Dec 6, 2015, 9:23 am
Last edit by: Zorak
Official SFO terminal map
Check the official SFO airlines listing to see which concourse your airline generally arrives/departs from.
Gate numbers at SFO now include both the concourse letter and the gate number, starting over at 1 for each concourse. Prior to Oct 16, 2019 gates were simply numbered 1-102 starting from 1 in the A concourse through 102 in the G concourse.
SFO has 2 main airside zones:
1. International Terminal A, Gates A1-A15 and Terminal 1 (Harvey Milk), Concourse B, Gates B1-B27
[Note that there is a short airside corridor between the A and B Concourses. You can enter security from A and go to B gates, and vice versa. The AirTrain station at Terminal 1-B is temporarily closed as of 9-22-21.]
Airside Lounges in International-A:
2. Terminal 2, Concourses C and D, Terminal 3, Concourses E and F and International Terminal G, Gates C2-C11, D1-D18, E1-E13, F1-F22, and G1-G14
(as of November 1, 2019 gate C1 is planned for some point in the future)
[Note that there are short airside corridors between the C and D Concourses, the D and E Concourses, and the F and G Concourses. You can enter security from C, D, E, F, or G Concourses and go to gates in any of this group of Concourses.]
Airside Lounges:
Landside SkyTerrace open Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon 10a-6p: (FlySFO) (FT Thread)
Priority Pass eligible restaurants. [Note that PP card issued via American Express Platinum does not include "restaurant lounges"]:
It's possible to walk between gates in a single zone, but going from one zone to another requires clearing security. Several FTers have reported resistance from BP checkers and TSA agents when you try to enter a concourse that is not connected airside to your departure gate. They are mistaken; you can use a same day boarding pass departing SFO at any of the security checkpoints. Press the issue (politely), and you'll get in.
The landside connector between B and C is currently closed due to construction. To go between these two terminals you either need to go upstairs and take the AirTrain, or go down into the parking garage where you can walk freely (on well-marked pedestrian crosswalks) between terminals as well (pictures for walking in the garage can be found in post 512)
If you're arriving from an international destination, unless it's one of the pre-clearance airports, you'll have to clear Customs and Immigration at SFO and then need a departing boarding pass to clear security. SFO has the typical baggage re-check counters right after Customs for connecting passengers. They are usually open, but if closed, you'll need to lug your luggage to the regular domestic check-in counter of your connecting airline.
There's an AirTrain that runs between terminals (including the two parking garages connected to either side of the International Terminal) and the rental car center. AirTrain now has a stop at the long term parking lot. There is one on-airport hotel, a Grand Hyatt, accessible via the AirTrain. Personally, if forum regulars rob_flies_ua and dhuey need to connect between secure zones with only carry-ons, they just walk between terminals instead of waiting for the train. Returnoftheyeti and makfan will walk from BART to all terminals as well.
BART is the local regional commuter rail. The BART station is located on the north side of the airport, adjacent to International Terminal G. You can exit the paid area in two locations. One is by going up an escalator in the middle of the station and then connecting to the air train. You can also walk to the end of the station. Upon exiting you will be in the International terminal, near the chapel. A one-way ticket from SFO to downtown is $9.65.
For things to do on your layover in SFO, check out http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/san-f...d-threads.html
Outside of the secure zone, but adjacent to International Terminal G is the SFO Museum
Renovation of Boarding Area C will include a connector to T1-B and is expected to be completed by 2024, following which the entire airport will be connected airside (however going from A to G would require passing through B, C, D, E and F).
AirTrain Map:
As the map shows, Red Line runs clockwise; Blue Line runs counterclockwise. The mistake to avoid is getting on the Blue Line and heading off to the rental car center and long term parking lot when you were only trying to go from one terminal to another (e.g., don't take Blue when you want to go from International-G to Terminal 1). CAUTION: recently when arriving in the late evening, the red line has been closed, and only the blue line is operating but in the opposite direction from the arrows show. Keep an eye out for "sandwich board" signs on the platform, and pay attention to the overhead video screens by the boarding doors for accurate real-time directional info.
Check the official SFO airlines listing to see which concourse your airline generally arrives/departs from.
Gate numbers at SFO now include both the concourse letter and the gate number, starting over at 1 for each concourse. Prior to Oct 16, 2019 gates were simply numbered 1-102 starting from 1 in the A concourse through 102 in the G concourse.
