SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT review : 30 June 2008 : by P Chang

Customer Rating : 2/5

Flights are frequently delayed due to fog, smoke, ATC or other issues. Connecting between international and domestic terminals require passengers to exit the secure area and go back through the security checkpoint. Depending on arrival concourse, re-checking bags going from international to domestic requires a long walk with bags and oftentimes another wait in line. 4) Security checkpoints are poorly staffed. In general, not all metal detectors are being utilized resulting in long lines. On the good side: Immigration & customs process is very efficient and quick. Checked baggage retrieval time is reasonable ~15min. In the domestic terminal, good selection of restaurants and shops. If possible, avoid connecting through SFO.

San Francisco Airport review by Peter Harrison

12 November 2007   Customer Rating :

Arriving at San Francisco on a domestic flight from Honolulu was trouble free. However, on returning to departures for a flight to JFK there was a queue of 100's of people waiting to go through security. There is no way that passengers could be processed in the 1 hour check in time recommended by the airlines. Luckily I had used the kerbside check-in ($5 expected!) and saved a little time - but even so I reckon it took me the best part of an hour to get through the security area. But no problem my flight was delayed!!

San Francisco Airport review by E Mallari

26 October 2007   Customer Rating :

BART train to the airport highly recommended to avoid traffic and expensive airport parking. Flew out on Virgin America that use the international terminal. The terminal is very modern, airy, and built with future growth in mind so there's plenty of space. This is a big plus. There are many good food outlets, gift shops, and magazine and newspaper stores. Signs are plenty enough. Lavatories are clean. Being a local resident I know that there's plenty of parking most of the time. There is a museum inside the terminal and art displays on both ends of the huge international terminal. Security lines were short, breezed through security check in less than five minutes! Once beyond security, there are plenty of sitting areas, arrival and departure information are conveniently located, and p.a. announcements are clearly understood. Return flight, there is a separate area with a huge baggage carousel for the domestic flights that arrive in the international terminal. Baggage started to arrive about 25 minutes after we landed. Our son picked us up and luckily there was no airport traffic to speak of. Traffic on the freeway in front of SFO was light and arrived home in 20 minutes.

San Francisco Airport review by Gunther Arneson

23 October 2007   Customer Rating :

I use BART regularly and find the BART extension to SFO to be a godsend - who can beat 5 bucks to go from downtown to the airport? The only thing of course is that if your flight is early on weekends it could be hard to catch the flight because the BART starts later in the morning.

San Francisco Airport review by G Godall

11 September 2007   Customer Rating :

This was my first time at SFO and I was impressed with the airport - appreciated the clean, modern looking terminal. Public transport into the city was excellent; the BART station is practically inside the airport and so cheap. The check-in desks at the international terminal were clearly signposted and all the staff (except security) were charming. The museum was a refreshing and amusing diversion. There weren't many restaurants, but I guess the powers-that-be decided to focus on the quality rather than quantity of eateries.

San Francisco Airport review by S Golden

16 August 2007   Customer Rating :

If there is a modern, efficient and pleasant side to SFO I did not experience it on a recent flight from Newark on Continental. The passenger terminal facility seemed old, very poorly laid out, and under partial reconstruction in many places, with poor signage resulting in great confusion (e.g., large "Restrooms" signs leading only to facilities for women). Also much unavoidable traipsing up and down stairs. Worst of all, getting to the (far away) car rental center, especially with baggage, was an ordeal involving escalators, stairs, a journey to and through the parking garage, a lack of signage, and a slow multi-stop "train" to the far end of the airport, followed by more escalators, etc. I am informed that locals and frequent visitors have learned not to rent at the airport, if at all possible. And then what do you do when Hertz unexpectedly runs out of cars, and there are no taxis anywhere near the rental car area?

