If you’re flying through the San Francisco International Airport soon, I’ve got good news. Minimum connection times at SFO from international to domestic flights are generally lower compared to other major airports.
I’ve connected from international flights to domestic flights at SFO many times. On average, it takes around an hour and a half depending on the airline(s) that I’m flying. The longest time that it ever took was 3 hours, and the shortest time that it ever took was 45 minutes. It’s impossible to know ahead of time how long it’s going to take, so I highly recommend booking flights with longer connection times.
What is the minimum connection time at SFO for international to domestic flights (and vice versa)?
The San Francisco International Airport has two international terminals (one in Terminal 1, and the other in Terminal 3). Your international flight will more than likely be arriving at the A or G gates.
Domestic flights do operate out of both the A and G gates from time to time, but there’s a very high likelihood that your domestic connection will be departing from gates B, C, D, E, or F. It all depends on the airline that you’re flying.
That being said, here are the minimum connection times that you can expect when flying international in or out of SFO:
International to domestic flights
All international passengers arriving at SFO (regardless of having a connection or not), must pass through customs and passport control. This takes time, and therefore, I wouldn’t be comfortable with anything less than a 2 hour connection time.
Yes, I have done it in far less time than that. However, if things are busy, it’ll take a lot longer. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Give yourself at least 2 hours. Your sanity will thank you for it.
Domestic to international flights
Connection times for domestic to international flights at SFO are much lower. One hour is all you really need, since there are no additional customs or security checks if you’re not changing terminals.
That being said, it’s important to know that there are 3 main terminals at SFO. You can freely walk between Terminals 2 and 3 without having to re-clear security, but you will have to go through a security checkpoint to get into Terminal 1.
Pro tip: if you need to access the A gates from the G gates (or vice versa), use the walkway connecting these two international terminals. There is a designated security checkpoint there, which is much faster than the main security checkpoint.
A brief overview of the terminal layout at the San Francisco International Airport
Thanks to its simplistic terminal design, SFO is easily walkable from one end to the other. There are 3 terminals:
- Terminal 1: A and B gates (A is a one of two international terminals)
- Terminal 2: C and D gates
- Terminal 3: E, F, and G gates (G is the other international terminal)
Each terminal has their own designated security checkpoints. However:
- You can walk between Terminal 1 (B gates) and the international terminal (A gates only) without having to re-clear security.
- You can freely walk between Terminal 2 (C and D gates), Terminal 3 (E and F gates), and the international terminal (G gates only) without having to re-clear security.
- Even though you’ll have to re-clear security to move between certain terminals, you can still walk between them all without ever having to go outside. The inter-terminal walkways at SFO are extremely convenient and easy to find.
The reason why short international to domestic connection times can be tricky at SFO
My biggest grape with SFO is the fact that it’s not possible to walk between the two international terminals (A and G) without having to re-clear security.
They are located adjacent to one another, and it’s only a five minute walk between them. However, they are not connected airside, which could make some international connections inconvenient.
For example, I recently flew into SFO and arrived at Terminal 1 (B gates). I was hoping to be able to simply walk over to the G gates in Terminal 3 (via the A gates), hang out there for a bit (plane spotting near the G gates is a great way to kill time), and then walk the rest of the way over to the F gates for my connecting flight.
However, although it is possible to walk from A to G without going outside, it requires re-clearing the security checkpoint. Until they allow that, you have to prepare for the possibility of needing to re-clear security when moving between certain terminals at SFO.
Walking times between all terminals at SFO
Despite the inconvenience of some terminals not being connected to others behind the security checkpoint, walking times between all terminals at SFO aren’t all that bad actually.
