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Travel Tips & Resources

 

 

The health and safety of our travelers, employees and all Airport users remain among one of SJC’s top priorities. As of November 2024, masks are not required at SJC; any updates to health and safety regulations will be posted here. Please check local regulations at your destination.

While we continue to monitor health guidelines, SJC has transitioned to focusing on long-term safety measures, including enhanced cleaning protocols and touchless technologies. We're committed to providing a seamless, safe travel experience as you navigate through our Airport.
 


Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or its your first time flying, here are some travel tips and resources to make your journey through SJC simple.

Travel Tips

Before heading to the airport, keep these tips in mind for a smooth travel experience.

Check In Ahead of Time
Most airlines allow online check-in starting 24 hours before departure. By checking in early, you may be able to select your seat, secure your boarding pass and even pay for any checked luggage in advance, saving you time at the ticket counter. If you’re not using a mobile boarding pass, you can print one at the ticket counter.

Traveling with only a carry-on? You may be able to bypass the ticket counter altogether – just make sure your bag meets the airline's size and weight requirements to avoid delays at security or the gate.

Find your airline’s baggage policy:

Check Your Flight Status
Stay informed about your flight by visiting our flight status page for real-time updates on departures, arrivals, delays and cancellations.

Arrive Early
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) advises travelers to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours prior to international flights, allow extra time for parking, check-in and security screening, so you don’t feel rushed.

  • Terminal A: American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, Spirit, United, Volaris
  • Terminal B: Alaska, Southwest, ZIPAIR

Parking
Reserve ahead and pay for parking online – you can even book a waterless car wash with Future Wash in the Airport's Hourly, Daily and Economy parking lots. Visit our parking page for real-time space availability, the closest parking lots to your terminal and daily parking rates.

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the easiest parking lot based on your airline:

  • Economy Lot 1: Shuttle required to terminal. Ideal for longer stays or travelers looking for a budget-friendly option
  • Lot 2: American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, Spirit, United, Volaris, ZIPAIR (arrivals)
  • Lots 3, 4 & 5: Alaska, Southwest, ZIPAIR (departures)

Pack Smart
Make sure to review TSA's travel guidelines before packing. Avoid packing prohibited items and remember that liquids, gels and aerosols in your carry-on must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) each or less.

Keep essential medications in your carry-on and inform TSA if any are liquid or gel-based.

If you're traveling with firearms, be sure to check both TSA and airline regulations in advance to ensure compliance.

Identification and Travel Documents
Passengers 18 and older must present a government-issued ID for TSA screening. Children under 18 are not required to have ID for domestic flights. For international travel, all passengers, including minors, must have a valid passport.

TSA’s job is to verify your identity. If you arrive at the airport without valid ID because it’s lost or left at home, you may still be able to fly (for domestic flights only). A TSA officer will ask you to complete a form with your name and address and may ask additional questions to confirm your identity. If confirmed, you can proceed through security, though additional screening may be required.

Visit TSA’s website for a list of acceptable identification, including valid ID options. Note that TSA will accept expired driver’s licenses or state-issued IDs up to one year after expiration.

Heads up! Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or other accepted form of identification will be required for domestic air travel. California residents: check out our step-by-step guide on how to obtain a REAL ID.

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.

You can also enroll or renew your TSA Precheck® right at the CLEAR checkpoints at SJC, no appointment needed. Available daily at both terminals from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Electronics
Devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries must be carried in your carry-on baggage. Most other consumer devices with batteries are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. Electronic smoking devices are permitted only in carry-ons. 

All electronics should stay in your carry-on. Laptops, tablets and larger devices will need to be removed and placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening unless you're using TSA Precheck®, which may allow you to keep electronics in your bag. Smaller electronics like phones or chargers can usually remain in your carry-on.

Always follow TSA officer instructions during the screening process, as additional screening may be required for certain items or devices.
 

Travel for Kids, Unaccompanied Minors 

Traveling with kids or sending them solo? Here are tips to make the journey easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

Identification
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States.

Zoom Zone
Let your kids burn off some energy at SJC's Zoom Zone. Located in Terminal B between Gates 24 and 25, this interactive play area is perfect for young children, offering fun activities that teach them about flight.

Wi-Fi
Tablets have become essential for keeping kids entertained during travel. With SJC's lightning-fast airport Wi-Fi, your little ones can stream shows or play games before boarding.

Connecting is easy – just select “sjcfreewifi” no password required! Signing up for our email newsletter is optional.

