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SFO Terminal 3 West Remodel started - July 2024

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Old Jul 14, 2024, 10:10 am
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Originally Posted by char777
SF Business Times has an interview with United's SFO hub president about the Terminal 3 West Modernization project resuming this summer.

https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfranc...rnational.html

Article is behind a paywall, but the highlights:
  • Construction begins July 1 and will last five years
  • United will soon operate out of six gates in T2
  • Gates F1-F4 will be rebuilt as five narrowbody or three widebody, FIS-capable swing gates that will no longer be exclusively UA gates
  • Airside access between T3 and Int'l Terminal G will remain open
  • The two security checkpoints in T3 will be consolidated into one (I don't think this was part of the original scope of the project)
  • Once Alaska moves to T1 this summer, United "will consider" temporarily taking over the Alaska lounge
  • United is looking for a larger club space between T2 and T3 for a permanent club (in addition to the existing one in B/A E)
  • No mention of whether the rotunda club will undergo a renovation
  • No mention of any renovation of gates F5-F22 (I don't think this is part of the project at all)
Pay-wall bypass: https://archive.ph/fwhsN

Originally Posted by lolstebbo
Some files on the projectL

Concept Review from October 2023: https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/fil...C_CD_FINAL.pdf
Concept Review from February 2024: https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/fil...CEPT_PHASE.pdf
Schematic Design from March 2024: https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/fil..._PHASE%201.pdf
Additional document regarding the T3-IT connector from March 2024: https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/fil...C%20update.pdf

Looks like the Rotunda UC will be rebuilt and located on a new mezzanine level.
Originally Posted by jcacciotti
This link, provided by lolstebbo in May, shows a PDF of the latest project concept. Page 43 shows an Airline Lounge on the mezzanine level. https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/fil..._PHASE%201.pdf
https://www.flysfo.com/sites/default...Web%5B7%5D.pdf



Originally Posted by PDXalways
My understanding (and crude illustration) of the phase sequencing:

PHASE 1 (red area closed):


PHASE 2 (red area closed):

Originally Posted by smxflyer
I think the long-term plan is to renovate F5-F22, but I imagine that will happen after this is completed.

https://www.flysfo.com/sites/default...t_Projects.pdf
Copied from
https://www.flysfo.com/flight-info/a...senger-impacts
Hope that the information is up to date.T

he Terminal 3 West modernization project is underway! Stay tuned to the Terminal 3 Construction page for the latest updates as this project takes flight.

As we transform the west portion of the terminal, please be advised of the following closures and passenger impacts related to ongoing construction.

Dropping off - Doors 6, 7, and 8 are closed at the Terminal 3 Departures curb.
  • If no bags to check, drop off at Terminal 2 and proceed through the checkpoint.
  • Premier customers with bags, drop off at Premier, near doors 2 - 3; check in at Premier lobby
  • Economy customers with bags, drop off at Economy, near doors 10 - 13; check in at Economy lobby
  • Or, consider dropping off at the Rental Car Center and then taking the AirTrain to avoid congestion.
AirTrain - The Terminal 3 AirTrain station and pedestrian tunnel bridge are CLOSED with alternate paths in place for departing passengers:
  • No bags to check? Get off at Terminal 2 AirTrain Station, cross bridge, and use the T2 Checkpoint
  • Checking bags? Get off at Terminal 3 AirTrain Station; down one level, go into the parking garage, take the elevators to Level 1, and follow walking paths to either the E or F/G walkways for Premier or Economy check-in areas.
Parking in the Domestic Garage?
  • The F walkway from the Domestic Garage is closed - follow signs to the E walkway to navigate to the elevators.
  • United Premier guests can use core E at parking garage level 1 for terminal access.
  • United Economy guests use core F/G at parking garage level 1 for terminal access.
  • Interim post-security walkways are in place allowing passengers to traverse between all the terminals and boarding areas around the Terminal 3 construction site. One walkway is located in Terminal 3 by Gate E2 and ends in the rotunda food court and F Gates area in Terminal 3. The second section runs from the food court and F Gates to an existing post-security walkway to the International Terminal G gates.
Arriving international passengers making a connection to domestic flights
  • From Canada and Ireland - If you checked bags, they will be checked to their final destination, you do not need to go to baggage claim. All connecting passengers: do not exit the secure area; follow the signs to your connecting gate.
  • All other international passengers will need to clear customs and collect all checked bags. Follow the "Connections" sign to exit the Customs Hall and turn left. United customers can re-check their bags in the re-check lobby, then proceed to their gates.
  • For E, F or G Gates - Follow the signs to the International Terminal G Security Checkpoint.
  • For D Gates Either use the International G Security checkpoint OR Take the AirTrain (Red Line) to Terminal 2 and use the Terminal 2/ D Gates Security checkpoint.
  • For A Gates - Follow signs toward International Terminal A Security Checkpoint
  • For B&C Gates - follow signs to the Harvey Milk Terminal 1 Security Checkpoint
American Express Centurion Lounge

