John Wayne Airport (JWA) is a beautiful airport located in the heart of Southern California that offers a truly unique travel experience. The airport provides a feeling of luxury and sophistication.
Not only the stylish interior and modern infrastructures, but John Wayne Airport also features various services including excellent dining, shopping, duty-free, art exhibitions, and more.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, and discover the many features, and amenities that make it one of the most renowned airports in the United States.
So, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Explore John Wayne Airport in Orange County
John Wayne Airport (ICAO: KSNA, IATA: SNA, FAA LID: SNA) is the major airport in Orange County, California that is categorized as a commercial, and general aviation airport.
The airport was originally known as Orange County Airport but was later renamed John Wayne Airport in 1979 in honor of actor John Wayne.
The 3-letter designator assigned to the airport by IATA is ‘SNA’. The airport is commonly known by its 3-letter short form ‘JWA’.
Situated at an elevation of 56 ft (17 m) above mean sea level (AMSL), JWA serves Orange County, and the Greater Los Angeles Area. At present, 13 commercial airlines, and two cargo carriers operate regular flights to and from SNA.
SNA serves more than 10 million yearly passengers, and is also home to almost 500 general aviation aircraft. A total of 68% of operations at the airport are covered by general aviation.
With this short introduction, let’s move forward to explore more about the airport.
John Wayne Airport Terminals
There are three terminals available at John Wayne Airport which are Terminals A, B, and C. All these terminals are located within the same Thomas F. Riley building.
SNA Terminal History
The original 22,000-square-foot Tom Henderson Terminal was constructed in 1967 to accommodate 400,000 yearly travelers. Renovations included the addition of two passenger waiting areas in 1974, a new baggage claim zone in 1980, and a terminal expansion building in 1982, increasing the facility’s size to 29,000 square feet. The Tom Henderson Terminal was razed in 1994 after the new Alexander M. Davis Terminal was finished.
The Alexander M. Davis Terminal was unveiled to the public on September 16, 1990, and is named after the former Fifth District Supervisor, whose involvement in community talks advanced the Airport Improvement Project that led to the construction of the new Terminal complex. The 337,900 square-foot structure (Terminals A and B) had 14 commercial traveler gates, four baggage carousels, two airline club lounges, and a variety of food and gift concessions. The updated Terminal was designed to handle 8.4 Million Annual Passengers (MAP).
In 2011, JWA finished the bulk of a multi-year enhancement program that encompassed the construction of a third multi-story Terminal C with six new commercial traveler gates; two commuter terminals; new security checkpoints; additional dining and shopping concessions; increased baggage screening capabilities; new federal inspection facilities to serve international arrivals; Parking Structure C with over 2,000 parking spaces; a Central Utility Plant; and a new South Remain-Over-Night (RON) aircraft parking area.
The present-day Davis Terminal is 730,505 square feet and features 20 commercial traveler gates and two smaller commuter passenger terminals at the northern and southern ends. In October 2018, the Airport concluded a significant improvement project that, in addition to a multitude of safety, code, comfort, and aesthetic enhancements, also included the installation of a Nursing Mother’s Lounge and Animal Relief Area.
JWA Terminal Facilities
- Accessibility
- Airport Tours
- Animal Relief Areas
- Baggage Claim Areas
- ATM
- Bob Hope USO
- Charging Stations
- Currency Exchange
- Healthy Travels
- Travel Assistance
- Hoag Health Services
- Lost & Found
- Nursing Mother’s Lounge
- OC AirPASS
- Travel Tips
- TSA PreCheck
- Water Refill
- Free Wi-Fi access throughout the airport
John Wayne Airport Runway Length
Talking about the runway, SNA Airport is equipped with two asphalt runways with the designations Rwy 02L/20R, and Rwy 02R/20L.
Runway 02L/20R is the longer runway with a length of 5,700 ft (1,737 m) whereas the shorter Runway 02R/20L is only 2,886 ft (880 m) long. The shorter runway is not able to facilitate big jet operations.
