Dec 6, 2015, 9:23 am
Last edit by: SPN Lifer
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. In the map below, Terminal 2-C is now Terminal 1-C. (The C gates were reassigned back to Terminal 1 in 2024.)
As of June 2024, all SFO gates are now connected airside. Still, it's a very long airside walk between the International concourses (A and G). It might be faster to walk landside straight across the International check-in area, though that will require an extra trip through security.
Construction alerts and related threads:
Lounges at SFO:
International-A:
There is an outdoor viewing deck (post-security) in International-G open daily 7a-11:30p: (FlySFO) (FT Thread)
There is also a landside viewing deck (pre-security) in Terminal 2-D: Landside SkyTerrace open Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon 10a-6p: (FlySFO) (FT Thread)
There is no chapel at SFO, but there is a "reflection room".
It's possible to enter through security at any gate, regardless of where your departure gate is. 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.
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. 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 a local regional commuter rail system serving San Francisco and the East Bay. 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 $10.55.
Caltrain is another local regional commuter rail system serving SF, the peninsula, and San Jose (and some points further south). To reach Caltrain take either BART or the SamTrans 292 bus (cheape than BART) towards Hillsdale Mall to Millbrae (do NOT get on a San Francisco-bound 292 bus, which confusingly stops at the same bus stops -- look on the electronic display on the bus as it arrives and/or confirm with the driver)
BART and Caltrain stations have ticket machines, but you can also pay using a Clipper -- you can add a virtual Clipper to your smartphone/mobile wallet ahead of time
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
The Grand Hyatt at SFO is located on the airport property and is accessible by AirTrain: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyat...er-thread.html
In general taking AirTrain is best, but it is possible to walk from Terminal A to the Grand Hyatt if you are so inclined (instructions can be found in a post linked in the above thread's wiki)
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. In the map below, Terminal 2-C is now Terminal 1-C. (The C gates were reassigned back to Terminal 1 in 2024.)
As of June 2024, all SFO gates are now connected airside. Still, it's a very long airside walk between the International concourses (A and G). It might be faster to walk landside straight across the International check-in area, though that will require an extra trip through security.
Construction alerts and related threads:
- SFO T3 remodel
- in this forum: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/san-...n-project.html
- UA forum thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...ly-2024-a.html
Lounges at SFO:
International-A:
- Cathay Pacific (near A1)
- Emirates (between A2-6)
- Air France/KLM (near A1) - note that it is not accessible for Priority Pass cardholders
- British Airways (between A5-9) (FT Thread) - includes a First Class section inside
- China Airlines (near A1) (recent TR w/photo link) - they sometimes take Priority Pass cardholders
- Virgin Atlantic Club House (near A1) - they sometimes take Priority Pass cardholders
- Golden Gate Lounge (near A1) - they sometimes take Priority Pass cardholders
- American Airlines Admirals Club (near B13) (FT thread)
- The Club SFO - level 3, just after security (FT Thread)
- Alaska Airlines - Retail Street, Level 2 (FT thread)
- Delta Sky Club (near C3) (FT Thread)
- Air Canada Maple Leaf lounge (upstairs, just after security)
- American Express Centurion Lounge (temporary location) (FT Thread) (Terminal 3-F site closed for terminal construction).
- United Club (FT Thread: Best SFO UC, Status of SFO United Clubs) (near E3)
- American Express Centurion Lounge (near F1) (FT Thread) (closed for terminal construction). Temporary location is in Terminal 2-D.
- United Club (FT Thread: Best SFO UC, Status of SFO United Clubs) - (in rotunda of the F Gates)
- United Polaris Lounge (near G1) - FT thread: SFO Polaris Lounge Reopened - 4 January 2022
- United Club (FT Thread: Best SFO UC, Status of SFO United Clubs) - between G6 and G9
- Lark Creek Grill (near gate D2)
- SF Giants Clubhouse (near gate F13)
Yankee Pier(near gate F4) (permanently closed due to construction)
- Mustards Bar & Grill (near G3)
There is an outdoor viewing deck (post-security) in International-G open daily 7a-11:30p: (FlySFO) (FT Thread)
There is also a landside viewing deck (pre-security) in Terminal 2-D: Landside SkyTerrace open Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon 10a-6p: (FlySFO) (FT Thread)
There is no chapel at SFO, but there is a "reflection room".
