Dec 30, 2023, 12:23 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
UA @ SFO uses Terminals D, E, F, G, all UA gates are connected airside
UA terminal map & SFO terminal map
United clubs locations:
E gates -- near E3
F gates -- in the F rotunda
G gates -- near G9 (former Global First Lounge)
Mezzanine -- across from E1 (between E & F concourse)
United Polaris Lounge (United/Star Alliance long-haul business class passengers only) - just past Intl G security on the right.
Arrivals -- CLOSED - was near UA Domestic baggage claim (near the Internation Terminal end escalator) on the Arrival level
AMEX Centurion Lounge -- across from Gate F1
Freshen Up! -- is an independent option for Shower facilities, nap rooms, toiletries, ironing facilities and undergarments.
MCT
UA-UA D-D is usually 30 minutes
xx-UA I-D is generally 80-105 minutes (but without Global Entry this is very tight)
UA-XX D-D is ????
Incoming International (except Canadian flights arriving as domestic flights - clearance is done in Canada) - must clear USA immigration and customs even if in-transit to a non-USA destination. Therefore also need to re-clear security if connecting.
Bags can be check at either International Check (G) or Domestic check-in (T3) for either international or domestic flights -- you may get some pushback at International check-in counters checking bags for solely domestic flights (apparently it is a bit more complex to get the bags to the domestic side)
Bag storage Open Everyday 6am – 11 pm
Before security, on the Departures/Ticketing Level of the International Terminal, near the entrance to Gates G91-G102.
Related threads
Connecting in SFO
UA terminal map & SFO terminal map
United clubs locations:
E gates -- near E3
F gates -- in the F rotunda
G gates -- near G9 (former Global First Lounge)
Mezzanine -- across from E1 (between E & F concourse)
United Polaris Lounge (United/Star Alliance long-haul business class passengers only) - just past Intl G security on the right.
Arrivals -- CLOSED - was near UA Domestic baggage claim (near the Internation Terminal end escalator) on the Arrival level
AMEX Centurion Lounge -- across from Gate F1
Freshen Up! -- is an independent option for Shower facilities, nap rooms, toiletries, ironing facilities and undergarments.
MCT
UA-UA D-D is usually 30 minutes
xx-UA I-D is generally 80-105 minutes (but without Global Entry this is very tight)
UA-XX D-D is ????
Incoming International (except Canadian flights arriving as domestic flights - clearance is done in Canada) - must clear USA immigration and customs even if in-transit to a non-USA destination. Therefore also need to re-clear security if connecting.
Bags can be check at either International Check (G) or Domestic check-in (T3) for either international or domestic flights -- you may get some pushback at International check-in counters checking bags for solely domestic flights (apparently it is a bit more complex to get the bags to the domestic side)
Bag storage Open Everyday 6am – 11 pm
Before security, on the Departures/Ticketing Level of the International Terminal, near the entrance to Gates G91-G102.
Related threads
Connecting in SFO
Consolidated Connection time/logistics-Domestic & International at SFO [ARCHIVE]
Apr 13, 2017, 1:39 pm
#1111
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Virginia City Highlands
Programs: Nothing anymore after 20 years
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Apr 13, 2017, 1:45 pm
#1112
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: SFO, SJC
Programs: DL G, UA G, IHG SA
Posts: 132
Depends on the time of your arrival at SFO. It is allowed by MCT so you likely can make the connection. If not, rebooking should be easy as you said. Nothing to worry about.
Apr 13, 2017, 1:47 pm
#1113
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Apr 13, 2017, 1:48 pm
#1114
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 208
UA MCT Table has a default connect time of 80 minutes for a UA to UA I/D connection
Apr 13, 2017, 1:55 pm
#1115
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
The routine assertion that UA will rebook a misconnect is not particularly helpful to OP because OP has not provided his routing. We don't know his current routing and therefore don't know what a reroute might look like or whether indeed there might be availability on a preferred reroute by the time he misconnects.
