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
Oct 14, 2017, 7:12 pm
#91
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K/MM, AA GLD
Posts: 1,708
Hey all. Very happy I found this thread. I’ve never connected through SFO for a domestic-to-international flight and want to make sure I know what I’m in for.
Next week, I’m flying DEN-SFO on Southwest (Terminal 1B (“T1B”)). I have a 3-hour layover and then fly SFO-ICN on Korean (Int. Terminal A (“ITA”)).
From om what I’ve read in this thread, I’ll need to go landslide from T1B, grab checked bags, take Airtrain to ITA, and go back through security. Is my summary correct? I have PreCheck, so hopefully the layover time is sufficient.
On the return leg, ICN-SFO, I’m on Korean and then transferring to United for SFO-DEN (with checked bags). My understanding is that I’ll have to, again, go landslide and back through security, but please let me know if there’s a way to go airside to Terminal 3 from ITA. I’m not aware of a way to check through bags from Korean to United.
Next week, I’m flying DEN-SFO on Southwest (Terminal 1B (“T1B”)). I have a 3-hour layover and then fly SFO-ICN on Korean (Int. Terminal A (“ITA”)).
From om what I’ve read in this thread, I’ll need to go landslide from T1B, grab checked bags, take Airtrain to ITA, and go back through security. Is my summary correct? I have PreCheck, so hopefully the layover time is sufficient.
On the return leg, ICN-SFO, I’m on Korean and then transferring to United for SFO-DEN (with checked bags). My understanding is that I’ll have to, again, go landslide and back through security, but please let me know if there’s a way to go airside to Terminal 3 from ITA. I’m not aware of a way to check through bags from Korean to United.
For your return, you'll clear immigration, pick up your checked bags (even if KE through checks them, you'll need to pick them up at your first port of entry into the USA), clear customs, and then follow the signs to connections - both concourses of the International terminal let out right next to each other after customs, just turn left after following the signs to connections and it's a not-bad landside walk to the Terminal 3 UA checkin desks.
Oct 26, 2017, 9:30 am
#93
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K/MM, AA GLD
Posts: 1,708
For your outbound, yes, you'll need to go landside to pickup your checked bag, AirTrain to international terminal A to checkin, and through security - if I remember correctly, PreCheck won't really help here because I don't think Korean Airlines participates in PreCheck.
For your return, you'll clear immigration, pick up your checked bags (even if KE through checks them, you'll need to pick them up at your first port of entry into the USA), clear customs, and then follow the signs to connections - both concourses of the International terminal let out right next to each other after customs, just turn left after following the signs to connections and it's a not-bad landside walk to the Terminal 3 UA checkin desks.
For your return, you'll clear immigration, pick up your checked bags (even if KE through checks them, you'll need to pick them up at your first port of entry into the USA), clear customs, and then follow the signs to connections - both concourses of the International terminal let out right next to each other after customs, just turn left after following the signs to connections and it's a not-bad landside walk to the Terminal 3 UA checkin desks.
https://www.tsa.gov/news/releases/20...ional-airlines
https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/participating-airlines
May 14, 2018, 2:10 am
#94
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: EDI
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 37
Hi,
I am traveling LHR-SFO-PDX. The first flight is with BA (business) and the second flight to PDX is with Alaska (economy). I have a 2.30 min connection in SFO. I am a UK national.
Is this enough time to clear immigration and connect? The BA flight is on the A380 arriving at 17.20. Ideally I would like to have checked luggage.
Many thanks
EDIFrank
I am traveling LHR-SFO-PDX. The first flight is with BA (business) and the second flight to PDX is with Alaska (economy). I have a 2.30 min connection in SFO. I am a UK national.
Is this enough time to clear immigration and connect? The BA flight is on the A380 arriving at 17.20. Ideally I would like to have checked luggage.
Many thanks
EDIFrank
May 15, 2018, 9:33 pm
#95
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,075
That’s plenty of time, EDIfrank. I’m not sure if your BA business class boarding pass on arrival would get you into the American Admirals lounge if your Alaska flight departs from Terminal 2, or the BA or Cathay Pacific lounges if you depart from International-A (Alaska uses both terminals). Whatever the rules, no harm in giving it a shot.
You’ll need to get your bag at the carrousel, take it through Customs, and recheck it right outside of Customs. That adds a little time, but 2.5 hours is plenty of time to achieve this.
May 16, 2018, 1:17 am
#96
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: EDI
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 37
That’s plenty of time, EDIfrank. I’m not sure if your BA business class boarding pass on arrival would get you into the American Admirals lounge if your Alaska flight departs from Terminal 2, or the BA or Cathay Pacific lounges if you depart from International-A (Alaska uses both terminals). Whatever the rules, no harm in giving it a shot.
You’ll need to get your bag at the carrousel, take it through Customs, and recheck it right outside of Customs. That adds a little time, but 2.5 hours is plenty of time to achieve this.
May 16, 2018, 9:08 am
#97
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,075
Thanks dhuey! I know that the line-up for customs & immigration can sometimes get quite long when a A380 lands. Likewise the wait for luggage. I was thinking of traveling with hand baggage only to speed things up (small roller case and a backpack) and have more time in the lounge :-)
Jun 20, 2018, 9:49 am
#98
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 2
Hi folks
I am flying BOS-SFO-ICN on United all legs this Saturday 6/23. Looks like I have 1hr 12 mins between flights. I was planning on one checked bag - assuming they could get that sorted - and assuming I don't have to clear TSA etc on arrival at SFO? I think I arrive in Terminal 1 and depart from the G Gates (is that terminal 3?) So my q's are : Will I have to clear TSA between flights ? If so, will I have enough time ? Any tips for this - i.e. don't pack a bag that has to be checked ?
