Airport Construction Update

November 9, 2007

Reduction of Terminal C Short-term Parking Starts after Thanksgiving
With the start of construction on roadways in front of Terminal C in December, we’ll be working in the west and north sections of the Terminal C short-term parking lot, which will reduce the number of spaces in this lot.

There still will be short-term parking available in the Terminal C surface lot, just less of it. In addition, there is ample parking available in the Terminal A garage, and it’s very easy to catch a blue shuttle bus to Terminal C that runs every few minutes between the terminals.

On Saturday, November 24, we will begin restricting entry into the north portion of the Terminal C short-term lot, a reduction of approximately 180 spaces. In mid-December, we will close the west portion of the Terminal C short-term lot closes (next to the roadway in front of the terminal), a reduction of approximately 170 spaces.

Depending on our construction schedule, we anticipate closing all of the remaining space in this lot by the end of December so that we can start building the new consolidated rental car garage on the site in January.

Interim Short-term Parking Lot to Open after Thanksgiving
On Friday, November 30, we’re scheduled to open the interim parking lot on the south side of the Terminal C baggage claim building. This new lot will be used mostly by drivers who park on an hourly basis, generally those who are picking up and dropping off passengers at Terminal C.

Drivers parking for a day or more should use the Terminal A parking garage and take the blue shuttle bus to Terminal C. The blue shuttle buses from Terminal A to Terminal C are very frequent, since all the buses go that way. Returning from Terminal C to Terminal A, travelers do need to look for the "Inter-Terminal" shuttles (since the others take you back to long-term parking or the rental car center).

Save $3 per Day for Long-term Parking during the Holidays
We're doing a holiday parking promotion for long-term parkers: Save $3 per day in the long-term lot on the west side of the airport, off Martin Ave in Santa Clara – that’s a 20% discount. You're guaranteed a spot at a reduced rate, and it’s easy to take the blue shuttle bus right to your terminal. To get your $3-off coupon, go to www.flysanjose.com. The promotion coupon is good from November 11, 2007 to January 7, 2008.

Consolidation of Terminal C Security Checkpoints Now Scheduled for Early December
The consolidation of the Terminal C checkpoints will provide more efficient security check-in, better customer service, and reduced waiting for passengers, especially at peak times. By bringing three separate checkpoints together in Terminal C, TSA security staff will have more flexibility screening passengers when traffic is greatest.

With the changeover, most food and beverage services and more restrooms in Terminal C now will become post-security, which will make it easier for travelers before boarding their flights. Coffee and snacks will be available pre-security near the baggage claim area.

After the consolidation, we will close off the north end of Terminal C to prepare it for demolition to clear the site for the construction of our new Terminal B. We expect this to happen in early 2008.

During the Holidays, Arrive Earlier for Your Flight
Another reminder - passengers should arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights, and two hours before international flights, especially during the holiday season. Start your holiday stress-free – arrive early, enjoy a bite to eat, and pick up some snacks or reading material for your flight.

Also, remember TSA restrictions on what you can bring on board, either carry-on or in checked luggage. For the most current rules for travelers, go to www.tsa.gov. By being prepared, you'll save time and hassle for both yourself and for your fellow travelers – a good holiday gift for everyone.

Construction on Terminal A Improvements to Begin
Although construction activity has been taking place at Terminal A over the last few months, it has been mostly out of view of the general public. Starting next week, we will place construction barricades around the front of the terminal at its south and north ends, signaling the start of construction on the new emergency exit stairs at these locations. We also will be starting work on a new airside loading ramp to replace the current loading dock at the south front end of Terminal A.

This preparatory work will allow us to relocate the existing emergency exit stairs so we can begin construction of the new ticketing lobbies that will be on the ground level of Terminal A. Although these two construction zones will be very visible in front of Terminal A, we don’t expect them to affect traffic or travelers since we’re not working in the roadway or in passenger areas.

Construction Schedules Are Subject to Change
Because the $1.3 billion project to replace and upgrade the SJC terminal area is complex and moving very fast, our construction schedules are subject to continuing revision. We will keep updating the public and our customers about the project details as they occur, but please bear with us as we adjust schedules for the project over the next three years. We appreciate your patience, and we thank you for flying San José while we build The New Airport.

Airport Construction Update is produced by the Marketing and Communication Division at Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport. We welcome your comments. If you’re not already on the mailing list for this publication, you can subscribe here.