John Wayne Airport, Orange County [SNA] – Ultimate Terminal Guide

John Wayne Airport (SNA) is located in Orange County, California, and serves the Greater Los Angeles area. Named after the Hollywood actor John Wayne, the airport is owned and operated by the county and serves several major airlines.

From this airport, you can fly to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, but overall, operations are on a smaller scale than that of neighboring Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Passenger numbers were still around 11 million in 2022, however.

Located a short distance from Anaheim, it’s the closest airport to Disneyland, making it a popular choice for families.

Quick Information

Airport: John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA)
Terminals: 1 terminal building split into 3 areas — A, B, and C
Airport Address: 18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, CA 92707
Distance From Downtown Santa Ana: Approximately 5 miles (8 km)
Distance From Downtown Los Angeles: Approximately 35 miles (56 km)
Website: ocair.com
Phone Number: 949-252-5200
Number of Daily Flights: 126
Destinations Served: 2 international, 43 domestic
Flight Information: View departures and arrival information on the airport’s website.

Airlines Operating From SNA

Terminal A

• Air Canada
• American Airlines
• Breeze Airways
• Delta Air Lines
• WestJet

Terminal B

• Alaska Airlines
• United Airlines

Terminal C

• Allegiant Air
• Frontier Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines

SNA Airport Terminals

Hot Tip: With 1 main terminal building, navigating John Wayne Airport is easy and convenient, with all gate areas accessible once you’ve cleared security.

Terminal A

Terminal A is located at the north end of the airport and is home to Air Canada, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, and WestJet.

Lower Level – Arrivals

Baggage claim is on the lower level of Terminal A, with 2 baggage carousels, an information desk, and an ATM.

Upper Level – Departures

Airline ticketing is on the upper level, along with a newsstand, and a community space featuring art from local artists. Once passengers have checked in, they can proceed to the security checkpoint on the same level.

Terminal A has 10 gates numbered 1A-C, and 2 to 8, with all but gates 7 and 8 to the right after you clear security. There’s a small selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants, and an American Airlines Admirals Club on the mezzanine level opposite gate 8.

Terminal B

Terminal B is in the center of the airport, connected to both Terminal A and Terminal C areas. Only Alaska Airlines and United Airlines operate from Terminal B.

Lower Level – Arrivals

Terminal B arrivals is on the lower level, with 2 baggage carousels, a grab-and-go coffee shop, and an information booth. The lost and found office and USO Lounge are also located on this level.

The ground transportation area is across from Terminal B arrivals for onward travel.

Upper Level – Departures

Airline ticketing is available on the upper level of Terminal B with the security checkpoint providing easy access to gates 9 to 13. A United Club and La Boutique duty-free shopping is on the mezzanine level opposite gate 9 and a pet relief area is available opposite gate 12. 

There are several shops and restaurants within easy reach of these gates, but passengers can walk freely between the gate areas of Terminal A or Terminal C once they have cleared security.

Terminal C

Terminal C is home to the remaining 4 airlines — Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines — for mostly domestic flights, but with a couple of international routes.

Lower Level – Arrivals

Baggage claim is on the lower level of the terminal with a separate area for international arrivals with Immigration and Customs. Information booths are located at either end of baggage claim, with a TSA PreCheck enrollment office also located on this level.

Upper Level – Departures

As with the other terminal areas, departures is on the upper level with airline ticketing, a shop, and valet parking just outside on the departures curb.

The Terminal C security checkpoint provides the quickest access to gates 14 to 21 and 22A-C, which are located at the south end of the airport.

There’s plenty of shopping and dining available in the Terminal C gate area, an art exhibit, family restrooms, and an ATM.

Inter-terminal Transport

Connecting between terminals at SNA is a relatively straightforward process as all of the gate areas inside the secure area are connected, as are the ticketing areas outside security.

It’s worth noting that SNA is relatively small, so even if you need to change terminals, you won’t need to walk a long distance or navigate through a complicated maze of hallways and corridors. The airport is designed to be user-friendly, so even if you’re a first-time traveler, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding your way around.

The 2 furthest gates are around half a mile away from each other, so the maximum amount of walking time between connections would be 10 minutes or so (provided you don’t need to collect any luggage).

If you’re arriving on an international flight, you’ll need to collect your luggage and clear Immigration and Customs, even if you’re connecting to another domestic flight.

Hot Tip: If you’re flying into John Wayne Airport on vacation, read our guide on the best things to do in Los Angeles.

Security and Customs at SNA

John Wayne Airport has 3 security checkpoints, with 1 located in each terminal area.

Passengers with a valid boarding card can pass through any of the 3 security checkpoints to reach their gate, with the checkpoints open around 1 hour before the first departure and closing at the last departure.

TSA PreCheck

SNA has dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at each terminal security checkpoint, open during these hours:

The airport has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center located on the arrivals level of Terminal C, near baggage carousel 7. The office is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is closed from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Once your application has been approved, you’ll have a Known Traveler Number to use at any U.S. airport with TSA PreCheck lanes.