SFO has 2 main airside zones:
1. International Terminal A, Gates A1-A15 and Terminal 1 (Harvey Milk), Concourse B, Gates B1-B27
[Note that there is a short airside corridor between the A and B Concourses. You can enter security from A and go to B gates, and vice versa. The AirTrain station at Terminal 1-B is temporarily closed as of 9-22-21.]
Airside Lounges in International-A:
- Cathay Pacific (near A1) - TEMPORARILY CLOSED AS OF 9/22/21
- Japan Airlines Sakura (near A1)
- Emirates (between A2-6) TEMPORARILY CLOSED AS OF 9/22/21
- Air France/KLM (near A1) - also accessible to Priority Pass holders departing International Terminal A (access may be restricted at certain hours)
- British Airways (between A5-9) (FT Thread) - includes a First Class section inside
- China Airlines (near A1) (recent TR w/photo link)
- Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounge (near A1) TEMPORARILY CLOSED AS OF 9/22/21
- Virgin Atlantic Club House (near A1) - also accesible to AMEX Platinum/Centurion cardholders
- American Airlines Admirals Club (near B13)
2. Terminal 2, Concourses C and D, Terminal 3, Concourses E and F and International Terminal G, Gates C2-C11, D1-D18, E1-E13, F1-F22, and G1-G14
(as of November 1, 2019 gate C1 is planned for some point in the future)
[Note that there are short airside corridors between the C and D Concourses, the D and E Concourses, and the F and G Concourses. You can enter security from C, D, E, F, or G Concourses and go to gates in any of this group of Concourses.]
Airside Lounges:
- Delta Sky Club (C Concourse near C3) (FT Thread)
- Alaska Lounge (D Concourse, near retail shops after security) (FT Thread)
- American Express Centurion Lounge (near F1) (FT Thread)
- 4 United Clubs (FT Thread: Best SFO UC, Status of SFO United Clubs)
- United Polaris Lounge (near G1) - FT thread: SFO Polaris Lounge Reopened - 4 January 2022
Landside SkyTerrace open Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon 10a-6p: (FlySFO) (FT Thread)
Priority Pass eligible restaurants. [Note that PP card issued via American Express Platinum does not include "restaurant lounges"]:
- Lark Creek Grill (near gate D2)
- SF Giants Clubhouse (near gate F13)
- Yankee Pier (near gate F4)
- Mustards Bar & Grill (near G3)
It's possible to walk between gates in a single zone, but going from one zone to another requires clearing security. Several FTers have reported resistance from BP checkers and TSA agents when you try to enter a concourse that is not connected airside to your departure gate. They are mistaken; you can use a same day boarding pass departing SFO at any of the security checkpoints. Press the issue (politely), and you'll get in.
The landside connector between B and C is currently closed due to construction. To go between these two terminals you either need to go upstairs and take the AirTrain, or go down into the parking garage where you can walk freely (on well-marked pedestrian crosswalks) between terminals as well (pictures for walking in the garage can be found in post 512)
If you're arriving from an international destination, unless it's one of the pre-clearance airports, you'll have to clear Customs and Immigration at SFO and then need a departing boarding pass to clear security. SFO has the typical baggage re-check counters right after Customs for connecting passengers. They are usually open, but if closed, you'll need to lug your luggage to the regular domestic check-in counter of your connecting airline.
There's an AirTrain that runs between terminals (including the two parking garages connected to either side of the International Terminal) and the rental car center. AirTrain now has a stop at the long term parking lot. There is one on-airport hotel, a Grand Hyatt, accessible via the AirTrain. Personally, if forum regulars rob_flies_ua and dhuey need to connect between secure zones with only carry-ons, they just walk between terminals instead of waiting for the train. Returnoftheyeti and makfan will walk from BART to all terminals as well.
BART is the local regional commuter rail. The BART station is located on the north side of the airport, adjacent to International Terminal G. You can exit the paid area in two locations. One is by going up an escalator in the middle of the station and then connecting to the air train. You can also walk to the end of the station. Upon exiting you will be in the International terminal, near the chapel. A one-way ticket from SFO to downtown is $9.65.
For things to do on your layover in SFO, check out http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/san-f...d-threads.html
Outside of the secure zone, but adjacent to International Terminal G is the SFO Museum
Renovation of Boarding Area C will include a connector to T1-B and is expected to be completed by 2024, following which the entire airport will be connected airside (however going from A to G would require passing through B, C, D, E and F).
