Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Int'l Airport

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Int'l Airport Reviews

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4.1
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I flew into SAN from MCO after a long check point ...

I flew into SAN from MCO after a long check point line in Orlando with a 0630 flight. Arrived at one gate with SOUTHWEST in SAN to go to SJC. I think cool time for food and restroom break before my connecting flight. NOPE, passengers on my plane including myself had to get into another check point long line for another gate downstairs all with the same airline and connecting flight at that . Guest who was sweating in line I make my connection due to another security checkpoint number line in SAN. Worst if you make a mistake like a senior I saw went to the wrong gate had to go thru another check point, it's not like an international flight! Most airports has ONE check point, ODD at san but a huge Thank You MCO,DSW, LAS,PHX, SFO, and LAX to name a few airports I have travel to! Trust and believe I will never use SAN for connecting flights again...by now!

The only airport in the world where I miss flights...

The only airport in the world where I miss flights because of a very long security check lines. Also the prices are higher than in SFO. I would expect faster checks but what am I paying for?

This airport was great until I had to leave the pa...

This airport was great until I had to leave the parking lot. Apparently you need a debit/credit card to leave the parking lot!!! It is suppose to be convenient for patrons not just patrons with plastic!!!! Anyway I had to back up out of the stall, pull to the side and emergency park. Jump out, find a door into airport then look for a kiosk machine (they take cash, wth?) get my ticket, run back to my car before someone hit it, pay and get out of there. Sheesh that took about 25 minutes. Besides that it was all good. Also there are no humans in the booth upon leaving so it gets confusing as what to do. There should be a HUGE sign before you get the ticket to park, it should state that people with cash have to go to the kiosk machine and get ticket before leaving. HUGE, HUGE sign!!! otherwise people with cash are screwed. Both options should be at one place not two. Why is cash treated unfairly? I don't understand why the booth doesn't have the capability to scan the money like the card. Makes no sense smh...

ANA's check-in counter opens 3 hours before depart...

ANA's check-in counter opens 3 hours before departure. The same applies to the luggage deposit counter. If you want to get in the airport earlier than this, you can do "online check-in" with "only carry-on luggage". You can use "The Club at SJC" with Priority Pass (as of May 2018). In front of Gate 15, often very close to the departure gate for ANA flights. It is about 15 minutes by car from San Jose city, so it is quite close. Baggage inspection takes a considerable amount of time. When crowded, it's better to wait for an hour just in case. By the way (although there are no ANA customers alone), it is quite vacant because the peak is exceeded early in the morning 3 hours before the departure of ANA flight.

I give the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International...

I give the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport 5 stars. Like one of the scenes in the movie RUDY " so little" ITS A GREAT AIRPORT. And its nice how a bus takes you directly to the airport and off you go. Awesome. 8-)

Access to this airport is pretty simple from major...

Access to this airport is pretty simple from major freeways (101, 87, 17/880). Plenty of short/long term parking. While other airport options exist nearby (SF, Oakland, Monterey) I prefer SJC.
- I predominately travel using American Airlines who has an Admirals Club here and reasonable flight schedule options (although it was better years ago when SJC was an American hub location). Inside the secured area (where the Gates are, thru TSA) there are plenty of small shops, places for food, both a Peets and $tarBucks coffee, book stores and restrooms.
- I've never had an issue where arriving at least 3 hours before your flight was required (although I did get burned once on a codeshare American flight serviced by Alaskan Airlines who refused me a boarding pass because their self-serve machines were down and waiting in line I got to their ticket counter only 40 minutes before flight time, so I had to schlep my bags back over to the Ametican terminal where they confirmed that if it had been at an American Gate that they would have issued me a boarding pass as long as the Jetbridge door for that flight was still open (and they apologized for their "partner's" overly aggressive rule). American then re-routed my itinerary for free putting me on different/alternate American flights (ones that would have been more expensive if I had booked them) that got me where I was going on-time and gave me upgraded preferred seats - again for free, AND they were done BEFORE my original flight departed (in other words in less than what was left of those 40 minutes even including the inter-terminal foot travel excursion).
- Bottomline is ANYtime there has been any unplanned travel complication (like, equipment/weather canceled flights) American has always taken care of me (arranging ground transportation to a nearby quality hotel, providing dinner vouchers, re-booking onto first thing next morning direct flight to my original location in upgraded seating - all at $0 to me). SJC continues to be my preferred home base.

Airport didn't seem to open till 4am. The closed s...

Airport didn't seem to open till 4am. The closed security gate was very confusing to passengers. On top of that, my flight was delayed for an hour, causing me to miss my connecting flight. They had to de ice the plane first, but they failed to find a working service vehicle for the job and failed to find a second.

I flew out of Alaska and was there at the gate pri...

I flew out of Alaska and was there at the gate prior to boarding starting. They did NOT do family boarding or even boarding for those who may need more time down the runway. He boarded first class and then the groups A through D. I am VERY unhappy.

