San Francisco Airport (SFO) Flights & Flight Status

Therapy animals, California cuisine, wellness amenities galore: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a stylish reflection of NorCal culture and packed with modern touches. Just 22 kilometres south of the city, SFO boasts plenty of passenger-friendly features, from efficient security checkpoints to kids’ play areas. And a massive renovation project, including an overhaul of Harvey Milk Terminal 1, has elevated the passenger experience even further. SFO was my home airport for nearly a decade, and every time I’m there, I find something else to love. Here’s how to make the most of your next visit.

How to navigate SFO

Somewhat surprisingly for its location in a major tech hub, SFO doesn’t have an official SFO app. So to stay updated, be sure to sign up for messaging from your airline. In addition, the SFO website provides travel alerts like weather delays and flight cancellations.

Familiarizing yourself with SFO’s layout beforehand also is helpful. Three domestic terminals (T1, T2, and T3) span boarding areas B, C, D, E, and F. Meanwhile, the International Terminal (T4), which services many Asian and other trans-Pacific routes, includes boarding areas A and G. TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR are available, and security is generally quick and efficient.

Great news for passengers: Following recent renovations, all terminals are connected airside. That means you can enter through any security checkpoint and access your gate, no matter which airline you’re flying. This is a big advantage for passengers who want to dine or shop at a different terminal than where their gate is located.

However, it can take about 15-20 minutes (or more!) to walk between terminals, since there’s no tram airside. Signage can be confusing, too. Walking from T1 to T3 recently, I noticed that signs for the E gates stopped appearing, even though I was headed in the right direction. So if you opt to walk between terminals, pay close attention and don’t be afraid to ask an airport employee if needed.

Getting to and from SFO

Ride services such as Uber and Lyft are also readily available. Follow the signs to the top level of the Domestic Parking Garage, about a 10-minute walk from baggage claim. Taxis can be more convenient for pickup, as they’re located curbside. But to avoid rush hour traffic, public transit is often your best bet.

How to take BART to SFO

For about the price of a drink, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) is a great choice. The Antioch (Yellow) or Richmond (Red) lines both stop in popular neighbourhoods including the Mission and the Embarcadero. To get to SFO, take the Yellow or Red lines back (SFO will always appear in the name of the train and line).

Get BART tickets via Clipper, which can be used on all Bay Area transit. I recommend visitors use the free digital app instead of buying a physical card. The BART station is located in the International Terminal, a short walk from T1 and T3.

How to take the Caltrain or bus to SFO

The Caltrain Commuter Rail runs between San Jose and San Francisco. However, it’s slightly confusing because it requires taking a transfer train (via BART) from the Millbrae stop, which is the closest to SFO. If you prefer the bus, Route 292 on SamTrans Public Bus Service stops at airport terminals and operates 24/7.

How to take an Airporter to SFO

If you’re travelling to or from Marin County, I highly recommend the Marin Airporter. (There’s also a Wine Country Airporter that services Sonoma and Napa.) You’ll pay about one-half to one-third the cost of a taxi or ride service. Drivers are friendly and helpful.

Book tickets online or via the app, or pay the driver with cash (having the exact fare is helpful). Buses usually run every hour but can arrive a few minutes late, so plan accordingly.

Take the AirTrain at SFO

The free SFO AirTrain can be a handy resource, too. The automated pre-security train, which runs every few minutes, connects the BART station and rental car pickup area with all terminals via two routes. The Red Line moves clockwise, while the Blue Line goes counter-clockwise and reaches the rental car centre and long-term parking.

How to enjoy the new Harvey Milk Terminal 1

SFO’s newest addition is the award-winning Harvey Milk Terminal 1, named after the late human rights activist. The $2.4 billion (approx. $3.24 billion CAD) facility is a marvel, with a new check-in area, gates, concessions, museum gallery, and a walkway connecting with every other terminal post-security. T1 serves American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest. It’s such a lovely experience that it’s worth choosing those airlines just to experience it.

Several of SFO’s outstanding dining options are found here, too. A few can’t-miss spots: Amy’s Drive Thru, which serves up delectable comfort food; Bun Mee, the SFO outpost of the Fillmore District favourite (there’s also a location in Terminal 3); and Starbird Chicken, famous for its crispy chicken. There are also outposts of other SF shops, such as Green Apple Books, a must-stop for bookworms.

