What, my favorite airport by far!! I also happen to live close by. You can't beat the location and it's soo easy to drop off and pick up. I'm not sure you can find a better airport. The lines inside are also never too bad. I can count on this airport and it's efficiency. Only downside is that I wish they had more flights or offered better prices. It is always more expensive to fly out of here but it does save you from the headache of LAX. You have to weigh your options and priorities. I am willing to pay a little more out of here at times. I prefer this airport but it will come down to the price and how much more it is. They don't fly out too late due to the houses around. SYOY! read more

I flew into John Wayne Airport (SNA) during my most recent trip to California. I was staying in Newport Beach for a few days and it was only natural to try and find a flight that landed here. The location of SNA is ideal if you're staying in the OC - the only other options in the area are SAN and LAX which are both over an hour drive away in either direction. The airport isn't large, but large enough to have several routes passing through it. The aesthetics are fine - not the most modern airport I've been to, and they seem to have a good amount of shops and eateries relative to their size. The rental car counters are super close to the terminal - I can't remember the last time I walked to one from baggage claim. My only real issue with SNA is that because of its size, you will likely be limited in routes. Flying from JFK to SNA was fine, but coming home my only options were connecting flights or a red eye. Neither were ideal, so I planned my itinerary accordingly to fly out of another airport. Overall, SNA is good for what it is, and a great option if you're visiting the Orange County area. read more

I think I have found my new favorite airport to come into when I head down to Southern California. We all know that LAX is just a nightmare. Ontario is nice and easy to get around however, jumping on the shuttle to get to the rental car, especially if you come in late is an inconvenience. I like how John Wayne is nearly remodeled, and the rental car is within walking distance. Easy in and out. Only thing they're missing is that only have TSA CLEAR in one terminal. read more

One of the better family friendly airports. They've a play area in front of McDonald's, piano for people to play freely and live sound stage. It kept my 4 year old busy when we arrived a bit earlier for our flight. read more

John Wayne Airport - Airports Near Me - Santa Ana, California

I do like traveling from John Wayne Airport. More so now that I can get a direct flight from OC to Spokane Washington. The flight via Alaska Air is 2 hours and 19 minutes. Parking is easy here ( NO NEED TO PREBOOK PARKING FOR LONG STAY) simply park and pay when you return. Also TSA is fast even without TSA - Pre-Check service! read more

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Easy in and out. Much easier to navigate than LAX. TSA was smooth. Delays suck ! Some food and snack selection as you wait.

My favorite airport! Flying in and out of here is always a breeze. The whole place has such a relaxed, chill vibe, and I've never had issues with TSA or long security lines. There are plenty of great food and drink options, from quick grab-and-go spots to more upscale sit down restaurants. Lots of new restaurants coming soon as well. One of my favorite touches is the live music. There's usually a guitarist/singer performing in a designated area, which adds to the laid-back atmosphere. It's not random, it feels intentional and professional. The bathrooms are also super clean and thoughtfully designed, with red/green lights above each stall so you can easily see what's available without checking doors. They even have a public piano, and I've heard some incredibly talented travelers play while waiting for their flights. read more

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The best airport in the USA. I hope the patrons will keep the reputation of the most attractive and cleanest airports in the domestic market! I am noticing some of the same stupidity in using the public toilets as the rest of the declining Empire, but still the quiet ambience and decent TSA employees and no nonsense eatery offerings with Carl's Burgers and Craft Beer Joints and Neat Grab and Go as well as smart digital billboards standing on the narrow columns are all so tasteful and the best experience in waiting for expected delays in departure of Southwest Airlines. read more

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This was a very nice airport with plenty of signage and friendly people all around. I like that the third-party app section is very clearly marked on all of the signs you know exactly where to go. Baggage claim was very easy to find, and it is very spacious so you have plenty of room when people are hoarding around the belt, trying to get their own suitcase. There's a lot of seating throughout the areas as well, which you don't see very often in airports. read more

