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Consolidated SFO connection time/logistics-Domestic & International

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Old Jul 30, 2016, 11:29 am
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: dhuey
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

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Consolidated SFO connection time/logistics-Domestic & International

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Old Oct 5, 2021, 2:36 pm
  #181  
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You have to grab bags at the first landing in the US. So you could grab the bags at SFO and simply exit (do not go to transfer/connection). Then rip off those bag tags, go upstairs and check in for SFO-BOS with new bag tags attached.

I’m a scaredy-cat to do these types of things but that is how you could execute the plan.
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Old Oct 5, 2021, 2:38 pm
  #182  
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The traveler will claim bag at SFO and exit customs.
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Old Oct 5, 2021, 2:41 pm
  #183  
 
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Originally Posted by uastarflyer
I’m a scaredy-cat to do these types of things but that is how you could execute the plan.
The traveler in question doesn't have a mileage plus account (*G with BR), but we can simply add a stopover and move the SFO-LAX leg out months later to keep things kosher. That will lose about $100 of the savings.

Thanks for confirming. Wasn't sure if SFO had moved to the video system for connecting bags like other airports.
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Old Oct 5, 2021, 2:41 pm
  #184  
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Originally Posted by uastarflyer
You have to grab bags at the first landing in the US..
.
Not always, but at SFO, yes.
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Old Oct 5, 2021, 3:17 pm
  #185  
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Originally Posted by IAH-OIL-TRASH
Originally Posted by uastarflyer
You have to grab bags at the first landing in the US..
.
Not always, but at SFO, yes..
Still always, everywhere USA if connecting domestically
There are a few airports that bypass that for International to International connection at a USA airport -- Only UA case is IAH with an ongoing UA and few other international flights.
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Old Oct 5, 2021, 4:12 pm
  #186  
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Originally Posted by WineCountryUA
...There are a few airports that bypass that for International to International connection at a USA airport -- Only UA case is IAH with an ongoing UA and few other international flights.
That's what I was referring to...
If landing first in US at IAH for an int'l connection, bags are transferred.
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Old Oct 5, 2021, 4:38 pm
  #187  
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Originally Posted by IAH-OIL-TRASH
That's what I was referring to...
If landing first in US at IAH for an int'l connection, bags are transferred.
My earlier response was merged in - original question was INTL-DOM connection.

But your comment is my new trivia learning for the day.
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Old Oct 5, 2021, 10:40 pm
  #188  
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Originally Posted by sammybk
If they still have to grab the bag in SFO, they could simply hidden city ticket it and just book TPE-SFO-LAX and SFO-BOS and drop the SFO-LAX. Price works out the same as TPE-SFO-LAX-BOS, but saves some time.
Personally, I wouldn't book the second ticket on UA.
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Old Dec 22, 2021, 10:17 am
  #189  
 
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Question SFO - Premier Gold Best Check-in location for night flight

Have not flown UA with any status since before the international terminal was built at SFO(!!).

Now have UA Gold and a domestic flight tonight leaving (at the moment) out of Gate F2.

Am I correct that it will be fastest and easiest to check in at the International Terminal and go through security there (Pre-Check) then walk over to the gate airside?
Check in will be around 9:30 PM or so.

Thanks,
-Plat
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Old Dec 22, 2021, 10:24 am
  #190  
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At 9:30pm, I don’t think there’d be an advantage going through security at Int’l if you’re leaving from F2.
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Old Dec 22, 2021, 10:38 am
  #191  
 
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My thinking was that F1 - F4 are closest to Int'l and both the Premier check in AND the only Terminal 3 Pre-Check (not CLEAR) line are at the other end of T3.

Per the SFO website, checkpoint F3 does not have Pre-check?

Thanks,
-Plat
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Old Dec 22, 2021, 10:41 am
  #192  
 
Join Date: Oct 2021
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I've always gone through Terminal 3 security when going to any F or E gate. F2 is not that far from security in T3, like a few minutes. If you're worried about security lines, I've never had to wait more than a few minutes with precheck in T3.
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Old Dec 22, 2021, 10:43 am
  #193  
 
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Just go through the normal domestic pre-check line. Its only 1-2 minutes from F2 and chances are at 9:30pm, the line would be next to non-existent. The walk from the G would probably be longer even though F1 and F2 are the two closest gates to G.
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Old Dec 22, 2021, 10:44 am
  #194  
 
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Security by F3 have been closed most of the time now, only during peak periods you might see it open. It does have Pre-TSA when it was open though.
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Old Dec 22, 2021, 11:16 am
  #195  
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Originally Posted by SFO_LHR_NRT
Just go through the normal domestic pre-check line.
Agreed. Not only is it closer to F2, but the international checkpoints (A and G) can be relatively less efficient. The only reasons I'd consider going through G for a domestic departure are (1) if I was coming from BART, or (2) if it was a peak domestic departure period, which 9:30 pm is definitely not.
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