Plan Ahead:
John Wayne Airport (JWA) offers the following travel tips to help passengers prepare for a safe and enjoyable holiday air travel experience.
Get to the Airport Early - Arrive 90 minutes to 2 hours prior to departure.
Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and give themselves 90 minutes to two hours to find parking, check their luggage and go through the security checkpoint to reach their gates in time for their flights.
Reduce your wait time by getting your boarding pass online or by using self-check in kiosks. Check with your airline to find out if they offer Paperless Boarding Passes (link to airlines).
More about Security and Baggage >>
Security and Baggage:
"1+1 Rule"
You are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item - such as a purse, briefcase, laptop computer or diaper bag - through security screening and onto the aircraft. The approximate allowable maximum size for carry-on bags is 22" x 14" x 9". Please verify the size and weight restrictions for baggage with your airline.
"3-1-1 for Carry-Ons"
TSA restricts the amount of liquids travelers can pack in their carry-on bags. Be prepared and follow the 3-1-1 rule below:
- 3.4 ounce (100ml) or smaller size containers of liquid or gel
- 1 quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag holding 3.4 ounces or smaller containers
- 1 bag per traveler placed in the security bin
Declare larger liquids: Medications, baby formula, food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Passengers are requested to use the Family/Medical Liquids Lane and declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.
Snow Globes: Due to current restrictions on liquids, snow globes of any size are not allowed to be carried through the Airport security checkpoint. Please pack in checked luggage.
Permitted and
Prohibited Items:
Pack smart and only take permitted items in your carry-on and checked luggage. Leave gifts unwrapped as they are subject to search. Powders may require additional screening.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
TSA Web Site: Detailed information about security screening
is available at www.tsa.gov/travelers.
TSA Cares Helpline: Travelers with medical conditions and
disabilities can call toll-free
at 1-855-787-2227 prior to traveling to ask questions about screening policies,
procedures and about what to expect at the security checkpoints. The helpline is staffed Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. PST, excluding federal holidays. Travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to contact TSA Cares or can e-mail TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.
More about parking >>
Parking Tips:
Terminal Parking Structures
Four parking structures are conveniently located next to the Thomas F. Riley Terminal at a rate of $20 per day and $2 per hour with the first 15 minutes being free for those dropping off and picking up passengers. 
Parking Structures A1 and A2 are located adjacent to and directly across from Terminal A.
Parking Structures B2 and C are closest to Terminals B and C.
Valet Parking
Passengers who want even more convenience can drop off their vehicle in front of the Riley Terminal for $30/day. There are two drop-off locations: (1) curbside between Terminals A and B, or (2) curbside between Terminals B and C.
Main Street Parking
Main Street Parking is located at 1512 Main Street in Irvine. Courtesy shuttle service to and from the Riley Terminal is available every 15 minutes. Shuttle buses are lift-equipped. Shuttle pick-up locations at the Terminal are on the Arrival (lower) Level at the third island of the Ground Transportation Center for Terminals A and B, and in front of Terminal C Arrival (lower) Level just north of the crosswalk into Parking Structure B2.
More Parking Details & Maps >>