As we discussed above, JWA airport serves both commercial and general aviation operations. The 2,887-foot runway facilitates general aviation activities while the 5,700-foot primary runway is responsible for handling both commercial, and general aviation aircraft.
| SNA RUNWAY DESIGNATION | LENGTH | SURFACE |
| RWY 02L/20R | 5,700 ft (1,737 m) | Asphalt |
| RWY 02R/20L | 2,886 ft (880 m) | Asphalt |
John Wayne Airport Gate Map
The Thomas R. Filey building at JWA Airport holds three terminals: A, B, and C. You can find a total of 22 commercial passenger gates, and 2 smaller commuter passenger terminals at the north and south ends.
Terminals A, and B accommodate a total of 13 commercial passenger gates, and 4 baggage carousels. On the other hand, Terminal C holds 9 new commercial passenger gates.
| JWA TERMINALS | GATES |
| Terminal A | 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 |
| Terminal B | 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 |
| Terminal C | 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22A, 22B, and 22C |
What airlines fly out of John Wayne Airport?
A total of 12 passenger airlines operate regular commercial passenger flights to and from John Wayne Airport in Orange County. The list of operating airlines with their respective destinations, and terminals are illustrated in the table below.
| AIRLINES | JWA TERMINAL | DESTINATIONS |
| Air Canada | Terminal A | Vancouver |
| Alaska Airlines | Terminal B | Everett, Portland (OR), San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Seattle/Tacoma |
| Allegiant Air | Terminal C | Austin, Boise, Eugene, Idaho Falls, Las Vegas, Medford, Missoula, Phoenix/Mesa, Provo, Reno/Tahoe, Sioux Falls, Spokane Seasonal: Des Moines |
| American Airlines | Terminal A | Austin, Charlotte, Chicago–O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York–JFK, Phoenix–Sky Harbor |
| Breeze Airways | Terminal A | Orlando, Pittsburgh, Provo, Cincinnati, and Columbus |
| Delta Air Lines | Terminal A | Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Salt Lake City, Seattle/Tacoma |
| Frontier Airlines | Terminal C | Dallas/Fort Worth (begins May 21, 2023), Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix–Sky Harbor |
| JSX | ACI Jet | Concord (CA), Dallas–Love, Las Vegas, Oakland, Reno/Tahoe Seasonal: Monterey |
| Southwest Airlines | Terminal C | Austin, Dallas–Love, Denver, Las Vegas, Nashville, Oakland, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Puerto Vallarta, Sacramento, San Jose (CA), San José del Cabo Seasonal: Houston–Hobby, St. Louis |
| Spirit Airlines | Terminal C | Las Vegas, Oakland, and Phoenix |
| United Airlines | Terminal B | Chicago–O’Hare, Denver, Houston–Intercontinental, Newark, San Francisco |
| WestJet | Terminal A | Calgary, Vancouver |
In addition to the passenger airlines, there are two cargo operators (FedEx Express, and UPS Airlines) responsible for cargo operations to and from JWA.
| CARGO AIRLINES | DESTINATIONS |
| FedEx Express | Los Angels, and Memphis |
| UPS Airlines | Phoenix–Sky Harbor, and Louisville |
What airlines fly direct to John Wayne Airport in Orange County?
Almost all commercial passenger airlines operating at JWA Airport except American Airlines offer non-stop flights to various destinations.
