San Francisco Airport

The monorail is convenient. Even though the international terminal is big the arrivals area is weird. The Arrivals area was empty then it was crowded then empty and then crowded again. When I flew out of SFO it was confusing because we didn't know where to board and there were no people telling where the gate is. We just got a gate assignment and we had to find it ourselves. I'd much rather fly out of San Jose.

Have been through SFO six times in the last four weeks on international and domestic flights. Compared to LAX the only other West Coast option for flights from Australia this airport is a dream. The BART service is a big plus except for the late (~8AM) start early Sunday mornings from Downtown and the complicated ticketing machines for first time users. I've checked into my downtown hotel within one (1) hour of touchdown - admittedly with carry-on only and a good BART connection. Agree with the comments about the very limited food options and the lack of clear signage but way better than LAX.

Arrived on BA at the international terminal. Luckily we arrived before the Virgin and UA flight from LHR as there would have been huge lines otherwise at immigration. I raced to immigration and was attended to immediately. The immigration officer was extremely rude and did not have a good knowledge of English. She asked also very detailed questions about what sights I will visit during my stay in SF and I had to talk about 5 minutes about attractions I want to visit. I found this a bit ridiculous but I guess that's normal nowadays if you enter the US. Luggage took quite a while as it was a full 747 but afterwards I got through customs within seconds where a very friendly customs officer took my form. From there the BART station was a short stroll away and it is very cheap and quick to get in to town (USD 8.10). Departed on Southwest at T1 and found the experience not bad. Took the BART to the airport and then the SkyTrain to Terminal 1. Check-in was very quick and security was also quite efficient and fast. Facilities are so-so with a few places to eat and one or two newspaper shops. Terminal was quite crowded as some planes where delayed due to the weather. However the Southwest staff was friendly and kept us informed. It is a mixed bag but overall SFO is ok.

The International Terminal is a beautiful structure that lets in plenty of natural light and a relaxing place to stay. Immigration and baggage claim take no longer than 45 minutes. Security checks are usually uncrowded and staff are friendly. On the domestic side the airport isn't that stunning - Terminal 1 is very outdated but it's better than Terminal 6 at LAX. Terminal 2 is undergoing renovation. Terminal 3 is United domestic terminal - pretty modern and has great places to eat even though they're overpriced. It's very friendly however I find queuing the longest in here. The terminal can get crowded at peak times.

SFO is by far the worst airport for domestic travel. The only thing positive is that BART runs there. The food choices are limited. No services for the stranded traveller. Dirty and dark. As the gateway for tourists and business travellers alike this is such a let down. Leaving TSA reps are the rudest in the county.

Arrived by BA from London at around 1630. No other international flights had arrived around that time and amazingly I was through Immigration and Customs in less than 20 minutes from leaving the plane. The arrival procedure was vastly superior to my experience at several other US international gateways. Check-in for an early morning AA departure was fast and smooth and it was easy to get to the Gate. I will try and use SFO as my gateway of preference in future.

Used the International Terminal for departure check-in hall was huge was airy modern and clean. Security was fast with friendly staff. Departures with lots of shops and food. Bathrooms were clean. Easy to get around with nice open windows. Best airport I've been in the US.

On the domestic side flying in from Vancouver I was amazed how quickly I got my luggage & outside very fast. The international terminal is spacious though the departure hall seems somewhat foreboding. Security was very smooth and efficient. There is no free wi-fi here which is unfortunate. Otherwise I was impressed with the spaciousness of the Int'l Terminal which lends a great view of the tarmac and hills surrounding the city. In the domestic terminal checking in on United to fly back to Canada was a cattle call - crowded inefficient check-in area way too small and narrow. I rate the Int'l Terminal very highly the domestic side departures not so highly.

I've been flying in and out of SFO since 1953. The last year it was a relatively good experience was 1968. I know no other airport except Sheremeyevo in Moscow where it takes longer to get one's baggage -- to get from plane to sidewalk. On our recent return from Kona (Big Island Hawaii) we waited 55 minutes for our bags to appear on the carousel.

Arriving in the USA via SFO is vastly superior to arriving at the God-forsaken hell-hole known as LAX. SFO is more organized there are actually signs and the DHS officers are actually polite and pleasant. It is par for the course to have to clear immigration collect bags and then clear customs prior to heading to either a domestic or international connection. It has been this way for several years now and I am perplexed by commentators who are surprised by this - perhaps they don't travel to the USA very often. In any case SFO is delight compared to LAX. I would recommend anyone arriving in the USA via the West Coast do so at SFO or SEA and forget all about LAX - it's horrible.