AirTrain Map:
As the map shows, Red Line runs clockwise; Blue Line runs counterclockwise. The mistake to avoid is getting on the Blue Line and heading off to the rental car center and long term parking lot when you were only trying to go from one terminal to another (e.g., don't take Blue when you want to go from International-G to Terminal 1). CAUTION: recently when arriving in the late evening, the red line has been closed, and only the blue line is operating but in the opposite direction from the arrows show. Keep an eye out for "sandwich board" signs on the platform, and pay attention to the overhead video screens by the boarding doors for accurate real-time directional info.
Connecting in SFO
Sep 18, 2019, 9:46 am
#256
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 8
80 minutes is fine if your first flight is on time - otherwise you are pushing your luck. Assume 10 minutes to get off the plane, 15 minutes to walk through the terminal and around to the International terminal. 5-10 minutes to clear security with pre-check. So that's at least 30 minutes which gets you to the gate when the plane is boarding (50 minutes before pushoff).
Did you check the Alaska flight arrival record for the past 2 weeks? If it is consistently delayed then obviously this won't work. Things should be better in 2 weeks (by end of Sept) when the runway construction is done, but it is still a tight connection. On the plus side, 12:55 is a good time to arrive, delays tend to cascade in the afternoon and evening.
Did you check the Alaska flight arrival record for the past 2 weeks? If it is consistently delayed then obviously this won't work. Things should be better in 2 weeks (by end of Sept) when the runway construction is done, but it is still a tight connection. On the plus side, 12:55 is a good time to arrive, delays tend to cascade in the afternoon and evening.
Oct 20, 2019, 4:22 am
#257
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: YQM
Programs: Recent/upcoming flights: YQM-YUL-GVA; GVA-TUN; YQM-YYZ-YYC; YQM-YUL-FRA-SKG; SKG-ATH-YUL-YQM
Posts: 49
I have a 1:05 connecting time in SFO and I am wondering if have enough time. I am arriving from YYZ on AC (preclear in YYZ) and will be connecting to PSP on UA. I am arriving as a domestic flight in the International Terminal (G) and my connection leaves from T3 (F gates).
Is there a direct way from International G to T3 or is it quicker to walk or take the Airtrain?
Is there a direct way from International G to T3 or is it quicker to walk or take the Airtrain?
Oct 20, 2019, 9:46 am
#258
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,947
I have a 1:05 connecting time in SFO and I am wondering if have enough time. I am arriving from YYZ on AC (preclear in YYZ) and will be connecting to PSP on UA. I am arriving as a domestic flight in the International Terminal (G) and my connection leaves from T3 (F gates).
Is there a direct way from International G to T3 or is it quicker to walk or take the Airtrain?
Is there a direct way from International G to T3 or is it quicker to walk or take the Airtrain?
As long as your YYZ-SFO flight arrives on time, this should be no problem, but the usual caveats apply.
Oct 20, 2019, 12:34 pm
#259
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
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On the plus side there are usually several flights per day to PSP so you may have alternatives if you are not on the last flight of the day.
Oct 20, 2019, 1:04 pm
#260
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: YQM
Programs: Recent/upcoming flights: YQM-YUL-GVA; GVA-TUN; YQM-YYZ-YYC; YQM-YUL-FRA-SKG; SKG-ATH-YUL-YQM
Posts: 49
We are indeed on the last flight of the day. Currently in YYZ and our flight to SFO is on-time. Fingers crossed. Worst case scenario is a night in SFO. Thanks for your quick reply!
Oct 21, 2019, 8:11 am
#261
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: YQM
Programs: Recent/upcoming flights: YQM-YUL-GVA; GVA-TUN; YQM-YYZ-YYC; YQM-YUL-FRA-SKG; SKG-ATH-YUL-YQM
Posts: 49
Thanks.
Oct 21, 2019, 10:42 am
#262
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
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Posts: 57,084
Well, the YYZ-SFO flight was delayed and I missed my connection, which was the last flight of the day. Fortunately, the before-last flight of the day was delayed until 9 pm, so I was able to secure a seat on that one. My luggage followed. Transferring from International G to T3 (F gates) is a breeze, really.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Oct 29, 2019, 1:49 am
#263
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: UA MP, NW WP, AA
Posts: 719
According to flightaware.com TP 237 arrived at SFO at 4:52pm on Monday. It’s making me a little bit nervous about making the 6:45pm LAX connecting flight...
