Airport guides · San Diego, CA
Flying into SAN: what to expect
San Diego International, San Diego, CA. Live conditions in plain words, plus what's normal on arrival and departure.
Weather at SAN right now
A few clouds around 25,000 ft; wind 6 mph; 25°C / 77°F. That means good visibility and no low cloud deck.
Forecast: wind around 10 mph; possible mist at times.
Source: NWS Aviation Weather Center METAR, TAF and pilot reports for KSAN. Updated every few minutes.
Runways and which way you'll land
SAN has 1 runway in FAA data: 09/27 (9,401 ft).
Runway numbers are compass headings divided by ten (runway 27 points roughly west, 270°).6 Airplanes take off and land into the wind where they can, so the direction you take off or land at SAN changes with the weather.5 That's normal.
Flying into SAN: common questions
Which runway will my flight use at SAN?
It depends mostly on the wind: airplanes take off and land into the wind where they can, so the runway in use changes with the weather. FAA data lists 1 runway at SAN (09/27); the longest is 09/27 at about 9,401 ft.
Why might my flight circle before landing at SAN?
Holding is a normal way for air traffic control to space out arrivals when it's busy or the weather changes. Airplanes carry extra fuel for it. You can check current delay programs on the FAA's National Airspace System status page.
Is it normal for the landing at SAN to feel bumpy?
Yes. Low-level bumps are common on approach, especially on windy or gusty days, and a firm touchdown is often deliberate. The airplane is designed for it; keep your seat belt fastened while seated.
What can I bring through security at SAN?
TSA rules apply at every US airport: liquids in your carry-on must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, all in one quart-sized bag. TSA's 'What can I bring?' tool covers specific items.
Before you go
- Liquids in carry-on: containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, in one quart-sized bag.1
- Not sure about an item? Check TSA's "What can I bring?" tool.2
- Need help at security because of a disability or medical condition? TSA Cares can help.3
- Delays and ground stops across the US are shown on the FAA's airspace status page.4
Calm reading for your trip
- Why flights circle before landing
- Go-arounds: why pilots sometimes climb away instead of landing
- Is this normal? Sounds and sensations by phase of flight
Nearby airport guides
LAX
Los Angeles International
LAS
Harry Reid International
PHX
Phoenix Sky Harbor International
SFO
San Francisco International
Sources
- TSA, Liquids, aerosols and gels rule (3-1-1)
- TSA, What can I bring?
- TSA Cares / passenger support
- FAA National Airspace System status (delays and ground stops)
- FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (takeoff and landing into the wind)
- FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (aircraft performance and density altitude)
- FAA airport data via the NWS Aviation Weather Center airport API
- Holding patterns, explained (SafelyAboard)
Runway and elevation data: FAA, via aviationweather.gov, baked 2026-10-17. SafelyAboard doesn't rate airports.