SFO Transfers/Terminals etc
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: London/Surrey
Posts: 33
SFO Transfers/Terminals etc
Hi all, I am flying to SFO on VS (PE upstairs) on the 20/9, and have to transfer to a UA flight to Seattle some 3 hours later.
I haven't been to SFO for years, but have horrible memories of getting through immigration etc.
Are there any pearls of wisdom to getting the most out of SFO airport/between terminals, nice restauarants or viewing points etc?
Grateful for any help/info.
I haven't been to SFO for years, but have horrible memories of getting through immigration etc.
Are there any pearls of wisdom to getting the most out of SFO airport/between terminals, nice restauarants or viewing points etc?
Grateful for any help/info.
#2
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Various
Posts: 2,155
Embarrassed here as I should know such more, as I do this route a few tiems a year instead of taking the direct BA Shuttle from LHR to SEA.
- Make sure they tag your bag at LHR check-in all the way through.
When you land, you will have to clear customs/immigrations. You can then follow the transfer route, which will allow you to drop your bag back off to make its merry way to Seattle.
Then you will need to check-in again, and make your way to the other terminal for the Uited flight.
Not really much in the way of fancy restaurants, and no lounges to use either with a Priority Pass . There is an okay restaurant on the back wall to the left of where you come in - reasonable prices.
Yes the immigration line can be long, but flying in W should help as you should beat the stampede that ensues. Luggage should arrive pretty quickly, as LHR normally do a good job of loading the J/W baggage into the right separate container.
Hope this helps.
Thanks,
Richard
- Make sure they tag your bag at LHR check-in all the way through.
When you land, you will have to clear customs/immigrations. You can then follow the transfer route, which will allow you to drop your bag back off to make its merry way to Seattle.
Then you will need to check-in again, and make your way to the other terminal for the Uited flight.
Not really much in the way of fancy restaurants, and no lounges to use either with a Priority Pass . There is an okay restaurant on the back wall to the left of where you come in - reasonable prices.
Yes the immigration line can be long, but flying in W should help as you should beat the stampede that ensues. Luggage should arrive pretty quickly, as LHR normally do a good job of loading the J/W baggage into the right separate container.
Hope this helps.
Thanks,
Richard
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
Programs: Master of the Privy Purse des Muccis
Posts: 17,911
Hi,
I agree with Richard's comments. I arrived in SFO in June and we were behind a BA 747 by a few minutes ( I was in J (6A) so was one of the first off the VS flight). The lines were long but cleared custom,s and immigration in around 20-25mins ( quite good going).
Regards
TBS
I agree with Richard's comments. I arrived in SFO in June and we were behind a BA 747 by a few minutes ( I was in J (6A) so was one of the first off the VS flight). The lines were long but cleared custom,s and immigration in around 20-25mins ( quite good going).
Regards
TBS
#4
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: MEL
Programs: BA Gold; VA Velocity Gold; LH FTL; Marriott Gold; ICHG Platinum AMB; Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,393
In 2001 SF opened a brand new international terminal. If your last visit was to the old international terminal then you'll be pleasantly surprised!
United's domestic US flights leave from a concourse adjacent to the International terminal (about a 5 minute walk from leaving customs to check-in).
www.flysfo.com has more details.
United's domestic US flights leave from a concourse adjacent to the International terminal (about a 5 minute walk from leaving customs to check-in).
www.flysfo.com has more details.
#6
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Maidenhead, UK
Programs: AmEx Plat, VS AG, SPG Gold, Priority Club/IHG Plat Ambassador, HHon Diamond, Hertz Pres Circle
Posts: 347
There is a new Virgin Club House at SFO it is landside right next to the departure gate. Flying Club Gold and AMEX Centurion card will get you in as PE doesn't qualify only UC. It is very good we were there in March this year.
Good Luck.
------------------
Bazz
Still Flying
Good Luck.
------------------
Bazz
Still Flying
#7
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Various
Posts: 2,155
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Bazz:
There is a new Virgin Club House at SFO it is landside right next to the departure gate. Flying Club Gold and AMEX Centurion card will get you in as PE doesn't qualify only UC. It is very good we were there in March this year.
Good Luck.
</font>
There is a new Virgin Club House at SFO it is landside right next to the departure gate. Flying Club Gold and AMEX Centurion card will get you in as PE doesn't qualify only UC. It is very good we were there in March this year.
Good Luck.
</font>
It is landside, if it was next to the gate it would actually be airside.
When you go to the lounge, they will give you a voucher so you can use the VIP queue to clear Security.
Superb clubhouse, the cocktails are excellent and the food is very good. Also home to Claire, who was the overall winner of the Virgin Heroes competition earlier in the year.
Thanks,
Richard
#8
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: Sir CT-UK - Streaker pour les autres.
Posts: 5,900
The INT termianl at SFO is very nice but I have found INS can be a lon process. I have waited up to 2 hours before after coming in behind a couple of other 744's.
The transfer from the INT terminal to any domestic terminal is walkable if you want to stretch those legs a bit.
The transfer from the INT terminal to any domestic terminal is walkable if you want to stretch those legs a bit.
#9
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Maidenhead, UK
Programs: AmEx Plat, VS AG, SPG Gold, Priority Club/IHG Plat Ambassador, HHon Diamond, Hertz Pres Circle
Posts: 347
Yes your right Richard, the Clubhouse is on the left hand side as you approach security and I agree the cocktails are great, although my wife preferred the Champagne!
------------------
Bazz
Still Flying
------------------
Bazz
Still Flying