I am flying BOS-SFO-ICN on United all legs this Saturday 6/23. Looks like I have 1hr 12 mins between flights. I was planning on one checked bag - assuming they could get that sorted - and assuming I don't have to clear TSA etc on arrival at SFO? I think I arrive in Terminal 1 and depart from the G Gates (is that terminal 3?) So my q's are : Will I have to clear TSA between flights ? If so, will I have enough time ? Any tips for this - i.e. don't pack a bag that has to be checked ?
Jun 20, 2018, 12:22 pm
#99
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,075
Hi folks
I am flying BOS-SFO-ICN on United all legs this Saturday 6/23. Looks like I have 1hr 12 mins between flights. I was planning on one checked bag - assuming they could get that sorted - and assuming I don't have to clear TSA etc on arrival at SFO? I think I arrive in Terminal 1 and depart from the G Gates (is that terminal 3?) So my q's are : Will I have to clear TSA between flights ? If so, will I have enough time ? Any tips for this - i.e. don't pack a bag that has to be checked ?
I am flying BOS-SFO-ICN on United all legs this Saturday 6/23. Looks like I have 1hr 12 mins between flights. I was planning on one checked bag - assuming they could get that sorted - and assuming I don't have to clear TSA etc on arrival at SFO? I think I arrive in Terminal 1 and depart from the G Gates (is that terminal 3?) So my q's are : Will I have to clear TSA between flights ? If so, will I have enough time ? Any tips for this - i.e. don't pack a bag that has to be checked ?
Your flight from BOS will come in somewhere in Terminal 3. You will not need to re-enter security at SFO as long as you take care not to exit the airside (post-security) part of the terminal. There is an airside hallway connecting Terminal 3 to International Terminal-G, which is where you will find your ICN flight on United. Just follow the signs to International Terminal-G, gates G91-G102.
Your connection time is a little tight, but you should be okay. You might want to wear shoes suitable for running or fast walking should your flight from BOS be delayed. Best of luck and safe travels. Please report back on how it went.
Jun 20, 2018, 12:58 pm
#100
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 2
Thank you.dhuey. I really need a checked bag for this trip - so I will make sure I have some stuff tucked away in my carry on in case my case fails to connect.... I try usually never to book international flights with less than a 2 hr connection...having been caught in a Frankfurt passenger pile up...
Jun 20, 2018, 3:17 pm
#101
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,075
Thank you.dhuey. I really need a checked bag for this trip - so I will make sure I have some stuff tucked away in my carry on in case my case fails to connect.... I try usually never to book international flights with less than a 2 hr connection...having been caught in a Frankfurt passenger pile up...
Jun 27, 2018, 11:16 pm
#102
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 6
Hi - I'm going through SFO next week on a very tight connection. Arriving on AA from LAX and connecting to BA to LHR. Near as I can tell this this will be T2 connecting to International A. I spoke with AA tonight and they claim they'll have something setup so that I don't have to re-clear security. A "train or a shuttle" is what I was told.
In all my transit through SFO over the years, I know there is a T-3 connector and they used to run a shuttle prior to that opening. I don't recall anything like that for T2. Was the agent from AA mistaken or are they likely to have something setup to avoid exiting airside? Thanks.
In all my transit through SFO over the years, I know there is a T-3 connector and they used to run a shuttle prior to that opening. I don't recall anything like that for T2. Was the agent from AA mistaken or are they likely to have something setup to avoid exiting airside? Thanks.
Jun 28, 2018, 9:02 am
#103
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,631
Hi - I'm going through SFO next week on a very tight connection. Arriving on AA from LAX and connecting to BA to LHR. Near as I can tell this this will be T2 connecting to International A. I spoke with AA tonight and they claim they'll have something setup so that I don't have to re-clear security. A "train or a shuttle" is what I was told.
In all my transit through SFO over the years, I know there is a T-3 connector and they used to run a shuttle prior to that opening. I don't recall anything like that for T2. Was the agent from AA mistaken or are they likely to have something setup to avoid exiting airside? Thanks.
In all my transit through SFO over the years, I know there is a T-3 connector and they used to run a shuttle prior to that opening. I don't recall anything like that for T2. Was the agent from AA mistaken or are they likely to have something setup to avoid exiting airside? Thanks.
Jun 28, 2018, 10:28 am
#104
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 6
Thanks. That's what I figured.
Same ticket, yes. Just over an hour on the connection.
We're all global entry and have all that info on the reservation with AA. I'll see if I can add any information through my BA record # for the itinerary.
Is there TSA pre-check at Int-A or just G?
Same ticket, yes. Just over an hour on the connection.
We're all global entry and have all that info on the reservation with AA. I'll see if I can add any information through my BA record # for the itinerary.
Is there TSA pre-check at Int-A or just G?
Last edited by rustlerski; Jun 28, 2018 at 11:23 am
Jun 28, 2018, 11:38 am
#105
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,631
Thanks. That's what I figured.
Same ticket, yes. Just over an hour on the connection.
We're all global entry and have all that info on the reservation with AA. I'll see if I can add any information through my BA record # for the itinerary.
Is there TSA pre-check at Int-A or just G?
Same ticket, yes. Just over an hour on the connection.
We're all global entry and have all that info on the reservation with AA. I'll see if I can add any information through my BA record # for the itinerary.
Is there TSA pre-check at Int-A or just G?