Sfo's Current State: Busy Or Bust?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving as a major hub for domestic and international travel. With a high volume of passenger traffic, understanding the current wait times and security measures at SFO is essential for travellers. SFO offers various services and programs to enhance the travel experience, such as TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus, which promise expedited security screening for enrolled passengers. The airport also provides resources like flight trackers and security wait time estimates to help passengers plan their arrival and navigate the airport efficiently. This information is especially crucial during peak hours, holidays, and weekends, when wait times can be significantly longer.

Security wait times

To ensure a smooth journey, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance of your scheduled flight departure time. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) advises domestic travellers to arrive at the airport two hours before their flight, and three hours for international travel.

SFO has multiple security checkpoints located at the entrances to boarding areas. These checkpoints generally operate 24 hours a day, but specific hours vary by terminal and checkpoint. For example, Checkpoint A in the International Terminal is open from 4:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., while Checkpoint F3 in Terminal 3 operates from 6:45 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. It is important to check the hours for your specific checkpoint in advance.

To reduce security wait times, travellers can enrol in expedited screening programs such as TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus. TSA PreCheck is available at all checkpoints and offers benefits such as not having to remove shoes and light outerwear during security checks. CLEAR Plus is available in Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal, providing faster access to security screening. Enrolling in these programs in advance is advised to skip the long wait times.

Additionally, travellers can stay updated on real-time security wait times by using the My TSA application, which provides information on airport delays, prohibited items, and other travel tips.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR services

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers TSA PreCheck and CLEAR services to help travellers reduce their security wait times. These services are designed to expedite the security screening process, allowing travellers to move quickly through checkpoints. Here's what you need to know about these services:

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It is available at all SFO security checkpoints and over 180 U.S. airports, including most domestic and international carriers at SFO. The program allows travellers to keep their clothing on, including belts, shoes, and light outerwear, and they can also leave their laptops in their cases and carry on liquids/gels that comply with the 3-1-1 rule. The average wait time in the TSA PreCheck lane is 5 minutes or less.

To enrol in TSA PreCheck, you need to pre-enroll online and then book an appointment at the TSA PreCheck enrolment office. At the appointment, you will provide biographic information, fingerprints, valid identification, citizenship/immigration documentation, and pay a $85 application fee for a five-year membership. Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveller Number and can use the TSA PreCheck lanes at participating airports. The TSA PreCheck enrolment office at SFO is located in the International Terminal, pre-security, G-side, near the BART station, and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

CLEAR

CLEAR is another expedited security screening service offered at SFO. It provides expedited access to airport security lines in all SFO terminals through a biometric card. CLEAR is available in Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal. With CLEAR, travellers can expect faster security screening and reduced wait times.

To enrol in CLEAR, you can visit the CLEAR website or one of the enrolment centres at the airport. CLEAR is offering a 2-month free promotion through their partnership with iFly. CLEAR is available at the following checkpoints:

• Terminal 1: Checkpoint B, B6-B18
• Terminal 2: Checkpoint D, D1-D18
• Terminal 3: Checkpoint F, Gates F1-F22, E1-E13, and Checkpoint F3
• International Terminal: Checkpoints A, A1-A15, and G, G1-G14

By enrolling in either TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, travellers can significantly reduce their security wait times at SFO and enjoy a smoother and more efficient airport experience.

Immigration wait times

To streamline the immigration process, SFO offers several programs to expedite clearance for pre-approved travellers. These include:

• Global Entry: A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States.
• Mobile Passport: Enables eligible arriving guests to submit their passport and customs declaration information via their mobile device instead of the traditional paper form, allowing them to proceed to the Mobile Passport Control express lane.
• TSA PreCheck: 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. This program allows travellers to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on during security checks, and they can also keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags.
• CLEAR: Available in Terminal 1 at Checkpoint B, Terminal 2 at Checkpoint D, Terminal 3 at Checkpoints F1 and F3, and the International Terminal at Checkpoints A and G. CLEAR provides expedited security screening, allowing travellers to move through security lines faster.

