United Airlines, headquartered at Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois, is a prominent commercial airline in the United States.
The airline operates from eight primary hubs strategically situated at various airports across the country including Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), Denver (DEN), Guam (GUM), Houston/George Bush (IAH), Los Angeles International (LAX), Newark Liberty (EWR), San Francisco (SFO), and Washington Dulles (IAD).
Among the essential domestic routes for United flights, San Diego International Airport (SAN) holds a significant position.
In this blog, we will find out what terminal is United at San Diego Airport, and explore the terminal map, arrivals/departure information, lounge facility, and other amenities available for travelers.
Table of Contents
What terminal is United Airlines at San Diego Airport?
United Airlines operates from Terminal 2 at San Diego International Airport (SAN). All departures, and arrivals are handled from this terminal.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is a significant international airport that serves Greater San Diego in the state of California, USA.
Passengers at SAN Airport have the convenience of two well-equipped terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 boasts 19 gates, including Gate 1A and Gate 1-18, with two concourses situated at the East and West sides.
Similarly, Terminal 2 houses 32 gates, also featuring two concourses on its East and West ends.
United Airlines Services at San Diego Airport
- TSA PreCheck
- Ticketing/Check-in
- Customer Service
- United Club
- Immigration
- Shuttle Services
- Animal Relief Area
Traveling with your pets via United flights?
Please go through United Airlines Pet Policy to travel safely with your furry friend.
San Diego Airport Ground Transportation Facility
- Shuttle Services: Courtesy Shuttle Services are offered by participating San Diego-area hotels. Passengers need to visit the Hotel Courtesy Shuttle Zones on the transit islands at Terminals 1 and 2.
- Taxicab Service: Taxis at SAN Airport depart from the designated taxi zones located at the transit islands, on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level adjacent to each terminal.
- Ride Shares: There are several ride-share companies offering ride-share services at San Diego Airport. The passenger drop-off is located curbside at both Terminals 1 and 2.
- Rental Cars: SAN Airport features a consolidated Rental Car Center. Dedicated Shuttle Buses ferry passengers between the airport and Rental Car Center for free.
- Public Transportation: There are several public transportation services available at SAN Airport including Amtrak & Coaster, City Bus, Old Town Shuttle, Trolley Service, Limousines, and Luxury Sedans.
San Diego Airport Terminal Map (United Airlines)
United Airlines Departures Terminal San Diego
United departures from San Diego Airport are operated out of Terminal 2. Passengers are advised to check their flight status for terminal changes, flight updates, delays, or other important information.
Terminal facilities including baggage handling, security clearance, customer service, United Club Location, ticketing/check-in, and so on are offered at the departures section.
United Airlines Arrivals Terminal San Diego
United arrivals at San Diego Airport are handled at Terminal 2.
Baggage Claim, Security Clearance, Immigration, food & dining options, special assistance, customer service, and other basic amenities are available at the arrivals.
Does San Diego Airport have a United Club?
United Club at San Diego Airport can be found in Terminal 2 West, Mezzanine Level above Sunset Cove, between Gates 47, and 48. This premium airport lounge opens daily from 5:15 am to 10 pm.
Eligible United passengers can enjoy light snacks, beverages, complimentary Wi-Fi, and other basic amenities at United Club.
Amenities Offered by United Club at SAN Airport: Complimentary Wi-FI, Light Snacks, and Full-Service Bar
If you want to explore eligibility requirements for United Club, you can go through this detailed guide.