While the time is within MCT it is not within SCT (Sensible Connection Time) unless OP has GE, no checked luggage, is familiar with the layout of the airport and can move at a decent clip.
The downside of reroutes is that the prefered ones may not be available or the only seat may be the middle in front of the lav. So, really need to think these through.
While the time is within MCT it is not within SCT (Sensible Connection Time) unless OP has GE, no checked luggage, is familiar with the layout of the airport and can move at a decent clip.
The downside of reroutes is that the prefered ones may not be available or the only seat may be the middle in front of the lav. So, really need to think these through.
Apr 13, 2017, 1:58 pm
#1116
formerly wunderpit
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ONT-SNA-LAX
Programs: UA1K-HHDiamond
Posts: 1,340
I think you will be fine. Even the non-GOES people have a ton of kiosks to use. Sometimes I see my non-GOES friend move at the same speed as I do! Haul a$$ out of the plane and do the fast walk 
All of my experiences as well...bags come pretty quick at SFO, and the re-check is basic. Walk out door...hand to handler.
All of my experiences as well...bags come pretty quick at SFO, and the re-check is basic. Walk out door...hand to handler.
Apr 13, 2017, 2:11 pm
#1117
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
I wouldn't sweat this at all. Easy to make that work.
Apr 13, 2017, 2:12 pm
#1118
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I think you will be fine. Even the non-GOES people have a ton of kiosks to use. Sometimes I see my non-GOES friend move at the same speed as I do! Haul a$$ out of the plane and do the fast walk
All of my experiences as well...bags come pretty quick at SFO, and the re-check is basic. Walk out door...hand to handler.
All of my experiences as well...bags come pretty quick at SFO, and the re-check is basic. Walk out door...hand to handler.
Apr 13, 2017, 2:15 pm
#1119
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,271
Risky but not unrealistic. But like you say, there are plenty of other flights.
Apr 13, 2017, 2:17 pm
#1120
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Kaiserslautern
Programs: UA G 1.9MM, HH Diamond, Global Entry
Posts: 439
Your concern should be going back through security. I don't believe there is a pre-check line when connecting I to D.
I'm doing the same next month, ICN-SFO-IAH. Its an 80 minute connection at SFO, but I have GE and only carry on my bag. The security line is the real sticking point.
I'm doing the same next month, ICN-SFO-IAH. Its an 80 minute connection at SFO, but I have GE and only carry on my bag. The security line is the real sticking point.
Apr 13, 2017, 2:20 pm
#1121
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,271
Last time I went (several years ago) there was pre check. I'd worry more about a flight delay
Apr 13, 2017, 2:33 pm
#1122
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
NO need to stress out of this MCT thing. There are many factors that are out of your control. Just enjoy your trip and relax. If you miss the connection to LAX, you will still get home within three hours of your original schedule. Good luck.
Apr 13, 2017, 2:33 pm
#1123
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Your concern should be going back through security. I don't believe there is a pre-check line when connecting I to D.
I'm doing the same next month, ICN-SFO-IAH. Its an 80 minute connection at SFO, but I have GE and only carry on my bag. The security line is the real sticking point.
I'm doing the same next month, ICN-SFO-IAH. Its an 80 minute connection at SFO, but I have GE and only carry on my bag. The security line is the real sticking point.
Apr 13, 2017, 3:02 pm
#1124
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
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All checkpoints that I am aware of have Pre at SFO. I don't think I've ever spent more than 5 minutes clearing security at SFO, although I think I somehow manage to avoid peak times (confused when the consultant domestic rush is.. Sunday midnight? Monday 5am? Other times Sunday and Monday SFO has been quiet).
Apr 13, 2017, 3:08 pm
#1125
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???
There's no such thing as transit security at SFO. You exit customs back to the terminal landside.
At that hour, the F checkpoint (by gate 75) should take about 90 seconds with Pre.
There's no such thing as transit security at SFO. You exit customs back to the terminal landside.
At that hour, the F checkpoint (by gate 75) should take about 90 seconds with Pre.