Frequently Asked Questions

Every airline and airport may have different rules, so it's always best to phone the airline first to obtain any special instructions. Gate passes are usually issued at the airline ticket/check-in counter. You will need the passenger’s name and flight number, and a government issued photo ID (driver’s license). If you are escorting a departing Military service member, they should have their military orders available as well as government photo IDs for everyone over the age of 18. You may wish to enlist the assistance of one of the airline greeters (usually dressed in an airline blazer and standing near the entrance of the ticket counter lines). They are there to help direct you to the proper counter and should be able to point you to the exact location to obtain the gate pass. When you reach the counter personnel, explain that you wish to obtain a Gate Pass and explain the circumstances. Finally, be sure to allow plenty of time before flight departure and/or arrival to account for check-in and security screening.

Who will be considered for a gate pass?

• A parent with a child flying alone – known as unaccompanied minor (under 18)
• A companion for a passenger that has a disability (perhaps to push a wheelchair, etc.)
• A companion for a passenger with special needs (can’t understand signs and/or instructions or perhaps needs a sign language interpreter)
• A companion for a passenger who is elderly and may become confused or disoriented
• Family members of Military service personnel who are reporting for duty or arriving home from active duty

Prior to your arrival at the Airport, you may contact your airline for wheelchair or porter service.

Drivers who need extra time on the curb to load/unload because of a disability should notify uniformed Airport traffic staff. Vehicles should never be left unattended on the curb.

More information on Accessibility

Yes, Luggage Cart rentals by Smarte Carte are available curbside at Terminal A and B for departures and in the Baggage Claim area. They cost $6 and accept Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Debit Cards.

Luggage carts are free for passengers picking up their bags in International Arrivals.

Electric vehicle charging stations are located on the first level of Hourly Lot 2 (Terminal A Garage) and Hourly & Daily Lot 5 next to Terminal B. All charging stations are free to use, however, regular parking lot fees apply.

If you lost an item and know where you may have lost it, please call the respective agency as each agency manages its own lost and found. Airport Lost and Found manages items found at the Airport Terminals, TSA, Checkpoints, Inter-terminal Shuttles, Curbside, and Parking Lots. Items lost on the Aircraft or Public Transportation are managed by their separate Lost and Found Departments. For contact information, visit our Lost and Found page.

Yes, we have nursing rooms equipped with benches, sinks, changing stations, and outlets. They are located at Gates 8, 18, 21, 24 and 26. Learn more.

Drivers can pick up international passengers on the right-hand side of the road in front of the International Arrivals Terminal. For more information, visit our Meeting Passengers page.

Yes, there are four animal relief areas; three pre-security and one post-security.

Pre-security locations

• Outside Terminal A, north of ticketing
• Outside Terminal A, south of parking garage
• Outside Terminal B, north of ticketing

Post-security location

• Inside passenger walkway between Gates 16 and 17

The Rental Car Center is located directly across from Terminal B. Passengers from Terminal B can walk across the crosswalks from baggage claim to reach the Rental Car Center. Passengers from Terminal A can take an Airport blue shuttle bus to or from the center.

More information about Rental Cars

Individual Rental Car Agency hours vary. Please visit the Rental Cars page for a list of the Agency’s hours and phone numbers.

The Bay Area has plenty of public transportation options as well as ride-share companies. Going to downtown San Francisco, the most efficient public transit route likely is taking the VTA #60 shuttle bus from SJC to the Santa Clara CalTrain station where you can catch a train into San Francisco. Monterey Airbus has regularly scheduled shuttle service between SJC and San Francisco International Airport. If you prefer to drive, our rental car facility is also conveniently located directly across the street from Terminal B and shuttle buses run to the rental car center from Terminal A every few minutes.

Checkpoints open at 4:30 a.m. Standard closing time is 11 p.m., but TSA coordinates with the airlines to remain open when there are late departures.

Ticketed passengers with a valid boarding pass for a connecting flight may remain in the terminals overnight. You should know, however, that security announcements continue intermittently throughout the night and there is no designated sleeping area.

San José Mineta International Airport Overnight Lodging Policy

Yes, several restaurants will generally open by 5 a.m. And some will generally remain open at night until the last flight. Learn more about restaurants at SJC.

No, unfortunately, due to security restrictions, we do not have storage lockers at SJC.

The Club at SJC is open to passengers of all airlines. Certain airlines offer complimentary admission to business class, first class, and/or elite level frequent flyer members. Priority Pass members also receive complimentary admission. Others may purchase a day pass for $45 or $40 with a valid AAA membership.

More information about The Club

We have refilling stations located at the water fountains near Gates 6, 8, 10, 14, 15, 17, 24 and 32.

Accessible Parking and van accessible spaces can be found in all SJC parking lots and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accessible parking is priced to match the rates posted at all parking lot entrances. No discounts are available for accessible parking. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call (408) 441-5570.

TSA’s job is to make sure you are who you say you are. In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete a form to include your name and current address, and may ask additional questions to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You may be subject to additional screening. For more instructions and information about valid forms of identification, visit the TSA website. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

Our economy and daily lots are charged based on a flat rate per 24 hours from the time you enter. If you exceed 24 hours, you will be charged the flat rate for an additional day. Our hourly lots are $2 per 20 minutes up to the daily maximum for the first day. After the first day, they are charged at the flat daily rate per additional 24 hours.

Because our terminals sit on a narrow real estate footprint, they are not wide enough to accommodate moving walkways while still allowing the necessary space for the flow of foot traffic.

We’d love to add more routes. Ultimately, the airlines make those decisions. You can always help us by reaching out to your preferred airlines and letting them know of your interest in a particular route.