San Francisco Airport review by John Oram

6 June 2007   Customer Rating :

Arrived from JFK and needed to leave for PSP three hours later. This is not at all difficult at SFO where you can just walk through a horseshoe shape from one terminal to another. Closed Terminal 2 is a bit strange as its supposed refurbishment is presumably waiting for the completion of other work in Terminal 1. Nothing really to complain about in T1 as one can readily complain about TSA - or at least the regulations they have to enforce - anywhere. We ate in Go Bistro which offers interesting Asian food but I must say the product, although satisfactory, does not live up to the flowery words on the menu. At SFO as earlier at JFK they have decided, surprisingly for Americans - the world's leading proponents of shoe removal - that they no longer need to re-check photo ID at the gate.

San Francisco Airport review by James Faulkner

26 January 2007   Customer Rating : n/a

Arrival from Canada was very easy, though we had already passed customs in Canada. Got a cab in 5 minutes. Departures - customs fairly easy, and after customs, there were a few shops - though toilets dirty.

San Francisco Airport review by Peter Schweizer

9 January 2007

Arrived from SYD on UA and had to clear customs in SFO before continuing on to ORD. Very nice and wide open UA terminal with good variety of shops. Overall positive impression spoilt by extremely rude and arrogant immigration officer thinking he was god. He managed to intimidate various non-english speaking passengers. Certainly not a good first impression for people arriving in the US for the first time.

San Francisco Airport review by Ed Fry

21 November 2006

Simple, open plan layout - no long queues, friendly security, excellent shopping and eating facilities and finally a convenient hub on the west coast! BART system excellent! Would use it everyday. Check-in was a breeze with plenty of staff on hand to help.

San Francisco Airport review by Steve Fenton

12 October 2006

I arrived into SFO from TPE with China Airlines and they seem to allocated the first gate on the pier which meant we had a really short walk into passport control. To my amazement it was completely empty and I was the first passenger to enter it. I was cleared within seconds and to my further amazement about 4 minutes later my luggage appeared as well. I was outside in 12 minutes from getting off the plane. The guy who picks me up normally leaves his house 22 miles away when he sees the plane has landed on his computer giving me time to go through all the formality. He arrived and parked himself in front of the monitors to watch for me coming out but he did not know I was already out and we actually stood for 20 minutes within 5 metres of each other not realising the situation. This has to be a world record for SFO airport. The return flight was very fast for check in and security clearance, all of 5 minutes on a busy saturday night and my only dissapointment was the awful China Airlines lounge and the expensive wifi fees they rip you off for.

San Francisco Airport review by Jeff Pug

10 October 2006

Took BART to SFO. The BART ride was quick & easy. Transferred to Airtrain to get to Terminal 1 (flying CO). Transfer into ticketing lobby was a mess - down stairs, around a hall, up an elevator, across the street. etc. The skybridge can't open soon enough. Not enough CO desk clerks to help the hordes of tourist who had never seen an E-ticket kiosk before, as a result the line got very long very quick. Security line was long as many planes were scheduled for similar departure times. TSA did not have enough screeners in place (all it would take is for them to look at the airline schedule to determine proper staffing levels). Also TSA did not expedite those who had flights imminently. Didn't have time to look around concourses amenities as I had to rush to gate to make my flight which was already boarding due to delay at security.

San Francisco Airport review by James Kraus

11 July 2006

BART goes right to the I-terminal and drops you off about 200 feet from the first bank of Airline check in counters. Don't gripe about having to schlep to the train to D-terminal - don't take it. Walk right through the I-term, down the stairs, turn left, and there's the D-term. I've never waited more than 10 minutes to get through I-term security because you're not competing with domestic pax. Then, you don't have to hike forever to get to the farthest gate.

