San Francisco Airport: A Busy Travel Hub

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the primary international airport serving the San Francisco Bay Area in California. In 2023, it was the fourteenth busiest airport in the United States and the 29th busiest in the world by passenger count.

SFO has four terminals and seven concourses with a total of 120 gates. The airport has several security checkpoints, including TSA PreCheck and CLEAR, to help streamline the security process for passengers.

The wait times at SFO security checkpoints can vary depending on factors such as the time of day, day of the week, and peak travel seasons. On average, passengers can expect to wait around 15 to 45 minutes to get through security. However, some sources suggest that wait times can be as short as 5 to 10 minutes, especially for those enrolled in expedited screening programs.

To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport well in advance of their scheduled flight departure time, taking into account both the security wait times and the recommended arrival times suggested by their airline.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR services

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a busy airport, serving as the primary international airport for the San Francisco Bay Area. It is the second busiest airport in California.

To help ease the flow of passengers, SFO offers TSA PreCheck and CLEAR services. These are expedited security screening programs that allow travellers to move through security more quickly.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is available at all SFO security checkpoints and over 200 airports and 73 airlines nationwide. Benefits of the program include:

• Keeping shoes, light outerwear, and belts on
• Keeping laptops in cases
• Keeping 3-1-1 compliant liquids and food in carry-on bags
• Average wait time of 5 minutes or less

To enrol in the TSA PreCheck program, passengers must pre-enrol online and then book an appointment at the TSA PreCheck enrolment office. Here, they will provide biographic information, fingerprints, valid identity and citizenship/immigration documentation, and pay an application fee of $85 for a five-year membership.

CLEAR

CLEAR is another expedited security screening service available at SFO. CLEAR is offered at all terminals and provides access to dedicated lanes at 58 airports nationwide. CLEAR Plus members can also get to their gates faster with exclusive services such as Ambassador Assist.

To enrol in CLEAR, passengers can visit the CLEAR website or one of the enrolment centres at the airport.

Security wait times

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the second-busiest airport in California and the fourteenth-busiest in the United States by passenger count. The security wait times at SFO can vary depending on several factors, including the time of day, day of the week, and whether it is a peak travel season. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the security wait times at SFO:

Security Checkpoints and Their Operating Hours:

SFO has multiple security checkpoints located across its terminals. The operating hours of these checkpoints vary, so it is essential to check the hours for your specific checkpoint. Here are the locations and hours of the security checkpoints at SFO:

• Security Checkpoint A (International Terminal): Daily, 4:30 AM to 2:00 AM.
• Security Checkpoint B (Terminal 1): Daily, 4:00 AM to 12:30 AM.
• Security Checkpoint C (Terminal 1): Daily, 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
• Security Checkpoint D (Terminal 2): Daily, 3:45 AM to 12:30 AM.
• Security Checkpoint F1 (Terminal 3): Daily, 3:30 AM to 12:00 AM.
• Security Checkpoint F3 (Terminal 3): Daily, 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Security Checkpoint G (International Terminal): Daily, 4:30 AM to 1:00 AM.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Programs:

SFO offers expedited security screening programs such as TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus, which can significantly reduce your wait times. Here's what you need to know about these programs:

• TSA PreCheck: This program is available at all SFO security checkpoints and allows eligible travellers to enjoy expedited screening without removing shoes, light outerwear, belts, and laptops. Participating airlines at SFO include Cathay Pacific Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and Swiss International Air Lines.
• CLEAR Plus: CLEAR Plus is available in Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal. It offers faster security screening, and you can currently get two months free through a promotion with iFly.

Average Security Wait Times:

The average security wait times at SFO can range from 15 to 45 minutes during peak hours. However, these times can vary and are shorter during non-peak hours. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier, so you may experience longer wait times during those periods.

