Airport Authority offers important holiday travel tips - Free live musical performances to mark the holidays at SDIA

A busy holiday travel period is expected at San Diego International Airport (SDIA) through the day after New Year’s. The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is reminding the public about several useful tips to help make travel to and from the airport more convenient during this heavy travel period.

Plan Ahead – Arrive at least two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has estimated wait times for security checkpoints at SDIA and other airports throughout the US: http://waittime.tsa.dhs.gov. Tips on reducing wait times at security checkpoints, such as what items are permitted, are at http://www.tsa.gov.

3-1-1 Rule – The TSA reminds travelers who must carry liquids, gels and aerosols through the security check point: It’s as easy as 3-1-1:

• 3-ounce (or smaller) containers of liquid or gel are permitted in:

• 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag, limited to:

• 1 bag per passenger

The zip-top bag must be placed in a security bin before going through the security checkpoint. Items that don’t need to be placed in a zip-top bag include: baby formula, breast milk and baby food while traveling with a small child, medications, liquids (including water, juice or liquid nutrients) or gels for diabetics or other medical needs. All exceptions must be declared to a TSA Transportation Security Officer.

Locks and Luggage – The TSA often opens and inspects checked baggage before it goes onto planes. Bags already unlocked are easier for the TSA to check. However, locks on bags must be broken to be searched. There are TSA-approved locks available that the TSA can open and relock using special tools. Also, don’t over-pack your bags. If the TSA has to open them, closing overstuffed bags can be difficult and may result in your checked bag being delayed.

Be Prepared – Know what to expect at the security checkpoint. For example:

• Laptops must be removed from their cases

• Shoes must be removed (the Airport Authority has booties for travelers wishing to use them)

• Children must be taken out of strollers

• Please do not check wrapped gifts. Gifts should be wrapped after arriving at your destination.

• Leave lighters at home. They account for more than 80 percent of prohibited items.

Traffic & Drop-Off – Curbside parking restrictions are strictly enforced. Vehicles left unattended will be immediately ticketed and towed. Check with the airline or travel agent to confirm departure terminal in advance.

Cell Phone Lot – Motorists can avoid making a series of loops past the terminals by waiting for a cell phone call from an arriving passenger in the Cell Phone Lot, free of charge. It is located east of the Commuter Terminal, just across Harbor Drive from the US Coast Guard Station.

Disabled Parking – Parking for travelers with disabilities is available at all SDIA lots, conveniently located near each sky bridge elevator and all terminal entry points. For more information call (619) 291-2087.

Short- and Long-Term Parking – The parking options available at San Diego International Airport include short-term and long-term SAN Park lots along North Harbor Drive near Terminals 1 and 2, the Commuter Terminal and on Pacific Highway on the north side of SDIA. Individual lots are color-coded:

• Orange is for SAN Park NTC, located west of the airport

• Green is for SAN Park Harbor Drive, located east of the airport

• Blue is for SAN Park Pacific Highway, located north of the airfield

Free shuttle buses from long-term lots to all airport terminals are similarly colored-coded.

Extra assistance for passengers

Checkpoint Passenger Assistance Program – As part of the TSA “Partnership Program,” the Airport Authority has hired workers to streamline the screening process and decrease wait time at security checkpoints during the busy holiday travel season. SDIA is one of a few airports providing this assistance. It will be available through New Year’s Day. Holiday workers help travelers pass through passenger screening and manage the queuing of lines.

Green Coats Program – The airport deploys Airport Authority staff, known as Green Coats, to assist passengers with information, way finding and other forms of assistance. Green Coats will be visible throughout the terminals by their signature green blazers.

Free holiday entertainment

As part of the Airport Authority’s Performing Arts Program, free live music performances at SDIA will contribute to a festive holiday atmosphere and provide entertainment during the peak travel periods.