Roberta Aguirre
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the largest hubs on the US West Coast, offering over 130 direct international and domestic destinations. The airport has four terminals and seven concourses, with 120 gates. SFO has won awards for its green approach to sustainability and environmental impact and has a 5-year strategic plan to become the first airport in the world to achieve zero carbon, zero waste, and zero net energy. However, reviews of the airport are mixed, with some praising its easy navigation, clean terminals, and quality food and dining options, while others criticise the staff for being rude and unhelpful.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of access to San Francisco | Easy to access from San Francisco via taxi/Uber/Lyft ($30-40) or BART ($8.50) in 20-30 minutes |
| Ease of navigation | Easy to navigate, with all terminals, the rental car station, and the BART connected pre-security by an easy-to-use air tram |
| Security wait times | Quick, especially with TSA pre-check |
| Cleanliness | Clean |
| Food and dining options | Good quality food and dining options, including local fast food options and chains like Bun Mee Asia food, The Little Chihuahua Mexican restaurant, and Amy's Drive Thru organic |
| Shopping options | Standard airport shops, including high-end fashion and gadgets, as well as more unique options like DepARTures and District Market |
| Wi-Fi | Free airport-wide Wi-Fi |
| Lounge access | Several lounges, including an American Airlines Admirals Club, an Alaska Lounge, and The Club SFO |
| Environmental sustainability | Awarded for its green approach to sustainability and environmental impact, with a 5-year strategic plan to become the first airport in the world to achieve zero carbon, zero waste, and zero net energy |
| Staff friendliness | Some reports of rude staff, particularly security and immigration officers |
| Gate accessibility | Some reports of long walks to connecting gates, with no shuttles or moving walkways |
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What You'll Learn
Ease of access to the airport
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located about half an hour by cab from central San Francisco. It is also connected by the city's local train, BART, which costs $8.50 per person one way and takes around 45 minutes. The AirTrain connects all terminals, car rentals, and long-term parking, with two lines running in opposite directions 24 hours a day, every four minutes.
SFO is the Bay Area's largest airport, and it is also one of the largest hubs on the West Coast, with over 130 direct international and domestic destinations. It is easy to access from other parts of the Bay, although the further east or south you go, the more likely it will be more convenient to opt for Oakland or San Jose airports.
The airport has four terminals (1, 2, 3, and International) and seven concourses with a total of 120 gates. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 handle domestic and pre-cleared flights, while the International Terminal handles international flights and some domestic flights. Terminal 1 has one concourse with gates B1 to B27, Terminal 2 has two concourses with gates C2 to C11 and D1 to D18, and Terminal 3 has two boarding areas with gates E1 to E13 and F5 to F22.
SFO has over 70 restaurants, bars, and grab-and-go options, with a good selection outside security in the International Terminal Main Hall. The airport also offers free airport-wide WiFi.
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Cleanliness and modernity of the airport
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is considered clean and modern, with quality food and dining options. The airport has four terminals (1, 2, 3, and International) and seven concourses with a total of 120 gates. Terminal 1, or the Harvey Milk Terminal, has 27 gates (B1 to B27), several shops, restaurants, an American Airlines Admirals Club, an Alaska Lounge, and The Club SFO. Terminal 2 has two concourses with 18 gates (C2 to C11 and D1 to D12, D14 to D18) and a good selection of shops and restaurants, including a Delta Sky Club and an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. Terminal 3, formerly known as the North Terminal, has two boarding areas with 31 gates in total (E1-E13 and F5-F22) and is primarily used for United Airlines domestic flights. The International Terminal has two concourses (A and G) and handles international and some domestic flights.
SFO has over 70 restaurants, bars, and grab-and-go options, including local fast-food offerings such as Bun Mee Asia food, The Little Chihuahua Mexican restaurant, and Amy's Drive Thru organic. There are also standard airport shops, such as high-end fashion and gadget stores, as well as more unique options like DepARTures, which offers an arty take on the gift shop. The airport provides free airport-wide WiFi, and each terminal has a variety of lounges. Terminal 2 even has a free yoga room and exhibits from the SFMOMA.
In terms of accessibility, SFO is easily accessible from San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area via public transit, taxi, or ridesharing services. The airport is about a 20- to 30-minute taxi or rideshare ride from the city centre, with a shared ride costing around $15-25 and a private ride costing $30-40. The local train, BART, costs $8.50 per person one way and takes about 45 minutes. The airport is also connected by a sky train that makes it easy to get around all the terminals.
While most reviews praise SFO for its cleanliness and modernity, there are some negative comments about the airport's staff, with some passengers noting that immigration officers and security employees were rude and lacked basic politeness. Additionally, some travellers have mentioned issues with the baggage claim process, long lines during transit, and limited dining options after departures.