Use the International Terminal G Security Checkpoint and follow signs to Terminal 3, American Express Lounge.

Temporary Centurion Lounge is located at T2, Concourse D. Located right after the security checkpoint near Compass Books and Napa Farms Market.
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SFO Terminal 3 West Remodel started - July 2024

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Old Sep 30, 2025 | 11:59 am
  #751  
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Originally Posted by Eastbay1K
I'd give best odds to Chase Sapphire, then Club. Chase may be able to suck off some AX business for those who keep the Platinum Card mostly for SFO lounge access. The Club on the B pier has a waiting line most of the day. I wouldn't mind another The Club similar to the B pier one - I prefer it, not by a large margin, to the AX Centurion Lounge. They're all better than the UC.
But I was previously told by its fans that there was never a line at the Club. What is the wait time?

Personally I find the temp Amex to be better than the original space. As for the UCs, none are exceptional but in a decade of usage I have never had to wait to enter, which is the most important factor for me.
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Old Sep 30, 2025 | 10:11 pm
  #752  
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UA check in counters are coming to SFO T2.
https://www.reddit.com/r/unitedairli...ing_to_t2_sfo/
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Old Oct 1, 2025 | 7:27 am
  #753  
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Originally Posted by sonyeoshin
UA check in counters are coming to SFO T2.
https://www.reddit.com/r/unitedairli...ing_to_t2_sfo/
A smart move considering how long this disruption will take (five more years). But bad news for those of us who presently enjoy no security lines at T2.
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Old Oct 1, 2025 | 9:24 am
  #754  
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Originally Posted by SFO_FT
likely candidates would be Chase, Citi, Plaza Premium, and Collinson/Club Lounges (which owns Priority Pass).
Any reason you left out Capital One?
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Old Oct 28, 2025 | 8:47 am
  #755  
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SFO T2 UA counters opened today for soft opening ahead of the official 11/2 opening.

Expect TSA lines at T2 to be longer now. The secret is out


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Old Oct 28, 2025 | 11:34 am
  #756  
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Originally Posted by SF_DUKE
SFO T2 UA counters opened today for soft opening ahead of the official 11/2 opening.

Expect TSA lines at T2 to be longer now. The secret is out

worse than that, rumor in a Chase thread where MLL access came up, is that there was a sign in one of the UCs directing folks to use MLL and that is was fairly busy last time they were there. quite honestly sursprised so little UAers knew about it up until now, but destined to crowd that as much the UA and PP clubs if folks arent just knowing about it, but actively being given the option, especially
with how much above the UA club it is. I mean, I figured it might get out at some point, but figured if it was mostly a secret until now, it might stay that way. Im honestly surprised UA would actually promote it - I guess it might blunt the UC crowds, but thats a cost center thats bound to rise beyond the budget.
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Old Oct 28, 2025 | 11:38 am
  #757  
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Originally Posted by emcampbe
worse than that, rumor in a Chase thread where MLL access came up, is that there was a sign in one of the UCs directing folks to use MLL
That's been there for months.
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Old Oct 28, 2025 | 1:05 pm
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Originally Posted by emcampbe
there was a sign in one of the UCs directing folks to use MLL and that is was fairly busy last time they were there.
As noted above, that sign has been there for a while. I even took a pic of it an posted on the AC MLL thread.


Also, unrelated but Chase lounge at LGA was handing out MLL passes to people waitlisted to get into Chase lounge. I think MLL just wants more visitors.
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Old Oct 28, 2025 | 1:14 pm
  #759  
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Originally Posted by hirohito888
As noted above, that sign has been there for a while. I even took a pic of it an posted on the AC MLL thread.