It's possible to enter through security at any gate, regardless of where your departure gate is. 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.
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. 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 a local regional commuter rail system serving San Francisco and the East Bay. 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 $10.55.
Caltrain is another local regional commuter rail system serving SF, the peninsula, and San Jose (and some points further south). To reach Caltrain take either BART or the SamTrans 292 bus (cheape than BART) towards Hillsdale Mall to Millbrae (do NOT get on a San Francisco-bound 292 bus, which confusingly stops at the same bus stops -- look on the electronic display on the bus as it arrives and/or confirm with the driver)
BART and Caltrain stations have ticket machines, but you can also pay using a Clipper -- you can add a virtual Clipper to your smartphone/mobile wallet ahead of time
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
The Grand Hyatt at SFO is located on the airport property and is accessible by AirTrain: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyat...er-thread.html
In general taking AirTrain is best, but it is possible to walk from Terminal A to the Grand Hyatt if you are so inclined (instructions can be found in a post linked in the above thread's wiki)
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
Mar 2, 2017 | 4:23 pm
#31
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No, you saw the redone version. I'm surprised you think it's awful, but I guess these are subjective things.
Centurion Lounge isn't a bad walk for you: go across the length of International, right turn down the escalator, and go through the first security you see in Terminal 3. Lounge is immediately after you clear security to your right.
ETA: you have the option of entering security in International-G and taking the airside hallway to T3. That's a good idea if the line is short. You'll see the lounge on the right as you enter T3.
Centurion Lounge isn't a bad walk for you: go across the length of International, right turn down the escalator, and go through the first security you see in Terminal 3. Lounge is immediately after you clear security to your right.
ETA: you have the option of entering security in International-G and taking the airside hallway to T3. That's a good idea if the line is short. You'll see the lounge on the right as you enter T3.
Last edited by dhuey; Mar 2, 2017 at 4:54 pm
Mar 2, 2017 | 5:37 pm
#32
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 521
No, you saw the redone version. I'm surprised you think it's awful, but I guess these are subjective things.
Centurion Lounge isn't a bad walk for you: go across the length of International, right turn down the escalator, and go through the first security you see in Terminal 3. Lounge is immediately after you clear security to your right.
ETA: you have the option of entering security in International-G and taking the airside hallway to T3. That's a good idea if the line is short. You'll see the lounge on the right as you enter T3.
Centurion Lounge isn't a bad walk for you: go across the length of International, right turn down the escalator, and go through the first security you see in Terminal 3. Lounge is immediately after you clear security to your right.
ETA: you have the option of entering security in International-G and taking the airside hallway to T3. That's a good idea if the line is short. You'll see the lounge on the right as you enter T3.
Mar 5, 2017 | 9:19 am
#34
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That's really cutting it close, if you do not have Pre-Check. If you land at the far end of T3, the walk to T2 security is around 15 minutes and T2 frequently has security waits of 20-30 min.
Mar 5, 2017 | 9:56 am
#35
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If you were to park at gate 61 10 minutes early, you'd have no problem
Mar 6, 2017 | 12:22 pm
#36
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It's *possible*, especially if you are a) ontime (so this morning for example might sink your plans with SFO clouds) , b) near the front of the aircraft, c) no checked bags, d) have precheck, e) walk fast, f) already have a boarding pass for your VX flight, and g) have a backup plan in case you don't make it. Having said that, if any of those conditions are not true, I'd say there's a good chance you don't make it.
That said, I think I'd probably book this tight connection if I could afford to take the risk of missing it.
Mar 15, 2017 | 1:54 am
#37
Join Date: Feb 2013
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We are landing in Terminal 3 and departing from the Intl on SFO-AKL flight. I noticed there is a Cat Cora restaurant in Terminal 2( love the one in IAH) and we have 4 hours. Is it worth taking a stroll over there and then stopping by the UA Club?
