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
Nov 26, 2019, 9:42 pm
#271
Moderator: Chase Ultimate Rewards
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 2P, MR LT Plat, IHG Plat, BW Dia, HH Au, Avis PC
Posts: 5,457
They have the existing pre-security connector closed off now for construction but it looks like we're 2 years away from the final product being delivered: https://www.flysfo.com/terminal-2-te...nector-closure
Nov 28, 2019, 9:55 am
#272
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,084
They have the existing pre-security connector closed off now for construction but it looks like we're 2 years away from the final product being delivered: https://www.flysfo.com/terminal-2-te...nector-closure
Feb 9, 2020, 3:00 pm
#274
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,162
The proposed redesign of the International Terminal sure seems odd to me, given that there will already be an airside path between International-A and -G (albeit an indirect, curved path via B-F). Not many people will need to go between A and G, and they're going to lose lots of landside check-in space to make this happen.
Feb 9, 2020, 10:16 pm
#275
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,084
The last plan I saw was less about linking A-G to allow passengers to travel between them, but more about allowing for a consolidated security area for both A and G, with passengers then heading in one direction for the A gates and the other for the G gates. However there have been multiple redesign plans, so I'm not sure if that's the one you're talking about or not.
Feb 13, 2020, 2:10 pm
#276
Join Date: Jul 2019
Programs: AMEX Platinum, Marriot Gold
Posts: 51
Is this this correct thread to post a question about connections at SFO?
I am considering a flight from LAX to BKK on United.
LAX to SFO 9:15PM to 10:50PM 1 hour connection stay on United flight SFO to HKG and then change to Hong Kong airlines for HKG to BKK
My concern is when I land in SFO on United, will I have enough time to get from the gate to the International Gate to catch the United flight from SFO to HKG?
And if I check my luggage at LAX, will that checked luggage make it onto the International United flight from SFO to HKG in time, given that the connection is exactly 1 hr?
Thank you
I am considering a flight from LAX to BKK on United.
LAX to SFO 9:15PM to 10:50PM 1 hour connection stay on United flight SFO to HKG and then change to Hong Kong airlines for HKG to BKK
My concern is when I land in SFO on United, will I have enough time to get from the gate to the International Gate to catch the United flight from SFO to HKG?
And if I check my luggage at LAX, will that checked luggage make it onto the International United flight from SFO to HKG in time, given that the connection is exactly 1 hr?
Thank you
Feb 13, 2020, 2:28 pm
#277
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,162
My concern is when I land in SFO on United, will I have enough time to get from the gate to the International Gate to catch the United flight from SFO to HKG?
And if I check my luggage at LAX, will that checked luggage make it onto the International United flight from SFO to HKG in time, given that the connection is exactly 1 hr?
And if I check my luggage at LAX, will that checked luggage make it onto the International United flight from SFO to HKG in time, given that the connection is exactly 1 hr?
This of course presumes that your inbound is on time. LAX-SFO is a route that can often be affected by flow control due to weather, winds, cloud or fog. If your flight is delayed by 30 mins or more, this becomes somewhere between a very tight connection and an impossible one. UA will sometimes hold flights for connecting passengers, but it's not something you can rely on.
Personally, I'd never book such a short connection to an international flight. It's not just the odds of missing the connection, but also the impact if you do (likely a 24 hour delay). If you've already booked, you could try getting to the airport earlier on the day and asking them to put you on an earlier flight, or even use same-day change to confirm of something earlier within 24 hours of the flight ($75 for no-status, free for higher statuses)
Feb 13, 2020, 2:36 pm
#278
Join Date: Jul 2019
Programs: AMEX Platinum, Marriot Gold
Posts: 51
1 hour is plenty of time for both you and your luggage to make it to your connection. The exact time to get between gates will depend on which gates are used and how quickly you walk, but at most it's maybe a 15 minute walk. There is no need to pass through security, nor collect your bags or anything else - just straight gate-to-gate.
