July 26, 2024
When you travel through SJC, you already know that you’re passing through the Best Midsize Airport in the U.S., according to the Wall Street Journal. But did you know that SJC is also one of the Best Kid-Friendly Airports? This recognition is based on the family-friendly amenities we provide, such as nursing rooms, play areas and entertainment options, as well as our overall ambiance and convenience.
Whether you're a regular SJC passenger or embarking on your baby's first flight, everyone can appreciate an airport that makes traveling with kids a breeze. During a long layover, a quiet area to nurse or a place where kids can burn off energy can make all the difference. Even adults with a curiosity for technology can enjoy SJC’s exhibits and kids' entertainment areas.
The Motherhood Loves Community retailer just named SJC one of the Top 10 Terminals for Tots: The Best Airports in the US for Kids. The award highlighted several features: “Built by the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, the airport’s Zoom Zone play area teaches kids about flying in an interactive setting. The airport also has five private nursing rooms equipped with changing stations and other amenities. SJC was also the first airport to launch a therapy animal project, now called SJC Happy Tails, which little animal lovers can appreciate.”
But that’s not all. When traveling through SJC, take your time to discover everything we have to offer:
- Airport Public Art Program and Audio Tour – Travelers through Silicon Valley’s Airport will discover public artworks that reflect the spirit of this region as a global center of technology and innovation. These installations showcase the diversity, creativity and energy that define San José and Silicon Valley. You can access interviews to hear the artists discuss their work and the innovation behind the Airport's Art+Technology Program.
- e-Library Access – SJC travelers have instant, free access to hundreds of downloadable e-books through the Pop-Up Library, provided by the San José Public Library.
- Zoom Zone – Designed and built by the Children’s Discovery Museum of San José, Zoom Zone is a 600-square-foot educational and interactive play area for young children. The space features objects and creatures that fly and teaches kids about the roles that air, wind and wings play in flight.
- Terminal A Sculptures – Terminal A hosts a series of interactive sculptures that inspire kids' imagination and creativity.
- SJC Happy Tails – San José Mineta International Airport was the first airport to offer therapy dogs in the terminals, starting shortly after 9/11 to help calm passengers’ nerves before flying. Today, the Airport's program, SJC Happy Tails, has 46 active and certified therapy animals including 44 dogs, one cat and one rabbit. Periodically, during holidays, the pets parade through the Airport’s Terminals in costumes.
- 75th Anniversary Campaign – In February 1949, more than two decades after local voters rejected a bond for an airport, San José Municipal Airport opened for commercial air service. This campaign is dedicated to the first commercial flight at SJC, a Southwest Airways DC-3, which landed with two pilots, seven passengers and 2,550 baby chickens. Only the chickens disembarked at San José; the human passengers continued to Los Angeles. Starting in March 2024, the Airport was taken over by cute baby chicks in all shapes and sizes (including a 10’ tall version in Baggage Claim B), delighting passengers of all ages with SJC’s history and sweepstakes.
- Accessible Services – available for both adults and kids.
- Children’s table and chairs for their enjoyment.
- Toddler seats in some of the larger women’s restroom stalls and infant diaper changing stations are available in multiple restrooms.
We look forward to making your next journey through SJC as enjoyable and comfortable as possible!