Food and Shopping Facilities at San Diego Airport
United passengers can visit top-quality restaurants in San Diego Airport Terminal 2, and taste delicious cuisines, beverages, and relax while they wait for their departure flight.
| RESTAURANTS IN SAN T2 | FOOD OPTIONS |
| Artisan Market (Gate 23) | Freshly prepared Sandwiches, Salads, Pastries, Beer, Coffee, Espresso, Tea |
| Beaudevin Wine & Tapas Bar (Gate 42) | Wines, sandwiches, and salads |
| Bubbles Seafood and Wine Bar (Sunset Cove) | Fresh seafood small plates, beers, wines, champagnes and dessert |
| California Pizza Kitchen (Gate 26) | Signature pizzas, distinctive salads, soups, and sandwiches |
| Camden Food Co. (Gate 47) | Salad Bar, Sandwiches, Coffee, Bakery, Breakfast, Snacks, & Healthy Market |
| Einstein Bros. Bagels (Pre-Security) | Artisan-roasted coffee, fresh-baked bagels, snacks, sandwiches & more. |
| Elegant Desserts (Gate 38) | Donuts, cookies, desserts-in-a-jar |
| Jack in the Box (Gate 26) | Burgers, fries & breakfast |
| Panda Express (Gate 26) | Chinese Cuisines |
| Pannikin Coffee & Tea (Gate 38 & Sunset Cove) | Freshly Baked Pastries, Locally Roasted Coffee, Espresso & Tea |
| Peet’s Coffee & Tea (Gate 26) | Coffee, Tea, Pastries, and Fruits |
| PGA Tour Grill (Gate 36) | Heart-healthy Entrees, Golf-themed cocktails, and healthy breakfast options |
| Phil’s B.B.Q (Gate 46) | Award winning BBQ for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner |
| Prado at the Airport (Gate 26) | California Cuisine |
| Qdoba Mexican Grill (Sunset Cove) | Mexican, Burritos, Tacos, Quesadillas, Salads, & Breakfast |
| Red Mango (Sunset Cove) | Frozen Yogurt & Smoothies |
| Saffron Thai (Sunset Cove) | Fresh and healthy Thai food for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner |
| Starbucks (Gate 37) | Espresso Beverages, Delicious Pastries, Sandwiches & Salads |
| Stone Brewing Company (Gate 36) | San Diego Craft Beer, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
| Tommy V’s Pizzeria (Sunset Cove) | Pizzas, Pastas, and Salads |
| Urban Crave (Gate 48) | Burgers, Sandwiches, American (New), Full Bar, Breakfast |
In addition to the food options, passengers can enjoy shopping at several retail shops in Terminal 2.
Be Relax Spa, Brookstone, CNBC Express, Gaslamp Marketplace, Hudson, InMotion Entertainment, Lindbergh Field News, Old Town News & Market, PGA Tour Shop, Rip Curl, SANd News, Sky Free Shop, Soundbalance, Stellar News, Sunglass Hut, Swarovski, Tech on the Go, U.S. News & World Report, and Warwick’s of La Jolla are the retail shops located in SAN Terminal 2.
San Diego Airport Parking Facility
You can find various parking spaces at San Diego International Airport (SAN) including Terminal 2 Parking Plaza, Parking Reservations, Curbside Valet Parking, a Cell Phone Lot, and Employee Parking Lot.
The Terminal 2 Parking Plaza at SAN airport is recently upgraded with 1,800 extra parking spaces, covered parking, EV charging stations, and state-of-the-art technology. United Airlines customers can park at the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza for convenience and easy access to the terminals.
The construction of the new Terminal T1 Parking Plaza is going on at the airport and is expected to open in Fall 2024. So, the Terminal 1 Parking lot is permanently closed. That’s why Terminal 2 Parking Plaza is the best place to park at SAN Airport as it offers easy access to both terminals and is also the best lot for international travel.
Parking rates at San Diego Airport
| PARKING TIME | RATE |
| 0 – 30 minutes | $2.50 |
| 30 – 60 minutes | $6.00 |
| 1 hour – 1.5 hours | $8.00 |
| 1.5 hours – 2 hours | $10.00 |
| 2 hours – 2.5 hours | $12.00 |
| 2.5 hours – 3 hours | $14.00 |
| 3 hours – 3.5 hours | $16.00 |
| 3.5 hours – 4 hours | $18.00 |
| 4 hours – 4.5 hours | $20.00 |
| 4.5 hours – 5 hours | $22.00 |
| 5 hours – 7 hours | $28.00 |
| 7 hours – 24 hours | $32.00 |
Car Rental Services at San Diego Airport
San Diego International Airport features a consolidated Rental Car Center located at 3355 Admiral Boland Way, San Diego. There are 12 on-site rental car providers at the rental car center. Besides, there are two other off-site rental car agencies serving passengers at SAN.
