California - SJC express security line

I was reading on the San Jose Airport's website that they offer Express Security at the International Arrivals Building from 5 AM-11:00 AM daily. When I get dropped off at the building do I take an elevator or stairs up to the security checkpoint? Also can I exit through this checkpoint on my return and meet my ride there as opposed to the busy Terminal A? I know you can reach Terminal A from this checkpoint.

This is a great feature and I hope that they keep this with the new airport.

Moving thread to the FT California forum.
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

I was reading on the San Jose Airport's website that they offer Express Security at the International Arrivals Building from 5 AM-11:00 AM daily. When I get dropped off at the building do I take an elevator or stairs up to the security checkpoint? Also can I exit through this checkpoint on my return and meet my ride there as opposed to the busy Terminal A? I know you can reach Terminal A from this checkpoint.

This is a great feature and I hope that they keep this with the new airport.

I know where you will go upstairs at level 2 departure. Just walk over there in between AA & WN and HA ticket counter near exiting from checkpoint but, those are 2 side of security checkpoint areas where you stand the lines. I remember where I have been there at SJC from few years ago. I visits to see my old friends from FLL. It was very quickly and reduce wait time to get through at checkpoint. Just park your car at the short term garage near terminal A. It was downstairs where you can see baggage claims areas near parking garage further away from the terminals.

When I get dropped off at the building do I take an elevator or stairs up to the security checkpoint? Also can I exit through this checkpoint on my return and meet my ride there as opposed to the busy Terminal A? I know you can reach Terminal A from this checkpoint.


It's only an "express" security line because hardly anyone uses it. I try to use anytime I'm leaving out of Terminal A - it usually chops 10 minutes off the wait at least.

The "express" security check point is in the International Terminal, next to the Terminal A (past the Southwest curbside check by about 100 ft). Do not go into Terminal A - it cannot be accessed from there, only from the outside.

Once your through the check point, you are in the international terminal and you have to take a flight of stairs. You can easily walk to Terminal A now that your through security.

You could exit the airport this way as well - but it'd be just as easy to go through terminal A and once your outside, walk to the front of the international terminal. Probably less traffic and more space for your friend to pick you up.

It's only an "express" security line because hardly anyone uses it....

This used to be one of my SJC secrets. :rolleyes: :)

....but it'd be just as easy to go through terminal A and once your outside, walk to the front of the international terminal. Probably less traffic and more space for your friend to pick you up.

Agreed less traffic...but if you come in at gates A1-A5, really no need to walk through Terminal A proper.