Flew out of and back to SJC. First flight since pa...

Flew out of and back to SJC. First flight since pandemic. The airport was spotless and open (not crowded). Plenty of hand sanitizer everywhere. Security was fast and easy. The gate areas were fine and people were masked. The only issue I had was the Southwest boarding process. Not really socially distanced at all. The airport itself was terrific and never felt concerned about the virus.

A real 21st Century airport! I travel all over the...

A real 21st Century airport! I travel all over the world and this just might be my favorite of all. Why? Let me list the reasons:
1. Security took just 5 minutes. I even used passbook on my iPhone with no problem.
2. Free high speed WiFi - I actually watched a couple of You Tube videos and FaceTimed my wife with no lag.
3. Power outlets at EVERY seat! I've been to many other airports where business folks are clustered around the few power outlets hoping to charge up their phones. No problems at SJC!
4. A decent coffee shop (Peets) that isn't Starbucks. Don't get me wrong, they have Starbucks too and it's fine, but I prefer other coffee shops.
5. Car rental across the street. With a passion, I hate arriving at an airport (usually late) and then having to go on a 20 minute bus ride to the rental car center. On the return trip it makes it even worse if you're running late. Why do airports do that? BWI and Denver have ridiculous long bus rides to/from the rental car center. Stupid and inconvenient. SJC, no problem to walk across the street!

All round, a great picture of what a modern airport should be.

This airport has changed a lot since the 80s and ...

This airport has changed a lot since the 80s and has newer terminals (while the original one has closed down). The airport is very easy to navigate although baggage claim can be far depending on where your flight arrived. Security is relatively fast.

It's been a long long long time since I've used SJ...

It's been a long long long time since I've used SJC and I forgot just how much I like it. For an international airport it is pretty small which means it can be overcrowded but even after all of these years (20-ish) it still wasn't, bot when I arrived and when I departed. Some changes have occurred naturally but all in all it was still as I remember mostly. MUCH better than any other (and I've use MANY) other international airport in the world as far as I'm concerned. Easy to get into and out of, no long wait for baggage, security goes pretty fast and even TSA was respectful and courteous.

Great airport to fly out of. Lots of places to eat...

Great airport to fly out of. Lots of places to eat and shops.they have a Starbucks and a Peet's Coffee.
The Employees are very friendly. The TSA agents for the most part...well I experienced one guy who was super friendly and one that was super serious.
The grounds are kept and clean.
Super easy to navigate and well laid out facility.

I watched a guy have a seizure and the police stoo...

I watched a guy have a seizure and the police stood around doing nothing while the medics took more than ten minutes to arrive. 0/10 would not have a life-threatening emergency at this airport.

Edit: after fifteen minutes, the paramedics strolled up in no hurry at all. Glad he got the help he needed but for the love of God don't count on San Jose Police, fire, or paramedics to respond in any sort of hurry.

I've only flown in and out of this airport once..a...

I've only flown in and out of this airport once..and I am a fan..

The airport is big enough so there's plenty of room for numerous gates for enough flights in and out of San Jose. However, it's not so big where gates are separated by buildings and you have to get there by a railed tram or long walks. The tall glass ceilings allow light to naturally come in and make for an attractive airport.

There's pretty good dining options lined up at Mineta should you need to grab a bite. The TSA Pre-check line is efficient and gets you through quickly. They had two Pre-check stations operating when I went through at 7 PM. There's a cool rotating airplane influenced art piece right outside the security check. It's a social media moment for sure.

This is the best airport to rent a car from. The rental car area is literally across the street. After less than a 10 minute walk, you're in the rental car building lobby. Fantastic.

Overall, Mineta San Jose Airport is a well designed medium sized airport. I don't fly here often, but I would have no issues flying to Mineta when need be. Safe Travels!

Clean, not as busy as the past. Many establishment...

Clean, not as busy as the past. Many establishments still no open. The challenges of traveling during Covid-19 times! Why only 3 stars...
Went to one of the two places where you can actually get a drink...was told, must purchase a food item in order to purchase a alcoholic beverage. Huh? If this were the Mexican place at the other end, maybe ok. But, this place had chips and sandwiches in packages...they said it required food purchase was the law! Seriously!
Over $20 for a double of Jack on the rocks...wow, that'll make ya wanna give up drinking!
Especially, at the airport!
Safe travels!!

Airport was too long

Airport was too long
One strait long walk between Gate. Design of Airpprt building was poor.

I like this airport a lot, especially as an altern...

I like this airport a lot, especially as an alternative to SFO. I wish there were more direct flight cities but that's the tradeoff for a much easier in and out experience with less lines and traffic.

I will miss this work place. I will cherish all th...

I will miss this work place. I will cherish all the good and bad memories working in this airport. Been a journey for 8 long years. Thanks to all my co workers and friends and not so good friends too. Be safe and see you all around.

I travel a lot and I've slept in 15 airports the p...

