Santa Ana John Wayne Airport (SNA)

John Wayne Airport (IATA: SNA, ICAO: KSNA, FAA LID: SNA) serves Orange County, California, and the Greater Los Angeles area.

It is surrounded by the cities of Irvine, Newport Beach, and Costa Mesa. Its IATA airport code and mailing address are both registered to Santa Ana.

John Wayne Airport is the sole commercial airport in Orange County. The only other general aviation airport in Orange County is Fullerton Municipal Airport.

Originally named Orange County Airport, the Board of Supervisors renamed the airport in 1979 in honor of actor John Wayne, who lived in neighboring Newport Beach and died that year.

Federal Aviation Administration records say it had had more than 4.5 million enplanements in 2014, an increase from 4.4 million recorded in 2013.

In 2014, SNA was the second busiest airport in the Greater Los Angeles area (by passenger count), with over 9 million total passengers. As of 2015, the largest airlines at John Wayne Airport were Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.

John Wayne Airport operates with two runways. No widebody passenger jetliners have ever been operated into SNA in scheduled airline service.

The busiest domestic routes from SNA in 2021 include Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Arizona, Denver, Colorado, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, Las Vegas, Nevada, Seattle/Tacoma, Washington, Sacramento, California, Oakland, California, San Jose, California, Chicago-O'Hare, Illinois, and San Francisco, California.

The first airstrip was constructed in 1923 when Eddie Martin signed a five-year lease with James Irvine to operate a flying school on land owned by the Irvine Company. The first hangar was added in 1926.

In 1935 Howard Hughes staged his world speed record-setting flight from the Eddie Martin Airport. With the opening of the Santa Ana Army Air Base in 1942, the adjacent Martin Field was temporarily closed.

After serving as a military base during World War II, the Santa Ana Army Airfield was returned by the federal government to the county with the stipulation that it remain open to all kinds of aviation uses.

In the 1950s, the only airline flights were Bonanza's few flights between Los Angeles and Phoenix, via San Diego.

From 1950 to 1959, C.J. Hart and Creighton Hunter operated the Santa Ana Drag Strip, credited for being the world's first commercial drag strip, on the airport runway every Sunday when it was closed to air traffic.

The original single runway was 1,500 meters long, on a magnetic heading of 210 degrees (Runway 21) and 30 degrees (Runway 3).

In 1964, it was rebuilt with its present two parallel runway configurations. A full instrument landing system (ILS) was also installed.

In 1963 Bonanza started nonstop F27s to Phoenix, and Las Vegas in 1965; in 1967, Air California started Electra nonstops to San Francisco, 48 flights a week each way. The first scheduled jet flights were Bonanza DC-9s later in 1967.

In 1967, the Eddie Martin Terminal was built to accommodate 400,000 annual passengers.

Remodeling added two passenger holding areas in 1974, a new baggage claim area in 1980, and a terminal annex building in 1982, bringing the facility to 29,000 square feet.

Nonstop flights reached Salt Lake City in 1976–77, Denver in 1982, Dallas/Fort Worth in 1983, Chicago in 1986, and New York–Kennedy in 1991.

In 1990, the Thomas F. Riley Terminal opened. The new facility included 14 loading bridges, four baggage carousels, wide-open spaces, and distinct roadside arrival and departure levels.

In 1994, the Eddie Martin Terminal was demolished.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, a new, larger airport was proposed for the nearby site of the then recently closed El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.

In 2011, additional terminal space was added and existing terminals were refreshed as part of a $543 million expansion project.

A new Terminal C with six additional gates was built along with dedicated commuter gate areas in the new Terminal C and new commuter facilities in Terminal A.

The main passenger terminal, the Thomas F. Riley Terminal, is named for the late county supervisor who lobbied for the airport's expansion in the 1980s.

The Thomas F. Riley Terminal has three terminal areas, A, B, and C, with dedicated commuter gate areas at the north end of Terminal A and the south end of Terminal C.

All three terminals, A, B, and C, are within the same Thomas F. Riley building, and security screened passengers can move between all terminal areas. Security screening lanes exist in all three terminals adjacent to check-in.

Switching between terminals indoors before security is also possible, the check-in counter areas between all three terminals have connecting walkways to allow access between all terminals.