Also, unrelated but Chase lounge at LGA was handing out MLL passes to people waitlisted to get into Chase lounge. I think MLL just wants more visitors.
I mean, I guess that makes sense, at least for US lounges, as transborder travel way down due to, well.... Question is why UA would want to actively promote a benefit that is going to kill their budget, and potentially permanently (really, unless folks really don't want to do a T2-3 walk, who is going to pick a UA Club over MLL when they know there is a choice...every aspect of MLL is better).
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Old Oct 28, 2025 | 3:15 pm
  #760  
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Originally Posted by emcampbe
Question is why UA would want to actively promote a benefit that is going to kill their budget, and potentially permanently
Why is that a question? You're making some unfounded assumptions there.

UA is directing pax to MLL because its lounges don't have sufficient capacity, particularly E, which is closest to the D gates, where a large number of UA flights now depart.
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Old Oct 30, 2025 | 10:27 pm
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Originally Posted by SF_DUKE
SFO T2 UA counters opened today for soft opening ahead of the official 11/2 opening.

Expect TSA lines at T2 to be longer now. The secret is out

I received an email newsletter from SFO today saying that the T3 AirTrain station will close on Tuesday, Nov. 4, for the rest of the project. The Economy check-in lobby in T3 will also close that day. I cannot tell but maybe part of the Premier lobby in T3 will start to accept Economy passengers? The update said use the T2 AirTrain station for both T2 and T3; use the T2 checkin lobby and security for flights from the D and E Gates; and use the T3 checkin lobby and security for flights from the F Gates. We'll see next week!

JK-SFO
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Old Oct 30, 2025 | 10:53 pm
  #762  
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Originally Posted by JK-SFO
I received an email newsletter from SFO today saying that the T3 AirTrain station will close on Tuesday, Nov. 4, for the rest of the project. The Economy check-in lobby in T3 will also close that day. I cannot tell but maybe part of the Premier lobby in T3 will start to accept Economy passengers? The update said use the T2 AirTrain station for both T2 and T3; use the T2 checkin lobby and security for flights from the D and E Gates; and use the T3 checkin lobby and security for flights from the F Gates. We'll see next week!

JK-SFO
At this point it seems like if your flight is on the F/G side, you should be going to the international terminal, and if your flight departs from D/E side, take the AirTran to T2. Personally last time I was at 3 for checking in it was just a total zoo. These days I pretty much always go through 2.
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Old Oct 30, 2025 | 11:10 pm
  #763  
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Im actually glad theres a check in 2 now. Last time, we parked in LTP and departed from E, and was really hoping to use bag drop counter at LTP. However, when we attempted, they said they didnt have access to UA systems that day. So had to schlep on train to 3.

I assume airside, theres still the [temporary] F-G walkway, as well as access between D-E-F? Really be a PITA if we couldnt get from MLL- F gates.
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Old Oct 30, 2025 | 11:59 pm
  #764  
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Originally Posted by Lamp1009
At this point it seems like if your flight is on the F/G side, you should be going to the international terminal, and if your flight departs from D/E side, take the AirTran to T2. Personally last time I was at 3 for checking in it was just a total zoo. These days I pretty much always go through 2.
I was doing this even before the construction began. I always avoided the F departures hall and security if I could.

Two weeks ago, I was able to successfully check in a bag at G even though I was on a domestic ticket. I caught the agent off guard when I told her that "Burbank" was my final destination. I suppose she was expecting me to say something more exotic. :P

Last Sunday afternoon, I arrived in the D gates, picked up my bag, and walked back through E/F/G landside to get to BART. Seeing how cut up and disjointed everything felt in the F check-in area, I guess it makes sense that it's all going to be decommissioned soon.
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Old Oct 31, 2025 | 12:30 pm
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Originally Posted by char777
Seeing how cut up and disjointed everything felt in the F check-in area, I guess it makes sense that it's all going to be decommissioned soon.
Announcement from SFO yesterday says that Terminal 3 AirTrain will be closing on Nov. 4, as will curbside and drop off lanes between doors 6 and 13. Assuming this means they will be starting on the new land-side facade in the west end of the terminal. Curious if they will be closing the economy check-in behind doors 8-13

Last edited by jcacciotti; Oct 31, 2025 at 2:18 pm
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