SFO Question
Mar 8, 2014 | 12:27 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: YVR
Programs: SPG, HH, AC/AS
Posts: 77
SFO Question
My mom is flying from YVR to TPE connecting in SFO. I'm pretty sure she'd go through the US customs stuff on the Vancouver side first, so a 2 hour connection should be okay right? I don't want my mom having to deal with customs, picking up her baggage and dropping them off again when she gets to SFO.
Can anyone clarify or confirm what the process would be?
I'd really appreciate it! ^
Can anyone clarify or confirm what the process would be?
I'd really appreciate it! ^
Mar 9, 2014 | 10:46 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,377
Yes, YVR has US customs & immigrations, so she'd pre-clear in Vancouver and arrive at SFO as if she were on a domestic flight.
But which airline is she booked on for each leg? It matters which terminal she lands in and departs from at SFO, as only a few terminals are connected air-side. The rest require reentering through security.
But which airline is she booked on for each leg? It matters which terminal she lands in and departs from at SFO, as only a few terminals are connected air-side. The rest require reentering through security.
Mar 10, 2014 | 3:48 pm
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 60,677
Yes, YVR has US customs & immigrations, so she'd pre-clear in Vancouver and arrive at SFO as if she were on a domestic flight.
But which airline is she booked on for each leg? It matters which terminal she lands in and departs from at SFO, as only a few terminals are connected air-side. The rest require reentering through security.
But which airline is she booked on for each leg? It matters which terminal she lands in and departs from at SFO, as only a few terminals are connected air-side. The rest require reentering through security.
Worst case, the TPE flight is on China Airlines out of International-A. That would be a bit of a walk or AirTrain ride and re-clearing security in I-A. A two-hour cushion is more than adequate for that, unless the OP's mother has serious mobility limitations.
Mar 15, 2014 | 5:35 pm
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
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Safe travels for your mother. Yes, this should be a very easy connection at SFO, all airside within the G section of the International Terminal. G is a very nice, modern terminal with lots of natural light, shops and dinning choices. If she wants to go for a bit of a walk, she can stay airside and go to next-door Terminal 3, which is also very nice. There's an airside hallway to T3 just to the left as you approach security in International-G.
Mar 16, 2014 | 11:11 am
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 42,582
Safe travels for your mother. Yes, this should be a very easy connection at SFO, all airside within the G section of the International Terminal. G is a very nice, modern terminal with lots of natural light, shops and dinning choices. If she wants to go for a bit of a walk, she can stay airside and go to next-door Terminal 3, which is also very nice. There's an airside hallway to T3 just to the left as you approach security in International-G.
Mar 16, 2014 | 5:49 pm
#7
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
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Posts: 60,677
Like you say, though, it's no biggie if the OP's mom arrives in A and needs to walk across International to G.