Global Entry

SNA has Global Entry kiosks for pre-approved passengers arriving in the U.S. on international flights.

Passengers wishing to schedule an interview at an enrollment center will need to do so at Los Angeles International Airport as there is no enrollment center at SNA.

Mobile Passport

Mobile Passport Control is not currently accepted at John Wayne Airport.

SNA Airport Lounges

SNA has 2 airline lounges and 1 lounge accessible to individuals in the military and their dependents. Both airline lounges offer day pass entry, provided you are flying with the airline or a carrier within its alliance.

* Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.

Hot Tip: Want to visit an airline lounge without paying the day pass fee? Check out this article on the best credit cards for lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

John Wayne Airport does not have any lounges that accept Priority Pass access.

Hot Tip: Find out about Priority Pass membership and see which airports accept it for lounge access in our in-depth Priority Pass guide.

Airport Dining and Drinks at SNA

SNA has 15 restaurants and cafes, including a McDonald’s McCafe and Ruby’s Diner.

All but 1 option are available in the departure concourse once you’ve cleared security. Check out what restaurants are available and where they are located on the airport’s website.

SNA Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout John Wayne Airport. To connect, select “JWAFREEWIFI” from your available networks.

Charging Stations are located throughout the terminals, on and underneath seating in the waiting areas. There are also workstations with desks available in many of the Terminal C gate areas.

Hot Tip: No time to charge up before your flight? Check out this guide on the best portable charging banks so you can always charge on the go.

SNA Airport Lost and Found

SNA has a pretty straightforward policy for reporting lost items. If you misplaced an item on an aircraft, you need to contact the applicable airline. For lost items anywhere else on airport property, contact the airport police at 949-252-5140.

Additional Airport Information

Travelers Aid

Travelers Aid is not based at John Wayne Airport; however, volunteer airport ambassadors wearing red jackets are around the airport to lend a hand. The airport’s Helping Hands service assists travelers with disabilities.

Information desks are located in the baggage claim area of all 3 terminals, and white courtesy phones are available throughout the airport to call a customer services agent.

Children’s Play Areas

SNA has a children’s play area in Terminal B between gates 11 and 12. If you travel with your family regularly, check out our guide to the most kid-friendly airports in the U.S.

Baby Facilities

A nursing room with comfortable seating and a changing table can be found in Terminal B between gates 11 and 12.

Pet Relief Areas

Pet relief areas are located in these areas:

• Terminal A: near the entrance to parking garage A1
• Terminal B: near gate 12 (inside security)
• Terminal C: near the entrance to parking garage C

Hot Tip: If you’re curious about which airports are the best for your furry friend, here is our guide to the most pet-friendly airports.

Duty-Free

La Boutique offers duty-free shopping in Terminal B post-security between gates 9 and 10.

Smoking Areas

Designated smoking areas are located outside of the terminals and also apply to the use of e-cigarettes.

Interesting Features

SNA is one of few airports in the U.S. to allow non-ticketed visitors inside the secure area to greet or say goodbye to passengers, shop, or plane spot. Visitors can apply for an OC AirPASS by visiting the information desk in the arrivals area of Terminals A, B, or C daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Prayer

There are no designated spaces for prayer or quiet reflection at SNA.

Money

ATMs are located in all terminals, both inside and outside of the secure area. Currency exchange centers can be found in the following locations:

• Terminal A: near gate 7
• Terminal B: near gate 10
• Terminal C: near gate 17
• Baggage Claim near carousels 1, 4, and 6/7.

Medical Center

Passengers that have cleared security can visit SNA’s Fly Well Clinic located across from gate 10. The clinic can treat minor illnesses and injuries, provide prescriptions, and provide Covid-19 testing/vaccinations.

Luggage

There are no on-site storage services for luggage.

Important SNA Phone Numbers

Customer Service: 949-252-5200

Travel to and From SNA

Transportation Options From SNA

Ground transportation services are located on the ground level outside Terminal A and B arrivals. Some services are available directly outside the terminals, with others located across the roadway.

Bus

• OCTA:
  • Route 76 operates between John Wayne Airport and Huntington Beach, stopping at Fountain Valley and Costa Mesa en route. Buses operate hourly Monday through Friday and cost $2 for a single ride or $5 for a day pass.
  • iShuttle route 400A operates between John Wayne Airport and Tustin Metrolink Station approximately every 30 minutes. The bus ride is free when displaying a Metrolink ticket.
• Greyhound: Greyhound buses operate from the Santa Ana train station.

Train

There are no direct train services that operate from John Wayne Airport, with the closest stations located in Irvine, Santa Ana, and Tustin.

• Amtrak: The Pacific Surfliner service stops at Santa Ana and Irvine.
• Metrolink: Regional services, including the Inland Empire-Orange County Line and Orange County Line stop at stations in Santa Ana, Irvine, and Tustin.

Taxi

Taxis are available in the ground transportation area (arrivals level) between Terminals A and B, and from near column 14 outside Terminal C. Taxis can also be arranged by calling Cabco Yellow, Inc. at 714-999-9999.