E-Library
Keep the kids entertained with free e-books from our Pop-Up Library, provided by the San José Public Library. With titles in English and Spanish for all ages, there’s something for everyone and new books are added each month.

Best of all, access is free – no library card, data plan or app required! Just scan the QR code located throughout the terminals, create a free account and download up to 4 books for 3 weeks. Once downloaded, your kids can open and save the e-books to read offline, making it easy to keep them engaged during your travels.

Children (Unaccompanied Minor)
When booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor, it is crucial for parents to carefully plan and coordinate with their airline to ensure the child’s safety and comfort. The unaccompanied minor service is mandatory for children aged 5–12 traveling alone or with someone under 18, and airlines typically have specific requirements and age limits for this service, often extending to children up to 14 years old.

Parents should check with their airline for details on age limits, fees and route restrictions, as these policies vary by carrier. Airlines provide special services for unaccompanied minors, including dedicated staff and safety measures, but it is essential to inform the airline at the time of booking and provide necessary details, such as who will be bringing the child to the airport and who will be picking them up. All adults involved must present government-issued identification for verification to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience for the child.

Find your airline’s unaccompanied minor policy:


At the Airport – Day of Travel
All unaccompanied minors must check in at the airport ticket counter. Give yourself ample time to check-in and complete all necessary paperwork. The child/children will be given an identifier (usually a pin or bracelet) to identify them to staff that they are traveling alone.

You will be required to accompany your minor to the gate and required to stay until their aircraft is airborne.

Gate Pass for Parent and Unaccompanied Minor
Gate passes allow parents or guardians to escort their child/children past security to the gate. Parents or guardians must stay with their child/children until the plane is airborne. The authority to issue a gate pass rest with the airline and is at the discretion of the airline ticket agent. Gate passes are also subject to operating conditions at the time of check-in. A parent or guardian can only request a gate pass on the day of travel. Usually only one parent or guardian may accompany the minor(s) past security.

Gate passes cannot be authorized in advance. When granted, non-flying parent/guardian will need to have a valid ID and be prepared to comply with all TSA security processes and restrictions. Which means all items in their bags must adhere to TSA traveling guidelines.

Follow your airline’s procedures for security and boarding procedures. Unaccompanied minors are usually given priority boarding and are monitored by airline staff throughout the journey. Plan on staying at the airport until the aircraft has left the gate and is airborne in case the aircraft unexpectedly must return to the airport or experiences delays.

Children and Teens Traveling Alone
Children aged 15-17 can travel alone without unaccompanied minor service from the airlines, but the service can still be utilized if desired. Most airlines will note that the teen is traveling alone but the teen will be required to make transfers and find their way on their own.  
 

Traveling with Pets

EmBARK-ing on an adventure with your furry companion? Make sure to paws and review these tips and resources for a purr-fectly smooth trip.

Preparation
Before your flight, make sure your pet is healthy by scheduling a vet visit for a check-up. You'll need a health certificate, usually issued within 10 days of travel, and make sure all vaccinations are current. Also, ensure your pet has proper identification, like an ID tag or a microchip, for extra safety.

Airline Policies
Each airline has its own pet travel rules, including fees and carrier size limits. Typically, small pets can fly in the cabin if they stay in an airline-approved carrier under the seat. Be sure to check your airline’s specific policies, especially for differences between in-cabin and cargo travel. Find your airline’s pet policy: 

Documentation
Make sure to bring all the necessary documents for your pet, including health certificates, proof of rabies vaccination and any other paperwork needed for international travel.

Comfort
Keep your pet comfy by using a well-ventilated carrier with enough space for them to move around a little. Trim their nails to avoid snags and bring a favorite blanket or toy to help them feel relaxed during the trip.
 

Healthy Travel

As of November 2024, masks are not required at SJC; any updates to health and safety regulations will be posted here. Please check local regulations at your destination.

While we continue to monitor health guidelines, SJC has transitioned to focusing on long-term safety measures, including enhanced cleaning protocols and touchless technologies. We're committed to providing a seamless, safe travel experience as you navigate through our Airport.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and all other communicable diseases such as flu, colds, etc., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all persons follow respiratory hygiene etiquette measures, including:

  • Stay home and avoid travel when you are sick.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and clean your hands.
  • Always wear socks when traveling, so if you need to remove your footwear for TSA screening you are not barefoot.
  • Place items from your pockets inside your carry-on bag before arriving at the TSA screening checkpoint to reduce your contact with surfaces and screening bins.

Public health resources