The San Francisco International Airport is my third most visited airport in the world, and this is how long it normally takes me to move between terminals:
A gates (Terminal 1) to:
- B gates: 3 minutes
- C gates: 6 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
- D gates: 9 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
- E gates: 12 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
- F gates: 6 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
- G gates: 3 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
B gates (Terminal 1) to:
- A gates: 3 minutes
- C gates: 3 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
- D gates: 6 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
- E gates: 9 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
- F gates: 9 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
- G gates: 6 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
C gates (Terminal 2) to:
- A gates: 6 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
- B gates: 3 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
- D gates: 3 minutes
- E gates: 6 minutes
- F gates: 6 minutes
- G gates: 9 minutes
D gates (Terminal 2) to:
- A gates: 9 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
- B gates: 6 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
- C gates: 3 minutes
- E gates: 3 minutes
- F gates: 6 minutes
- G gates: 9 minutes
E gates (Terminal 3) to:
- A gates: 9 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
- B gates: 6 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
- C gates: 3 minutes
- D gates: 3 minutes
- F gates: 3 minutes
- G gates: 6 minutes
F gates (Terminal 3) to:
- A gates: 6 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
- B gates: 9 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
- C gates: 6 minutes
- D gates: 6 minutes
- E gates: 3 minutes
- G gates: 3 minutes
G gates (Terminal 3) to:
- A gates: 3 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
- B gates: 6 minutes (and you’ll need to re-clear security)
- C gates: 9 minutes
- D gates: 9 minutes
- E gates: 3 minutes
- F gates: 3 minutes
Note that it may take longer depending on how much luggage you have. Throw a couple of ornery kids into the mix, and there’s a pretty good chance that you’re going to be hating life by the time you reach your connecting gate.
What is the ideal international to domestic connection time at SFO (and vice versa)?
Whenever planning a connection at SFO, I tend to plan for the worst but hope for the best. International to domestic connections will generally take longer than domestic to international, so it behooves you to plan ahead. The following are my ideal connection times at SFO – at least in regards to international flights:
International to domestic flights
Call me paranoid, but to make sure that I wouldn’t run into any problems at all, I would personally want a 4 hour connection time for an international to domestic flight at SFO (if I could get it). I once flew into San Francisco on an Icelandair 767-300 (in economy class), and had approximately 50 minutes to make a domestic connection down to SAN. I made it, but it was a traumatic enough to scar me for life (lol). I was all about long connections from that point forward.
You could probably be fine with a 2 hour connection time. 3 hours would be ideal, since you’ll never really know how long it’s going to take to get through customs (and then recheck any baggage).
Domestic to international flights
My ideal time for a no-stress domestic to international connection would be 3 hours. That would be enough time to allow for any minor flight delays, the possible need to re-clear security, and the opportunity to grab a quick bite to eat before the connecting flight.
Tips for fast and easy international to domestic connections at SFO
Most of the time, international to domestic connections at the San Francisco international Airport will be easy. The signage is very clear, and it’ll be pretty obvious what you need to do and where you need to go.
If you’re still feeling a bit worried, here are some tips that’ll make the process go much smoother:
- Check ahead of time to find out where your international flight will arrive, and where your domestic flight will depart. Knowing this info ahead of time will give you time to mentally prepare for what’s ahead.
- Sign up for Global Entry or use the Mobile Passport app to speed up the process of going through customs. I highly recommend reading my Mobile Passport vs Global Entry comparison to help you decide which program is right for you.
- If at all possible, pack light! All international passengers arriving at SFO will need to retrieve their luggage before proceeding through customs – luggage is just going to weigh you down (and cause you to curse like a sailor depending on how heavy it is).
CM
Was this written before the two new walkways at the end of 2021? Facing a 53 minute connection shortly.
Scott (SANspotter)
Yes, this was written with those walkways in mind. You’ll have no issues making a 53 minute connection if you’re going from one domestic flight to another (or going from a domestic to an international flight). It’ll be really (really) tight if you’re doing an international to domestic connection.
Mahendra
Hi Scott
This is a great place to find the information about transit. You are really a great help.
We have a United flight UA28 from Singapore to SFO landing at 21:10 and our next United flight UA2615 to Tampa is at 22:55 I.e. we have 1 hr 45 minutes. Is it enough time to clear thr customs, recheck baggage? Do you know if the recheck counter will be open at that time for United?
Lastly do we need to go out of security and go through security again considering we are in United all the way?
Thanks a lot
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Mahendra! The good news is that there aren’t many international flights arriving at that time, so you should be able to get through customs and immigration relatively quickly. One hour and 45 minutes should be plenty.
I’m not sure what time the United baggage re-check area (the one located just outside of customs) closes. If it is closed, you won’t have to walk far to the United check in and ticketing counters – it’s probably a five minute walk at the most.
You will have to go through security to get back into the terminal unfortunately.
