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.
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.
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)
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. 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 $10.55.
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
Grand Hyatt at SFO FlyerTalk thread: 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.
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.
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)
- The Club SFO - opens June 26, 2024 - level 3, just after security (FT Thread)
- Alaska Airlines - opening in July 2024
- Delta Sky Club (near C3) (FT Thread)
- Alaska Lounge (near retail shops after security) (FT Thread) - will close in July 2024
- Air Canada Maple Leaf lounge (upstairs, just after security)
- United Club (FT Thread: Best SFO UC, Status of SFO United Clubs) (near E3)
- American Express Centurion Lounge (near F1) (FT Thread)
- 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)
- 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)
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. 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 $10.55.
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
Grand Hyatt at SFO FlyerTalk thread: 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
Dec 6, 2015, 2:12 pm
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,627
Thank you, rob_flies_ua! I think this will be very useful for our fellow FTers.
ETA: I hope you agree with my wiki additions.
BTW, for the Air France lounge, don't Priority Pass holders have access without regard to their departure concourse?
ETA: I hope you agree with my wiki additions.
BTW, for the Air France lounge, don't Priority Pass holders have access without regard to their departure concourse?
Last edited by dhuey; Dec 6, 2015 at 2:39 pm
Dec 6, 2015, 2:53 pm
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,627
Lounge hopping
Keep in mind that if you're flying internationally in a premium cabin, you probably have access to more than one lounge. For example, if you're flying in Business on United or Singapore, you have access to both the United Club and the Singapore lounge in International-G. I like the food/drink options better in the Singapore lounge, but I think the United Club lounge in I-G is a more spacious and relaxing place. No need to choose: enjoy both!
I haven't done this in International-A, but I would imagine there is also access to multiple lounges with Sky Team and One World lounges.
I haven't done this in International-A, but I would imagine there is also access to multiple lounges with Sky Team and One World lounges.
Dec 6, 2015, 8:36 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K/MM, AA GLD
Posts: 1,710
Flights departing from Concourse A only - Access may be restricted due to space constraints
Dec 7, 2015, 9:15 am
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,627
I'm surprised. I'm not sure if that AF lounge is the same as when I was in it several years, ago. If so, it's not worth visiting if you're flying out of a different concourse. IIRC, it's small. Maybe AF was worried about being the only lounge that accepts PP at SFO.
Dec 7, 2015, 9:51 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 39,118
The AF lounge moved to old A DL lounge (downstairs, when entering the hall with the lounges).
Dec 8, 2015, 10:04 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 39,118
I cannot imagine ever wanting to take the inter-terminal train unless I just wanted to take the train. I cannot imagine that it would save time, or save "off your feet" time from just walking.
Since the airport is essentially a loop, I don't think it takes more than a 10 minute brisk landside walk to go halfway around the loop.
Especially when there were landside lounges I could access from time to time (i.e., CO, DL) (but not necessarily one in my departure pier), I frequently darted around the loop.
Since the airport is essentially a loop, I don't think it takes more than a 10 minute brisk landside walk to go halfway around the loop.
Especially when there were landside lounges I could access from time to time (i.e., CO, DL) (but not necessarily one in my departure pier), I frequently darted around the loop.
Dec 8, 2015, 10:22 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 39,118
Skyteam - I haven't been in the new AF lounge since it was the old DL lounge. CI - Really a subpar lounge (with very limited hours). The F&B selection is in need of help. Serious help. So are the plastic cups and paper plates for your subpar F&B.
Dec 8, 2015, 11:07 pm
#9
Moderator: Hyatt, American Express; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Marriott Plat, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 19,282
I cannot imagine ever wanting to take the inter-terminal train unless I just wanted to take the train. I cannot imagine that it would save time, or save "off your feet" time from just walking.
Since the airport is essentially a loop, I don't think it takes more than a 10 minute brisk landside walk to go halfway around the loop.
Since the airport is essentially a loop, I don't think it takes more than a 10 minute brisk landside walk to go halfway around the loop.
Certainly, for anyone w/o health issues etc. I'd walk between adjacent terminals over taking the train.
Dec 9, 2015, 3:13 pm
#10
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 775
I generally use the AirTrain to get between BART and any of the domestic terminals. Otherwise I walk.
Jan 12, 2016, 9:35 am
#11
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 2
Hi,
If I am posting to the wrong area and should create a new thread, apologies.
I am flying from Dublin Ireland, to Salt Lake City with Aer Lingus. I have a connection into SFO, of 2 hours 12 mins before taking a United flight to SLC. (it has an Aer Lingus flight number, just is operated by United).