You can refer to the following table to find out what airlines fly direct to JWA Airport with the non-stop destinations.
| AIRLINES AT JWA | NON-STOP DESTINATIONS |
| Air Canada | Vancouver, Canada (YVR) |
| Alaska Airlines | Everett (PAE), Portland (PDX), San Francisco (SFO), Santa Rosa/Sonoma (STS), and Seattle (SEA) |
| Allegiant Air | Austin (AUS), Boise (BOI), Des Moines (DSM), Eugene (EUG), Idaho Falls (IDA), Las Vegas (LAS), Medford (MFR), Missoula (MSO), Phoenix (PHX), Provo (PVU), and Sioux Falls (FSD) |
| Breeze Airways | Cincinnati (CVG), Columbus (CMH), Orlando (MCO), Pittsburgh (PIT), and Prove (PVU) |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP), Salt Lake City (SLC), and Seattle (SEA) |
| Frontier Airlines | Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), and Phoenix (PHX) |
| JSX | Concord (CCD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DAL), Las Vegas (LAS), Mammoth (MMH), Monterey (MRY), Oakland (OAK), and Reno (RNO) |
| Southwest Airlines | Dallas/Fort Worth (DAL), Houston (IAH), Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (SJD) |
| Spirit Airlines | Phoenix (PHX) |
| United Airlines | Houston (IAH) |
| WestJet | Calgary (YYC), and Vancouver (YVR) |
How early do I need to arrive at John Wayne Airport?
To ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience, John Wayne Airport recommends that passengers plan ahead and arrive at the airport well in advance of their scheduled departure time.
For domestic flights, it is advised to arrive at least 1-1/2 to 2 hours prior to the scheduled departure time, while for international flights, it is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours in advance.
This will provide sufficient time to navigate through the airport, including parking, checking in for your flight, and completing the necessary security screenings.
Additionally, arriving early will allow you to take advantage of the airport’s many amenities and services, including dining, shopping, and lounges, and ensure that you board your flight on time.
Airline Club Lounges at John Wayne Airport in Orange County
There are two airline lounges at JWA Airport: American Airlines Admirals Club, and United Airlines United Club.
| AIRLINES LOUNGE AT JWA | LOCATION | OPERATIONAL TIME |
| American Airlines Admirals Club | Mezzanine Level of the Terminal | 5:15 am to 6:30 pm (MON-WED) 5:15 am to 4:15 pm (THU-SAT) 6:15 am to 6:30 pm (SUN) |
| United Airlines United Club | Near Gate 9 | Daily from 5:30 am to 8:30 pm |
John Wayne Airport Restaurants in Terminals A, B, and C
| RESTAURANTS IN JWA TERMINAL | LOCATION | SPECIALITY |
| California Pizza Kitchen | Gate 5 (Terminal A) | California-style cuisine offering globally inspired flavors and quality ingredients with its signature hearth-baked pizzas, creative salads, soups, and sandwiches. |
| Carl’s Jr./Green Burrito | Gate 16 (Terminal C) | Premium Qualify Burgets |
| Ciao Gourmet Market | Gate 17 (Terminal C) | Combination of great food, and packaged products for on-the-go consumption |
| Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf | Gate 5 (Terminal A)Gate 16 (Terminal C)Baggage Claim (Terminal B) | Delicious, handcrafted beverages including signature Ice Blended drinks |
| Farmer’s Market | Gate 8/9 (Terminal A/B) | Fresh Soups, and Salads generated from local California-sourced ingredients |
| Hobie Sand Bar | Gate 12 (Terminal B) | Known for recreating the Hobie Surfboard Co. |
| Jamba Juice | Gate 13/14 (Terminal B/C) | Refreshing smoothies, bowls, juice, or shots. |
| McDonald’s McCafe | Gate 5 (Terminal A)Gate 12 (Terminal B) | Hamburgers, Chicken Sandwiches, Salads, French Fries, Soft Drinks, Breakfast items, and Desserts |
| OC Pizza | Gate 13/14 (Terminal B/C) | Crust Pizza, Pasta, Salads, and more. |
| Qdoba | Gate 13/14 (Terminal B/C) | Burritos, Bowls, Tacos, Quesadillas, and Nachos |
| Ruby’s Diner | Gate 8/9 (Terminals A/B) | Delicious Burgers, Crisp Onion Rings, Fresh Garden Salads, and Milkshakes |
| Starbucks Coffee | Gate 12 (Terminal B) | A menu of handcrafted beverages |
| Stella Artois Belgian Beer Bar | Gate 15/16 (Terminal C0 | Modern Beer experience with Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, and Leffe Blonde from Belgium |
| Vino Volo | Gate 9 (Terminal B) | Various wines from around the world |
John Wayne Airport Parking Facility
JWA Airport offers on-site, and off-site parking facilities where visitors and passengers can park their vehicles with different parking options including Terminal Parking, Off-Airport Parking, Curbside Valet Parking, Cell Phone Waiting Area, Accessible Parking, and EV Charging Stations.