Mahendra
Thank you so much Scott for your great help. This relieves pressure. I only hope that UA28 arrives on time to SFO so that no pressure
Zannie
Very informative to see this article! I’m facing short connection time (41 minutes) from domestic-> international ( terminal 2-> G gate). I don’t know if I can make it. Based on your estimate, it would take 9 minutes. Is this by walking or via Airtrain? Do you have any tips or advice to board on time?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Zannie – glad you found this helpul! That estimate is for walking, because you’d have to exit the terminal and go through security again if you take the train. But yes, you can walk from T2 to G airside (behind security) in 9(ish) minutes at a semi-fast pace. It’ll take a few more minutes if you’re more casual about it.
41 minutes is totally doable if you don’t waste any time!
Nancy
So are you saying the taking the air train, bc you exit the terminal, is longer than walking? We’re arriving D gates and depart A gates w 45 minute layover. Any suggestions are helpful … newbies to SFO
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Nancy – in my experience, it’ll be faster to walk than to take the train because it involves so many steps. It might be quicker if you’re a slow walker, but at an average pace, walking is just as fast.
45 minutes is not a lot of time to get from D to A! You’ll have to go through the security checkpoint once you get to A, so that will take a bit of extra time. It’s not an impossible connection to make though. Just keep moving and you’ll be fine.
Nancy
Thank you for your experience and assurance, very helpful, Scott. I have been keeping an eye on this week’s departures into SFO bc, obviously a late arrival will dfntly complicate our connection. It’s alaska/horizon and twice this week they have been 15-20 minutes late leaving our origin. Once landed we’ll hurry along and hpfly the security check point entering the A gates won’t delay us – it sounds like 30 minutes might not work though … if that’s what we’re left with
Scott (SANspotter)
I think you’ll be ok even if you’re a little late. If time is especially tight, it’s ok to ask people ahead of you in line at the security checkpoint if you can squeeze ahead of them. Just be polite about it, and you’ll get through.
Nancy
So sorry … a bit more help if you don’t mind. I don’t see a clear way from D gates to A security. I wonder what I’m missing bc I see security at F gates too. I see that I come out of D gates and turn right at Alaska lounge then follow around E around to F where F1 security check is before I get to the moving walkway. Once at the moving walkway, escalator up then left to A gates security
Scott (SANspotter)
No problem! Unless something has changed since the last time I was at SFO (2 months ago), getting into terminal A from any other terminal (except B perhaps) will require going through a security checkpoint.
If you walk counter clockwise from D to G, you can use the usually-less-busy security checkpoint to get into A (it’s near the entrance of terminal G). If you walk clockwise from D to A, you’ll have to exit the secure area and go through the main security entrance for A with everyone else.
Going counter clockwise (from within the secure area) from D to G will be the fastest way IMHO.
Nancy
Hi Scott, so I thought I’d like to update you and thank you. We made it. Alaska was ontime arriving but pulled into C gates instead of D so we had a longer walk but your directions were ‘bang on’. Bc of a tight connection Alaska made arrangements for us exit the plane first -> walking C to A counterclockwise in about 10 minutes ->A gate security was as you said, ‘less busy’ ->then down A to A15 w about 15 minutes to spare. Thx again, your guidance took alot of the stress off and we appreciate that
Scott (SANspotter)
Awesome! Glad everything worked out for you. SFO isn’t so bad once you become familiar with it, so you can rest easy next time now that you are a pro. 🙂
randy king
HI SCOTT
im flying domestic to international , united, at SFO 65 min layover. is that enough time. do we need to pick up and recheck bagrs or do they go straight threw?
thank you
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Randy – yup, that will be more than enough time if your entire itinerary is part of the same ticket (which it sounds like it is). Simply walk from one plane to the next – your luggage will transfer automatically. You won’t have to go through any security checkpoints either.
Have a great trip!
Ms. D
How far is the luggage drop off from security/passport control? I will be checking in 2 bags so I need to pick them up and recheck them. I’m a bit worried about missing my connecting flight to PHX as my layover is only 2.45 hrs.
Scott (SANspotter)
It’s not far – there is a baggage recheck area immediately outside the customs exit. Even if there wasn’t, 2 hours and 45 minutes is more than enough time for an international to domestic connection at SFO (even with luggage to check).
