San José Mineta International Airport Prepares for Peak Travel Ahead of Fourth of July Holiday

Bustling terminals expected; travelers advised to plan ahead and bring REAL ID

San José, Calif. — San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is preparing for a busy Independence Day travel period, with holiday travel officially kicking off on Friday, June 27. SJC expects Thursday, July 3 to be the busiest day for departures, with over 21,000 travelers anticipated. 

Passengers traveling during this high-traffic period are encouraged to plan and take advantage of time-saving resources available at the Airport. 

SJC has compiled the following tips for a smooth travel experience:  

• Remember REAL ID: As of May 7, TSA no longer accepts state-issued identifications that are not REAL ID compliant at TSA security checkpoints. All airline passengers 18 years and older, including TSA PreCheck® members, must present REAL ID-compliant identification or another acceptable ID at TSA security checkpoints.
• Reserve Parking in Advance: Due to high demand, travelers are encouraged to reserve and pay for parking ahead of time. Car wash services through Future Wash are also available in Hourly, Daily and Economy lots.
• Check-in Online: Most airlines allow travelers to check in online up to 24 hours before departure and prepay for checked baggage. Doing so helps reduce time at the ticket counter — especially for those traveling with carry-on only.    
• Arrive Early and Be Prepared: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Travelers are encouraged to review TSA guidelines for packing and screening tips.   
• Use TSA PreCheck and CLEAR: Expedite the security process with TSA Precheck® and/or CLEAR, available at both SJC terminals. Walk-up enrollment and renewals for PreCheck are now available at CLEAR checkpoints, daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.   
• Accessible Travel Services: Travelers who may need extra assistance are encouraged to explore SJC Accessible Service and TSA Cares, which offer personalized support options.   
• Use Cell Phone Waiting Areas for Pickups: Drivers picking up passengers should use one of SJC’s two free Cell Phone Waiting Areas — located at 2470 Airport Blvd. and Airport Parkway near Technology Dr. Parking or idling at terminal curbs is not permitted.   

Need more information before traveling through SJC? Contact SJC at info@sjc.org or 408-392-3600.