Roberta Aguirre
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has a dedicated TSA PreCheck® program that offers expedited security screening for passengers. This program is available at all SFO security checkpoints and most domestic and international carriers. Passengers can keep their clothing and shoes on and leave electronics and liquids in their bags during screening. It is recommended to arrive at the airport three hours before departure for international travel. SFO's International Terminal serves international flights, and passengers can refer to the TSA for information on the security checkpoint process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck availability | Available at all SFO security checkpoints |
| TSA PreCheck benefits | Keep clothing on (belts, shoes, light outerwear), keep electronics and liquids in bag, bypass full-body scanners |
| TSA PreCheck cost | $85 for a five-year membership |
| TSA PreCheck sign-up process | Pre-enroll online, book an appointment at the TSA PreCheck enrollment office, provide biographic information, fingerprints, valid required identity and citizenship/immigration documentation |
| TSA PreCheck participating airlines | Most domestic and international carriers at SFO |
| TSA PreCheck non-participating airlines | Air New Zealand, Air China, Fiji Airways, China Eastern, China Southern, Iberia, Level, Vietnam Airlines, Southwest |
| TSA PreCheck lanes | Available at Terminal A and G |
| TSA PreCheck wait times | 90% of passengers wait 5 minutes or less |
| TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry | PreCheck appointments are easier to get |
| TSA ID requirements | State-issued driver's licenses or identification cards must be issued by a REAL ID-compliant state or a non-compliant state with an extension |
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What You'll Learn
- TSA PreCheck® is available at all SFO security checkpoints
- International flights depart from SFO's International Terminal
- Connecting passengers are required to clear security before boarding their next flight
- TSA has information about the security checkpoint process
- The United States has a strict immigration process for all travellers
TSA PreCheck® is available at all SFO security checkpoints
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers TSA PreCheck® at all security checkpoints. This is a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) program that allows pre-approved travellers to use expedited security screening.
To enrol in the TSA PreCheck® program, you must first pre-enrol online and then book an appointment at the TSA PreCheck® enrolment office. At the appointment, you will be required to provide biographic information, fingerprints, valid identification, citizenship/immigration documentation, and pay an application fee of $85 for a five-year membership. Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveller Number and can use the TSA PreCheck® lanes at all SFO security checkpoints and participating airports and airlines.
It is important to note that TSA PreCheck® does not guarantee expedited screening, as the TSA may incorporate random and unpredictable security measures. Additionally, some airlines and terminals at SFO do not participate in the TSA PreCheck® program, so it is essential to check with your airline before assuming you can use the service. For example, Air New Zealand, Air China, Fiji Airways, China Eastern, China Southern, Iberia, Level, and Vietnam are airlines that do not participate in the program.
TSA PreCheck® can significantly speed up the security process, as you can keep your shoes, electronics, and liquids in your bag, and bypass full-body scanners. However, even with TSA PreCheck®, it is recommended to arrive at the airport two to three hours before your flight, depending on whether you are travelling domestically or internationally.
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International flights depart from SFO's International Terminal
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop flights to Asia, South Pacific, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the US. International flights depart from the International Terminal, where check-in desks are located in the Departures Level of the Main Hall.
Passengers arriving at Harvey Milk Terminal 1 can transfer to flights in the International Terminal "A" Gates via a connector walkway. To get to the "A" Gates, follow the signs towards the International Terminal "A" Gates. Passengers transferring from Terminal 1 to flights in the International Terminal "G" Gates should exit Terminal 1 and go to the "G" Gates security checkpoint.
Passengers arriving at Terminal 2 or 3 who are transferring to flights in the International Terminal "A" Gates should exit their arrival terminal and proceed to the International Terminal "A" Gates security checkpoint. They can walk or take the AirTrain, SFO's automated terminal transit system, to the International Terminal A Station.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has information about the security checkpoint process. TSA PreCheck® is available at all SFO security checkpoints and offers expedited security screening. To enrol in the programme, you must pre-enrol online and then book an appointment at the TSA PreCheck® enrolment office to provide biographical information, fingerprints, valid identity and citizenship/immigration documentation, and pay a $85 application fee for a five-year membership. Once approved, travellers can use TSA PreCheck® lanes at all SFO security checkpoints and participating airports and airlines.
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Connecting passengers are required to clear security before boarding their next flight
If you are an international passenger connecting through San Francisco International Airport (SFO), you will need to go through security again before boarding your next flight. This is the case for all connecting passengers, with some exceptions.