John Wayne Airport - Airports Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Quick and easy! Loved the restaurant options. Easy to catch a Lyft and very organized at the pickup location (flew Southwest, and went to 3rd level after luggage pickup). Drop off was also smoothed and TSA was not an issue, although we always give ourselves more than the time recommended to get to the airport. Overall, great experience for my first time flying in and out of this airport, and I'll definitely make it one of my airports of choice! read more

John Wayne Airport - Yummy dirty martini! - Airports Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Easy, no stress, and nice airport. A lot of my friends will fly here by it's not a hassle and just easy to navigate. Too bad prices to fly here is quite a bit more expensive than San Diego and LAX. read more

John Wayne Airport - Airports Near Me - Santa Ana, California

I fly into John Wayne Airport somewhat often for vacation and to visit family in the area. Flying in and out is always easy and pretty seamless. The airport is clean and bathrooms always seemed well-maintained every time I have visited. Food options are decent. The only complaint I have is that everybody that works there seems miserable and like they don't want to be there. read more

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Love this airport. Depending on the time you go, you can be in and out in less than 10-15 minutes. I picked up my husband and there were no problems. read more

This location is my favorite to fly into when in California. What I don't like is that the prices are more to fly into this airport vs the other ones. The place always seems clean and you feel like you are in California when you fly here (if that makes sense). As for restaurants and what not in the airport, they are just okay. I will still fly into SNA when I'm in town. ....... .. ...... .. .. read more

We had no problem figuring out our arrival, check in or TSA for our departing flight last thurs. We flew Allegiant Aurlines, a direct flight to cincinatti & back. My issue was on the return flight. The baggage claiming signage is confusing. We were told carousel 6 but not whar terminal. Most of the peoplw on the flight followed the signs for baggage claim that lead to terminal B. We had to walk all the way to terminal C pick up our bags then back to terminal B for the hotel shuttle. Please clarify the signage & specify terminal associated with specified baggage claim carousel. read more

As this airport has grown over the decades, the board that governs the expansions has done a great job of making everything convenient for travelers. It feels expansive, but everything you need is very nearby. An aesthetically pleasing airport with efficiently is all I want and John Wayne Airport delivers. read more

John Wayne Airport - Airports Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Always like how clean and spacious this small airport is, food selection, cleanliness of the bathroom, etc. One complaint I was about to have was the lack of plugs... until I saw that they are actually available under every other seat! (Normally I arrive just minutes before boarding so I never noticed until now.) Also the United Club is cozy but decent for a short stay. I love this home airport of mine! read more

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Great gateway airport for Disney! It's only 20 mins from the resort and parks! It's a comfortable and convenient airport in and out - easy to navigate and friendly and helpful folks who work here! read more

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One of the easiest airports to get in and out of. It's much lower stress than LAX, but generally priced slightly higher. I think it's worth it for less hassle. There's plenty of seats in the gate area while you wait for boarding. Several restaurants and fast food to choose from if needed. Not many lounges, so even if you have priority pass or Amex centurion lounge access, there's nowhere to go unless you have an airline specific lounge access. Today I was pleasantly surprised by the piano sitting in terminal B for passengers to share their talent. We were lucky to enjoy beautiful music while waiting. read more

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Im often in Cali for work or pleasure and if I need to be in the LA area, I refuse to fly into LAX. That place is a nightmare. So what are your options? Well, John Wayne here to save the day. I've used this airport several times and way better than LAX. Easy to navigate, smallish airport, good service and easy. I've also rented cars here too and also hassle free, so even though its further out from LA, it's likely you'll spend less time getting to where you need to from here vs. LAX. Use this airport vs LAX, you'll thank me later! Ha! read more