San Francisco Airport review by Richard Galarneau

10 June 2006

I can't think of an airport that better represents Silicon Valley than the new SFO. It's like being a part of a big technical machine. The new people mover and complex of concrete and technology that has swallowed the exterior finishes the effect. When picking up or dropping off the rental car, I feel like I’m driving down to some loading dock in the bad part of down. Welcome to San Francisco, let us show you our industrial underbelly first thing! While SFO is perfect at representing Silicon Valley, it, like the rest of the development there, ignores the natural wonder and weather that draws people to the bay area. Now I like Santa Barbara Airport. Not that it could support the volume of SFO but when you arrive there, you really feel like you are in California and you know why people come there. At SFO, you are totally divorced from the Bay Area and are part of the silicon dream, don’t smell the exhaust. The designers of SFO start by totally ignoring one of the natural wonders of the world. Next, they treat travelers like baggage in a dirty, exhaust-filled machine. They then reward you with a food court and a nice interior design. Bad trade off and a missed opportunity.

San Francisco Airport review by Jane Marfleet

20 January 2006

Flew through SFO recently and baggage never made connecting flight to YVR. Staff at YVR indicated "if baggage goes missing and you flew through SFO, you can bet that is where the problem is." Not exactly a glowing commentary on their baggage handling capabilities.

San Francisco Airport review by Richard Walder

5 December 2005

Having recently used SFO for the first time I was not impressed. We arrived from PHL having connected and flown from London Gatwick, so by the time we arrived in SFO we had been travelling for nearly 24 hours. We arrived at US Air terminal and followed poor signs for car rentals, which took us to an escalator. (no trolleys allowed, nor info for a lift or elevator ). We abandoned our trolley and went down the escalator and ended up in a multi storey car park. No signs where car rentals were there, and we were hand carrying heavy suitcases. Not the way to welcome someone to SFO. Eventually found a cleaner who told us to walk through the dimly red lit car park to the train!! After struggling with cases & hand luggage, got the train, to wait for many minutes for a train to the car rental building. There it was efficiency all the way and apologies for poor signs. On the return from holiday, with an early monday morning flight back via PHL to LGW we allowed two+ hours for car rental return & check-in, but it was pleasant to get to the terminal and check-in from leaving our car in only 30 minutes, BUT we knew where we were going and we were not tired. Self check-in was not that easy though as it did not seem to cope with two flights, one an international one, but help from ground staff eventually assisted. Usual comments about lack of seating and expensive food, but signage needs to be improved for poor long haul travellers trying to find their car rentals, please!!

San Francisco Airport review by Melissa Miller

13 September 2005

I have watched this airport go through several incarnations all in the name of improvement. The new people mover is a nice touch, although not very practical. Why have one train that has to go to all the terminals, when they could have a separate one for domestic flights and one for international. Plan on getting there several hours before your flight, to allow time to get off BART, wait for the train and then get to your gate. No luggage carts can be taken into the BART station, so be prepared to struggle with all your baggage onto the air train and vice versa. The restaurants are ok, very expensive of course, and the food, offered by Starbucks, and the other usual chains is ok. SFO is better, still has a long way to go.

San Francisco Airport review by Alan Wan

3 August 2005

Came through SFO twice in July. The baggage handling was a joke, the first time we arrived from Toronto with Air Canada and waited 40+ minutes for bags. A week later arrived with TED and waited over an hour. Yes I take on board the positive comments made about the airport. Its better than LHR for departing but at least with Heathrow they have efficient baggage handling

San Francisco Airport review by Andrew Mortimer

6 June 2005

Would echo Nick Way's comments below. Our flight had a medical diversion en route to SFO resulting in nearly 3 hour delay but clearance for onward flights etc. was extremely efficient. I even got a smile from the immigration officer - it must have been Friday 13th!

