San José Mineta International Airport Prepares Travelers for Labor Day Weekend with Time-Saving Tips

Labor Day visitors to SJC will have the chance to partake in National Aviation Week games, prizes

San José, Calif. – With Labor Day the last major three-day weekend of the season, San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is preparing for a busy holiday week as local travelers head out of town for one last summer getaway. The team at SJC has compiled top tips for smooth and stress-free travel for the 9-day period beginning August 29, with the busiest travel day expected to be Friday, August 30.

In addition to SJC’s award-winning in-terminal dining and family-friendly amenities—it was recently voted one of the best kid-friendly airports in the US by Motherhood Loves—Labor Day travelers will also have the chance to participate in the airport’s National Aviation Week festivities through September 9, 2024, with SJC 75th anniversary-themed prizes and games throughout the terminal.

“While travel can be stressful during a busy holiday weekend, travelers can enjoy the simple conveniences and ease San José Mineta International Airport has to offer allowing passengers to relax and soak in their travel experience,” said San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire.

“Labor Day is traditionally the end of the summer season, and SJC is ready to welcome travelers as they squeeze in one last summer trip, whether they are seeking sun and sand or sending students to college,” said SJC Director of Aviation Mookie Patel. “As the Bay Area’s most convenient airport, we encourage everyone to take advantage of available amenities at SJC, including online check-in and parking reservations, expedited security and accessible services.”

Passengers flying SJC during the busy Labor Day travel period are advised to:

Plan Ahead for Parking and Upgrade the Experience with Future Wash 
Travelers can reserve and pay for parking online, as well as book a waterless car wash in the Airport's Hourly, Daily and Economy parking lots. Given the high demand during peak periods, parking reservations are strongly recommended. For parking inquiries, SJC's parking services team is available at (408) 441-5570.

Check-In
To streamline the check-in process during peak travel times, online check-in is recommended up to 24 hours before departure. Most airlines allow customers to pay for checked baggage in advance online, which speeds up the process at the ticket counter. Travelers with only carry-on luggage can skip the ticket counter entirely with online check-in.

Arrive Early and Pack Smart
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) advises travelers to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours prior to international flights, and to familiarize themselves with TSA’s travel tips.

Speed Up Security with TSA Precheck and/or CLEAR
To expedite security clearance, travelers can enroll in TSA Precheck® and/or CLEAR, available at both SJC Terminals and other airports nationwide. Travelers are now able to enroll for—or renew—TSA PreCheck right at the CLEAR checkpoints at SJC, no appointment needed. Available daily at both terminals from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.

See Accessible Services and TSA Cares
Passengers in need of additional help navigating through the Airport are encouraged to check the list of SJC Accessible Services and the TSA Cares program, and select the one that best suits their needs.

Use Cellphone Waiting Areas or Park for Airport Pickups
For airport pickups, SJC advises using Cellphone Waiting Areas or parking in the nearest hourly lot, as waiting at terminal curbs is strictly prohibited to maintain traffic flow.

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