Firstly, it is important to note that Covenant Aviation Security, a private company, is responsible for passenger and baggage screening at SFO on behalf of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). SFO has seven security checkpoints, each located at the entrance to boarding areas. These checkpoints are for ticketed passengers only, and baggage carts are not permitted through them. Passengers can enter through any checkpoint at any terminal, provided they have a valid boarding pass for the same day of travel.
If you are an international passenger connecting through SFO, you must complete U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) entry procedures in the Federal Inspection Area. After exiting the Arrivals Hall through the doors marked "Connecting Flights", you will need to go through a security checkpoint to access your next flight. This applies to all connecting passengers, except those arriving on pre-cleared international flights, who are not required to undergo the federal inspection process or clear security again.
There are several programs that offer expedited security screening at SFO, including TSA PreCheck®, CLEAR, and Global Entry. TSA PreCheck® is available at all SFO security checkpoints and allows travellers to keep their clothing on during screening, among other benefits. CLEAR offers expedited access to airport security lines in all SFO terminals through a biometric card. Global Entry is a program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States.
It is recommended that travellers arriving at SFO for an international flight connection allow enough time for the required security checks and federal inspection processes.
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TSA has information about the security checkpoint process
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has information about the security checkpoint process at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Passengers can refer to this information to understand the procedures and requirements for a smooth and efficient journey through the airport.
TSA PreCheck® is available at all SFO security checkpoints and most domestic and international carriers. This program allows pre-vetted travellers to expedite their security screening process. Passengers can keep their shoes, light outerwear, belts, and electronics on, as well as leave liquids in their bags, bypassing full-body scanners. Enrolling in the TSA PreCheck® program requires pre-enrolment online, followed by an in-person appointment to provide biographic and identity information, fingerprints, and documentation for a five-year membership.
For international flights, SFO's International Terminal serves as the departure point. Passengers connecting from international flights must complete US Customs and Border Protection procedures before proceeding to their next flight. The TSA provides guidance on this process, including exiting the Arrivals Hall through doors marked "Connecting Flights" and rechecking baggage at designated locations.
Additionally, the TSA recommends arriving at the airport three hours before departure for international travel. This allows ample time for potential delays and lengthy security lines. Passengers should also be prepared for immigration interviews, ensuring they have the necessary visas, exit flight details, hotel reservations, and trip purposes.
The TSA also offers information on acceptable forms of identification for travellers. From May 7, 2025, only state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards from REAL ID-compliant states or non-compliant states with extensions will be accepted. Passengers can refer to the TSA website for detailed information on identification requirements and other security-related queries.
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The United States has a strict immigration process for all travellers
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is present at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for both domestic and international travel. The TSA recommends that travellers arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
There are several pathways to immigrate to the United States, each with its own specific requirements and processes. One common pathway is through an immigrant visa. After receiving an immigrant visa or certain other eligible protections, such as asylum or refugee status, individuals can apply to become lawful permanent residents (LPRs). LPRs are permitted to remain in the country permanently and are eligible to apply for most jobs, although they are still subject to immigration laws. After residing in the United States for five years (or three years in some cases), LPRs may apply for U.S. citizenship.
Another pathway to enter the United States is through a "non-immigrant" visa, granted to tourists, foreign students, temporary workers, and others who do not intend to immigrate permanently. These visas are typically valid for a specified period, after which the individual must return to their home country.
Additionally, the Diversity Visa Program, created by the Immigration Act of 1990, allocates 55,000 visas annually to nationals from countries with low historical rates of immigration to the United States. Of these, up to 5,000 visas are reserved for specific asylum-seeking groups.
Humanitarian parole is another pathway that allows individuals to enter the United States temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Individuals granted parole through humanitarian parole are not on a path to permanent status and must apply for a different immigration status if they wish to remain in the country long-term.
The U.S. immigration process involves multiple steps and requirements, and it is essential for travellers to comply with the necessary document requirements and security measures.
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Frequently asked questions
TSA PreCheck® is a program by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that allows pre-vetted travellers to expedite their security screening process. It is available at most US airports and airlines, including international carriers at SFO.
You can pre-enrol online and then book an appointment at the TSA PreCheck® enrolment office. You will need to provide biographic information, fingerprints, valid identification, citizenship/immigration documentation, and pay an application fee of $85 for a five-year membership.
With TSA PreCheck®, you can keep your shoes, light outerwear, belts, and electronics in your bag during screening. This can significantly speed up the security process.
Yes, TSA PreCheck® is available at all SFO security checkpoints, including international gates. However, it is only available for participating airlines. Non-participating airlines include Air New Zealand, Air China, Fiji Airways, China Eastern, China Southern, Iberia, Level, and Vietnam.
