Airport Construction Update
December 14, 2007
Terminal C Checkpoints Now Consolidated
The Airport successfully completed the smooth transition from three security checkpoints to a single, more efficient and flexible checkpoint in Terminal C last week. The change is already reducing lines and waiting times for passengers in the terminal. Our restaurant and retail concessions are now post-security, which also serves our passengers better, and we have added a new food and snacks service in the pre-security baggage claim area. Terminal C's new configuration can be seen here.
Airport staff, contractors, and TSA met the intricate challenge of relocating all TSA screening equipment and replacing signage throughout the terminal by working through the night last Tuesday to ensure that the new configuration would be ready to open first thing Wednesday morning. The project also includes relocation of airline offices and service counters this month and the installation of new technology systems to support the shared use of gates and counter space by our airlines.
Our next step is to close the north end of Terminal C this month, proceed with its demolition in January, and start construction for the new Terminal B in February when the site is cleared. The remainder of the modified Terminal C will continue in service until our new terminal and the North Concourse are open for service in mid-2010 – about 30 months from now.
New Hourly Parking Lot at Terminal C Now Open
A new interim surface parking lot with approximately 400 spaces opened this week on the south side of the Terminal C baggage claim building. This lot will be used mostly by “”meeters and greeters” who park on an hourly basis, generally those who are picking up and dropping off passengers at Terminal C. Entrance to the new lot is from Airport Boulevard, south of Terminal C, where we’ve installed a new traffic signal. A map of the new parking area can be seen here.
The hourly parking rate for the new lot will remain at the current $3/hour, the same as our other parking facilities. Effective January 15, 2008, we will increase the daily maximum to $40 at this new lot to encourage daily and long-term parkers to use either the Terminal A garage, which continues at a maximum of $30/day, or the parking area on the west side of the airport, which is $15/day.
Today we’re also closing off the western section of the Terminal C short-term lot to allow for construction of the new terminal roadway adjacent to it, which reduces parking by another 170 spaces. On Thursday, December 27, we will close entry to the entire lot so that we can begin preparing the site for the construction of our new 3350-space consolidated rental car and public parking garage.
Plenty of Parking Available in Terminal A Garage
Although the surface parking lots may fill and be briefly closed from time to time during mid-week peaks, there’s plenty of parking available in the Terminal A garage. Drivers parking for a day or more should use the 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
Our special holiday parking promotion gives you a 20% discount for long-term parking -- $3 off the regular rate. The long-term lot is on the west side of the airport, off Martin Ave. in Santa Clara. You're guaranteed a spot at the 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 to January 7, 2008.
During the Holidays, Arrive Earlier for Your Flight
Also, remember TSA restrictions on what you can bring on board, either carry-on or in checked luggage. If you’re traveling with holiday gifts, don’t wrap them before flying so that security screeners won’t have to ask you to unwrap them for inspection. 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 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 two and a half 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.