When you are traveling to and from San Antonio International Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.
Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.
- Brief Overview of San Antonio International Airport in Texas, U.S.
- Terminals at San Antonio International Airport
- Parking Facilities at San Antonio International Airport
- Airlines Served by San Antonio International Airport
- Facilities and Services Available at San Antonio International Airport
- Hotels On-Site and Nearby San Antonio International Airport
- Transport Options To and From San Antonio International Airport
Brief Overview of San Antonio International Airport in Texas, U.S.
Situated about 12.9 km (8 miles) from downtown in northern San Antonio, lies the San Antonio International Airport. It is a primary airport that serves the San Antonio metropolitan area and also provides commercial airline services for the South Texas region in the United States of America.
Being the seventh-largest city in the whole U.S., San Antonio is a place worth visiting. San Antonio International Airport has displays of arts and culture and there is also live music performance to entertain passengers. The airport makes the travel experience easy and safe for all of its passengers. The airport is also fully accessible to individuals with physical challenges, those traveling with infants and small children, the elderly, and others with special needs.
IATA: SAT
Address:
San Antonio International Airport
9800 Airport Blvd.
San Antonio,
TX 78216
Airport Contact: 210 207 3433
Website: https://www.sanantonio.gov
Operation Hours: San Antonio International Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain shops, food concessions, and public and private transport services may not offer their services throughout the day and night. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may vary with the flight schedule. Hence, it is advised that you check with the airport.
Terminals at San Antonio International Airport
San Antonio International Airport has two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B. Both terminals are well-connected via concourses. Travelers can easily find various amenities, such as shops, food concessions, ATMs, lounges, business conference centers, and more at the airport.
The international flight arrivals are managed by the Federal Inspection Station. The station also supports operations of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Parking Facilities at San Antonio International Airport
San Antonio International Airport offers both ticket and ticket-less parking options to travelers that are affordable. One can choose from on-airport parking options and off-site car parks and garages located in the nearest proximity to the airport.
The airport provides Short Term Parking Garage or Economy Green, a Long Term Parking Garage, and Red Parking Lot for travelers for convenience.
Valet Parking:
You also receive complimentary services, such as window cleaning and interior vacuuming, and luggage assistance. The Valet parking area is located at Terminal A, curbside Arrivals. It is operated 24 hours a day, including weekends. The parking rate for up to 3 hours is $17 and is further increased in the hours of parking.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot:
The airport’s Cell Phone Waiting Lot can be found at the nook of Airport Blvd. and Northern Blvd. adjacent to QMart and Burger King. Visitors are allowed to wait in this area at no charge and make it is easy to connect with arriving passengers using their cell phones.
Passengers can park their vehicles on-site for up to 30 days. The airport offers free shuttle service to and from the Green or Red Parking Lots to the terminal curbside. Knowing the place to park before you arrive will save you time.
Airlines Served by San Antonio International Airport
San Antonio International Airport serves many domestic, international, government, and cargo airlines. Airlines that are served by the airport include AeroMexico, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier, Interjet, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country, United Airlines, and Volaris Airlines.
Facilities and Services Available at San Antonio International Airport
San Antonio International Airport offers various amenities to passengers to make their traveling experience worthwhile. The airport has a range of duty-free stores, food and beverage outlets, Wi-Fi and internet access, business services, and more.
Security Check-points
There are security checks at the airport’s terminal. All passengers are required to pass through the security checks.
Help Desk
When you are at the San Antonio International Airport and need help, there is an information desk to assist you. Here, you can inquire about your flight or find other facilities easily at the airport.
Airport Ambassadors:
Trained and highly knowledgeable volunteers, called Airport Ambassadors (wearing cowboy hats and blue jackets) are available to assist travelers for free with airport information and terminal building. These helpful volunteers can also assist passengers with information pertaining to hotels, rental cars, taxi cabs, courtesy shuttles, or public transportation.
Wi-Fi and Mobile Charging Points
Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the terminals at the airport, in case you need to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet.
In addition to Wi-Fi internet access, mobile charging power outlets are also available at the airport, in case you need to charge your phone’s battery.
Baggage Handling and Storage
Luggage Carts:
SmarteCarte luggage carts are available throughout the terminal as well as curbside at a cost of $5 per cart.
However, a luggage locker facility is not available. Make sure to check with your respective airline as to what carry-on items (and their size) are allowed.
Lounge and Business Conference Centre
San Antonio International Airport provides premium lounges that passengers can use by either paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or via lounge membership programs.
United Club:
This premium lounge is available to United Airlines passengers. It is located in Terminal B, Airside, between Gates B3 and B5. Access to the lounge is via paying at the door with proof of United Airlines ticket and United Club Membership.
USO Lounge:
The USO is a military lounge that is offered free of charge to active members of the US military and their families only. It is located in Terminal B, Baggage Claim area, on the far right side.
Stores and Duty-Free Shopping
You will find many stores throughout the airport’s terminals and concourses. These shops sell a wide range of items – from children’s toys to fashion accessories. You can also buy books, magazines, etc., to help pass time.
Duty-free stores are available at the airport, as well as a good selection of shops selling everything from leather goods and souvenirs. UETA Duty-Free shop is located at the airside in Terminal A, upper level, across from Gates A6/A7. It is open from 7 am until 9 pm from Monday to Saturday.
Cafes, Bar, and Restaurants
Finding fast food options should not be a problem as there are many local and popular nationwide food chains at the San Antonio International Airport. These fast-food restaurants are located throughout the terminals and concourses, giving you the best options to eat and satisfy your pre-flight craving.
Food concessions have been operated throughout the airport with varying schedules. A wide variety of dining options are also available and can be found at both the landside and the airside. There are several food courts at the airport.
