Airport Construction Update

December 1, 2009

 

United, Continental, and JetBlue are moving from Terminal C to Terminal A

If you’re planning a flight on JetBlue, United, or Continental this month, be sure you go to the correct terminal. These carriers are moving from Terminal C to Terminal A this week and next week. 

  • JetBlue begins operations in Terminal A on Thursday, December 3. JetBlue’s new ticket counter will be in Terminal A's North Ticket Lobby, right next to American Airlines.  Inside the terminal, JetBlue will operate out of Gate 5.
  • United and Continental both begin operations in Terminal A on Wednesday, December 9. Both carriers will use ticket counters in the South Ticket Lobby, next to the Southwest Airlines stations.  Inside, Continental will use Gate 9, and United will use Gates 10 and 11. 

  

Passengers who are returning on these airlines after these dates should make note of the changes so they can make the right arrangements for pick up and parking at Terminal A.  Go to the Airport’s website for more information.

  

This is the first phase of airline transitions to their new locations at the New Airport.  When we open the new Terminal B in June, our remaining carriers in Terminal C will move to either Terminal A or Terminal B, clearing out the old terminal for demolition next summer. The Airport's $1.3 billion modernization program remains on schedule and on budget.

  

  

Holiday travel advice

During the busy holiday travel season, all travelers should make sure they're ready for takeoff: plan ahead, know the rules for security, and be at your terminal early. We continue to advise our holiday travelers to get to their terminal at the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight (two hours for international flights) so you have plenty of time to clear security, find your gate, and perhaps to grab a bite to eat.    

 

Many infrequent flyers during the holidays are less familiar with the rules and procedures for air travel and security, and that can slow things down for everyone.  We recommend that you go to www.tsa.gov for the latest information about security procedures and what you can and can’t take while flying.

  

If you haven’t flown from San Jose in the past year, or even in the last few months, the airport has changed dramatically to make the experience far more comfortable and convenient for you. Old landmarks have been replaced by new buildings and roadways, so please allow a little time so you can get your bearings and explore the new terminal features.

  

We also remind our Southwest Airlines passengers that there’s a long walk between Gate 22, the furthest open gate in our new Terminal B Concourse, and the Terminal A checkpoint and baggage claim area.

  

This is a temporary situation because of the interim configuration of Terminal A and Terminal B Concourse required for construction phasing. Any passenger who might need assistance for this long walk should ask a Southwest Airlines ticket agent or gate agent, or use an airport white courtesy telephone to arrange for help or for a wheelchair. This long walk will go away when we open Terminal B, which will then serve these gates starting in June.

  

For more information on Airport changes, maps, and services, go to www.flysanjose.com.

  

  

Highlights of Recent Terminal A Changes

We’ve made major changes to transform Terminal A in the past year. These include:

  • New street-level ticketing lobbies are larger and more efficient, and they're especially convenient for passenger check-in and drop-off at the longer curb in front.
  • The new centralized security checkpoint with eight lanes opened in November, and it now provides more capacity for faster processing and shorter lines.
  • Upgraded and expanded dining, shopping and pre-boarding areas offer comfortable front-row views of airfield activity, and more new concessions are coming over the next several months.
  • Terminal A now connects to the spectacular new Terminal B Concourse and its restaurants and shops.
  • The gates in Terminal A have been renumbered. Gate 1 is now at the far north end of the terminal; Gate 22 is at the south end of the opened part of Terminal B Concourse.
  • New floors and ceilings are being installed throughout Terminal A, making it much brighter, and along with remodeled bathrooms these improvements will be completed by February.
  • And there's plenty of convenient parking available in the Terminal A Garage.

  

 

Safety Reminder

Heavy construction equipment continues to use airport roads.  As always, please watch out for other drivers, pedestrians, and construction workers.  Airport parking control and traffic officers are there to help keep traffic flowing safely, so please pay attention to them, too, especially during peak times. And please, pedestrians should not walk through construction zones – follow the designated walkways. 

  

  

Airport Construction "Hot Line" at (408) 501-0630

For current information about construction impacts to the airport, call (408) 501-0630.  We regularly update the recorded message to help our passengers as we make changes affecting roads, terminals, and parking at SJC.

  

  

Construction Schedules Are Subject To Change

We will keep updating the public and our customers about the project details as they occur, but please bear with us as we adjust schedules for the project.  We appreciate your patience, and thank you for flying San José while we build The New Airport for you.

  

  

Airport Construction Update is produced by the Marketing and Communications Division at Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport. We welcome your comments. If you’re not already on the mailing list for this publication, you can subscribe by going to www.sjc.org.