I travel a lot and I've slept in 15 airports the past two years. Cheap flights and overnight layovers. Never have I ever been woken up by an armed guard demanding to see my boarding pass. It's called an overnight layover for a reason. Stuck up mentality in Silicon Valley. End the pretentious attitude. Garbage. If you travel #sjcovernight prepare to be threatened and criminalized by armed guards. Unfriendly food service workers. Overall trash.

TSA won t let you bring milk through security for ...

TSA won t let you bring milk through security for your toddlers and none of the stores in the airport sell milk except Peet s Coffee but only in a cup. They are also working I. The restrooms and we had to go to the other side of the terminal to use the bathroom.

This airport is so convenient for me. I love how c...

This airport is so convenient for me. I love how central it is to everything in San Jose and now that they remodeled I feel like it is finally on par with other international airports. Solid design, lots of great restaurants, and an improved rental car station. If you are coming in to work in San Jose, definitely consider flying in to SJC rather than SFO to save time. It may be a little more expensive, but SFO is such a hassle to get to compared to San Jose

Decent airport in terms of architecture, planning,...

Decent airport in terms of architecture, planning, etc. However, every time I encounter TSA at this airport, I have extra screening for no reason whatsoever. They told me once i was "randomly selected" for a full pat down. My partner also had his pockets checked without being informed beforehand that they were going to touch him. It seems like if the police are not allowed to have such a position of power, how on earth does TSA?

If you are checking for something in particular, because it is the Silicon Valley or something, please inform those in line about what you are intending to do. At least try to be amicable towards passengers...

It's all about the gates - and in this case, the g...

It's all about the gates - and in this case, the gate structure is pretty good. Plenty of security lanes, efficient TSAPre, and the traffic through the gates tends to be low enough that you usually get through in 5.minutes or less (way less, with TSAPre).

Inside, there really isn't much in the way of amenities - just the usual assortments of Peets, Starbucks, chain restaurants, etc.

That's ok though - the key here is to come in hot (get here with just enough time to make it through the gates, and onto the plane

I was at gate 29 for Alaska Airlines, it was clean...

I was at gate 29 for Alaska Airlines, it was clean with good customer service from Alaska employees. I also like the fact that they had a work station where you could plug in your laptop and just sit and relax close by.

It is a compact airport. There are many Southwest ...

It is a compact airport. There are many Southwest Airlines. Thanks to its compactness, it is good to be able to do luggage checks and security checks in a relatively short time. There are few shops, so souvenirs and meals can not be expected

This is one of the smaller airports I ve been to. ...

This is one of the smaller airports I ve been to. Upon arrival, my luggage was in the baggage area by the time I arrived. Two thumbs up for that! Flying out was easy as well. There are only 2 terminals. With TSA Pre, I got through security within a few minutes. There isn t a huge selection for shopping/eating, but you should be able to find something. Also worth noting, there was ample seating at the gates and the restrooms were well maintained.

Here is a Small international airport and it has f...

Here is a Small international airport and it has free wifi could use when you're waiting for a next fright trip in airport lobby. Free shuttle buses could take you to Rental car center and pick up your rental car. (SEP 25,16)

The TSA that works at Mineta is so incompetent. Th...

The TSA that works at Mineta is so incompetent. They shuffle people in the wrong direction. They do not check if you are pre check and guide you into the wrong line. They look bored and disinterested and have no ability to move a crowd of people through security. They really do need training and guidance.

It's a clean and friendly airport. The security l...

It's a clean and friendly airport. The security lines are not long while the wait is way too long for the southwest terminal though. I can't recall ever seeing all the machines working at the same time and they are just slow here. I have to get here unusually early to clear the security lines for a simple domestic flight.

Going out on British Airways to LHR was a breeze. ...

Going out on British Airways to LHR was a breeze. Security had almost no line, and Terminal B had cool artwork to check out. At Terminal B gates the seats have power outlets so no need to sit on the floor next to an outlet. The only issue was on our return flight. BA had cancelled all the flights before ours for around a week. The flight was PACKED. Customs is easy, especially when your flight is the only one arriving. Overall pretty nice experience

The rating is really 3.5 stars.

The rating is really 3.5 stars.

I like the small size of this airport. It's more manageable than SFO. TSA lines are usually not that long.

There is only one lounge, which can be very crowded. I almost found no free seats available. Also, Mobile Passport doesn't work yet for international arrivals. This is a shame, for an airport in the heart of the Silicon Valley.

So far bad impression on arriving not sure if you ...

So far bad impression on arriving not sure if you where fixing up the walls or they are falling apart .The area where we arrived was very dirty. Definitely will see if flying back is any better .

Only 2 fast food restaurants open when our plane l...

Only 2 fast food restaurants open when our plane landed in the afternoon. The lines were extremely long, on Tuesday. There should be adequate options to get food & drink while you are traveling during a pandemic. Dislike this airports options. No availability.

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Int'l Airport

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Int'l Airport

4.1