(SANTA ANA, CA) – Guests traveling through John Wayne Airport during the Thanksgiving travel period from Friday, November 22, through Sunday, December 1, 2024, can expect increased passenger traffic and busier roadways. The Airport recommends that travelers be prepared and provides the following holiday air travel tips:
Arrival:
- Passengers are encouraged to arrive 90 minutes to two hours before scheduled departure times for domestic flights and three hours for international flights to find parking, check luggage, and go through security screening.
Construction Updates:
- Please allow extra time when traveling to the Airport as some roadways, parking areas or spaces in the Terminal may be affected by construction activities.
- Travelers should be aware of ongoing Capital Improvement Program projects (CIP) at John Wayne Airport. These projects are designed to enhance the traveler experience and include upgrades to infrastructure, parking facilities, and Terminal amenities.
- For the latest updates on construction impacts, visit www.ocair.com/CIP.
Parking:
- Curbside Valet Parking is available on the Departure (upper) Level curbside from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. On your return, call 949-252-6260 or 2-4018 from any White Courtesy phone for faster service.
- Parking Structures A1, A2, B2, and C are located directly across from the Riley Terminal at a rate of $2/hour up to $20/day. Travelers can plan by checking real-time parking availability online HERE or by calling 949-252-5200. Vehicle access to Terminal Parking Structures is available from the Departure (upper) Level only.
- Electric Vehicle (EV) parking spots are located on Level 1 inside Terminal Parking Structures A1, B2, and C, and on Level 2 in Parking Structure A2. Available on a first-come first-served basis, charging stations are easily identified by EV reflective signage and parking space surface markings.
- Off Airport Parking is available 24/7 at 1512 Main Street, Irvine, CA 92614, for $2 per hour or $14 daily, with complimentary shuttles running every 15 minutes between 4:30 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. to and from the Riley Terminal, including accessible lift-equipped buses.
Security Checkpoints:
- Know the Transportation Security Administration’s 3-1-1 Liquids Rule for carry-on bags. Traveling with food tip: If you can spill it, spread it, pump it, or pour it, the TSA considers this item a liquid. View more TSA Thanksgiving travel tips HERE or a list of frequently asked TSA questions HERE.
- Enroll in TSA Pre✓® to expedite screening and reduce wait times.
- There are specific rules and exceptions for passengers traveling with infant care items. Visit the TSA Traveling with Children webpage for more information.
Passenger Pick-Up/Drop-Off:
- Temporarily park your car for free at the JWA Cell Phone Waiting Lot located south of Parking Structure C near the corner of MacArthur Blvd. and Campus Dr. where visitors can wait until passengers are ready to be picked up.
- Color-coded and numbered columns along the white curb on the Arrival (lower) Level roadway make meeting arriving passengers easy.
App-Based Rideshare: Uber, Lyft
- Ride app pick-up locations are on the Departure (upper) Level in Parking Structures A2 and B2 directly across from the Riley Terminal, and in Parking Structure C on Level 3 near the ticketing area. Ride app drop-off locations are curbside on the Departure Level. More information is available HERE.
For more travel tips and additional information about John Wayne Airport, visit www.ocair.com.