From Entry to Exit- An Overall Guide of San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the primary international airport in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. It is owned and operated by the City and County of San Francisco, although the actual airport is physically in the adjacent San Mateo County. It is located just a few miles (12 miles/19 km) southeast of downtown San Francisco, which makes it quite convenient for travelers going to the city.

SFO is currently the biggest airport in the Bay Area and the second-busiest in California, behind the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). It ranked 36th in the world and 13th in the United States in terms of passenger traffic in 2024. It is a hub of United Airlines—the major gateway of the airline to transpacifics—as well as Alaska Airlines. 

History Of SFO

San Francisco International Airport started its service in 1927 as Mills Field Municipal Airport, constructed on a 150-acre cattle ranch occupied by the Mills Estate. In 1930, the land was increased by 1,100 acres and in 1931, it was renamed San Francisco Airport. Following World War II, as international flights increased, the name was changed to San Francisco International Airport.

The initial airlines that were in service at the airport were Western Air Express, Maddux Air Lines, and Century Pacific Lines, after which United Airlines took over as the main carrier serving Los Angeles and New York with the famous Douglas DC-3 aircraft.

During World War II, SFO served as a U.S. Coast Guard and Army Air Corps base. Following the war, Pan American Airways initiated long-range service to Honolulu and beyond. By the late 1940s and 1950s, carriers like Qantas, Japan Airlines, TWA, BOAC (later British Airways), and Lufthansa linked San Francisco with Asia, Europe, and Australia. By the 1960s, SFO was a recognized international hub.

Jet Age

The 1950s and the 1960s witnessed the introduction of the jet aircraft. In 1959, TWA launched the Boeing 707 on nonstop flights to New York, and United constructed a huge maintenance facility to service its new jets. SFO was also the first airport in the U.S. to put in jet bridges in 1959 and moving walkways in 1964.

Other regional airlines like Pacific Air Lines, Hughes Airwest, PSA, and Air California also established SFO as their base or hub during this period and developed intrastate and West Coast flights.

Distance From San Francisco International Airport 

Here is the table of distances from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to nearby cities.

(Source - Google Maps)

Important Facts About San Francisco International Airport

• IATA/FAA LID code: SFO

• Location: San Mateo County, California, approximately 21 km south of downtown San Francisco, USA 

• Ownership: San Francisco Airport Commission, City and County of San Francisco

• Services: Deals with domestic and international flights, general aviation, cargo, and private jets. Provides ground transportation, AirTrain service, parking, hotels, rental cars, and passenger lounges. 

• Runways: There are four runways (two pairs in parallel) with a length to accommodate the largest commercial aircraft in the world.

• Altitude: AGL 13 ft (4 m) 

• Hours of Operation: 24/7, year-round

• Number: +1 650-821-8211

• Review Rating: 4.3 stars (30,000+ Google Business Profile reviews)

Challenges and Expansions

The Loma Prieta earthquake on October 17, 1989, temporarily closed SFO but reopened the following day with minimal damage.

New International Terminal

A new international terminal was opened in December 2000 at a cost of two point four billion dollars. It was the biggest international terminal in North America then and is the home of the SFO Museum.

Transportation Upgrades

In 2003, the BART extension to SFO was opened, and passengers can now travel directly by train to San Francisco, Oakland, and the East Bay directly out of the airport. The people mover AirTrain was also opened in 2003, which linked terminals, parking garages, and the rental car center.

The Modern Developments

• Virgin America operated out of SFO before it merged with Alaska Airlines.

• In 2008, SFO was declared the Best International Airport in North America by Skytrax.

• In 2016, a new air traffic control tower was commissioned, which is resistant to major earthquakes.

• The airport started to use sustainable aviation fuel in 2018, which made it one of the most environmentally friendly airports.

• Traffic declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021), but in 2022, SFO was ranked the #1 Best Large U.S. Airport by The Wall Street Journal.

• In August 2024, SFO unveiled a new brand identity and logo, which had been in use since 1990.

Operations and Runways

SFO is over 5,200 acres and is only 13 feet above sea level. It features four runways in two pairs of parallel:

• Runway 01L/19R: 7,650 ft.

• Runway 01R/19L: 8,650 ft.

• Runway 10L/28R: 11,870 ft.

• Runway 10R/28L: 11,381 ft.

