Security at SFO

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Oct 8, 2023 | 5:06 pm

#91

Kacee

A FlyerTalk Posting Legend

Join Date: Apr 2013

Location: PHX

Programs: AA EXP; UA 1MM & PP; Marriott AMB; Hyatt Globalist; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)

Posts: 62,274

Quote:

Originally Posted by vanillabean

My brother will be flying in from CPH. Is there a website that reflects how busy incoming passport control and luggage carousels are at a given time, based on say arriving flights?

Yes for CBP wait times: https://awt.cbp.gov/

For baggage, you won't go wrong assuming 30 minutes for bags for an SFO international arrival.

SPN Lifer and vanillabean like this.

Oct 9, 2023 | 12:20 pm

#92

dhuey

A FlyerTalk Posting Legend

Join Date: Feb 2001

Location: Berkeley, CA USA

Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper

Posts: 60,677

Quote:

Originally Posted by vanillabean

My brother will be flying in from CPH. Is there a website that reflects how busy incoming passport control and luggage carousels are at a given time, based on say arriving flights?

I don't know the answer, but I can tell you that several times I've moved through immigration very quickly via Global Entry, but then the bags take so long that the bulk of the passengers on the flight have joined me at the carousel.

Once you have your bag, the pass through customs is usually very fast. Even if there's a line, it will move swiftly.

SPN Lifer likes this.

Oct 9, 2023 | 4:57 pm

#93

Kacee

A FlyerTalk Posting Legend

Join Date: Apr 2013

Location: PHX

Programs: AA EXP; UA 1MM & PP; Marriott AMB; Hyatt Globalist; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)

Posts: 62,274

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhuey

Once you have your bag, the pass through customs is usually very fast. Even if there's a line, it will move swiftly.

There is no longer a separate customs line at SFO, hasn't been for some time. They make the call at immigration.

SPN Lifer likes this.

Oct 9, 2023 | 6:06 pm

#94

Eastbay1K

A FlyerTalk Posting Legend

Join Date: Jul 1999

Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA

Programs: Jumbo mas

Posts: 42,582

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kacee

There is no longer a separate customs line at SFO, hasn't been for some time. They make the call at immigration.

There are still people available to stop you on the way out, luggage in hand, for extra treatment

SPN Lifer likes this.

Oct 9, 2023 | 9:23 pm

#95

dhuey

A FlyerTalk Posting Legend

Join Date: Feb 2001

Location: Berkeley, CA USA

Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper

Posts: 60,677

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eastbay1K

There are still people available to stop you on the way out, luggage in hand, for extra treatment

And I have been in short lines with other passengers, waiting for those CBP agents to waive us through. It's usually very quick, but they make it clear that you must wait for them to waive you through.

Oct 10, 2023 | 1:26 am

#96

SPN Lifer

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Mar 2002

Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)

Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .60 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum

Posts: 17,998

Or wave you through, as the case may be.

Zorak likes this.

Oct 10, 2023 | 10:48 am

#97

Kacee

A FlyerTalk Posting Legend

Join Date: Apr 2013

Location: PHX

Programs: AA EXP; UA 1MM & PP; Marriott AMB; Hyatt Globalist; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)

Posts: 62,274

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhuey

That has not been the case for at least my last three or four international arrivals at SFO.

They (sometimes) watch you pass but there is no line nor need to wait for a signal. If people ahead are lining up, it's because they don't understand the process. Just walk past them.

SPN Lifer, econ and PanAmSam like this.