My son arrives at terminal 1 from LAS and needs to get to terminal 3 to catch the connecting flight to SEA. What is the fastest way to get from terminal to terminal? Is it easy to simply walk across the parking lot or should he wait for the AirTrain?

The terminals are connected (he'll have to leave the secure area). He can just walk between them. I've always found that just as easy as catching the AirTrain.
http://www.flysfo.com/guide_nonflash/gettingaround/airportoverview.htm

Agree with tom911.... And it's a bit more of a hassle to get to the Airtran from Terminal 1 than it is at Terminal 3.

If you're coming from gates 40-48, turn right and walk to Terminal 3

If you're coming from the other gates, either turn right or turn left and walk through the international terminal; time is probably about the same....

Thanks for the quick replies! I'll pass on the info. He has 45 minutes to get there and I think he'll be okay unless the TSA lines are long.

I think the fastest way might well be to skip the airtrain, go down to the arrivals level, then go down one more level and walk right across the parking garage and back up again.
Not as easy with a lot of baggage.

I'd just make a left turn after exiting security and dart through the int'l terminal, and then depending on the hour, would use the first quiet security line @ UA (T-3) as you come into the terminal from the int'l terminal.

Good point. But that UA security line, ime, has shorter and quirkier hours than the main one.

Good point. But that UA security line, ime, has shorter and quirkier hours than the main one.


Yes, but you'll never know if you walk through the parking lot!

Actually, if you want a short, short security line, use a tip I first got here on FT: Now that the UA and AA gates are reconnected, you can do security at the AA entrance closest to T2. I've never seen any lines there whenever I've done this. Incidentally, I've also hardly ever seen the security checkpoint near the int'l terminal open.

Now that the UA and AA gates are reconnected, you can do security at the AA entrance closest to T2. I've never seen any lines there whenever I've done this.

I can't recall ever waiting more than 5 mins at the AA line. With much fewer gates over on that side (and fewer passengers), it seems to run a lot smoother.

I have never used it, but since no one else has mentioned it, there is a shuttle at peak times for US/AC passengers in T1 to UA at T3:
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,,1121,00.html

That would avoid a pass through security.

BillJ

Can you use that if you're arriving on America West?

Can you use that if you're arriving on America West?

What America West :D ? - I thought US moved w/HP to the same place now, and the first pier of gates in the airport is closed.

What America West :D ? - I thought US moved w/HP to the same place now, and the first pier of gates in the airport is closed.

Well, it has been a while since I've flown from that side.