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]
Jul 17, 2017, 12:01 pm
#1231
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AS, UA, WN, IHG Diamond Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, CET 7*
Posts: 3,301
Use Lyft. It's less expensive and overall, a much better company than Uber.
I just got the following pricing on the app:
Lyft shared (same as UberPool) $39.70
Lyft (solo ride) $55.14
Premier $128.33
I just got the following pricing on the app:
Lyft shared (same as UberPool) $39.70
Lyft (solo ride) $55.14
Premier $128.33
Jul 17, 2017, 12:36 pm
#1232
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,032
Thanks I'll see what their schedule is like. I know Monterey Airbus will let you just do between airports as well. I'll just see what my day is like closer in to the flight. Didn't want to have to try to commit and be parked and at the terminal bus stop by a specific time.
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Jul 17, 2017 at 12:41 pm
Jul 17, 2017, 1:13 pm
#1233
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,431
Being a budget traveler and with a lot more time these days then when I was still working (though may do that again), I took public bus to train. Very easy, quite pleasant in California weather and the bus was nice, new and clean.
Granted, not for everyone, especially with checked bags.
Granted, not for everyone, especially with checked bags.
Jul 17, 2017, 1:42 pm
#1234
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AS, UA, WN, IHG Diamond Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, CET 7*
Posts: 3,301
Being a budget traveler and with a lot more time these days then when I was still working (though may do that again), I took public bus to train. Very easy, quite pleasant in California weather and the bus was nice, new and clean.
Granted, not for everyone, especially with checked bags.
Granted, not for everyone, especially with checked bags.
Jul 19, 2017, 7:10 pm
#1235
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 1,581
About to do a booking BOS-SFO-OGG. Haven't been out to Hawaii in a long time. Recalling issues with runway construction and the usual traffic problems at SFO, is 1h45 min a safe connection time? I wouldn't want to lose my lie flat seat in case of a misconnect 
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Jul 19, 2017, 8:10 pm
#1236
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,431
Certainly didn't see any last time I connected there.
Jul 19, 2017, 8:22 pm
#1237
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,863
Barring any major MX or WX issue, 1h45m will leave plenty of time for a lounge or restaurant visit.
Jul 19, 2017, 8:48 pm
#1238
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,487
Very reasonable connection. It would be much riskier if it were something like SEA-SFO-OGG. The long haul from BOS has a considerably lower chance of an ATC delay.
Jul 24, 2017, 11:38 pm
#1239
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,147
Question for GS Flyers Who Connect in SFO
Does anyone have experience with early checking in of luggage at the SFO Global Services desk?
Our situation: After arriving in SFO late in the evening of Day 1, we are flying Polaris GF out of SFO on the early afternoon of Day 2. In the past, our bags were not checked through, so I am wondering whether if I brought them to the GS desk, would they accept the bags the evening of Day 1?
Many thanks for your insights!
Our situation: After arriving in SFO late in the evening of Day 1, we are flying Polaris GF out of SFO on the early afternoon of Day 2. In the past, our bags were not checked through, so I am wondering whether if I brought them to the GS desk, would they accept the bags the evening of Day 1?
Many thanks for your insights!
Jul 25, 2017, 7:16 am
#1240
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,704
Does anyone have experience with early checking in of luggage at the SFO Global Services desk?
Our situation: After arriving in SFO late in the evening of Day 1, we are flying Polaris GF out of SFO on the early afternoon of Day 2. In the past, our bags were not checked through, so I am wondering whether if I brought them to the GS desk, would they accept the bags the evening of Day 1?
Many thanks for your insights!
Our situation: After arriving in SFO late in the evening of Day 1, we are flying Polaris GF out of SFO on the early afternoon of Day 2. In the past, our bags were not checked through, so I am wondering whether if I brought them to the GS desk, would they accept the bags the evening of Day 1?
Many thanks for your insights!
ADDENDUM: if just flying GF and not being GS, you might be directed to Polaris checkin, which is apparently a new-ish thing mentioned in some other threads
Last edited by kirkwoodj; Jul 25, 2017 at 7:17 am Reason: addendum
Jul 25, 2017, 3:09 pm
#1241
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: SFO
Programs: United Gold *G, Nexus/GE, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 59
Yes, use the GS reception by Door 6. They will check you bag and deposit you near the front of the security queue.
ADDENDUM: if just flying GF and not being GS, you might be directed to Polaris checkin, which is apparently a new-ish thing mentioned in some other threads
ADDENDUM: if just flying GF and not being GS, you might be directed to Polaris checkin, which is apparently a new-ish thing mentioned in some other threads
Jul 25, 2017, 7:45 pm
#1242
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,147
Yes, use the GS reception by Door 6. They will check you bag and deposit you near the front of the security queue.
ADDENDUM: if just flying GF and not being GS, you might be directed to Polaris checkin, which is apparently a new-ish thing mentioned in some other threads
ADDENDUM: if just flying GF and not being GS, you might be directed to Polaris checkin, which is apparently a new-ish thing mentioned in some other threads
And of interest, at least when this news release was generated, GF flyers were welcome at the GS checkin:
http://newsroom.united.com/2014-10-1...-San-Francisco
"Located across from doors five and six, on the departures level of Terminal 3, the new Global Services reception lobby will also offer personalized check-in services to customers traveling in United Global First on long-haul international flights."
When I asked elsewhere on this board about this, at least one FTer confirmed that the GS checkin was available to GF flyers. I'll report back my experience.
Last edited by 747FC; Jul 25, 2017 at 7:47 pm Reason: clarity
Jul 25, 2017, 8:11 pm
#1243
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,704
Thanks for your kind replies. I just wanted to confirm: Are you saying that in any case, UA will check in my bags late in the PM on day 1 for an early PM flight the next day?
And of interest, at least when this news release was generated, GF flyers were welcome at the GS checkin:
http://newsroom.united.com/2014-10-1...-San-Francisco
"Located across from doors five and six, on the departures level of Terminal 3, the new Global Services reception lobby will also offer personalized check-in services to customers traveling in United Global First on long-haul international flights."
When I asked elsewhere on this board about this, at least one FTer confirmed that the GS checkin was available to GF flyers. I'll report back my experience.
And of interest, at least when this news release was generated, GF flyers were welcome at the GS checkin:
http://newsroom.united.com/2014-10-1...-San-Francisco
"Located across from doors five and six, on the departures level of Terminal 3, the new Global Services reception lobby will also offer personalized check-in services to customers traveling in United Global First on long-haul international flights."
When I asked elsewhere on this board about this, at least one FTer confirmed that the GS checkin was available to GF flyers. I'll report back my experience.
The second part is old news, and since GF being phased out, GS reception is no longer available to non-GS flyers in GF.
Sep 3, 2017, 12:13 pm
#1244
Join Date: Sep 2017
Programs: United Mileageplus
Posts: 9
Is 60 mins long enough to connect from Domestic United to Int'l United departure?
I'll be arriving from San Diego into SFO, and have 61 minutes to catch my departure to Tokyo. No checked bags. I have TSA Pre.
Is 1 hour long enough to get to Int'l terminal? (will I need to go thru security again?)
Is 1 hour long enough to get to Int'l terminal? (will I need to go thru security again?)
Sep 3, 2017, 12:21 pm
#1245
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,487
You do not need to reclear security so Pre is not relevant.