Stay up-to-date on Terminal 3 renovations

Originally built in 1979, Terminal 3 is undergoing a $2.5 billion (approx. 3.3 billion CAD) modernization. The project, which is expected to be completed in 2028, will renovate 46,000 square meters of the terminal’s western portion. It will also add another 23,000 square meters of shopping and dining.

During the process, United Airlines will operate a larger number of flights in Terminal 2. In addition, you’ll likely have to take a temporary walkway around the construction area. If you’re flying United, be sure to check your departure gate ahead of time.

Choose from several upscale lounges at SFO

SFO has long been a pioneer in the airport lounge concept, perhaps most notably with the United Polaris Lounge, which is available for passengers travelling in business or first class on long-haul Star Alliance flights. It opened in 2018 as the airline’s second Polaris concept, showcasing a two-level design full of upscale extras like a sit-down restaurant. Most major airlines have their own lounges, and the addition in 2024 of two upscale lounges in T1 offer more reasons to arrive earlier for a flight.

The Club SFO: The first Priority Pass lounge at SFO

Good news for Priority Pass and LoungeKey members: The Club SFO, which opened in July 2024, is a stunner. The 1110-square-meter space, SFO’s first Priority Pass lounge, evokes a lovely NorCal vibe, with a faux fireplace and redwood wall mural. California wines and beers and vegetarian-leaning cuisine in the buffet also are Cali inspired. On a recent visit, I was highly impressed with the high-quality food and friendly, efficient staff.

The lounge also has a fitness area, showers (for a fee), and a first-of-its-kind amenity: bioluminescence rooms. Their different light settings supposedly help passengers adjust to a new time zone or decompress ahead of a long flight.

The new Alaska Lounge in Terminal 1

Alaska Lounge members are in for a treat at SFO with the new 1000-square-meter lounge in T1, which debuted in July 2024 with 55 percent more space than its predecessor. Members can enjoy iconic Alaska loungers, West Coast wines and craft beers, and a pancake machine, another Alaska lounge staple. (Some food is available for purchase, too.)

Unique amenities and extras at SFO

Even if you don’t have lounge access, SFO boasts plenty of features that make pre-departure hours virtually fly by.

Take advantage of curbside check-in

One of SFO’s best-kept secrets: curbside check-in. United, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest provide it for a tip, while American Airlines charges a fee per bag. Air Canada and WestJet typically offer curbside check-in, but check with the airline first. This handy service – which I used many times while travelling with my young son – can be a game-changer, especially for parents. If you take advantage, be sure to tip accordingly.

Soak up numerous wellness offerings

SFO sets a high bar for wellness offerings. When it debuted in 2012, the yoga room was the first of its kind; another has since opened, sparking a trend across other airports. (Heads-up: Practice your postures only; no napping allowed.) And don’t forget your water bottle: Multiple touchless refill stations are located in all terminals (some even have hot water for DIY tea).

Bring the littles to Kids’ Spots

SFO is an excellent airport for families, thanks in part to Kids’ Spots: five beautifully designed, interactive play areas located post-security. Two standouts: In T1, Tree Town near Gate B18 features structures made from a salvaged oak tree; Spirogyrate, in T3 near Gate E7, showcases trippy, 6-foot rotating spiral discs.

Enjoy creature comforts

It’s not just dogs doing the rounds: the SFO Wag Brigade also includes a pig, rabbit, and rescue cat. These certified stress-relief animals – whose vests say “Pet Me!” – bring smiles to passengers, especially kiddos.

Alternate international airports to SFO

Several other international airports within fairly easy distance of SFO can be helpful for finding cheaper airfare or alternate flights or airlines. The closest is San Francisco Bay Oakland International Terminal (OAK), previously known as Oakland International Airport, about 30 miles east. You can reach OAK via BART, which is a convenient way to avoid the often gridlocked traffic on Interstate 80 East to the East Bay from San Francisco.

Further south is San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC), which can be an alternative to reach Silicon Valley. Finally, Sacramento International Airport (SAC) is located about 100 miles north of San Francisco.