Other Amenities at San Antonio International Airport
The other amenities that are available to travelers at San Antonio International Airport include:
Chapel:
The airport provides an interfaith meditation room that is located in the ticketing lobby of Terminal B. People of all faiths are welcome to use the meditation room. The meditation room is open 24 hours daily.
Lactation Room:
There is a lactation room located in Terminal A, next to the restrooms near the Information Desk. There are also family restrooms located in Terminals A and B. In Terminal A, locations are on Level 1, across from the Baggage Claim Area and on Level 2 adjacent to Gate 12. In Terminal B, the family restrooms are located in the baggage claim area, in the gate concourse between Gates 3/5 and 4/6. Each family restroom has changing stations and seating for adults and children. Lactation Stations are also available post-security in each terminal.
Animal Relief Area:
There is a designated Service Animal Relief Area in each terminal. The area in Terminal B is located adjacent to the West exit at the Baggage Claim level, near the Ground Transportation Center. Relief areas are also designated post-security in both terminals.
ATM:
ATMs are available at the airport. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATM if you’re running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores. You can find ATMs located at places, like the ticketing lobby, concourses, Terminal A Baggage Claim, and Terminal B food court.
Currency Exchange Desk:
The currency used in San Antonio is US Dollars. A currency exchange desk is available at the airport. One such is Marcy’s Business Travel Center which offers currency exchange, and also computers with internet access, copy/fax service, and travel accessories for sale. It is located in Terminal A, landside, Lobby. It is open from 5:30 am until 8:30 pm on all days.
Bank:
Banking facilities are available at the airport.
Public Phones:
Courtesy phones are available to make free local and toll calls. These are located throughout the terminals. Calling card machines are located near the telephones for the convenience of passengers.
Shoe Shine:
Shoe Shine services are available post-security.
Hotels On-Site and Nearby San Antonio International Airport
Finding accommodations on-site at San Antonio International Airport or nearby should not be a problem for travelers as there are several hotels and resorts out there. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family, or children, you will find comfortable places to stay during your visit to San Antonio, in the state of Texas.
A few hotels that are located not very far from the airport are:
Embassy Suites San Antonio International Airport:
The hotel is located just 3 minutes from the airport. It also offers free shuttle service to the airport and surrounding downtown areas that are within a 4.8 km (3 miles) radius.
Candlewood Suites San Antonio Airport:
The hotel is located just 4 minutes from the airport. It offers a free airport shuttle to visitors and the service is available on request.
Red Roof Inn San Antonio Airport:
The hotel is located just 7 minutes from the airport. It offers a free airport shuttle service, which is available from 6 am until 11 pm (Monday – Saturday) and 6 am until 2 pm on Sundays.
Transport Options To and From San Antonio International Airport
Getting to and from San Antonio International Airport should not be much of a hassle as you will find transport options. You can quickly find a convenient mode of transportation to meet your travel needs. There are several ground transportation options available to travelers that make visiting nearby places and other places of interest very convenient, quick, and affordable. All ground transportation is located on the Commercial Outer Curb in front of Terminals A and B. There are also transportation agents available for assistance and are dressed in red shirts.
Airport/Hotel Shuttle Services
Many travelers often find shuttle services to be very favorable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to the hotel and/or airport. A free shuttle bus provides travelers with easy connectivity. There are several hotels located both in the surrounding San Antonio International Airport and the downtown areas that provide free shuttle services to and from the airport. Hotel shuttles are located outside the airport’s Baggage Claim area for the convenience of passengers. A few hotels also offer courtesy shuttle services.
A hotel kiosk with a courtesy phone can be found in the Baggage Claim area. Passengers can call their hotel for specific arrival or departure times and avail of the shuttle service.
Bus Services
VIA Metropolitan Transit is San Antonio’s public transportation agency that provides bus service throughout the city, including services within the downtown area. You can find them on the Lower Roadway, Arrivals/Baggage Level in Terminals A, and B, across the marked crosswalk to the outer curb. VIA’s bus stop is located on the far West end of Terminal B and is marked on the column. You will board the VIA bus route 5, which operates daily, and can get you to downtown San Antonio in about 30 minutes for $1.30.
VIA Metropolitan Transit also offers a $2.75 Day Pass for purchase on the bus, which can be bought online via the mobile app, in advance of your trip, using your smartphone. A Day Pass for buses are available which is quite good as you will get unlimited rides on all regular buses and the service is only valid for one day as indicated on the pass. The Day Pass is activated upon boarding the bus for the first time.
Train/Metro Services
Presently, there are no train/metro services available to and from San Antonio International Airport.
Taxi Services
Taxis are available at the outer commercial curbside at Terminal A. Fare to San Antonio downtown areas starts at $24 – $29 per taxi. Up to 6 persons are allowed to share a cab if both luggage and passengers fit safely.
Car Hire/Rental Services
You can hire a car at San Antonio International Airport if you are in the mood to cruise around places in the city. There are several companies who are giving this service, you can choose from any when wanting a car to rent from San Antonio International Airport. Car rental counters are located in the lobby at Consolidated Car Rental Facility. Access to this area is by taking the elevator or escalator to the Mezzanine Level in Terminal B and then crossing the Sky Bridge. The companies or agencies that offer car rental services include Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, EZ, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty.
Ride-Share Services
Uber, Lyft, and Wingz offer ride-sharing services to passengers to and from San Antonio International Airport. They can be found at the outer commercial curbside, lower level of Terminal A.
Traveling to and from San Antonio International Airport will certainly give you a pleasant experience. And if you plan on staying here for a while, you will find a lot of attractions to enjoy your holidays.
