AA at SFO / San Francisco Int’l. Airport: questions, connections, etc.
 

If I am coming in on SQ SIN-ICN-SFO landing 11:25am, is it reasonable to think I can make a connection to AA 16 at 12:25pm? I would have no checked luggage. Thanks!

In my opinion, it is unreasonable. You'd have to be on time, be among the first off the plane, have Global Entry, walk quickly to the AA terminal, check in.

aa.com, check in requirements: "Minimum check-in is at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure in most locations. (Now superseded - 45 minutes for all domestic flights.)

If you're departing from our hubs or one of the cities listed below you'll need to check in at least 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure." "SFO"

Then you'd have to process security and get to the AA gates.

and "Arrive at the gate and be ready to board at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure."

https://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInform...rivalTimes.jsp

What do you think?

FUTURE CHANGES FOR AA at SFO

In the next few years, AA (including LUS) gates will move to the Terminal 1 currently under construction. American Airlines is scheduled to move o/a 2020.

"The completed terminal will feature a new central area with improved spaces for passenger check-in, a consolidated security checkpoint, a “re-composure” area, a new common use baggage handling system and baggage claims and a new mezzanine with connections to the AirTrain and the central parking garage.

A welcome improvement will be connecting walkways located post-security that will provide easy access to International Boarding Area A and Boarding Area C." (Airways Magazine)

The plans include a modern children's play area, as well.


Link to SFO redevelopment plans for SFO Terminal 1

Link to Airways Magazine article

YouTube video with time lapse of redevelopment stages:

Technically an I to D connection at SFO is 1:45. If you miss the flight you won't get much in the way of sympathy.... You can't buy this ticket due to the MCT issue so trying to circumvent the MCT is not a good idea.

Suggest you buy a single ticket that follows the MCT rules. You can buy an SQ to AA ticket (TA or even direct from AA). Doing so offers you all the protections needed if the flight is late and you misconnect.

You also have a terminal change/very long walk. Not worth the risk.

sounds like it makes more sense to spend a night in San Francisco. I suppose after flying SIN-ICN-SFO, a night in a real bed isn't the worst idea.

Smart.

If you are an EXP, just book a later connection, and if you make it in early, ask to be transferred to 16.

This. Confirm on the 20 to be safe..

Cheers.

Or even if not an elite, it may still be worth the $75 same-day change fee to book AA20 but change to AA16.

It is theoretically possible to make that connection, but your checked baggage will almost certainly not make it, because of customs inspection time.

You won't be able to book it, because of MCT.

The way I know it is possible is that a ground departure delay out of HKG on CX put me in that exact spot. CX radio'ed ahead, to have an agent waiting for me on the jetway. Shortly before landing, they moved me and my carryons to a vacant seat immediately adjacent to the hatch. I was the first person off the airplane at SFO, got the escorted forced march through Fast Track immigration and security, and then power-walked through the terminal. The agent went ahead to tell the airplane crew I was on my way, just behind him. I got onto the airplane about 10 minutes before scheduled departure, last one on. A few minutes later, the FA came to tell me they weren't going to be able to get my checked bags onto the airplane, as there just wasn't enough time.

I do not ever want to try that again.

There was another flight out, about half an hour to an hour later, so I wasn't going to have to find a comfortable section of floor to sleep on until morning arrived, but still...

Totally feasible if you have global entry. If not, no, I would not chance it.

HELP! I need the AA experts familiar with SFO...
 

Mods, if there's a thread that these questions apply to please move, I've searched but can't find what I'm looking for.

Situation: I have a group of clients (18pax) arriving on an AA flt from PHX to SFO this Sunday. It's a US A321 and for the last week it's been arriving in Terminal 1 (usually Gate 45)

Question 1: Does anyone know if the bags arrive in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2? I'm asking because I have a motorcoach staging in the Courtyard to pick them all up (there will be a 2nd staff person meeting everyone in baggage claim) and I'd love to know in advance where to have the staff and the coach positioned.

Question 2: They all leave 3 days later back to PHX (which has also been departing from Terminal 1) and I'm curious if they need to check-in at Terminal 2 and then walk to Terminal 1, or if there is still check-in/ticketing for this flight at Terminal 1.

Thank you in advance for your help, I really appreciate any insight you might be able to provide.

pmAA used T2. pmUS used T1. I presume the flights from pmUS hubs are continuing to use T1, but I guess this isn't 100% for certain. The two are connect airside however. I can't answer the bag claim question, I could only guess.

As for the departure question, AA.com states that all SFO check-in is now at T2 (this is new as of the October 17 reservation system merge). There will be no AA check-in available at T1, even if the flight departs from T1.

I'm not sure about the baggage carousels, but those are often announced. Your party can also inquire from nearby gate agents.

Ticketing and check-in counters are only in Terminal 2.

Not sure about baggage claim. The link below from AA may be of some help.

http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInforma...fo-airport.jsp