Additionally, peak travel times, such as weekends, holidays, and weekdays during peak hours, tend to have longer wait times. It is recommended to arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight to ensure a smooth immigration and security experience.

Airport facilities

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers a wide range of facilities to enhance your travel experience and make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Here is an overview of the airport's facilities:

Security and Checkpoints

SFO is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its passengers. The airport provides multiple security checkpoints located at the entrance to boarding areas, including Checkpoint A, B, D, F1, F3, and G. These checkpoints are generally open 24 hours, but specific operating hours vary by location. For example, Checkpoint A in the International Terminal operates from 4:30 am to 2:00 am, while Checkpoint F3 has more limited hours from 6:45 am to 10:00 pm. Passengers can enter through any checkpoint with a valid boarding pass, and once through security, they can walk to all gates.

SFO offers expedited security screening programs such as TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus to speed up the security process. TSA PreCheck is available at all checkpoints and allows enrolled travellers to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on during security checks. CLEAR Plus is available in Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal, offering a faster route through security.

Lounges

SFO boasts an extensive selection of lounges to cater to different preferences and airline memberships. These lounges offer various amenities, including premium food, snacks, alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, showers, flight monitors, newspapers, magazines, TV, internet terminals, printers, and copiers. Some of the notable lounges include the Air France – KLM Lounge, British Airways Lounge, China Airlines’ Dynasty Lounge, The Emirates Lounge, United Airlines United Club, Delta Sky Club, American Airlines Admirals Club, and The Centurion Lounge.

Services and Amenities

The airport provides a variety of services and amenities to elevate your travel experience. SFO offers free Wi-Fi, ATMs, pet relief areas, currency exchange services, and a reflection room for meditation or prayer. For families travelling with children, there are five Kids’ Spots throughout the terminals, providing interactive and colourful play areas. Nursing rooms are also available in several locations.

SFO is unique in offering airport yoga rooms in Terminals 1, 2, and 3, allowing travellers to unwind and stretch before their flights. The airport also features art galleries, a video arts room, an Aviation Museum and Library, and a SkyTerrace Observation Deck to engage and inspire travellers.

For last-minute needs, SFO provides a full-service travel agency, baggage storage, and a medical clinic. The Grand Hyatt at SFO, located on-site, offers convenient accommodation options.

Transportation to and from the airport

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers a range of transportation options for travellers to and from the airport.

Public Transport

The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system operates a rapid rail service to and from the airport. The BART station is located on the Departures/Ticketing Level of the International Terminal (G Gates side). It is easily accessible from any terminal via the AirTrain, which is free of charge. Clipper Cards, which are required for payment, can be purchased at the SFO BART Station.

Caltrain provides rail service between San Francisco and San Jose, with express trains during weekday commute hours. Riders can transfer between Caltrain and BART at the Millbrae Caltrain station.

SamTrans operates a 24/7 bus service to and from SFO. Route 292 stops directly at the Airport terminals, while Routes EPX and 142 stop at the Rental Car Center and can be reached via the AirTrain blue line. Limited late-night service to and from SFO is also available on Routes ECR Owl and 397.

Private Transport

SuperShuttle Express offers a shuttle service to and from the airport, providing door-to-door service between your airport terminal and your flight location. They also offer a shared ride service, which makes multiple stops. ExecuCar, a division of SuperShuttle, provides a similar service with sedans, minivans, and SUVs.

Rideshare

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available at SFO. After collecting your luggage, follow signs for "Ride App Pickup" and proceed to the designated pickup areas.

Taxi

Taxis are available at designated taxi zones located at the centre islands on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level of each terminal.

Parking

SFO offers both short-term and long-term parking options. However, parking on curbs or roadways is not permitted, and drivers are advised to use the Free Cell Phone Waiting Lot instead.

Frequently asked questions