Tips for a Smooth Security Experience:

To ensure a smooth and stress-free security experience at SFO, consider the following tips:

• Arrive early and allow ample time for security screening, especially during busy travel periods.
• Check your airline's recommended arrival and boarding times, as these may vary.
• Keep track of real-time updates on security wait times through sources like the TSA app or the iFly website.
• Consider enrolling in expedited screening programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus to speed up your security process.
• Contact the airport's Lost and Found promptly if you lose an item at a security checkpoint.

Peak hours

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the second busiest airport in California. Peak hours at the airport are between 4:30 am and 1:00 am, with the TSA recommending that travellers arrive two hours before domestic flight departure and three hours before international flight departure.

The average wait time during peak hours is between 15 and 45 minutes, but this can vary depending on the day of the week and other factors. For example, security lines tend to be longer during the holidays, and the wait times might be longer on weekends than on weekdays.

To speed up the security process, SFO offers TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus, which are expedited security screening services. With CLEAR Plus, travellers can cut down their wait times and move through security faster. This service is available in all terminals, with specific checkpoints closed due to construction.

It is important to note that each airline has its own recommended and mandatory arrival times, and travellers should also consider potential changes to their flight schedules when planning their arrival time.

Immigration wait times

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the second busiest airport in California and the fourteenth busiest in the United States. In 2023, it was the 29th busiest airport in the world by passenger count.

Wait times at U.S. immigration and customs vary by airport, time of day, and season, with peak travel times generally resulting in longer waits.

The average wait time at SFO is 20.34 minutes, which is 14% higher than the average. However, these estimates can fluctuate due to unexpected factors.

To avoid long wait times, it is advisable to arrive at the airport well in advance of your scheduled flight departure time. The TSA recommends reaching the airport early, especially when considering the time needed for the ticket counter and any potential changes to your flight schedule.

• Enroll in expedited security screening programs such as CLEAR Plus, TSA PreCheck, or Global Entry to speed up the security process. CLEAR Plus is currently available in Terminals 1, 2, 3, and the International Terminal. TSA PreCheck is available at all TSA checkpoints within the airport.
• Check security checkpoint wait times, departure delays, and flight status before heading to the airport. SFO security checkpoint hours vary by location, so it's important to check the specific hours for your checkpoint.
• Consider the busiest travel days and times when planning your trip. Generally, Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday are the best days to travel through airport immigration, while Wednesday through Saturday tend to be the busiest. Early morning flights before 8 am often result in longer wait times, while clearing customs later at night usually means shorter waits.
• Allow extra time during holiday seasons. SFO tends to get busy during the holidays, so it's recommended to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before boarding time.
• Use a wait time tracking website or app to monitor wait times for your specific travel dates and times. The TSA app, for example, provides tracking information and is reported to be accurate.
• If you have checked bags or do not have PreCheck, give yourself extra time. Even though SFO is usually efficient, lines can vary, and you may experience longer waits during peak travel times.

Contacting TSA

If you need to contact the TSA at San Francisco Airport, you can reach the TSA contact centre at 866-289-9673 for general inquiries.

If you have lost an item at a TSA checkpoint or in checked baggage, you should promptly contact the airport's Lost and Found. You can reach the TSA Lost Items Contact at +1-800-764-8050. Be prepared to provide a comprehensive description of your item, including colour and any unique features, to aid in its identification and recovery.

The TSA advises passengers to reach the airport well in advance of their scheduled flight departure time. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport two hours prior to flight departure for domestic travel and three hours for international travel.

If you are flying out of San Francisco Airport, it is worth noting that the TSA PreCheck service is available at all TSA checkpoints within the airport, including International Terminal Checkpoints A and G, Terminal 1 Checkpoints B and C, Terminal 2 Checkpoint D, and Terminal 3 Checkpoints F1 and F3.

For detailed information on how to enrol in TSA PreCheck, visit the iFly TSA PreCheck Guide or the TSA website at www.tsa.gov/precheck.

Frequently asked questions