This has to be my favorite airport in south cal! I am biased since it's my closest airport. It is very easy to get in and out of it and has parking at an acceptable price. Downsides are the curfew which limits flight options and risks of missing it and being diverted to LAX which happened to me once already. If you are wondering, the airline (Delta) offered to bus us to SNA. At the same time, I thought I missed my flight one day as I was 45 mins prior to departure. My flight had already started boarding when I got there. I was still able to sit and wait for everyone else to continue boarding. They have plenty of food options and Uber can pick you up right at the exit of the airport without any other transportation. read more

John Wayne Airport - Airports Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Today was hectic of everything from late noticed of flight delayed, heavy traffic inside and on freeway...turned to wrong street but still able to make it abit late but still have time for a glass of bubble. So glad I booked through here or else I would be late for sure.. yup, I do like SNA a lot. read more

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First time flying out of John Wayne Airport (SNA) and it was incredibly easy. I parked in Parking A1 and easily found a spot, headed to Terminal 1 and made my way to Delta. Once checked in, it was an easy walk over to Pre-TSA check, where the line was super quick. Once I was past security, it was easy to locate my gate. I did overnight parking for the duration of my travels, which came out to $30/day (July 2025). It's not a big airport, which is a good thing. It was calm and easy. I just wish they had restrooms at every other gate at least. read more

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John Wayne Airport is decent overall, but it has its pros and cons. The location is very convenient for Orange County, and it's much easier to navigate compared to LAX. Security lines are usually manageable, and the airport itself feels relatively clean and safe. And the biggest up side is that the lines move quickly That said, the airport is on the smaller side, which means fewer food and shopping options once you're past security. Parking is also on the pricier side for a regional airport but I know most people dont leave their car there It's not a bad airport by any means, but it's not exceptional either--just average and functional. read more

John Wayne Airport - Gate 4 - Airports Near Me - Santa Ana, California

The drink was so sweet even though we asked for monster matcha. The workers were not very friendly. Maybe it's too early in the morning but still it was unpleasant. read more

Well, John Wayne Airport spent a bunch of money to refurbish this airport and for some reason it still feels small compared to San Jose. There are technically four regional airports in the LA Basin. It is nice but when flying out in the after the sun shines directly into the waiting area. Not cool. Wear sunglasses. read more

John Wayne Airport - Airports Near Me - Santa Ana, California

I don't know about yall but flying out of SNA is the opposite of "Jet2 holiday" I hate having to drive to LAX paying for parking or ubering to LAX. At SNA it's local! easy access even easier having fletcher jones shuttle service. The Security Lines are short and even shorter with TSA precheck. I try my best to book any domestic or international flight out of SNA as it's just too convenient. The only downside is there's no Lounges but most times flights are rarely delayed or cancelled and if they are home isn't far. They do have a good variety of eateries and shops if you forgot a neck pillow, book, or toiletries. Best part is the plane takeoff iykyk! Worst part they don't take arriving flights past 10:30pm due to noise ordinance over Newport Beach. read more

John Wayne Airport - Airports Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Fantastic airport, 10/10 would rather fly here when I go to SoCal, especially if you're going to Irvine or Disneyland. Forget LAX, save yourself from being miserable. Pros: - not an international airport, which makes it naturally smaller and less crowded. - always empty bathrooms available , and decently clean - they have staff constantly sweeping and cleaning the waiting areas - very helpful for NorCal to SoCal travel, they house Southwest and Spirit - TSA precheck is very fast , even if it's a busy time - very easy to get picked up from by friends/family. I usually recommend people pick me up from DEPARTURES instead of arrivals because it tends to be less crowded, nobody waiting to get picked up like arrivals - easy to uber to from Disneyland - plenty of water refill stations - lots of gates have phone chargers built in to the seats Cons: - this airport has a curfew due to noise for the city of Santa Ana, so if your late evening flight gets delayed a bit too much, chances are you might have to get rescheduled to the next morning Overall 10/10. Fly here whenever possible read more

John Wayne Airport - Airports Near Me - Santa Ana, California

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It is a small and sort of crowded airport, but there is a friendly enough vibe. I get a little stressed in airports (not uncommon I am sure!) and this really put a smile on my face--rescue dogs at the airport to pet! read more

John Wayne Airport - Rescue dogs at airport to pet! - Airports Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Very small airport but so easy to navigate. Took American air here and Southwest back to Vegas. Gate TSA staff were pleasant.