This of course presumes that your inbound is on time. LAX-SFO is a route that can often be affected by flow control due to weather, winds, cloud or fog. If your flight is delayed by 30 mins or more, this becomes somewhere between a very tight connection and an impossible one. UA will sometimes hold flights for connecting passengers, but it's not something you can rely on.
Personally, I'd never book such a short connection to an international flight. It's not just the odds of missing the connection, but also the impact if you do (likely a 24 hour delay). If you've already booked, you could try getting to the airport earlier on the day and asking them to put you on an earlier flight, or even use same-day change to confirm of something earlier within 24 hours of the flight ($75 for no-status, free for higher statuses)
This of course presumes that your inbound is on time. LAX-SFO is a route that can often be affected by flow control due to weather, winds, cloud or fog. If your flight is delayed by 30 mins or more, this becomes somewhere between a very tight connection and an impossible one. UA will sometimes hold flights for connecting passengers, but it's not something you can rely on.
Personally, I'd never book such a short connection to an international flight. It's not just the odds of missing the connection, but also the impact if you do (likely a 24 hour delay). If you've already booked, you could try getting to the airport earlier on the day and asking them to put you on an earlier flight, or even use same-day change to confirm of something earlier within 24 hours of the flight ($75 for no-status, free for higher statuses)
Thank you for your reply. Yes, I agree the connection is tight and ideally I would just prefer to fly from LAX to BKK without having to connect in SFO. However, price, flight times, flight times coming back seem to have this itinerary (at the moment) being a bit more to my liking other than the short connection window. I could certainly take an earlier flight from LAX to SFO but that would increase the ticket about $75 x 2 people. At that point, I would just pay for a higher priced flight from LAX straight to BKK. Usually I can get a dirt cheap price from LAX to BKK but the China airlines have not come down in price yet. The flight is in late May.
I walk fast, so not to worried about that. But yeah, if the flight is delayed 30 minutes then I'm screwed. It is a pretty risky flight to catch because as you said if you miss the international flight, then you are stuck another day. I think the next flight leaves around 1:00 PM the next day unless United wanted to connect me through a different city and then I guess they could put me on an earlier flight.
Thanks again for your reply. I had read where the walk from United domestic is not that far from United International flight terminal. My concern would be the luggage getting from domestic flight to international terminal flight.
Feb 13, 2020, 4:23 pm
#279
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,084
Add me to the list who would not book this tight of a connection at SFO when the incoming flight is from LAX. It might seem counter-intuitive, but I might be willing to this same thing if the incoming flight were coming in from ORD, IAH, or the East Coast. The problem, as noted above, is that short flights into SFO are the very first to get delayed when delays are necessary. WillTins3, if you don't decide to pay the extra $75 per person, I recommend monitoring the weather and flight operations at SFO very closely on your day of departure. If you see trouble, head to LAX early and try to get a gate agent or customer service rep to put you on an earlier flight to avoid missing the HKG flight.
Feb 13, 2020, 5:00 pm
#280
Join Date: Jul 2019
Programs: AMEX Platinum, Marriot Gold
Posts: 51
Add me to the list who would not book this tight of a connection at SFO when the incoming flight is from LAX. It might seem counter-intuitive, but I might be willing to this same thing if the incoming flight were coming in from ORD, IAH, or the East Coast. The problem, as noted above, is that short flights into SFO are the very first to get delayed when delays are necessary. WillTins3, if you don't decide to pay the extra $75 per person, I recommend monitoring the weather and flight operations at SFO very closely on your day of departure. If you see trouble, head to LAX early and try to get a gate agent or customer service rep to put you on an earlier flight to avoid missing the HKG flight.
Well noted Dhuey. Thank you for the reply. Yeah it appears that this is a bit risky. Everything would have to go off perfectly or even a 15 minute delay and things should be fine. United offers this same itinerary for a connection that will eventually turn into Cathay Pacific so I would have to think that they are used to a few coming on the flight from LAX and catching that HKG flight to either Cathay Pacific or Hong Kong Airlines.