Fog and bad weather tend to bring delays at SFO because the parallel runways are very near each other (750 feet). The airport is capable of receiving 60 landings in a one-hour period when visibility is clear, but in poor visibility ,the figure is much lower.

Terminals At SFO

( Reference: https://www.flysfo.com/maps/static-maps )

San Francisco International Airport is divided into four passenger terminals, which collectively serve millions of passengers annually. They all have different personalities and different purposes, but they are all linked by the AirTrain system and airside walkways provided by SFO, so it is easy to transfer between them without re-entering security.

Terminal 1

The most modern and stylish section of the airport is Terminal 1, the Harvey Milk Terminal. Recently renovated, with open interiors and natural light, contemporary seating, and exhibits of local art that signify the inclusive nature of the city. It is named after civil rights activist Harvey Milk and is the first airport terminal in the world named after an LGBTQ icon. Passengers on Southwest, JetBlue, American, Alaska, and Hawaiian Airlines have comfortable waiting areas and locally based food choices as well as family-friendly play areas.

Terminal 2

Another passenger favored Terminal 2. It was totally renovated in 2011 and is among the greenest terminals in the nation, receiving LEED Gold certification in sustainability. The terminal is bright and inviting, with American Airlines and Alaska Airlines as its primary carriers, and features yoga rooms and hydration stations, as well as farm-to-table dining that takes its cue from the Bay Area food culture. The art installations here ensure that it does not look like an airport but a gallery, which gives the travelers a warm welcome to the creativity of San Francisco.

Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is the powerhouse of SFO and the main hub of United Airlines domestic flights. It has two expansive boarding zones and is constantly filled with passengers passing through the U.S. It was recently renovated and has spacious walkways, new seats with power plugs, and high-end lounges, including United's huge Polaris Lounge, which is designed to host business travelers. Terminal 3 is still growing with a current project named T3 West that is further adding natural light, open spaces, and sustainable design to the United experience.

International Terminal

Lastly, there is the International Terminal, the majestic entry to the world. It was opened in 2000 and is still impressive today, as it was once the largest international terminal in North America. Nearly all the major international carriers operate here, including Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, ANA, and British Airways, as well as United, which has numerous long-haul flights out of its Star Alliance hub. Travelers can enjoy luxury lounges, duty-free shopping, fine dining, and a complete customs facility to receive incoming passengers. It is also home to the SFO Museum, the only accredited airport museum in the United States, which makes layovers a cultural event.

These four terminals collectively provide a travel experience that combines efficiency with the San Francisco character. No matter whether you are making a short domestic flight or a long international trip, the terminals of SFO are designed to feel more like a friendly place in the city rather than a waiting zone.

Parking at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

When you are driving to the San Francisco International Airport, you will have various parking options depending on the duration you want to stay. Depending on the garage, the prices vary, so it is nice to know what suits your trip best.

• Domestic Garage: This is the place to go when you want to pick up or drop off someone or stay for a short period of time, as it is just adjacent to the terminals. It costs $2 every 15 minutes or $36 a day.
• International Garages (A and G): These are near the international terminals and are charged the same as the domestic garage. You will be charged $2 per 15 minutes or $36 per day.
• Long-Term Parking: This is the cheapest one in case you are leaving for a few days or more. They are cheaper than the terminal garages, and you can conveniently access your terminal via the 24-hour running AirTrain.

In a nutshell, if you need fast and convenient parking, opt for Domestic or International Garages. However, when you intend to take a longer journey, the long-term parking lot will save you the most money.

(For further price comparison, visit the official SFO Website)

Community and Noise Control

Another feature of SFO is its Fly Quiet Program that observes and encourages airlines to minimize the noise of aircraft. The airport has spent over 150 million dollars since the 1980s on insulating homes in adjacent communities such as Daly City, San Bruno, and South San Francisco against aircraft noise.

Conclusion 

San Francisco International Airport is not just a travel hub; it is a part of history, culture, and innovation in the city. Having started as a small airport in a cow pasture in 1927, SFO has grown to be one of the busiest and most technologically advanced airports in the world, keeping up with modern technology, greener practices, and passenger-oriented services. Be it a trans-Pacific flight, arrival in Europe, or a mere domestic flight in California, SFO is one of the most significant gateways in the United States.

(Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_International_Airport)