover extra seating, eating shops which might be reputable native favorites, and improved movement.

That mentioned, this terminal continues to be evolving and has solely been open for a number of weeks. Airways are shifting gates and terminals throughout development and never all eating shops are open. At all times test the San Diego Airport web site earlier than flying to verify your terminal and gate project.

Pre-Safety Ideas

For those who’re arriving early or assembly somebody at arrivals, there are a number of useful spots pre-security:

• Einstein Bros. Bagels is a fast, dependable breakfast spot if you might want to gasoline up earlier than safety.
• The dramatic “RISE” jellyfish sculpture exterior the terminal makes for a enjoyable distraction for teenagers, particularly at night time when it’s lit up.
• Baggage declare and arrivals are straightforward to entry, however there isn’t a lot past seating and merchandising machines in that space simply but.

What It’s Like Airside

When you’re by way of safety, the brand new terminal is way more stress-free than its predecessor. Households will respect that restrooms, meals, and seating are all clustered pretty shut collectively, so that you’re not dragging drained youngsters throughout lengthy corridors to seek out what you want.

Eating & Snacks

Even when the complete slate of eating places isn’t open but, you’ll discover much-improved eating. At present, right here’s what you possibly can count on:

• McDonald’s: A standby for teenagers who need one thing predictable. Positioned airside, previous safety.
• Bankers Hill Bar & Market: That is the sit-down choice for vacationers who need one thing extra elevated. It’s very best if in case you have time to kill and wish an actual meal.
• Parfait Paris: A patisserie-style cease that serves croissants, macarons, and sweets — straightforward wins in case your youngsters are beginning to soften down.
• Ciao Connoisseur Market and different grab-and-go counters: You’ll discover sandwiches, fruit cups, and snacks for those who’re dashing to board or must prep your carry-on with one thing moreover goldfish crackers.
• Darkish Horse Espresso Roasters and Einstein Bros. Bagels spherical out the espresso and breakfast choices.

The airport has additionally introduced a future lineup that features native favorites Puesto, Cutwater Spirits, Kettner Alternate, Ambrogio15 (we eat right here lots) and extra. Double-check the eating listings on the SAN web site to see in the event that they’re open while you fly.

Purchasing & Necessities

Retail continues to be ramping up within the new terminal, however you possibly can count on the fundamentals like a journey necessities store with snacks, magazines, and children’ exercise books.

You’ll additionally see native reward choices and San Diego-themed souvenirs. Warwicks (the long-lasting La Jolla bookstore I already talked about in T2) is predicted to open a smaller outpost/kiosk in T1. I’m hoping that it’s additionally a spot the place households needing books or puzzles earlier than a flight can decide them up.

Facilities for Households

• Household restrooms can be found close to main gate clusters and embrace altering tables.
• Lactation rooms can be found each pre- and post-security, they usually’re clear, fashionable, and personal.
  • T1 West Rotunda: Degree 2, throughout from the elevator
  • T1 East Rotunda: Floor stage, previous the safety checkpoint
• Seating is healthier than the outdated terminal, which helps when flights are delayed or the gates are full. And it has electrical shops.
• A youngsters’ play space is a part of the deliberate build-out (precise location: close to Gate 7, primarily based on SAN’s public plans), nevertheless it’s not scheduled to open till 2028.

Floor Transportation: What Households Must Know

Getting out and in of San Diego Worldwide Airport is normally simple and one more reason why I like residing right here.

However there are a number of essential issues to know for those who’re touring with youngsters, particularly when coping with rental automobiles or rideshare pickup after an extended flight.

Rental Automotive Middle

All rental automobiles are dealt with at a devoted off-airport facility known as the Rental Automotive Middle (RCC). A free airport shuttle runs repeatedly, 24 hours a day, between each terminals and the middle. Shuttles are straightforward to identify and cargo from designated areas simply exterior baggage declare.

For those who’re flying with youthful youngsters or a number of items of baggage, simply bear in mind that the shuttle experience provides about 10–quarter-hour to your journey after touchdown. When you’re on board, it’s a easy experience, and it’s straightforward to seek out your rental automotive firm within the heart.

Rideshare Pickup (Uber, Lyft, and so forth.)

You’ll discover designated rideshare pickup areas at each Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

• Terminal 1: After you exit baggage declare, observe the indicators to the Transportation Plaza, which is throughout the road in a devoted space.
• Terminal 2: The rideshare zone is positioned on the Transportation Plaza as effectively. You’ll stroll throughout to the second lane curbside close to baggage declare. It’s clearly signed.

I’ve had no bother utilizing Uber or Lyft at SAN, however generally throughout peak hours, it might get somewhat busy and tough to see your driver’s license plate coming although not inconceivable.

Airport Shuttles

Along with the rental automotive shuttle, there’s a free inter-terminal shuttle that loops between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 all through the day. It operates roughly from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m. and is nice for those who’re switching airways. Strolling between terminals although isn’t too tough with a stroller and, honestly, is likely to be simpler.

There’s additionally the San Diego Flyer, a complimentary electrical shuttle that connects the airport to the Outdated City Transit Middle. That is useful for those who’re utilizing Amtrak or COASTER trains to get to North County with out renting a automotive. We generally have households staying at The Seabird Ocean Resort do that as a result of the Oceanside prepare station is a number of blocks away.

Assembly Household or Ready with Youngsters at Baggage Declare

For those who’re bringing youngsters to satisfy somebody on the airport or one guardian is amassing baggage there are spots to take a seat and wait.

Terminal 2’s baggage declare has somewhat outlet for drinks and snacks that’s these days not all the time open after I’m there. The brand new Terminal 1 has public artwork and somewhat extra respiratory room than earlier than within the arrivals space.

You’re allowed curbside pick-up, however you need to stay along with your automobile. There’s no idling or ready on the curb however individuals do it anyway and it causes congestion. Throughout busy occasions, employees shall be directing visitors and telling individuals to maneuver alongside.

On the finish of the day although, I like our airport and it’s pretty straightforward for households to navigate. If you might want to keep the night time, try my listing of high accommodations close to San Diego Airport and greatest accommodations in Downtown San Diego.