The Cupertino Courier

News

Changes at S.J. airport will affect holiday travelers

By Erin Hussey

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport has closed off the west and north sections of the short-term parking lot at Terminal C and will consolidate three of the terminal's security checkpoints in early December.

"These actions are necessary to the construction of our new airport," said Rich Dressler, airport spokesman. "The overall project includes the construction of a new terminal B that will take the place of Terminal C by 2010. We will have a new airport for Silicon Valley."

In addition to a new Terminal B, the airport will also have upgrades of Terminal A, a new rental car parking garage and improved roadways by 2010.

For the start of construction of roadways in front of Terminal C, the airport began restricting entry into the north and west sections of the short-term parking lot Nov. 1. Short-term parking is available in the other sections of Terminal C. Travelers can also use the Terminal A garage and then catch a blue shuttle that runs every few minutes between the terminals.

The north end of Terminal C will be demolished in early 2008 to clear the site for the construction of the new Terminal B.

The airport has scheduled the consolidation of the three security checkpoints at Terminal C for sometime after the Thanksgiving holiday to reduce the impact on holiday travelers.

"The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest time," said Dressler. "It's better to arrive especially early, and always call ahead to your airline or go online to check if your flight is on schedule."

Dressler advises passengers to arrive at least an hour and a half early for domestic flights and two hours ahead for international flights.

The consolidation of security checkpoints will place most food and beverage services and more restrooms in Terminal C inside secured areas. Coffee and snacks will be available near the baggage claim area.