Is a 45 min layover in San Diego long enough?

SAN · San Diego International Lindbergh Fld · San Diego, United States
It Depends

A 45 minutes layover at SAN (San Diego) is tight — it may or may not be enough.

Matches the domestic-domestic minimum connect time but leaves no cushion for delays or a terminal switch.
Concourses
2
Max Transit
20m
Avg. Security
15m
Primary Hub
—
Domestic → Domestic
45min
tight
Domestic → International
60min
✗
International → Domestic
90min
✗
International → International
75min
✗
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
Check your terminal assignment before booking a tight connection, since a same-terminal transfer is far easier than a cross-terminal one.
If you must switch from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 (or vice versa), budget extra time for the shuttle bus plus a full second security screening.
SAN's international arrivals facility in Terminal 2 is small, so connecting off an international inbound flight can take longer than expected during peak arrival banks.
Use TSA PreCheck if eligible, as it can meaningfully cut the re-screening time for terminal-changing connections.
Southwest and Alaska passengers often stay within the same terminal, which simplifies many domestic-domestic connections here.
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are linked only by a free curbside shuttle bus (the 'Airport Loop' service) that runs every few minutes outside the secure zone, since there is no airside walkway or train connecting them. Passengers changing terminals must exit security, board the shuttle for a roughly 10-15 minute ride depending on traffic and waiting, then queue through screening again on the other side.
Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?

Matches the domestic-domestic minimum connect time but leaves no cushion for delays or a terminal switch.

What is the minimum connection time at SAN?

Minimum connection times at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld: Domestic-to-Domestic is 45 minutes, International-to-International is 75 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.

Can I make a 45 minutes connection at SAN on an international flight?

45 minutes is below the 75-minute international MCT at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld. You may need to rush and could miss your connection. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are linked only by a free curbside shuttle bus (the 'Airport Loop' service) that runs every few minutes outside the secure zone, since there is no airside walkway or train connecting them. Passengers changing terminals must exit security, board the shuttle for a roughly 10-15 minute ride depending on traffic and waiting, then queue through screening again on the other side.

How much time do I need for a layover at SAN?

We recommend at least 50 minutes for a comfortable connection at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld. This gives you enough buffer for security (typically 15 minutes) and transit between terminals (up to 20 minutes).

What happens if I miss my connection at SAN?

If you miss a connection at SAN, head to your airline's ticket counter or gate agent in the terminal you land in, as Southwest, Alaska, and other major carriers have staffed service desks in both terminals; given the airport's small size, rebooking on a later same-day flight is usually straightforward.

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