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
Jan 14, 2019, 11:51 am
#151
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Knowing that SFO is contract security and not TSA, but not sure what to expect, out of an abundance of caution and a lack of anything better to do I arrived extra early for a red-eye on Sunday, and between collecting a Priority Pass dinner in T3 and visiting the International Terminal to see about changing a seat assignment on a downline codeshare connecting flight, I made essentially two complete laps of SFO before ending up in T1 for my DL flight. I did not see any lines to speak of at any of the security checkpoints.
Jan 14, 2019, 2:17 pm
#152
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The bigger variable is the weather (which could delay your incoming flight) rather than TSA checkpoints.
Jan 14, 2019, 4:28 pm
#153
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I just through security at SFO T3 (around 3pm on a Monday) and it was probably the shortest lines I've ever seen.
I'm not sure what your outbound airline is (you first said SG and then TG?) but if it's international then I'd say you've got almost zero chance of making this connection if you have checked bags (international needs check-in at least 1 hour before departure, so that gives you 30 mins from landing to checkin, which isn't realistic). Without checked bags, and with online check-in (if that's possible for whoever you're flying), and if your inbound is on time (and that's a big IF for SFO), then it's a "maybe". If it's domestic then it's possible, but very tight.
Hard to say what the weather is going to be like next Monday, but for example today the FAA's line on SFO is :
Due to WEATHER / WIND, there is a Traffic Management Program in effect for traffic arriving San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco, CA (SFO). This is causing some arriving flights to be delayed an average of 1 hour and 54 minutes.
Jan 14, 2019, 4:41 pm
#154
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Not noticeably different a few hours ago at both International security entrances.
Jan 19, 2019, 2:54 pm
#155
Join Date: Dec 2015
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Hi guys, my family and i are going to Singapore from Minneapolis so the route is MSP-SFO-HKG-SIN. MSP-SFO is on delta DL1568 landing in SFO around 8:30pm. SFO-HKG-SIN is on Singapore Airlines (SQ1) departing at 12 am. So there are 2 separate tickets. We also have some checked bags. Just wondering if thats enough time to pick up our bags at the baggage claim area and check in to Singapore Airlines? Also where is the baggage claim area located if we're landing at Terminal 1 (DL1568), and also whats the quickest way to get to the Singapore check in counter (at the International terminal?)to check our bags back in? Thanks
Jan 19, 2019, 6:45 pm
#156
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4 hours should be more than enough time to claim and recheck luggage even with rain delay. You can take the air train from T1 to Int T or walk - though a bit of a hike with luggage.
Jan 19, 2019, 9:21 pm
#157
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And, actually, the last few nights I've arrived late, the Air Train has been closed, so it's either the walk or the annoying bus substitute.
Jan 19, 2019, 10:39 pm
#158
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However, most nights there is a partial closure starting at 8pm where they close either the red or blue lines (which one varies depending on the day).
Singapore leaves from International G, but Intl G and A are both connected, so if only one direction is working take that train and get off at whichever of those two stops it gets to first. If you don't do this, there's a good chance you'll need to make the trip all the way to the rental car center before getting to your terminal, which will add 10+ minutes to the trip.
If you are delayed, and it's after 10pm, then there will be signs sending you to the sidewalk to catch a bus. There's two buses - one that goes just around the terminals (in the order Terminal 1, 2, 3, Intl G, Int A), and another that goes to the rental car center (order Terminal 1, 2, 3, Intl G, rental car). You can PROBABLY catch whichever comes first, but if you do catch the rental car one make sure to check with the driver that it's going to stop at Intl G (the ones I've been on always have, but...)
Jan 20, 2019, 10:12 am
#159
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The walkway from T1 to International A is closed for construction... so the walk would be the long way around the airport. Certainly do-able but easily 20 min with luggage.
And, actually, the last few nights I've arrived late, the Air Train has been closed, so it's either the walk or the annoying bus substitute.
And, actually, the last few nights I've arrived late, the Air Train has been closed, so it's either the walk or the annoying bus substitute.
Jan 20, 2019, 5:45 pm
#160
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With luggage on wheels, I'd walk. An option that may save a bit of time if you're familiar with the airport, but could end up taking more time if you screw it up, is to go down through the parking garage in T-1, and cut through to T-3, and then head up to Int'l from that point. Without large luggage, I'd not hesitate to do this. With large luggage, it may be a PITA.
Mar 2, 2019, 1:33 pm
#161
Join Date: Feb 2013
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I am flying ORD -> SFO > MEL next week.
I fly ORD->SFO on AA and will arrive in T2 at 5:31PM.
I fly SFO->MEL on QF and will depart in Intl-A at 8:10PM
This was booked on one ticket (QF).
My questions: How much time will I have to spare to make it from T2 to Intl-A? My understanding is I'll have to go through security, but will I have to collect my checked luggage and recheck it? How long is the walk from T2 to Intl-A?
Thanks!
I fly ORD->SFO on AA and will arrive in T2 at 5:31PM.
I fly SFO->MEL on QF and will depart in Intl-A at 8:10PM
This was booked on one ticket (QF).
My questions: How much time will I have to spare to make it from T2 to Intl-A? My understanding is I'll have to go through security, but will I have to collect my checked luggage and recheck it? How long is the walk from T2 to Intl-A?
Thanks!
Mar 2, 2019, 2:31 pm
#162
Join Date: Mar 2013
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I am flying ORD -> SFO > MEL next week.
I fly ORD->SFO on AA and will arrive in T2 at 5:31PM.
I fly SFO->MEL on QF and will depart in Intl-A at 8:10PM
This was booked on one ticket (QF).
My questions: How much time will I have to spare to make it from T2 to Intl-A? My understanding is I'll have to go through security, but will I have to collect my checked luggage and recheck it? How long is the walk from T2 to Intl-A?
Thanks!
I fly ORD->SFO on AA and will arrive in T2 at 5:31PM.
I fly SFO->MEL on QF and will depart in Intl-A at 8:10PM
This was booked on one ticket (QF).
My questions: How much time will I have to spare to make it from T2 to Intl-A? My understanding is I'll have to go through security, but will I have to collect my checked luggage and recheck it? How long is the walk from T2 to Intl-A?
Thanks!
You will have plenty of time. It might take you 20 mins to get from T2 to Intl-A, but I'm probably overstating that.
Mar 2, 2019, 6:19 pm
#163
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I am flying ORD -> SFO > MEL next week.
I fly ORD->SFO on AA and will arrive in T2 at 5:31PM.
I fly SFO->MEL on QF and will depart in Intl-A at 8:10PM
This was booked on one ticket (QF).
My questions: How much time will I have to spare to make it from T2 to Intl-A? My understanding is I'll have to go through security, but will I have to collect my checked luggage and recheck it? How long is the walk from T2 to Intl-A?
Thanks!
I fly ORD->SFO on AA and will arrive in T2 at 5:31PM.
I fly SFO->MEL on QF and will depart in Intl-A at 8:10PM
This was booked on one ticket (QF).
My questions: How much time will I have to spare to make it from T2 to Intl-A? My understanding is I'll have to go through security, but will I have to collect my checked luggage and recheck it? How long is the walk from T2 to Intl-A?
Thanks!
Mar 3, 2019, 7:53 am
#165
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