San Francisco Airport review by Paul McClure

4 June 2005

Fly into SFO from Calgary on my way to Mexico City with United. Arrived T3 and had to connect to the International Terminal. Firstly, no signage saying where to go to catch the bus to the International Terminal and what signage there had was covered by construction. When I did find it, I had the United agents barking at us to get into line and no one was going through the line answering questions or concerns. I ended up speaking to a United supervisor who took my concerns, blamed the airport for not allowing to have the proper signs (which I agree) and did apologize for the actions of the United agents. This did bring my attitude towards United around and thanked him for taking the time to listen to me. On return, we were parked at the first gate by immigration and a full bank of agents were working. Getting our luggage to go through customs took 45 minutes and all the first class guest got theirs last! I do agree, the AirTran is amazing and the view is second to none if you are an aircraft fane like me. Also, the BART station right in the airport puts into a league shared with Frankfurt and Amsterdam. All in all, okay airport but a lot of walking. Still think the landing and take off is one of the best in the world.

San Francisco Airport review by Nick Way

6 May 2005

Echo recent comments - the international terminal is superb. And the monorail connection to the rental car centre is a huge improvement. Arrived there on October 2 last year - just after they'd started the fingerprint and photo scheme for visitors. Expected it to be a nightmare, but was through immigration in two minutes!

San Francisco Airport review by Joe Morse

25 January 2005

SFO is a very efficient airport for international travellers, but leaves a great deal to be desired for domestic passengers. I live in San Francisco, and travel in and out of SFO literally every week. GROUND TRANSPORTATION : BART runs right into the international terminal, which is convenient for international passengers and people flying out of domestic terminal 3 (United, American). The BART system itself is a somewhat marginal way of getting to and from the airport, since it often takes 45 minutes for the train to get to/from San Francisco. If you're flying out of terminal 3 (2 is currently closed) on airlines other than United or American, BART is probably not a good option. The airtrain system is atrociously designed, requiring terminal 3 passengers (most with bags) to descend several escalators, one elevator, walk through a maze of a parking garage, and emerge two levels below terminal 3's ticketing counters. It often takes me over 1 hour to get to the airport from my Mission District home (12 miles, and I live close to a BART station). I often take a taxi to save upwards of 45 minutes. SECURITY : Security screening is hit-or-miss. The private contractors hired by TSA are often indifferent or outright rude. But sometimes the line moves quickly, and they will often expedite people one soon- departing flights to make sure they make their flight. Like most airports, SFO's screening areas could use more table space to get things ready to put through the screening machines. FOOD : The international terminal has a lot of choices, but most of them are chains. If you're looking for original local food, eat before you get to the airport. Terminal 1 has more options than terminal 3, which is dismal.

San Francisco Airport review by Neil Rutherford

23 October 2004

THe New United International Terminal is fantastic. On arriving from Sydney I had to go through the new security procedures at custom and had my photograph taken all of which must have added about 2 mins to the usual requirements, the terminal is airy and fresh and the departure area for onward International flights has more than adequate shops and restaurants. All in all a very pleasant experience.

San Francisco Airport review by D Newberry

28 April 2004

Same comments as below really, lovely international airport. One point though, no internet terminals, hard to believe really?

San Francisco Airport review by Yuri Andropov

15 April 2004

SFO International is new and spacious. SFO domestic is old and cramped. The connection between the new car rental drop-off building (opened 1.1.04) and the train to the terminals is very poorly signposted, but the train itself is efficient. The new international terminal is good for arrivals, except for the regular long wait for non-US citizens through immigration - 1 hour is usual. I guess they just don't care that visitors wait. The US lane moves much quicker for obvious reasons.

San Francisco Airport review by Chris Chen

22 January 2004

The new International airport is superb. The domestic terminals are pretty nice and tidy as well. I guess with the skytrain and bart it is also very well connected to the entire Bay Area. The huge check in area of the intl dep along with the mini museums in terminal connectors add to the beauty and style and makes it a rival for Asian airports like Hong Kong, Seoul and Changi.

San Francisco Airport review by Brian Locicero

27 December 2003

It puts LAX to shame with the shiny new International Terminal, which features gourmet restaurants, internet kiosks, elegant museum displays and more all wrapped in a stylish, light filled terminal. Plus the direct BART connection into town is easy to find and use, unlike JFK, which requires a shuttle bus connection to the subway. The only downside is that SFO is prone to delays, mostly due to fog and cramped runway space.

