A guide to John Wayne Airport for private jet passengers.

If you’re flying into Los Angeles but dreading the thought of the congestion of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), consider an alternative: John Wayne Airport.

With its original runway built in 1923, John Wayne has evolved over the last century into Orange County’s sole commercial airport, serving private aircraft, commercial airlines, and cargo flights in a limited capacity. Many private jet passengers seek refuge from the chaos of LAX by chartering flights to and from the smaller and calmer John Wayne Airport.

If you are more familiar with the services, parking, and amenities at LA’s other airports, here is a review of what you’ll find at John Wayne.

John Wayne Airport code.

IATA: SNA

ICAO: KSNA

FAA LID: SNA

John Wayne Airport technical details.

Although often considered LA’s secondary airport, John Wayne’s facilities still serve more than 11 million passengers and move nearly 18 thousand tons of cargo annually. The airport is home to twelve commercial airlines, two cargo companies, and two fixed-base operators (FBOs) serving private jet owners and charters.

The terminal and its two runways span over 500 acres of land. The commercial runway is 5,700 feet long, and the general aviation runway is 2,887 feet long. The terminal currently provides hangarage for approximately 500 aircraft based in John Wayne, although there are plans for an expansion, considering that in 2023, the airport reported 172,866 individual general aviation flights.

Where is John Wayne Airport?

Location: 8601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, CA 92707, USA.

John Wayne Airport is between Irvine, Newport Beach, and Costa Mesa in Orange County, California. It serves Orange County and the Greater Los Angeles area. Although aviation buffs will note that its IATA airport code is actually registered to Santa Ana, the airport primarily serves the Orange County area.

Located at the intersection of the San Diego Freeway (1-405) and the Costa Mesa Freeway (55), it’s a 50- to 60-minute commute into downtown Los Angeles.

Advantages of flying private from John Wayne Airport.

The efficiency and service offered at John Wayne Airport are in stark contrast to the other major airport in Orange County: LAX. LAX has earned a reputation for traffic snarls, travel snafus, and rude service. Unsurprisingly, there has been an exodus of travelers, particularly of the jet set class, to secondary smaller airports like John Wayne.

Fewer traffic nightmares

One of the major benefits of flying to and from John Wayne Airport is traffic. Unlike LAX, where travelers regularly have to fight tooth and nail simply to get through the surrounding area traffic jams, most people find the journey to and from SNA significantly more straightforward. In the words of a reviewer, “This airport is incredibly easy to access and leave, which is why it’s my go-to choice for short trips.”

Faster security screening

Most days, you’ll need less time to get through security at John Wayne than at LAX. Plus, if you are flying private, you’ll need even less time to navigate the security lines because the exclusive nature of FBOs means fewer passengers, expedited check-ins, and no-line screenings.

Easy Navigation

As one reviewer put it, “This is the preferred destination to fly into the OC area. It’s clean and easy to navigate,” and it’s true. From John Wayne’s airport parking to the plethora of on-site amenities, you’ll find it significantly easier to get from Point A to Point B than at LAX.

John Wayne Airport map.

This Orange County airport has three separate terminal areas (A, B, and C) and 22 individual gates. All three terminals are located within the Thomas F. Riley building, which was originally named after a county supervisor who advocated for the airport’s expansion in the 1980s.

Each terminal has security screening lanes, including “fast track” and TSA PreCheck lanes. Rental car offices are situated between Terminal A and B’s baggage claim areas, with most agencies located in the parking facility’s lower levels.

Private jet services at John Wayne Airport.

John Wayne Airport also serves as a General Aviation Airport in the region for those who prefer to avoid the headaches and crowds of flying commercially. Its private aviation services are managed by two on-site FBOs:

ACI Jets

One of the leading FBO providers in California, ACI Jets Orange County (North and South locations) offers comprehensive fuel services (24-hour fueling and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)), concierge services, catering, and secured vehicle parking, as well as hangar space, vehicle detailing, and private jet charter services.

For those landing in Los Angeles on a last-minute whim, their customer concierge can help with ground transportation, hotel arrangements, dining reservations, and booking major attractions like Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and the Griffith Observatory.

