From FlyerGuide Wiki
[edit] SFO – San Francisco, CA, USA
Overview: SFO is a compact airport with all of the terminals within walking distance and connected by enclosed walkways - a brisk 20 minute walk takes you from one end to another, but the walkways are landside (outside of the TSA secure area.) There is also an AirTrain which circles the terminals outside of security. You can walk through Terminal 2, but it is currently not used by any airlines.
Airport Web Site: http://www.flysfo.com/
American terminal: AA is located in Terminal 3, on the side closest to Terminal 2. AA uses the entire pier hosting gates 60-67, but subleases one gate to Air Canada. The AA and UA terminal areas are connected airside, so passengers on either airline have access to all the shops, restaurants and services within Terminal 3.
Security: Generally speaking going through AA security takes less than 5 minutes, but be conservative in your planning during peak travel dates/times. There is a special line for elites. CLEAR also operates here.
Lounges: There is a small Admirals Club in Terminal 3, across from gate 62. The business center (cubicles, two computers and printers, fax,) is located across from the Admirals Club and is accessible with a numeric code available from the Admirals Club. A conference room is available for rent. There is a BA Terraces lounge in the International Terminal (South) between Gate A4 and A6; Japan Airlines also has a Sakura Lounge, 4th Floor.
Luggage Storage: Available 7am until 10pm. The daily fee for regular sized bags is $6-$10 (1/8/06). See http://www.flysfo.com/guide_nonflash/airportinfo/faq.htm#11.
Medical Clinic: Provides urgent care and travel services. M-F 8:30am-5pm (open until 7pm on Wednesday). Saturday 9am-1pm. Call (650) 821-5601 or see their website. Located in Terminal 2 (it is the only center of activity in area).
Connection Information: American Airlines flies into Terminal 3. All of AA's gates are clustered in a single area; it takes less than 5 minutes to walk from one gate to another. United Airlines also flies out of Terminal 3 so you will not have to exit security for those flights. Additionally, there is an airside UA bus which can take you from Terminal 3 (near the Yankee Pier restaurant) to the A pier of the International Terminal, where UA and most Star Alliance international flights depart; a walkway is being constructed to replace the bus.. If connecting to flights out of Terminal 1, you will have to exit security and either take the AirTrain, walk around a loop (either through Terminal 2 or the International Terminal), or for the brave at heart, cut through the central parking building. Alaska/Horizon fly out of Terminal 1.
Transportation: A taxi to San Francisco is metered and costs about $45 to the Financial district (15% gratuity included) (8/1/08) and takes about 20-40 minutes. There are many public transportation options to destinations in the Bay Area. See http://www.511.org and use the 511 TakeTransit Planner for a point to point itinerary. If taking the subway (BART) from the station attached to the international terminal to the city ($5.35), plan on an up to 15 minute wait for a train and a 27 minute ride (to Civic Center). The FlySFO site (http://www.flysfo.com/) has a number of links to private shuttles. The off-site car rental terminal is easily accessible by the AirTrain.
Food: SFO is considered by many to offer some of the best airport food in the country, though at some places it can come at a price. By far the best food choices are in the International Terminal - which is on your way to the BART station. Terminal 3 has some decent choices (mostly airside) and Terminal 1 is almost totally lacking. See FT thread and FT thread for a discussion.
Other: SFO has a number of changing cultural and permanent art displays, often from various museums. These are particularly evident in the large United boarding areas in Terminal 3 and in the International Terminal. The SFO site interactive map will show all locations.