Vivian
Hey scott, I’m curious about the baggage recheck, is it all at the same exit for all airlines? I’ve been through SFO but only international to canada which is international as well I believe. I always recheck but notice it says delta or united. What if i am flying Japan Airline? Would i have to take all my luggage to gate A to recheck?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Vivian – good question. I do know that there are two baggage recheck areas immediately after exiting customs at SFO. Turn right, and that one is for Alaska Airlines. Turn left, and that one is for United and Delta. I always assumed that you could recheck for other airlines as well, but perhaps that’s not the case. Hopefully there’s someone here in the comment section who has done exactly what you’re trying to do (and can shed some light on the situation).
It won’t hurt to ask yhough. Worst case scenario is that you’ll have to take your luggage over to Concourse A.
Kellie Adolfae
I’m so happy I found your article! First time traveling internationally from Mexico. Do you get your checked bags before immigration? We have 2.5 hours and I’m stressed!
Scott (SANspotter)
Glad you found this helpful Kellie! When you get off the plane from Mexico, the first thing you’ll do is go though passport control. You’ll then be required to retrieve your luggage before going through customs. Once through the customs checkpoint, there will be a place to recheck your luggage to your final destination. Have a good trip!
Joshua Goh
Hey Scott! I’m flying internationally with United Airlines into SFO and taking a domestic connection out (I got a 1 hr 45mins layover and I believe UA goes from G gates to F gates). Based on your article, I would have to clear passport control /customs, and then recheck luggage + clear security to get into the domestic terminal 3?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Joshua – yup, that’s exactly it! I recently did exactly that (international arrival connecting to a domestic United flight) and it took about 45 minutes to get through everything.
Joshua Goh
Thanks for the reply Scott, hopefully I’ll get through in the same time as you did!
Lorenz Schilling
Hi Scott, like you and Joshua, I have a international United flight coming in to G-Gates, and a connecting domestic United flight leaving from F-Gates. I will clear passport control with Global Entry… but can’t I still make it through to F-Gates without needing to pass back through TSA security checkpoint?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Lorenz! No, because you will exit customs into the nonsecure (land side) area. You will have to go through a security checkpoint to get back into the terminal.
Lorenz
Got it!
Thank you, Scott!
Megan Toh
Hi Scott, thanks for the helpful article! I have a 1h 30 mins connection domestic > international flight. I do have to go through passport control but no security clearance right? Hoping the queue for passport control is not too bad.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Megan – nope, going from a domestic flight to international will not require going through passport control. It may not even require going through security (it just depends on what terminal you fly in and out of). Even if you do have to go through security, 1.5 hours will be more than enough time. Have a good trip!
Fe F
Hi Scott, I’m travelling United airline to New Zealand from NJ (EWR) with a 2 hours 33 mins layover in SFO. Will that be enough to catch my international flight, hoping there is no delay from EWR and baggage will be checked to the final destination?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Fe – yes, that’ll be plenty of time! You’ll arrive into SFO at Terminal E or F, and depart to New Zealand out of Terminal G (most likely). It takes just minutes to walk to G from E and F, and there won’t be any additional security checks. It’ll be easy – even if your inbound flight from EWR is delayed slightly. Have a good trip!
Xiao
Thank you so much Scott! I will be having a domestic to international 46 min layover in SFO soon. United changed my itinerary today (originally 12-hour layover) and I am worried I wont be able to make it, especially bc I am traveling with an 8mo baby. The Airline says that is DO-able and I am hoping they are right. I have been checking recent flights stats and I will most likely have to walk from E/F gates to Terminal 1. Do you have any tips on how to speed to the gates carrying a stroller and baby? I do not want to be rescheduled for the next day. TIA
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome! If you’re connecting from one United flight to another, 46 minutes will be more than enough time. Having to go to Terminal 1 will require a bit more time, but it’s still a very doable connection. The fastest way to make that transfer from E (or F) is to stay in the secure area and walk to Terminal G. As soon as you enter G, look for the corridor that leads to Terminal A (there will be signs for it).
You will have to go through a security checkpoint to get into A – but it’s never very busy, and you’ll get through it relatively quickly (even with your baby).
Have a good trip!
