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
Aug 21, 2023, 2:40 pm
#511
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I didn't take a close close look recently, but I think you can walk out to the center island (hotel and parking shuttles) and walk landside that way - just have to be careful when crossing the roadway letting cars in/out between the terminal side and center island side.
Aug 21, 2023, 3:17 pm
#512
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From baggage claim, go down one level following signs for the parking garage
Keep going straight past the elevators. The sign post tells you which way to go (left for "lower" letters towards B, right for "higher" letters towards F -- I happened to be at F already here)
Follow the walkway. Look out for cars. When you reach your desired terminal, go back in and turn towards the terminal.
Aug 21, 2023, 8:02 pm
#513
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This is a great example why SFO is such a well managed airport from the passenger perspective.
Aug 26, 2023, 1:04 pm
#514
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It's a really cool airport to walk around, but it feels like such a long walk from, say, T3 TSA to the C gates. If I had to do it again, I would just go landside and take the AirTrain. It doesn't help that SFO feels like one of the hottest airports temperature-wise I've ever traveled through.
Aug 26, 2023, 9:36 pm
#515
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Aug 27, 2023, 8:53 am
#516
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I'm in/out of SFO at least 100 times a year and this is simply not true. I also wouldn't call F to C an unusually long walk considering how many gates you're traversing. Because of the radial design, SFO is more efficient than virtually any other airport for covering that kind of ground (putting aside the question why anyone would clear security at F for a flight departing from C).
Aug 27, 2023, 12:49 pm
#517
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I'm in/out of SFO at least 100 times a year and this is simply not true. I also wouldn't call F to C an unusually long walk considering how many gates you're traversing. Because of the radial design, SFO is more efficient than virtually any other airport for covering that kind of ground (putting aside the question why anyone would clear security at F for a flight departing from C).
Aug 27, 2023, 1:21 pm
#518
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And the saved distance walking between E/F & D would be negated from the walk airside to/from the AirTrain stations.
Aug 27, 2023, 9:34 pm
#519
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Unless something changed recently, that would be a one-stop AirTrain ride, since the C gates involves getting off at the T2 stop. The T2 stop itself is at the base of the D gate pier, and you'd have to walk from there to the C gates anyways.
And the saved distance walking between E/F & D would be negated from the walk airside to/from the AirTrain stations.
And the saved distance walking between E/F & D would be negated from the walk airside to/from the AirTrain stations.
Aug 28, 2023, 9:22 am
#520
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Aug 28, 2023, 9:43 am
#521
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Yes, I know that, but some prefer the CL, and if I'm at the airport for a few hours, I might go to both. Besides, I'm sure there are some people that like the same old stewed chicken thighs. (I prefer the wine and cocktails, but not the overall lounge experience.)
Aug 28, 2023, 4:32 pm
#522
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Reaching out for a quick question - does anyone know if Delta has a baggage recheck at Terminal 1/A? Specifically i will be arriving at G gates on SQ 32 and on a separate ticket, connecting to DL F to SEA.
Scheduled arrival of 7.50am and DL flight at 10.20am, too risky? US National, no GE, no Pre and with checked bags. Thanks!
Is it better to book 1.50pm flight and standby for 10:20am or book 10:20am and if I miss it, hope to get on 1:50pm flight?
Scheduled arrival of 7.50am and DL flight at 10.20am, too risky? US National, no GE, no Pre and with checked bags. Thanks!
Is it better to book 1.50pm flight and standby for 10:20am or book 10:20am and if I miss it, hope to get on 1:50pm flight?
Last edited by indo79; Aug 28, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Sep 5, 2023, 9:49 am
#523
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 90
I have a roughly 1hour 50min transit time at SFO, morning flight from YYZ. then onboard noon filight with NH.
I guess with preclearance and baggage should be check through? 1.50hr should be enough unless the first seg delayed?
Appriciate all the advice thanks.
I guess with preclearance and baggage should be check through? 1.50hr should be enough unless the first seg delayed?
Appriciate all the advice thanks.
Sep 5, 2023, 10:10 am
#524
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,752
Sorry, got it. Preclearance as that thing thing do in DUB for US flights. Yeah, perfect. You'll just likely disembark into Int'G (assuming here) and just catch your NH (in Int'l G, if I recall) flight without having to deal with security. You'll have plenty of time, even to relax and have drink/meal in the lounge.
PS - I've complained so much about those Amex chicken thighs, it might be some violation of TOS to keep harping about something a million times.
Sep 5, 2023, 10:12 am
#525
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 90
Yeah, assuming your YYZ flight isn't delayed, you should be fine. Preclearance? You mean, GE, CLEAR or TSA Pre? Whether your check your bag through is a personal choice, but I'd probably hang on to it, assuming it's just a standard carryon roller.
PS - I've complained so much about those Amex chicken thighs, it might be some violation of TOS to keep harping about something a million times.
PS - I've complained so much about those Amex chicken thighs, it might be some violation of TOS to keep harping about something a million times.
I have a checkin bag but hope it will be interline all the way to destination.