John Wayne (SNA) Airport Guide

Address: 18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, CA 92707

It's Small, But John Wayne Airport in Orange County Offers Full-Size Service

Of the three international airports located in the Los Angeles area, John Wayne Airport in southern Orange County (also known by its airport code of SNA) is the smallest. However, its size is seen by many travelers as a distinct advantage rather than a drawback. The airport in Irvine is an excellent choice for you if you’d like to come to or depart from Los Angeles with a minimum of travel hassles.

What’s the best thing about John Wayne Airport?

The airport’s smaller size works for it rather than against it. With three terminals containing more than 22 gates, there are several different national and regional carriers as well as international carriers that operate out of the airport. For your convenience, the departure area is on the upper level of the airport, while the arrivals gates and baggage claim areas are located on the lower level.

You won’t have to look far for good food while you’re at the airport either. A wide variety of eateries are located in the terminal, ranging from McDonalds and Starbucks to La Tapenade Mediterranean cuisine or the fresh, California-sourced Farmers Market fare. You’ll be happy to know that you can find food you like at a cost you prefer. If you’d like a relaxing beverage instead, the Vino Volo wine lounge or the Belgian Beer Bar featuring Stella Artois are available.

What can you do while you’re at John Wayne Airport?

Waiting for a flight to depart often isn’t fun, but John Wayne Airport offers some interesting things to see and do during your down time. Shopping in particular provides some unique options rather than the typical newsstand or convenience mart. If you’ve forgotten to bring along a gadget you can’t do without, you likely will find it at Brookstone. Electronics, fitness trackers, travel items, pillows and similar merchandise are available for a discount price at the airport’s Brookstone outlet. If you or someone you know is a surf bum or just likes surf wear, Rip Curl sells clothing, accessories and more surf gear you’ll need to hit the waves. Perhaps you’d like some gourmet chocolates for your trip. Caterina’s offers a wide selection of chocolates, nuts, candies and similar specialty foods.

What’s the most interesting thing about John Wayne Airport?

What would you say to spending time at an art exhibit while you’re waiting for your plane to take off? John Wayne Airport boasts a rotating selection of exhibits, such as a three-dimensional sculpture called the Flight of Ideas featuring aluminum birds with wingspans ranging from three feet to fourteen feet wide. The University of California Irvine focuses on the learning institution’s successes over the past 50 years. The airport’s art council also sponsors an annual Student Art Contest and Exhibition.

The airport’s namesake, John Wayne, is memorialized with a nine-foot-tall bronze statue of the actor located in the terminal’s arrival area. The statue, made up of two tiers, is interactive in that visitors are encouraged to touch it rather than keeping their hands off.

What are some of the drawbacks of using John Wayne Airport?

There are negative aspects of any commercial enterprise, but most reviewers say John Wayne Airport doesn’t have many of them. You might find that take-offs are a bit jarring because pilots are required to cut engine noise more quickly due to local ordinances, but most travelers say that’s a minor problem. Some travelers aren’t happy that the airport closes at midnight, but most reviewers reported satisfaction with the overall travel experience, however.

Why should you choose John Wayne Airport?

One of the biggest benefits of using John Wayne Airport is its proximity to the theme parks located in southern Orange County, including Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. The ambience of a smaller airport that still offers full international service is one of the best reasons you should consider John Wayne Airport as a departure or arrival destination when you travel in the Los Angeles area.

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