Last edited by LAX/HKG; Oct 29, 2019 at 1:50 am Reason: More info
Oct 31, 2019, 12:06 pm
#264
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: AA (PPro/3MM/Admirals Club), AS, UA, Marriott (Gold), HHonors (Gold), Accor (Plat)
Posts: 2,602
Gates Renumbered
All gates were renumbered on the 16th. This article and this airport post explain it and have a maps.
I don't have time to update the Wiki at the moment, but will try to get back to do so (unless someone else beats me to it).
I don't have time to update the Wiki at the moment, but will try to get back to do so (unless someone else beats me to it).
Nov 1, 2019, 4:22 pm
#265
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K/MM, AA GLD
Posts: 1,709
All gates were renumbered on the 16th. This article and this airport post explain it and have a maps.
I don't have time to update the Wiki at the moment, but will try to get back to do so (unless someone else beats me to it).
I don't have time to update the Wiki at the moment, but will try to get back to do so (unless someone else beats me to it).
Nov 1, 2019, 4:24 pm
#266
Moderator: Hilton Honors, Practical Travel Safety Issues & San Francisco
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: San Francisco CA
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Posts: 11,007
Thanks Rob!
Just updated the wiki with current gate numbers, the Grand Hyatt, and fixed some typos. At some point if I can find a timeline of remaining construction with regards to the airside connectors from International Terminal A to Terminal 1 Concourse B, between Terminal 1 Concourse B and Terminal 1 Concourse C, and between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, I'll try to add those dates (unless someone else beats me to it).
Nov 2, 2019, 12:07 am
#267
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 1
Considering a YYZ -> SFO -> KIX flight via United (on a single itinerary)... I'll have 85 minutes for the connection but will pre-clear at YYZ. Judging from previous responses and looking specifically at the two flights (UA565 and UA35 respectively), it looks like it should be doable? I'm not familiar with SFO but from previous responses here and looking at those two flights, it seems like I'd arrive at Gate E2 and then depart from Gate G6 - seems like they are connected airside and I wouldn't need to clear security again? Would my luggage be checked through or would I need to claim it and recheck it? Thanks!
Nov 2, 2019, 9:46 am
#268
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Considering a YYZ -> SFO -> KIX flight via United (on a single itinerary)... I'll have 85 minutes for the connection but will pre-clear at YYZ. Judging from previous responses and looking specifically at the two flights (UA565 and UA35 respectively), it looks like it should be doable? I'm not familiar with SFO but from previous responses here and looking at those two flights, it seems like I'd arrive at Gate E2 and then depart from Gate G6 - seems like they are connected airside and I wouldn't need to clear security again? Would my luggage be checked through or would I need to claim it and recheck it? Thanks!
Welcome to flyertalk!
On one ticket the bags will be checked through so no need to collec them, The United Gates ( E and F) and International ( G) are connected airside so no need to clear security again. After arrving at SFO , follow the signs to the G gates ( check the correct gate from the display boards)
Regards
TBS
Nov 26, 2019, 6:29 pm
#269
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: AA (PPro/3MM/Admirals Club), AS, UA, Marriott (Gold), HHonors (Gold), Accor (Plat)
Posts: 2,602
Just updated the wiki with current gate numbers, the Grand Hyatt, and fixed some typos. At some point if I can find a timeline of remaining construction with regards to the airside connectors from International Terminal A to Terminal 1 Concourse B, between Terminal 1 Concourse B and Terminal 1 Concourse C, and between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, I'll try to add those dates (unless someone else beats me to it).
Nov 26, 2019, 6:31 pm
#270
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: AA (PPro/3MM/Admirals Club), AS, UA, Marriott (Gold), HHonors (Gold), Accor (Plat)
Posts: 2,602
Considering a YYZ -> SFO -> KIX flight via United (on a single itinerary)... I'll have 85 minutes for the connection but will pre-clear at YYZ. Judging from previous responses and looking specifically at the two flights (UA565 and UA35 respectively), it looks like it should be doable? I'm not familiar with SFO but from previous responses here and looking at those two flights, it seems like I'd arrive at Gate E2 and then depart from Gate G6 - seems like they are connected airside and I wouldn't need to clear security again? Would my luggage be checked through or would I need to claim it and recheck it? Thanks!