Clay Lacy

According to the 2024 Aviation International News survey, Clay Lacy’s FBO services ranked first in the country for its line service and customer service representative categories.

Aircraft services include fueling, maintenance, hangarage, and tie-downs. On-site technicians and a 24/7 aircraft-on-ground (AOG) team provide routine line maintenance on major business jet brands, including Gulfstream.

The facility, designed by renowned architect Gensler, is the epitome of high-end style and offers environmentally sustainable private jet services. Clay Lacy has been carbon neutral since 2019, certified to NATA’s Sustainability Standard, and independently reviewed and rated Facility Green Level by 4AIR.

Like Clay Lacy, Volato also works with 4AIR to achieve environmental sustainability. We are the sole Part 135 operator that offsets 100% of CO2 emissions for every gallon of fuel used across our HondaJet fleet. Through our partnership with 4AIR, we offer genuine, verified, and thoroughly audited programs.

Flying to and from John Wayne Airport.

Flying private means you’re never restricted to standard airline routes. Whether you own the jet you fly on or are chartering, you can fly, quite literally, anywhere from John Wayne Airport.

Private Jet Charter Services at John Wayne Airport

Volato offers private jet charter services to and from John Wayne Airport on our fleet of state-of-the-art jets. A few of the most popular charter routes include:

Fresno (FAT)

Las Vegas (LAS)

Oakland (OAK)

Scottsdale (SDL)

John Wayne Airport parking.

If you are driving yourself to the airport, why not avoid the stress of navigating LAX’s parking problems by heading south? John Wayne Airport’s parking is one of the reasons why so many people prefer to charter flights from here.

John Wayne Airport offers several parking options:

• Terminal parking structures (A1, A2, B2, C)
• Curbside valet parking
• Main Street (off-airport) parking
• Short- and long-term facilities

There is also a cell phone waiting lot south of Parking Structure C, offering 18 designated spaces where visitors can wait in their vehicles for free until their arriving passengers are ready for pickup.

Additionally, the airport provides multiple EV charging stations across all parking structures and Main Street, with specific allocations in A1, A2, B2, and C and Level 2 stations at Main Street.

Do you require valet parking? For those served by Clay Lacy or ACI Jets, you’ll appreciate a stress-free parking experience. Clay Lacy, as an example, offers valet directly from your aircraft or at the lobby (self-parking is also an option for those who prefer it). They also provide additional services, including enclosed parking, auto detailing, and fueling. If you have a chauffeur, they are allowed to drive up to the aircraft with an escort

John Wayne Airport Nearby Hotels.

For long layovers, late arrivals, or early takeoffs, you’ll find dozens of hotels within a few miles of the airport. If you aren’t driving yourself, many offer concierge services that would be happy to coordinate airport pickup and drop-off around your flight schedule.

A few of the most notable high-end hotels near John Wayne Airport include:

Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

A high-end boutique hotel that is “part hotel, part museum of art and theater,” the Avenue of the Arts features stylish rooms and suites with contemporary decor, not to mention the meticulously landscaped grounds showcasing large artworks and sculptures. Amenities include an outdoor heated pool and spa, fitness center, on-site dining options, and event and meeting spaces.

The AACM Hotel also features on-site dining at Spoons Grill & Bar, which offers Mexican and American cuisine. Guests enjoy amenities like a complimentary breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi, EV charging stations (fees apply), and 1,311 square feet of meeting space.

Ayres Hotel Fountain Valley

Conveniently located near Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland, Huntington Beach, and, of course, John Wayne Airport, the Ayres Hotel is the number one ranked hotel in Fountain Valley on TripAdvisor. Beyond the elegant rooms, you’ll find an outdoor heated pool, spa, and meeting spaces on site.

John Wayne Airport: A better way to land in LA.

If you are flying to or from LA, John Wayne Airport is a convenient alternative to the congestion and chaos that are all too common with LAX. With a full suite of amenities and exceptional services, it’s no wonder so many private jet passengers prefer it.

At Volato, we are proud to provide private jet services to and from John Wayne Airport. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip to Las Vegas or a leisurely escape to Scottsdale, the next time you fly from Orange County, Fly Volato.