The airport offers free dedicated shuttle buses that run continuously to let passengers move between the airport terminals and the Rental Car Center.
| RENTAL CAR COMPANIES AT SAN DIEGO AIRPORT | CONTACT |
| Alamo Rent a Car | 1.800.462.5266 |
| Avis Rent a Car | 1.800.633.3469 |
| Budget Rent a Car | 1.800.527.0700 |
| Dollar Car Rental | 1.800.800.4000 |
| Enterprise Rent a Car | 1.855.266.9289 |
| Fox Rent-A-Car | 1.855.571.8410 |
| Hertz Rent A Car | 1.800.654.3131 |
| National Car Rental | 1.800.CAR.RENT (227.7368) |
| Payless Car Rental | 1.800.PAYLESS (729.5377) |
| Sixt Rent a Car | 1.858.764.9338 |
| Thrifty Car Rental | 1.800.847.4389 |
| ZipCar | 1.866.494.7227 |
There are two off-site rental car agencies nearby San Diego Airport: Mex/Ace Rent A Car (619.255.9094), and Nu Car Rentals (844.270.2377).
If you are an AAA member, AARP member, active-duty military personnel, national guard, and federal government employee, you get exclusive car rental discounts, and benefits.
(Check out the following blogs to grab the discounts, and amenities.)
How to get car rental discounts with AAA?
A Comprehensive Guide to Car Rental Discounts with AARP.
Discover Military Discounts for Car rental services.
Explore 15+ PRO TIPS to get cheaper car rental discounts every time.
Conclusion on ‘What terminal is United at San Diego Airport?’
We’ve reached the end of this blog where we explored the United Airlines Terminal at San Diego Airport. We covered everything from the terminal map, arrivals, and departures to the United Club amenities, terminal restaurants, parking, and car rental services.
If you’re planning to travel through San Diego Airport on United flights, this guide could be really helpful for you. It gives you all the essential information you need to know to navigate the terminal and make the most of your trip. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!
Let’s wrap up with some major points listed below.
- San Diego International Airport (SAN) is a major international airport serving Greater San Diego, California.
- SAN Airport features two passenger terminals namely Terminal 1, and Terminal 2.
- United Airlines operates from Terminal 2 East at San Diego Airport.
- Eligible United passengers can enjoy light snacks, beverages, and complimentary Wi-Fi at United Club in SAN Terminal 2. Besides, they can also visit restaurants, and retail shops to enjoy delicious cuisines, beverages, and shopping.
- Various on-site, and off-site parking locations are available in, and near San Diego Airport.
FAQs on United Terminal at San Diego Airport
Is United Airlines at Terminal 2 at San Diego?
Yes, United Airlines operates from Terminal 2 at San Diego International Airport (SAN). The arrival, and departure flights are handled from this terminal.
Can you walk between Terminals at San Diego Airport?
Terminal 1, and Terminal 2 at San Diego Airport are connected by pedestrian walkways so, passengers can move between these two terminals in a few minutes.
How early should I arrive at San Diego Airport?
United passengers are advised to arrive at San Diego Airport at least 2 hours before their scheduled domestic departure, and 3 hours prior to scheduled international departure.
What terminal is United Lounge at San Diego Airport?
United Airlines offers United Club at San Diego Airport that is located in Terminal 2 West, Mezzanine Level above Sunset Cove, between Gates 47, and 48.
What airlines are in Terminal 2 at San Diego Airport?
Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Edelweiss, Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Lufthansa, United Airlines, and WestJet are in Terminal 2 at San Diego Airport.