Terminals A and B were built in 1990 to replace the former Eddie Martin Terminal which was closed upon the new terminals' opening. In November 2011, Terminal A added a dedicated commuter gate area, along with refreshed gates, signage, and information displays at both Terminals A and B.

Terminal C was opened in 2011 and added seven new gates, a dedicated commuter gate area, and new eateries and retail. It has Gates 16–22.

The airport also provides a U.S. Customs and Border Protection FIS/Federal Inspection Service for international flights that do not have pre-clearance.

Two arrival gates feed into the FIS and passengers once cleared at the south end of the Terminal C arrivals area.

Wi-Fi at John Wayne Airport

John Wayne Airport provides free wireless internet access throughout the Airport.

Passengers wishing to access the free service should look for “JWAFREEWIFI” in their device's available wireless networks list and sign in.

Transfer Services at John Wayne Airport

Services to/from SNA, including rental cars, taxis, rideshares, shuttles, and buses are available at the Ground Transportation Center of the terminals.

The nearest train stations to the airport are Irvine, Santa Ana, and Tustin. OC Bus Route A gets you there. A one-way taxi fare to the train station is less than $30.00.

The Arrivals Level is on the lower level and provides seven Baggage Claim belts, two in Terminal A, two in Terminal B, and three in Terminal C.

Baggage Claim 7 is for international arrivals. Immediately outside the Baggage Claim is the curbside arrivals pickup area.

Across the roadway from the arrivals pickup area between Terminal A and B is an island for public transportation, including taxis and buses.

Rental Car Services at John Wayne Airport

The SNA Rental Car offices are between Terminal A and B Baggage Claim areas.

They are generally open 24/7 but you can also inquire at your service provider for specific service hours and return procedures.

When ready to return your vehicle to the car rental center, remove all personal items before turning over the rented vehicle to the designated facility.

Allow plenty of time for your drive when returning the vehicle. If unsure of direction, give the rental company a call. See and compare all rental car companies at John Wayne Airport.

For item(s) lost and found inside the vehicle, please contact the rental car company directly.

For item(s) left on a rental car center shuttle bus, the Airport Lost and Found at +1 949 252 5000.

Ride Shares at John Wayne Airport

The SNA designated pick-up and drop-off areas are in the Ground Transportation Center in front of the terminal.

Passengers can reserve rideshare by downloading the company’s app on their smartphone and coordinating directly with their driver. They can also request a ride a few days before their flight to avoid the inconvenience.

Ridesharing apps should let users verify the identity of drivers by checking out their faces, license plates, and colors.

Taxis at John Wayne Airport

Upon exit from the Baggage Claim area, proceed to the Ground Transportation Center toward the taxi stand in front of your terminal building.

One-way fare from SNA to Downtown is about $40.00.

If you need to travel outside the city area, please consult your driver for rates. It is customary to give the driver a tip (15-20% of the fare) for good service.

Keep a record of the cab company, vehicle number, and the driver's name when traveling to and from the airport, just in case you leave something behind. See more information about taxis at John Wayne Airport.

Trains at John Wayne Airport

The nearest train stations to SNA are Irvine, Santa Ana, and Tustin.

To ride any train, you'll have to transfer to Santa Ana Train Station, since it is the closest Greyhound stop to the airport. More information about train services near John Wayne Airport.

OC Bus Route A gets you there. A one-way taxi fare to the train station is less than $30.00.

Buses at John Wayne Airport

OC Bus Routes 76 and 212 are on the Arrivals level outside Terminal B. Fares start at $2.00. More information about buses to and from John Wayne Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at John Wayne Airport

Many hotels in Orange provide shuttle services. Passengers may confirm with their respective hotel if this is available at their accommodation.

Shuttles pick up and drop passengers at the Ground Transportation Center in front of the terminal.

Parking at John Wayne Airport

John Wayne Airport provides safe and comfortable parking spaces for its customers. Reserved parking is also available 24/7. Cash and credit card payments are accepted. See more information about short and long term parking at John Wayne Airport.

Hotels

Whether you are visiting the city for business or pleasure, our Orange County, California hotel and accommodation listings include all the information you need to book the ideal room for your trip.

Attractions

Orange County is a city that offers something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, and mountain climbing in the nearby mountains. Those who prefer a more urban environment can enjoy the city's many restaurants, shops, nightlife, and many more. See a selection of tourist attractions in and around Orange County, California.