Travelers entering Terminal 1 will find an elevated upper-level departures area designed to reduce roadway congestion. Inside, there are 13 centralized security lanes aimed at minimizing wait times. Clear service will also be available in the new terminal; it was not offered in the old facility due to space limitations.
After passing through security, passengers can access gate areas via ramps or stairs. The departures section will initially operate with 19 gates (numbered 101–119), with plans for up to 30 gates after additional construction phases are completed.
Gate hold rooms offer various seating options and about half of these seats have AC power along with USB-A and USB-C charging ports. Four restroom sets are located in this area, each featuring marble tiling and occupancy indicators on stall doors.
The food court includes an outdoor terrace with seating for up to 290 people. While concessions were still being prepared ahead of opening day, airport officials confirmed they remain on schedule.
For aviation enthusiasts, large windows provide clear views of aircraft activity on the runway as well as glimpses of downtown San Diego.
Two new lounges are planned: an Escape Lounge near Gate 117 expected to open in 2027—accessible to American Express premium cardholders—and a Delta Sky Club slated for future development when Delta moves into Terminal 1.
Arriving passengers will see automated exit doors and a sand-cast wall sculpture commemorating San Diego's aviation history relocated from the old terminal. Baggage claim is on the ground level with seven belts currently installed; two more spaces have been reserved for future needs. A nearby parking structure offers over 5,000 spaces for travelers.
Further work remains after opening day, including demolition of the original building and completion of additional gates and lounges.
Zach Griff reported: "The new Terminal 1 is built adjacent to the existing one, so getting there after it opens will be a seamless experience for travelers."
He added: "Perhaps the biggest drawback to the new departures area is that there's just one set of bathrooms near the west end of the facility."
Regarding amenities he said: "Around 50% of the seating options will have direct access to AC power, as well as USB-A and USB-C charging ports."
On lounges Griff stated: "That's because two new lounges will open up in this terminal. The first, an Escape Lounge, will open in 2027 across from Gate 117... Better yet, Delta will open a new Sky Club on the west side of the terminal when the airline moves into Terminal 1."
Griff concluded: "San Diego's new Terminal 1 is a major upgrade for travelers... Even after it opens, some more work needs to be done, including demolishing the existing facility, adding more gates and opening two lounges."
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