Plan Ahead:

John Wayne Airport (JWA) offers the following travel tips to help passengers prepare for a safe and enjoyable air travel experience.

Get to the Airport early - Arrive 1-1/2 to 2 hours prior to departure for domestic flights, and 3 hours for international flights.

Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and give themselves ample time to find parking, check their luggage and go through the security checkpoint to reach their gates in time for their flights. Add extra time to try out the newly added restaurants and shops at the Thomas F. Riley Terminal.

Links to other airports are available at Nonstop Destinations.

Reduce wait time by getting a boarding pass online or at a self check-in kiosk at the Airport (currently not available for AirTran Airways and Interjet). Check if your airline offers paperless boarding passes (link to airlines).

Check flight status and track a flight from home or on a mobile phone by viewing live Arrivals and Departures. This information is customizable by airline, flight number and city.

Bring a government-issued photo ID for the security screening process. ID and boarding pass are required to access security screening. Having ID and boarding pass readily available will cut down on wait time in line for everyone. Children under the age of 18 do not require an ID. If traveling internationally, please read the tips for International Travelers for passport requirements.

View more detailed travel tips here...

More information:
TSA Travel Tips | International Travel Tips | Passenger Drop-off/Pick-up | FAA Flight Delay Information

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" (Liquids, Gels & Aerosols)
TSA restricts the amount of liquids travelers can pack in their carry-on bags. Make things easy by packing liquids in your checked baggage, or 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.

For more detailed instructions about liquids, including beverages, makeup, deodorant, snow globes and foods, please view TSA's latest travel tips.

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.

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.

International travelers should check the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) website to ensure they have appropriate documentation for traveling to and from the United States. Visit http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ to learn more. Note: Travelers to and from Canada will clear Customs in Canada before returning to the United States.

TSA Web Site: Detailed information about security screening is available at www.tsa.gov/traveler-information.

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 >>