10.6.25: Fast forward 4 days and vacation is over and I'm back here to catch my flight home. In 4 days, the government shut down has begun to affect operations of airports and flights. Of course I kept checking and it kept getting delayed further. I had my fingers crossed my flight doesn't get cancelled and if it doesn't--that, I don't miss my connecting flight in Sacramento. In the end, I finally boarded my flight with just over an hour delay. I was thankful it wasn't cancelled and my connecting flight had a slight delay as well, which was in my favor. In the end, I finally made it back to Spokane before midnight. Grateful for all the airport workers, crew, TSA, flight attendants, and pilots that despite the government shut down, they continued to do their jobs and keep us safe. read more

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Such a quaint airport. Everything is super easy to find and get around. Just always a really great positive experience.

This airport is convenient. It is easy to get to, park at, and leave. Obviously TSA will be the same no matter where you go. If they were friendlier this airport would be perfect. There are decent options as far as restaurants go. There's WiFi available and the bathrooms are well maintained. There's a designated area for being picked up by Uber and Lyft. This allows for less congestion. read more

John Wayne Airport - Airports Near Me - Santa Ana, California

If you hate LAX, try flying out from here. It's a smaller airport and not as busy. The parking prices around the area are affordable and within walking distance. The area was safe. read more

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Love my local OC airport! Getting through TSA was a breeze even during this government shutdown time period when many other airports have crazy long lines. It's not a big airport but love the oc vibes! read more

My son was flying out to visit his sister in Colorado and bought his tickets to fly through John Wayne / SNA airport. He needed a ride to the airport so I dropped him off at terminal B for his united airlines flight. Nice thing about John Wayne is the curfew so no flights can take off before 7AM. It's a fairly small airport so TSA screening lines are usually reasonable therefore you can arrive 90 or so minutes before your flight and Generally have plenty of time. The one thing that I don't like about SNA is the very short runway. With the airport shoe horned in between the 405 and 83 freeways to the north and south there isn't any land to allow for longer runways unless the airport authority builds a bridge over the 73 and little executive golf course to the south. I work at a larger airport about 40 miles away but tend to fly out of John Wayne when I am travelling myself. read more

Clean and efficient with a smooth TSA experience. It is conveniently close to home and easy to navigate. There are lots of restaurants and bars to relax, enjoy a bite, or sip a drink while waiting for your flight. Always a stress free experience flying in and out of SNA. read more

John Wayne Airport - Live band while waiting for your flight - Airports Near Me - Santa Ana, California

I'm fond of John Wayne Airport. It is a bit dated, but still clean and well maintained. It may not have a huge selection of restaurants but is super easy to navigate through and has enough for a quick bite if needed. Getting through security is a breeze. Getting luggage is also a breeze. The airport is just simple but solid. While nothing stands out, in this day and age that's a brilliant thing for an airport. I rather not worry, get in, get out and be done with it then become overly familiar with the restaurants because of yet another flight delay or padding the time because security is unpredictable. I'll take it over LAX any day! read more

I love coming in and out of this airport. It has a small comfortable vibe. It's pretty easy to get in and out of the airport, security has always been pretty quick I never feel overly stressed here. Terminal B for Alaska has an indoor playground for kids which is always busy. There are food/drink options but it would be nice if there were more. The sit down restaurant is not good at all and it would be nice if they replaced it, but the quick options are great. Love the ease of this airport, will continue to frequent. read more

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My favorite airport in OC and we are jetting off to see my brother in Seattle. Waiting to board our Alaska flight. Going through security is a breeze and TSA preferred is awesome. read more

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