My wife and I will be returning thru SFO on our way home from LAS in July. Since we've never used SFO before, we need some FT help with times and locations.
Arriving in the morning on UA, which deplanes at the north terminal, then trying to get to the south terminal for our AC non-stop to Toronto. Just under three hours between flights.
Questions:
Can we walk directly from north to the south terminal without exiting the secure areas, or will we have to start all over again with security as we enter the south terminal.
If the walk is very long between terminals, is there a bus, or some kind of "people-mover" between the two terminals?

I looked at the SFO website, but couldn't find all the info I needed, other than UA is in the north terminal, and AC the south. Noticed also that terminal "2" is under construction. Will this stop us from walking directly through to the south terminal?
Any good restaurants at the airport, with reasonably good food and fast service?

Thanks in advance for your help and suggestions.

bj-21.

[This message has been edited by blackjack-21 (edited 03-31-2002).]

It is a short walk (10 mins) after you leave the secured area. You can loop around either way - through the Int'l terminal (go right when you leave UA) or the other way (through "closed" Terminal 2 - you can walk through). You must leave the secured area. The peoplemover system isn't open yet, but there are buses that loop around, which seem to me like a waste of time if you are able-bodied. The best restaurants in the airport are in the Int'l terminal, but most are past security (and you can't get in). The AC gate area is lacking for decent eats. I have heard that that side isn't as efficient with security lines (the UA side is good). Maybe someone will give you a heads-up on that. I'd eat prior to going through security for the gates in the #20s (where AC is).

Thanks, Eastbay,

10 minutes walk should be no problem, and the times between flights (just under 3 hours, if we're on time from LAS) should give us time to chow down and then get into the security lines. Since we'll be up really early (after a late night), for an early flight from LAS to SFO, there won't be much time to grab breakfast before leaving for McCarran.
I know that California has very strict no-smoking laws, is there any restaurant INSIDE the terminal that allows smoking, or will we have to step outside to light up?

Thanks again for your help.

bj-21.

Blackjack,

no restaurant in California will allow you to smoke. Period. You will have to step outside to smoke.

I have to second Eastbay1K's opinion on dining options. The new International Terminal is your best bet. There are some options landside.

(Edited to add that there are indeed places to eat landside in the Intl. Terminal)

[This message has been edited by roesner (edited 04-01-2002).]

I will be at SFO making a UA to AC transfer in May and will try to remember to take mental notes. I believe that you can use the RCC in the UA terminal or the DL or CO lounge near the AC gates if you are AC Elite (not sure if you are BJ-21). It may just be the DL lounge but I guess I will find out soon enough.

Thanks, Altaflyer,

Looking forward to hearing how your transfers went, and which lounges were available to you on your trip.

bj-21.

Well...here's the lowdown on SFO and AC/UA. I walked from UA to AC and it was a 10 minute brisk walk. The renos in T2 are not intrusive and there is no problem going through this terminal. Its a bit spooky as it is really quiet!

As for lounges, if you want food go to the Red Carpet Club at the UA terminal - decent snacks at dinner time incl. cheese and crackers, veggie plate and dip, munchies and apples/bananas. Cappuchino machine and large selection of juices and other beverages. $$ for booze. This is a new and very nice lounge!

The Delta Crown Room is secretly available in the South terminal. No one at check-in told me it was available, I had called the Elite line in advance. Pretty spartan lounge - no food at all except snack mix. Free booze. Pretty small and outside security. Its not all that close to AC either. The AC ground staff at SFO are sub-par at best. Elite status means nothing here. You have been duly warned.

I would suggest visiting the RCC upon arrival and if you want a beverage before the AC flight then pop up to the Crown Room but spend the bulk of the time in the RCC, it is really nice!

Thanks, AltaFlyer,

Looking forward to our trip through SFO in mid-July, on our way home from LAS.

It looks like we'll now have about 2 1/2 hours between flights, so we should be okay, judging by your report.

bj-21.

Suggestions:
If you have RCC access, check out the United RCC at the hub in T3. Do not go out of security after your arriving flight, once you do your AC ticket may not get you back in. They should be able to check if your outgoing YYZ flight is on time there.
If you don't, one of the food courts in the new International terminal may be your best bet. Follow the signs to the IT, when it's time for your AC flight go to Terminal 1.

Ted,

Thanks for the additional info.

bj-21.