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
Jul 9, 2017 | 11:32 pm
#61
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I am flying Asiana from ICN to SFO arriving at 2:00 pm. I have to book a flight to Boston and the first available is United at 4:00, the next at 8:30. Is 2 hours enough time or should I book the later flight? I understand I need to clear customs, get checked bags and then go through security. Thanks for any help!
So yes, you could miss the checked bag cutoff and very possibly miss your flight if there are any delays.
The answer would be different if (1) No checked bags (2) Global Entry and (3) Pre-check. If Yes to all 3 then 60 minutes would be fine. But given frequent flight delays [MENTION=110828]sfo[/MENTION] I would never schedule a connection <2 hours, unless you have multiple backup options (e.g. flights bt hubs)
Aug 15, 2017 | 6:05 am
#62
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I am a OWE flying LAX-SFO-LHR soon with a 60min connection in SFO. It's my first time connecting in SFO so I would appreciate your insights on this. 
LAX-SFO with AA and SFO-LHR with BA. My luggage will be checked through to my final destination already and I should be able to receive my boarding pass for the SFO-LHR leg in LAX already.
Is there any way to connect from Terminal 2 to the international gates without going landside? Is it likely to make that connection if flights are on time? How will the lines at 7:30pm at security usually be?
LAX-SFO with AA and SFO-LHR with BA. My luggage will be checked through to my final destination already and I should be able to receive my boarding pass for the SFO-LHR leg in LAX already.
Is there any way to connect from Terminal 2 to the international gates without going landside? Is it likely to make that connection if flights are on time? How will the lines at 7:30pm at security usually be?
Last edited by hotwingz; Aug 15, 2017 at 6:23 am Reason: Typo
Aug 15, 2017 | 6:13 am
#63
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I am a OWE flying LAX-SFO-LHR soon with a 60min connection in SFO. It's my first time connecting in SFO so I would appreciate your insights on this.
LAX-SFO with AA and SFO-LHR with BA. My luggage will be checked through to my financial destination already and I should be able to received my boarding pass for the SFO-LHR leg in LAX already.
Is there any way to connect from Terminal 2 to the international gates without going landside? Is it likely to make that connection if flights are on time? How will the lines at 7:30pm at security usually be?
LAX-SFO with AA and SFO-LHR with BA. My luggage will be checked through to my financial destination already and I should be able to received my boarding pass for the SFO-LHR leg in LAX already.
Is there any way to connect from Terminal 2 to the international gates without going landside? Is it likely to make that connection if flights are on time? How will the lines at 7:30pm at security usually be?
Aug 15, 2017 | 8:45 am
#64
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I happy if I make the flight already. Last flight from SFO to Europe for the day.
I don't want to imagine how well (or not so well) AA will manage this if I miss the connection
Aug 15, 2017 | 9:46 am
#65
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As the LAX/SFO route is typically subject to delay, if things are already not looking good at LAX, see if you can get on the AA or BA LAX nonstops.
Aug 15, 2017 | 10:56 am
#66
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Excellent advice, though I wonder if the checked bag complicates this. I sense they would balk at having your bag go LAX-SFO-LHR while you go LAX-LHR. Maybe our friend should check the status of LAX-SFO immediately before checking in at LAX. If there is any significant delay, make the inquiry about switching to the nonstop before handing over the bag.
Aug 15, 2017 | 11:42 am
#67
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Excellent advice, though I wonder if the checked bag complicates this. I sense they would balk at having your bag go LAX-SFO-LHR while you go LAX-LHR. Maybe our friend should check the status of LAX-SFO immediately before checking in at LAX. If there is any significant delay, make the inquiry about switching to the nonstop before handing over the bag.
Thanks for all your advice!
Aug 15, 2017 | 12:55 pm
#68
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Excellent advice, though I wonder if the checked bag complicates this. I sense they would balk at having your bag go LAX-SFO-LHR while you go LAX-LHR. Maybe our friend should check the status of LAX-SFO immediately before checking in at LAX. If there is any significant delay, make the inquiry about switching to the nonstop before handing over the bag.
Also, if arriving LAX prior to an earlier LAX/SFO that you can make, see if they'll put you on that.
Aug 15, 2017 | 1:40 pm
#69
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Best of luck. Even if it were a 5 minute delay, I'd make the pitch to the checkin agent. Be charming and wear a wide smile. They would know that you really just want the convenience of a nonstop, but they might play along and help you out.
Aug 15, 2017 | 3:13 pm
#70
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Aug 15, 2017 | 5:08 pm
#71
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I was planning on hopping on the AirTrain. It's the fastest way anyway, right?
Aug 15, 2017 | 5:33 pm
#72
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Sep 1, 2017 | 7:03 am
#73
Join Date: Mar 2016
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If anyone could help, I'd appreciate it.
I've an upcoming trip from LHR-HNL and a change of airlines at SFO. Booked through a misprice but honoured.
UA are the domestic leg in this scenario, and they've just emailed me through my OTA to reschedule the flight 1 hour earlier than it should have been. It now just gives me 1 hour 20 mins to clear security and change terminals.
The OTA booked it as a full round trip but as it concerns two carriers, I am panicking now that if I inevitably miss the domestic sfo-hnl leg - the airline will be hesitant to reschedule me if they can see what I paid for the ticket.
Is 1.20 enough time to clear and change from intl to UA?
Should I go back to the OTA, and see if they can change it in advance?
Am I likely to be publically embarrassed?
I've an upcoming trip from LHR-HNL and a change of airlines at SFO. Booked through a misprice but honoured.
UA are the domestic leg in this scenario, and they've just emailed me through my OTA to reschedule the flight 1 hour earlier than it should have been. It now just gives me 1 hour 20 mins to clear security and change terminals.
The OTA booked it as a full round trip but as it concerns two carriers, I am panicking now that if I inevitably miss the domestic sfo-hnl leg - the airline will be hesitant to reschedule me if they can see what I paid for the ticket.
Is 1.20 enough time to clear and change from intl to UA?
Should I go back to the OTA, and see if they can change it in advance?
Am I likely to be publically embarrassed?
Sep 1, 2017 | 11:22 am
#74
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Will you check a bag, dabbler? Ideally, no, since an hour twenty is pretty tight for you to clear Immigration, Customs, and security at Terminal 3. If the lines are typical, you could make this work, but you might get unlucky at Immigration or security.
When is the next United flight from SFO-HNL after the one you're booked on?
When is the next United flight from SFO-HNL after the one you're booked on?
Sep 1, 2017 | 12:40 pm
#75
Join Date: Mar 2016
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Will you check a bag, dabbler? Ideally, no, since an hour twenty is pretty tight for you to clear Immigration, Customs, and security at Terminal 3. If the lines are typical, you could make this work, but you might get unlucky at Immigration or security.
When is the next United flight from SFO-HNL after the one you're booked on?
When is the next United flight from SFO-HNL after the one you're booked on?
I just looked and the flight they put me on is the last of the day. UA flights to HNL seem to stop at 6pm. Next flight isn't until 12 hours later.
Really not sure what to do now.
Either to contact the OTA now and get them to move me to the flight the morning after?
OR just do nothing and pray the airline don't raise their eyebrows if they can see what I paid for the ticket when they reschedule me. Then spend a night in SFO?