Hourly, or daily parking rates are applicable when using parking facilities are the airport.
JWA Suggestion: Please allow extra time to find parking as Terminal Parking Structures A1, A2, B2, and C tend to fill quickly. Additional parking options include Curbside Valet and the Main Street Parking Lot with free shuttle service.
| JWA PARKING FACILITY | APPLICABLE CHARGE | OPERATIONAL TIME |
| Terminal Parking | $2 per hour$20 per day | 24 hours |
| Off-Airport Parking (Main St) | $2 per hour$14 per day | 24 hours |
| Curbside Valet Parking | $10 per hour$30 per day | 5:00 am to 11:00 pm daily |
Talking about the EV, JWA features a total of 61 EV charging stations where customers can park, and charge their cars in all four parking facilities at the Thomas F. Riley Terminal, as well as the Main Street Parking Lot.
JWA Parking Facility with EV Stations
| PARKING FACILITY | EV STATIONS |
| A1 ( Level 1) | 8 |
| A2 (Level 1) | 9 |
| A2 (Level 2) | 20 |
| B2 (Level 1) | 8 |
| C (Level 1) | 6 |
| Main Street | 9 |
John Wayne Airport Car Rental Services
Both on-site and off-site car rental services are available at John Wayne Airport in Orange County.
Convenient rental services are offered by 8 rental companies at the JWA Terminal. The counters can be found on the Arrival (Lower) Level, between Terminals A, and B, across from the John Wayne statue.
The pick-up, and drop-off section is located on Level ‘O’ of Parking Lots A2, and B2. Customers can use these services from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm daily.
Navigation Tip: Take the elevator down in parking structures A2, B2, or Ground Transportation Center to access level “0”.
| ON-SITE CAR RENTAL COMPANIES ATJWA | CONTACT NUMBER |
| Alamo Rent A Car | (888) 826-6893 |
| Avis Car Rental | (800) 633-3469 |
| Budget Rent A Car | (800) 218-7992 |
| Dollar Rent A Car | (800) 800-4000 |
| Enterprise Rent-A-Car | (800) 261-7331 |
| Hertz Rent A Car | (800) 654-3131 |
| National Car Rental | (888) 826-6890 |
| Thrifty Car Rental | (800) 334-1705 |
In addition to the on-site services, you can find various off-site car rental companies that are licensed to pick up passengers from the Ground Transportation Center, and shuttle them to their off-site location.
| OFF-SITE CAR RENTAL COMPANIES ATJWA | CONTACT NUMBER |
| Fox/Payless Rent-A-Car | (800) 225-4369 | (714) 874-5322 |
| Go Rentals | (800) 464-8267 | (949) 222-1900 |
| Los Angeles Van Rentals | (888) 452-8267 |
| Orange County Van Rental | (877) 826-7452 | (714) 549-2618 |
| SNA Auto Rental | (877) 342-4477 | (949) 251-0202 |
| Stop-N-Go Rent-A-Car | (888) 704-7867 | (949) 222-0100 |
| U-Save Car & Truck Rental | (888) 755-6664 | (949) 752-6664 |
| United Auto Rental | (888) 660-0101 |
| United Van Rentals | (877) 722-8267 | (949) 861-2453 |
John Wayne Airport Baggage Claim Phone Number
Baggage Claim at JWA Airport is located on the Arrival (Lower) Level of Terminals A, B, and C. Passengers can access the areas via escalator, elevator, or stairs.
| JWA TERMINAL | BAGGAGE CAROUSELS |
| Terminal A | Carousels 1, and 2 |
| Terminal B | Carousels 3, and 4 |
| Terminal C | Carousels 5, 6, and 7 |
To contact baggage claim, you can call customer service–(949) 252-5200 or Lost & Found–(949) 252-5140.