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
Mar 15, 2017 | 11:09 am
#38
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Sure, you should have plenty of time. I suggest leaving T2 and heading over to International-G around 75 minutes before your departure time. Keep in mind that you can re-enter security in either of the two T3 security checkpoints and walk airside to International-G. I would do that if you see that the line isn't bad. If it looks really long, you can just walk landside to International-G and enter there.
Mar 15, 2017 | 7:16 pm
#39
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Sure, you should have plenty of time. I suggest leaving T2 and heading over to International-G around 75 minutes before your departure time. Keep in mind that you can re-enter security in either of the two T3 security checkpoints and walk airside to International-G. I would do that if you see that the line isn't bad. If it looks really long, you can just walk landside to International-G and enter there.
Sounds like we have a plan!! Thanks
Apr 30, 2017 | 10:52 am
#40
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 5
UA domestic to SQ international
Hi. I will arriving on United domestic to SFO at 10:08pm and leaving on Singapore international at 00:05am. I have no checked in luggage. The 2 reservations are separate. Is that enough time or risking it?
May 1, 2017 | 11:08 am
#41
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I would be comfortable with your two-hour layover, but of course there is always some risk if your flight to SFO is delayed. If you walk quickly, it should be about 5-15 minutes from gate to gate, depending on the gates. Good luck and safe travels.
May 3, 2017 | 7:25 am
#42
Join Date: Feb 2013
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Ua 841 sea-lax
Hi:
I am looking for an award travel and one of the connections is on UA 841 from SEA to LAX through SFO with a 35 minutes layover but it shows there is a plane change at SFO. I have to take an international flight then so I do not want to miss the connection. Has anyone an idea how this flight works? Do I have any risk of missing the SFO-LAX flight?
Thanks,
Joe
I am looking for an award travel and one of the connections is on UA 841 from SEA to LAX through SFO with a 35 minutes layover but it shows there is a plane change at SFO. I have to take an international flight then so I do not want to miss the connection. Has anyone an idea how this flight works? Do I have any risk of missing the SFO-LAX flight?
Thanks,
Joe
May 3, 2017 | 12:05 pm
#43
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Hi:
I am looking for an award travel and one of the connections is on UA 841 from SEA to LAX through SFO with a 35 minutes layover but it shows there is a plane change at SFO. I have to take an international flight then so I do not want to miss the connection. Has anyone an idea how this flight works? Do I have any risk of missing the SFO-LAX flight?
Thanks,
Joe
I am looking for an award travel and one of the connections is on UA 841 from SEA to LAX through SFO with a 35 minutes layover but it shows there is a plane change at SFO. I have to take an international flight then so I do not want to miss the connection. Has anyone an idea how this flight works? Do I have any risk of missing the SFO-LAX flight?
Thanks,
Joe
Yes, there is significant risk that you miss the connection, given only a 35-minute layover. A nonstop from SEA to LAX would be a much safer approach.
May 3, 2017 | 1:24 pm
#44
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Welcome to FT, theheroflyer! It helps a lot that you are coming in Terminal 3 on your United flight and can walk over to the G Concourse of the International Terminal for your Singapore flight. Important: do not exit security. Stay airside and follow the signs to the International Terminal, Gates G91-G102. Just past gate 75 and with security on your left, you'll see a hallway that takes you to International-G.
I would be comfortable with your two-hour layover, but of course there is always some risk if your flight to SFO is delayed. If you walk quickly, it should be about 5-15 minutes from gate to gate, depending on the gates. Good luck and safe travels.
I would be comfortable with your two-hour layover, but of course there is always some risk if your flight to SFO is delayed. If you walk quickly, it should be about 5-15 minutes from gate to gate, depending on the gates. Good luck and safe travels.
May 3, 2017 | 1:57 pm
#45
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I wouldn't expect it to be an issue that late at night, but wanted to make sure to mention the weekend delays from Weekend repaving of SFO Rwy 28L causing UA delays?