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
Mar 9, 2024, 10:44 pm
#556
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, Total Wine & More Reserve
Posts: 4,531
I’ve gone to the AC before in that situation, and it’s a lot quieter. I would have gone to the CX lounge if it were open. I never would have considered going to the CL.
Mar 10, 2024, 9:47 am
#557
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Madrid
Programs: IB+ Oro / OWS
Posts: 503
Morning, thank you for the replies,
Ah, stupid me, forgot Sunday night at the Intl terminal will not be quieter, (if not busier due to Sat night stay for cheaper tix, like mine).
I wanted check out Amex 'just because' and a bit of sunk cost fallacy from having paid the annual fee.
But with Amex's 3 hours limit it means I can only enter at 1845 for a 2145 flight, and if it takes >30min to get back to A gates then I have to leave Amex at 2000 for the 2050 boarding time. An hour at Amex is not worth it.
Thank you for the heads up!
CX departs at 2355 tonight, so perhaps the lounge will be open at 2055, so I might have a chance.
VS (viaPP) 1930-2230 after their 1940 departure.
Ah, stupid me, forgot Sunday night at the Intl terminal will not be quieter, (if not busier due to Sat night stay for cheaper tix, like mine).
I wanted check out Amex 'just because' and a bit of sunk cost fallacy from having paid the annual fee.
But with Amex's 3 hours limit it means I can only enter at 1845 for a 2145 flight, and if it takes >30min to get back to A gates then I have to leave Amex at 2000 for the 2050 boarding time. An hour at Amex is not worth it.
Thank you for the heads up!
CX departs at 2355 tonight, so perhaps the lounge will be open at 2055, so I might have a chance.
VS (viaPP) 1930-2230 after their 1940 departure.
Mar 10, 2024, 9:50 am
#558
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,084
csycsycsy, for reasons others stated above, I suggest you stick with the BA lounge, which I believe you and a guest can access via your Sapphire status. Both of these lounges are recently renovated and have decent food and beverage options. Both can get a bit crowded. Neither is significantly better than the other.
Mar 10, 2024, 2:18 pm
#559
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, Total Wine & More Reserve
Posts: 4,531
Although I don't know what impact Pacific Daylight Time (which began earlier today) might have on that.
Mar 10, 2024, 6:42 pm
#560
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Madrid
Programs: IB+ Oro / OWS
Posts: 503
Hello all,
Sorry for the following OT (not really about connections post):
The BA lounge is very nice and it did get quite crowded just before the earlier BA flight departed though it is now empty apart me.
Usually at OWS level lounges there's not much protein but here there is BA burger (beef/impossible) and stews, no need to go for 'chicken ala amex'.
The booze is pretty good too, particularly if one likes to DIY their cocktails.
Thought about going to AAAC but will stay put, maybe check out CX later...
Answering my earlier question about fast track: yes (BP needs to have fast track and/or group 2)
Looking forward to visiting SFO next time, with the B-C airside connector!
Thank you
Edit: CX opened at 1955.
Sorry for the following OT (not really about connections post):
The BA lounge is very nice and it did get quite crowded just before the earlier BA flight departed though it is now empty apart me.
Usually at OWS level lounges there's not much protein but here there is BA burger (beef/impossible) and stews, no need to go for 'chicken ala amex'.
The booze is pretty good too, particularly if one likes to DIY their cocktails.
Thought about going to AAAC but will stay put, maybe check out CX later...
Answering my earlier question about fast track: yes (BP needs to have fast track and/or group 2)
Looking forward to visiting SFO next time, with the B-C airside connector!
Thank you
Edit: CX opened at 1955.
Last edited by csycsycsy; Mar 10, 2024 at 9:45 pm
Mar 10, 2024, 10:26 pm
#561
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,084
We all have our preferences, but I think there are only two lounges at SFO that are much better than the BA lounge: Emirates and United Polaris.
And to be clear, I think the BA lounge is quite nice. But I think that’s also true of several other SFO lounges.
And to be clear, I think the BA lounge is quite nice. But I think that’s also true of several other SFO lounges.
Apr 22, 2024, 9:28 pm
#563
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: YVR
Posts: 1,085
Question for those familiar with SFO.
I have an upcoming 8 hour layover where I'm self connecting between a domestic flight and an international flight. I will have checked bags that won't be able to be checked in until T-3ish.
If I pay to store my bags at the luggage storage facilities, and I have a mobile BP, can I go through security early and burn time in the lounge until T-3? At that time I'd leave the secure area, pick up my bags, checked them in, and then go through security again.
I have an upcoming 8 hour layover where I'm self connecting between a domestic flight and an international flight. I will have checked bags that won't be able to be checked in until T-3ish.
If I pay to store my bags at the luggage storage facilities, and I have a mobile BP, can I go through security early and burn time in the lounge until T-3? At that time I'd leave the secure area, pick up my bags, checked them in, and then go through security again.
Apr 23, 2024, 1:48 pm
#564
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
From a security perspective, yes. From a lounge perspective - which lounge? Many will only allow access a few hours before your flight (eg, AC) or for a certain maximum length of time (eg, many of the Priority Pass lounges)
Apr 23, 2024, 3:11 pm
#565
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: YVR
Posts: 1,085
Was considering visiting the Polaris lounge, which from a quick search doesn't seem to have limitations as to how early one may access, or how long one may stay for?
Apr 23, 2024, 4:27 pm
#566
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
Apr 24, 2024, 10:49 am
#567
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,084
Apr 26, 2024, 9:04 am
#568
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,480
The physical lounge is nice enough but the food is pathetic, particularly the buffet. I'd rate numerous SkyClubs ahead for food. IMO it certainly doesn't compare to the QF F lounge at LAX, which is probably the best lounge in the US, or various other top US lounges (including several of the OW JFK lounges).
I actually prefer MLL at SFO (though they have the showers closed, so you'll have to go to Polaris for a shower).
I actually prefer MLL at SFO (though they have the showers closed, so you'll have to go to Polaris for a shower).
Apr 26, 2024, 11:31 am
#569
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,084
The physical lounge is nice enough but the food is pathetic, particularly the buffet. I'd rate numerous SkyClubs ahead for food. IMO it certainly doesn't compare to the QF F lounge at LAX, which is probably the best lounge in the US, or various other top US lounges (including several of the OW JFK lounges).
I actually prefer MLL at SFO (though they have the showers closed, so you'll have to go to Polaris for a shower).
I actually prefer MLL at SFO (though they have the showers closed, so you'll have to go to Polaris for a shower).
Apr 26, 2024, 2:56 pm
#570
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,654
I have one experience in the restaurant and it was not good. We almost left before the food arrived (chomped it down quickly after the near hour it took to arrive as to get to the gate for boarding time), had to go out to the bar to get beverages while we waited - not an ideal way to relax prior to a flight.