My question is, is 2 hours 12 mins fine for a connection time, or is it too short? Note, Dublin has pre-clearance for entering the US, so my understanding is this should be treated as a Domestic flight, but that said SFO website seems to say Aer Lingus lands in the International Terminal G.
I've never flown long haul to the US before, so am not familiar with connections, and if I have to go through Security etc. for my connecting flight, or if I can just walk to it easily since I've been pre-cleared in Dublin.
Thanks!
If I am posting to the wrong area and should create a new thread, apologies.
I am flying from Dublin Ireland, to Salt Lake City with Aer Lingus. I have a connection into SFO, of 2 hours 12 mins before taking a United flight to SLC. (it has an Aer Lingus flight number, just is operated by United).
My question is, is 2 hours 12 mins fine for a connection time, or is it too short? Note, Dublin has pre-clearance for entering the US, so my understanding is this should be treated as a Domestic flight, but that said SFO website seems to say Aer Lingus lands in the International Terminal G.
I've never flown long haul to the US before, so am not familiar with connections, and if I have to go through Security etc. for my connecting flight, or if I can just walk to it easily since I've been pre-cleared in Dublin.
Thanks!
Jan 12, 2016, 10:47 am
#12
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,627
Welcome to FT, NeoRaven! Your layover of 2:12 at SFO is plenty of time for your connection, especially considering that you will not be going through Immigration and Customs. You will arrive at International-G, but you will exit the plane in the main departures area, just as though you were coming in on a domestic flight (a few USA airlines operate their domestic flights in the International Terminal).
Making things even easier for you is that there is an airside bridge between International-G and Terminal 3. As you face the security exit (don't go out!), look to your left and you'll see the sign for Terminal 3. You will not need to go through security. (I'm assuming that if you have any checked bags, you can check them through to SLC in Dublin; if not, you'll need to get your bags at the carousel, re-check them and go through security at T3.)
Safe travels.
Making things even easier for you is that there is an airside bridge between International-G and Terminal 3. As you face the security exit (don't go out!), look to your left and you'll see the sign for Terminal 3. You will not need to go through security. (I'm assuming that if you have any checked bags, you can check them through to SLC in Dublin; if not, you'll need to get your bags at the carousel, re-check them and go through security at T3.)
Safe travels.
Jan 12, 2016, 12:40 pm
#13
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 2
Welcome to FT, NeoRaven! Your layover of 2:12 at SFO is plenty of time for your connection, especially considering that you will not be going through Immigration and Customs. You will arrive at International-G, but you will exit the plane in the main departures area, just as though you were coming in on a domestic flight (a few USA airlines operate their domestic flights in the International Terminal).
Making things even easier for you is that there is an airside bridge between International-G and Terminal 3. As you face the security exit (don't go out!), look to your left and you'll see the sign for Terminal 3. You will not need to go through security. (I'm assuming that if you have any checked bags, you can check them through to SLC in Dublin; if not, you'll need to get your bags at the carousel, re-check them and go through security at T3.)
Safe travels.
Making things even easier for you is that there is an airside bridge between International-G and Terminal 3. As you face the security exit (don't go out!), look to your left and you'll see the sign for Terminal 3. You will not need to go through security. (I'm assuming that if you have any checked bags, you can check them through to SLC in Dublin; if not, you'll need to get your bags at the carousel, re-check them and go through security at T3.)
Safe travels.
Thanks! That sounds good then, I've not booked the flights yet just wanted to make sure 2 hours was ok in case of some delay or long queues with customs, but yeh I should be pre-cleared so good to know I can walk on through. My checked luggage should carry through too since its all booked through Aer Lingus, I will confirm that tho. Thanks!
May 22, 2016, 11:34 pm
#14
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Sun Prairie, WI
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, HH Diamond, National Executive
Posts: 1,786
Is a 2 hour connection enough time to go from the international terminal at sfo to terminal 2 AA if I have global entry (arriving on QF flight), no checked bags, and tsa pre? Is quickest way to go between terminals just to walk?
May 23, 2016, 6:48 am
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K/MM, AA GLD
Posts: 1,710
it shouldn't be necessary, but just to reduce stress, get your AA boarding pass beforehand (if on same ticket, get QF to print it, if on different ticket, either checkin online or on mobile app)
it doesn't really make a difference, but when heading to T2, exit customs via the connections side and if you have your BP already, you have a choice of clearing security either at T1-concourse C (delta/american - not concourse B which is southwest) and walking post security, or walk landside and clear security at T2. if you don't have your BP, you'll have to walk over to T2 to checkin and then clear security there.