I've never had issues with delays or missed flights before so if I did watch the day of departure closely and I showed up to LAX earlier than planned, do gate agents typically try and accomodate at no charge or would they try and hit me up for change fees to put me on the flight that departs an hour earlier?
Feb 13, 2020, 6:05 pm
#281
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,084
I've never had issues with delays or missed flights before so if I did watch the day of departure closely and I showed up to LAX earlier than planned, do gate agents typically try and accomodate at no charge or would they try and hit me up for change fees to put me on the flight that departs an hour earlier?
You could make your case to the gate agents at the earlier flight, the customer service center at LAX or the call-in reservations line. I would try to work this out before checking your bag, and that might blow the deal for changing flights.
Feb 13, 2020, 6:52 pm
#282
Join Date: Jul 2019
Programs: AMEX Platinum, Marriot Gold
Posts: 51
My experience with airlines generally is that they are willing to put you on earlier flights, free of charge, if your flight is delayed (or likely to be delayed) and there's space on the earlier flight. Your case is particularly strong when you are at risk for missing your connections, which United would then have to re-book. United might even have to pay for your hotel/food if they are responsible for the delay (not if weather is the reason, though).
You could make your case to the gate agents at the earlier flight, the customer service center at LAX or the call-in reservations line. I would try to work this out before checking your bag, and that might blow the deal for changing flights.
You could make your case to the gate agents at the earlier flight, the customer service center at LAX or the call-in reservations line. I would try to work this out before checking your bag, and that might blow the deal for changing flights.
if I do end up having the guts to book this flight, that is good info to have. I will take your advice. If that were to happen, since I think United is affiliated with ANA and some other international airlines, maybe I could even get them to book me on one of those flights. Thanks again
Feb 14, 2020, 1:56 am
#283
Join Date: Jul 2019
Programs: AMEX Platinum, Marriot Gold
Posts: 51
Thank you for your reply. Yes, I agree the connection is tight and ideally I would just prefer to fly from LAX to BKK without having to connect in SFO. However, price, flight times, flight times coming back seem to have this itinerary (at the moment) being a bit more to my liking other than the short connection window. I could certainly take an earlier flight from LAX to SFO but that would increase the ticket about $75 x 2 people. At that point, I would just pay for a higher priced flight from LAX straight to BKK. Usually I can get a dirt cheap price from LAX to BKK but the China airlines have not come down in price yet. The flight is in late May.
I walk fast, so not to worried about that. But yeah, if the flight is delayed 30 minutes then I'm screwed. It is a pretty risky flight to catch because as you said if you miss the international flight, then you are stuck another day. I think the next flight leaves around 1:00 PM the next day unless United wanted to connect me through a different city and then I guess they could put me on an earlier flight.
Thanks again for your reply. I had read where the walk from United domestic is not that far from United International flight terminal. My concern would be the luggage getting from domestic flight to international terminal flight.
I walk fast, so not to worried about that. But yeah, if the flight is delayed 30 minutes then I'm screwed. It is a pretty risky flight to catch because as you said if you miss the international flight, then you are stuck another day. I think the next flight leaves around 1:00 PM the next day unless United wanted to connect me through a different city and then I guess they could put me on an earlier flight.
Thanks again for your reply. I had read where the walk from United domestic is not that far from United International flight terminal. My concern would be the luggage getting from domestic flight to international terminal flight.
At the moment I have found a solution. I'm gonna be able to have my wife take a half day off so I can fly out a couple of hours earlier at ONT Ontario airport on United. This flight will connect into that SFO to HKG flight on United. It is a flight that will get me into SFO from the Los Angeles area about 2 hours earlier so I will have 3 hours before the flight backs away from the gate.. I mean, I guess there could be delays as well from Ontario but the chances would be smaller I guess. Ticket price goes up a bit but parking comes down a few bucks. I will hold out a bit to see if flights drop a little bit although there are a couple of 2 -3-2 configurations in economy on the long haul still remaining and even though the 2 seats are in the rear for such a long flight it would be nice to just have those 2 seats for me and the wife.
Feb 28, 2020, 1:54 pm
#285
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: AA,UA,AS
Posts: 319