San Francisco Airport review by Richard Amparan

1 October 2003

San Francisco International has improved markedly in the last couple of years since my last visit. The new international terminal is a welcome and pleasant addition. One of the most pleasant aspects of this airport are the wonderful museum quality exhibits found throughout the terminals (I believe the airport is an accredited museum). Spending time in the airport, as one often does, is made infinitely more tolerable by these eclectic and fascinating displays. So much more engaging and enlightening than the usual shopping mall atmosphere (that's there too for those who prefer it). Also be sure to visit the new aviation museum and library, which is housed in a full-scale replica of the original passenger terminal! I found the food available at the airport among the best in my travels. No fast food nightmare this. A wide range of Asian, American and European meals. Finally, one magnificent improvement is the new BART subway link to downtown San Francisco. I was in the lobby of my hotel within a half hour of leaving the airport, with no need for an expensive taxi or inconvenient bus connection.

San Francisco Airport review by Rene Debos

21 June 2003

The new International Terminal at SFO is a big improvement. For those that fly into SFO as a non- citizen, the lines at passport / customs can be huge especially if you arrived just after an Air China flight. This is not due to a lack of immigration officers (there are plenty) but due to their scrutiny of checking passports/visas and the need for translators. After passport control you'll pick up your luggage which is conveniently located between passport and customs control. Recently the lines for customs / agri-dept were ridiculous. If you are 'unlucky' to be marked for customs search of your bags you might have to wait for a long time. The staff is generally friendly except for most of the passport control officers who can be intimidating and plain rude. I always have to smile when I get harassed by some customs officer whose English is worse then mine. The public announcements over the PA can sometimes be hard to understand. The diversity of San Francisco is great but some of the accents make for hard to understand announcements. The departure and arrival screens are a disgrace and for some reason there are almost no clocks in the terminal. For those flying out of the SFO intnl terminal. Food court before customs is great. Prices are not too outrageous when compared to city prices and the management made sure to avoid the like of Burger King and McDonalds. Once thru security you'll have limited options to eat but there is a decent mexican food restaurant. shopping at the terminal is limited when compared to other airports like AMS or LHR. Smoking is only outside and for those of you who cant stand that - get over it (I am a smoker myself). The airport buses (connecting to Marin County, Sonoma County, Monterey etc) are located right outside the terminal, as are the taxis. There is now a lightrail operating between the longterm parking garage and the terminals and (oh joy) the BART (light rail system) will be connected to SFO starting middle June 2003 making it easy to catch the Bart from downtown SF and elsewhere and vice-versa.

San Francisco Airport review by Lim Shu Hao

12 May 2003

SFO is nothing compared to the airports I usually use, which includes Changi and HKIA. There was no interior design to speak of, which left me the impression that SFO was just a roof to house aerobridges, immigration counters and baggage carousels. Departure was equally disappointing. Not wanting to pay for a trolley would mean that you will have to hand carry all your baggage. Flight information screens are small and few and far between. The lack of proper signage separating the A and G piers meant that my host almost led me to the wrong pier! Only two shops were open. Overall, do not expect much from SFO. SFO: Use it, not enjoy it.

San Francisco Airport review by Steve Fenton

09 December 2002

San Francisco is somewhat assumptive to the passenger who does not know the layout very well. Its great if you are being met, but very confusing if you have to find your own way to where you need to be. Renting a car means you have to take a bus to the car hire location and this you have to pay for. To get down town by Taxi costs a fortune and then there is the shuttle bus service which takes you to your door. A word of warning about shuttle bus. Make sure the fellow passengers actually know where they are going. We ended up with an old lady who had us drive past her house 3 times. The poor driver was obliged to get her home but it made our journey into the city centre a very long one. I have also found that obtaining a visa before you go, means you can actually go through the USA citizen line rather than joining those very slow moving lines for people requiring temporary visa's.