John Wayne Airport Customer Service Contact
Passengers can contact JWA Customer service via call, email, or TTY.
| JWA CUSTOMER SERVICE | CONTACT INFORMATION |
| CALL | (949) 252-5200 |
| info@ocair.com | |
| TTY | (949) 955-9153 |
| LOST & FOUND | (949) 252-5140 |
Discover the Closest Airports to John Wayne Airport
Long Beach Airport (LGB), Ontario International Airport (ONT), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Are the 3 major airports close to John Wayne Airport in Orange County.
The following table shows the list of the top 8 nearest airports to JWA.
| CLOSEST AIRPORTS TO JWA | ESTIMATED DISTANCE FROM JWA | DRIVING TIME |
| Long Beach (LGB) | 22.3 miles | 24 minutes |
| Ontario International Airport (ONT) | 41 miles | 42 minutes |
| Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | 41.5 miles | 41 minutes |
| Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) | 52.4 miles | 48 minutes |
| McClellan-Palomar Airport (CRQ) | 57.6 miles | 52 minutes |
| Van Nuys Airport (VNY) | 58.5 miles | 55 minutes |
| San Diego Airport (SAN) | 85.2 miles | 1 hour 16 minutes |
| Palm Springs Airport (PSP) | 106 miles | 1 hour 45 minutes |
Related: Airports close to Disneyland California (SNA, LAX, and ONT)
Conclusion on John Wayne Airport in Orange County
John Wayne Airport is the only major airport in Orange County that offers a stress-free travel experience for all types of travelers. Various passenger, and cargo airlines operate regular flights to and from JWA airport connecting to major U.S. destinations and some international routes.
JWA offers a number of services, and amenities to enhance your travel experience. The airport is well-equipped to meet the needs of all types of travelers.
If you’re planning to visit Orange County, consider flying into John Wayne Airport, and experience the convenience, and comfort it has to offer.
After all, as John Wayne himself once said, “Courage is being scared to death…and saddling up anyway.” So go ahead, saddle up, and let John Wayne Airport take you to your next adventure.
FAQs on John Wayne Airport in Orange County
Is Orange County SNA the same as John Wayne Airport?
Initially identified as Orange County Airport, JWA was subsequently renamed in 1979 to John Wayne Airport as a tribute to the late actor John Wayne.
Why is Orange County Airport called John Wayne?
Orange County Airport was renamed John Wayne Airport in 1979 as a tribute to the legendary actor John Wayne. He was a famous Hollywood actor, and also contributed to aviation, and the local community.
What airport is close to John Wayne Orange County?
Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the closest airport to John Wayne as it is located just 22.3 miles away. Besides, Ontario International Airport (ONT), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are the other two nearby airports located 41 miles, and 41.5 miles away respectively.
What is the new airline out of John Wayne Airport?
Breeze Airways is the new airline operating flights out of John Wayne Airport. The airline debuted its services from JWA Airport with the first-ever ‘Orange County to Orange County’ flight, to Orlando (MCO).
Does John Wayne Airport have international flights?
John Wayne Airport offers international flights to Mexico and Canada. Southwest Airlines provides non-stop flights from JWA to Cabo San Lucas (SJD), and Puerto Vallarta (PVR) in Mexico. Likewise, non-stop flights to Vancouver, Canada (YVR) from John Wayne are operated by Air Canada and WestJet.
