John Wayne Airport is the largest airport in the Orange County area of California and it deals with more than 9 million annual passengers. John Wayne Airport has the airport code SNA because it is located in Santa Ana County. Although it was originally known as Orange County Airport, the name was changed in 1979 in honor of the great Western movie actor. You can see a statue of the famous cowboy figure when you arrive at the flight terminal.
The busiest airlines from John Wayne Airport are American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines. The majority of the services are domestic but John Wayne Airport also started a new route to Vancouver Airport in Canada as of May 2, 2011.
Orange County Airport Mini Guide
What can I do if I fly into Orange County Airport?
The airport is very near the city of Santa Ana in California. Santa Ana is a big city, set on the Santa Ana River and in the shadow of the Santa Ana Mountains. The infamous winds that blow across Orange County and fuel the wildfires are also named after the city. There are loads of things to see and do in and around the city but the best place to start is at the former town hall which now houses a museum detailing the history of the city. Further information on the growth of the city and the important buildings can be found at the Heritage Museum.
How do I get to Santa Ana?
John Wayne Airport, which was formerly called Orange County Airport, is the closest, lying right on the city boundary. A number of ways exist for getting to the city including bus shuttle to the railway station, bus routes into the centre, taxi and car hire. The airport is served by domestic and international routes from Canada and travellers from Europe will have to travel to Chicago or Denver before making a connection. For visitors intending to go to Disneyland, John Wayne Airport is much closer than the usual choice, Los Angeles International.
What’s the Airport Like?
It is modern and growing. Currently having a terminal divided into sub terminals A and B, the airport is currently constructing a third terminal, C, which will help reduce congestion. Unlike some airports, the terminals don’t have concourses and the gates are found in the main terminal building. This reduces travelling times for passengers.
What can I Expect When I Arrive?
The airport has jet bridges to help you exit the plane straight into the terminal. International passengers have to go through security but there are filter lanes for domestic arrivals, business class and frequent fliers. You’ll need to watch out for information on your baggage reclaim number then go down the escalator into the arrivals area. Baggage reclaim is on both sides of the arrivals hall and the airport information desk is found between them. There is assistance for those with reduced mobility and also special assistance for those with hearing impairment. The car hire company desks are against the wall of the arrivals hall and easily spotted with their illuminated signs. Whilst construction work continues in the airport, ATMs have been relocated to the gate area.
What Facilities are There for Departing Passengers?
After you’ve handed over your suitcases and collected the documents for your flight you’ll be right in the middle of the concessions area. There are a lot of shops but bizarrely many sell the same items. Five news shops sell magazines, newspapers, books etc. but there is some variety in the gift shop and candy store. There’s also the ubiquitous Sunglass Hut. Eating at the airport is a different matter with anything from McDonalds to celebrity chef run restaurants. A favourite is the Oasis Grill which serves superb meals in relaxing surroundings or the boulangeries selling filled croissants and patisseries. The airport also offers free Wi-Fi connection for travellers using the airport so work can continue and emails be checked whilst waiting for your plane.
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