Shuttles

• Pre-arranged shuttles are available from the ground transportation level between Terminals A and B. The airport recommends these shuttle providers.
• The Everywhere Ventures Everywhere shuttle (EVE) is an on-demand service that can be booked via the A-Way WeGo app. It connects SNA to the Greater Anaheim region.

Ride Services

Rideshare drivers drop passengers at curbside departures and pick them up from level 3 of parking garages A2, B2, and C.

Driving to SNA

Arriving From Downtown Santa Ana

Head south on Main Street and turn left onto E. MacArthur Blvd. Use the right 3 lanes to take the ramp onto CA-55 S/State Rte. 55 S and then use the right lane to take exit 6B for I-405 S toward San Diego Freeway/San Diego/John Wayne Airport. Keep right and follow the signs for John Wayne Airport.

Arriving From Huntington Beach

Take 1st Street to CA-1 S and then take CA-55 N/State Rte 55 N to N. Airport Way in Irvine. Take exit 8 from I-405 S and continue straight onto N. Airport Way.

Arriving From Downtown Los Angeles

Take US-101 S and merge onto I-5 S for most of the journey. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 103 to merge onto CA-55 S/State Rte. 55 S towards Newport Beach. Use the right lane to take exit 6B for I-405 S towards San Diego Fwy./San Diego/John Wayne Airport and keep right, following signs for John Wayne Airport.

SNA Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

John Wayne Airport offers short and long-term parking options for passengers, with covered parking garages, valet parking, and cheaper off-airport parking for longer stays. EV charging stations are available in every parking facility.

Short-term Parking

Hourly and daily parking is available in the parking garages located outside the terminals and is the closest option for passengers. Garages A1, A2, B2, and C offer the following rates:

Valet Parking

Valet parking can be found at the departures curb between Terminals A and B and between Terminals B and C. The following rates apply:

Long-term Parking

The off-airport parking lot is around a mile from the terminals at 1512 Main S., Irvine, CA 92614. Passengers can ride the courtesy shuttle bus between the parking lot and the terminals, with services every 15 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. It offers the most affordable parking option for passengers, charging the following rates:

Pick-up or Drop-off Parking

SNA has a cell phone waiting lot for friends or family to wait in before picking up passengers curbside. The lot is located south of Parking Garage C near the corner of MacArthur Boulevard and Campus Drive.

Off-site and Hotel Parking

Off-site parking can often provide cheaper rates than official airport parking lots with courtesy shuttle services to transport passengers to and from the airport. Off-site parking can easily be booked on airportparkingreservations.com; however, with starting rates of $14.99, in this instance, parking is cheaper when booked at the airport.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Accessible parking spaces can be found in all of the terminal parking garages. For any assistance, call 949-252-5200 and select extension 0.

Hot Tip: Explore our guide to flying with a disability to help you plan, pack, and feel confident for your trip.

Parking Contact Numbers

General parking inquiries: 949-252-5200

Car Rental at SNA Airport

Car rental companies are situated in the ground transportation area between Terminals A and B on the arrivals level. Pick-up and drop-off of vehicles are from the lower level of parking garages A2 and B2 from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Rental Companies on Airport Property

Rental Companies off Airport Property

Passengers are will need to ride a courtesy shuttle bus for these off-site companies:

Hot Tip: Read about the credit cards that include car rental insurance so you can avoid paying for expensive insurance through the rental provider. 

SNA Airport Hotels

There are several hotels located near John Wayne Airport that cater to the needs of both leisure and business travelers. Many of these hotels offer convenient shuttle services to and from the airport, as well as amenities such as free Wi-Fi, fitness centers, and swimming pools.

SNA Airport Hotels – Sorted by Distance From SNA

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport is one of the closest hotels to John Wayne Airport and is just a few miles from Newport Beach. The hotel has a resort-style swimming pool, business center, fitness center, and pet-friendly rooms. Hotel guests may use the airport shuttle to travel to and from the airport. Hilton Honors members can book this hotel from about 35,000 Hilton Honours points per night.

The Hyatt Regency John Wayne Airport Newport Beach has 343 rooms and suites, all with step-out balconies. The hotel is around half a mile from John Wayne Airport and offers a courtesy shuttle between the airport and the hotel, as well as to South Coast Plaza for shopping and dining opportunities. Facilities include a swimming pool, fitness center, on-site restaurant, and 7,260 square feet of meeting space. World of Hyatt members can book a room starting at 9,000 points per night.

The Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, and free tea and coffee. Guests can hire bicycles and play a round of tennis, or opt for a more relaxing activity by booking a treatment at the hotel spa. The on-site restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and serves American cuisine and tasty cocktails, perfect for winding down after a busy day. Marriott Bonvoy members can book a room from about 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Final Thoughts

SNA is a popular airport for both leisure and business travelers, offering a range of flights to the continental U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The airport serves over 3 million residents living across the cities and incorporated areas of Orange County and is the closest gateway to Anaheim’s beloved Disneyland.