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Quality of food and dining options
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has over 70 restaurants, bars, and grab-and-go options. The airport's website allows visitors to filter results by terminal and location (before or after security). The International Terminal Main Hall has a good selection of dining options outside of security, which is ideal for those who arrive early for their flight. Terminal 2 also has a variety of restaurants and shops, including a Delta Sky Club in Concourse C and an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge in Concourse D.
SFO's fast-food options are mostly local chains, including Bun Mee Asia food, The Little Chihuahua Mexican restaurant, and Amy's Drive Thru organic. There are also coffee robots like Cafe X, which give you a taste of Silicon Valley. For those looking for interesting souvenirs, DepARTures offers an arty take on the gift shop, while District Market sells some of the best Californian produce, including Thomas Keller chocolates and olive oil, as well as excellent sandwiches from the deli counter.
While some travellers have praised the quality of food and dining options at SFO, others have criticised the limited options after departures, with one reviewer noting that everything shuts down at midnight, which can be inconvenient for delayed midnight flights. Additionally, another reviewer mentioned that several restaurants in Terminal One were closed in the evening. Staff rudeness and unclear pricing were also mentioned in some reviews.
Despite some negative experiences, SFO has a good variety of dining options, and its local fast-food offerings provide travellers with a taste of San Francisco right up until they board their plane.
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Efficiency of security and customs lines
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the busiest airports in the nation. It has four terminals (1, 2, 3, and International) and seven concourses with a total of 120 gates. Terminal 1 (B gates), Terminal 2 (C and D gates), and Terminal 3 (E and F gates) handle domestic and pre-cleared flights. The International Terminal (A and G gates) handles international flights and some domestic flights.
The efficiency of security and customs lines at SFO is generally positive, with some negative experiences. Most travellers report that the security lines are quick and efficient, with an average wait time of under 20 minutes, especially for those with TSA pre-check. The airport also supports Global Entry and Mobile Passport, which further expedites the customs process.
Some travellers have praised the efficiency of the security process, stating that it is "fast and easy." The presence of multiple security checkpoints at each terminal also helps distribute the passenger volume, preventing lengthy queues.
However, there have been a few complaints about the security screening process. One traveller described it as the "world's worst passenger screening process," citing the need to walk side by side while dogs are being used for inspection, which can aggravate passengers. Another traveller mentioned that the security staff asked questions in a "suspicious tone" and lacked basic politeness.
Overall, the efficiency of security and customs lines at SFO appears to be generally positive, with most travellers experiencing smooth and timely processing. The availability of various programmes like TSA pre-check, Global Entry, and Mobile Passport also helps expedite the process for eligible travellers. However, there are occasional reports of negative experiences, including unfriendly staff behaviour and an aggravating screening process.
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Friendliness of airport staff
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a large airport, but it doesn't feel overwhelming or difficult to navigate. The airport has a positive reputation for its modern, clean terminals, and quality food and dining options. It also offers free airport-wide WiFi and several lounges. Terminal 2 even has a free yoga room and art exhibits from the SFMOMA.
However, reviews of the friendliness of the staff at San Francisco International Airport are mixed. Some travellers have praised the helpfulness of staff, with one reviewer commending Officer Lucas for his invaluable assistance in locating a lost phone and guiding the reviewer to the correct boarding gate. Lucas was also commended for taking the time to ensure the reviewer's well-being.
On the other hand, other travellers have criticised the staff at San Francisco International Airport as rude and unhelpful. One reviewer described the airport as the "rudest" they had ever encountered, with staff shouting orders and questions in a suspicious tone, without basic politeness. Another reviewer described the staff in the stores as "very rude" when asked about prices.
Overall, while some travellers have had positive experiences with staff at San Francisco International Airport, others have encountered unfriendliness and a lack of helpfulness.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is easy to get to from San Francisco. It is about a half-hour taxi ride from the city centre and is connected by a sky train.
Security at San Francisco International Airport is generally quick and easy, with some travellers commenting that it usually takes under 20 minutes to clear. However, some travellers have complained about the screening process, which can be aggravating and overly zealous.
San Francisco International Airport has over 70 restaurants, bars, and grab-and-go options. There is a good selection both inside and outside the secure areas, with several travellers commenting on the quality of the food. However, some travellers have noted that dining options after departures are limited, and everything shuts at midnight.
San Francisco International Airport is well-known for its art. The airport features a wide range of public art and constantly changing art exhibits, including a short film festival. Terminal 2 even has a free yoga room and exhibits from the SFMOMA.