Dennis
Hi Scott, your website is very information. I really appreciate it. United just canceled our 10:30 am flight from PHX to SFO and rebooked us on a later flight, which only gave us 55 minutes to catch our international flight to Rome. The flight to Rome is also on United Airlines. I’m concerned that we won’t make our flight. What do you think? Thanks.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Dennis – that’s plenty of time still, and you’ll have no issues making your connection. You’ll arrive into SFO at Terminal E or F, and your connection to Rome will depart out of G (the international terminal). You can walk to G from E or F from within the secure area, and it only takes a few minutes. Have a good trip!
Dennis
Hi Scott, thanks so much for you insight. Your knowledge on the layout at SFO is second to none. Thanks again.
Chris
We have a 2:08 connection from terminal 3 to International Gate GX in April. Bags checked through, don’t have to clear security. I assume that is enough time? Originally booked for 4-ish hours then United changed the flights. Next option is a 5.5 hour layover…. Thoughts?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Chris – 2 hours will be more than enough time. It’ll take no more than 10 minutes to walk from T3 to G, and there will be no additional security check required. I’d definitely stick with what you have, because having to sit around for 5 and a half hours will be brutal even if you have lounge access. Have a good trip!
Maria
Hi Scott,
I will be transiting in SFO, arriving from Toronto, with United operated by Air Canada at Terminal 2 and departing for Singapore at Terminal 1, with United. I have a 1hr 45min layover.
Do I need to pick up my luggage? What is the best route to take to go from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 at 9pm. Thanks
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Maria – if your entire itinerary is all under one reservation (and you receive your SFO-SIN boarding pass when you check in at YYZ), you will not need to retrieve your luggage at SFO. Your bags will transfer automatically.
The fastest way to get into T1 from T2 is to walk counter-clockwise towards T3 (E, F, and G gates) from within the secure area. When you enter the G concourse, you’ll see a corridor leading to the A gates (Terminal 1). You will have to go through a security checkpoint to get into A, but that one is usually not very busy.
The other alternative is to exit T2 and walk clockwise walk over to the main security checkpoint for T1. This will require less walking than the first option, but the wait at the security checkpoint may be longer.
Justin
Hi Scott,
I am travelling from Montreal to Las Vegas, with a layover in SFO of about 90 mins. Air canada from Montreal to SFO and United from SFO to Las vegas.
Is this an issue?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Justin – that’ll be easy! You’ll go through US customs and immigration prior to departing Montreal, so your arrival into SFO will be just like any other domestic flight. Just walk from one plane to the next (no security checks required). Have a good time in Vegas!
Ben
Hi Scott,
I am alittle worried as I have 2 hours layover or less depends on the flight may delay getting into SFO using United for flight SIN to SFO to YYZ.
Our flight from SIN to SFO i checked usually arrive at G gate and we need to transfer to either F or E gates as per I checked on recent flights from SFO to YYZ. Do we need to pick up our checked luggages and re-check in and do the security again?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Ben – yes, you will need to retrieve your luggage before going through customs. You will then have to re-check it before going through security to re-enter the terminal.
That said, 2 hours is enough time! You’ll get your SFO-YYZ boarding pass when checking in for your SIN-SFO flight, so there will be no need to check in at SFO. There will be a baggage drop area to re-check your luggage immediately after exiting customs, so it’ll be a fairly quick and easy process. Have a good trip!
Gregg
Greetings. I am considering booking a flight from Philadelphia to SFO followed by a 1 hour and 20 minute layover between a flight to Osaka. Will this be enough time?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Gregg! Assuming that you have carryon luggage only, you’ll have plenty of time. It’ll also easily be enough if you have checked luggage and you’re flying the same airline/airline alliance (your luggage will transfer automatically).
Time will become a bit of an issue if your PHL-SFO and SFO-ITM segments are separate itineraries and you have checked luggage. This will require retrieving your luggage when you arrive and then re-checking it with your connecting airline. It’s doable in 1:20, but it will be stressful.
Gillian
Hi Scott, I’m travelling from Vancouver to Orange County next week with a layover in SFO of 1 hr 25 min – Air Canada from Vancouver to SFO and then United from SFO to Orange County is this an issue ?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Gillian – no issue at all! Since you’ll go through US customs and immigration prior to departing YVR, you’ll arrive at SFO as a domestic flight (which means you can walk directly to your connecting gate).
Your Air Canada flight will arrive in Terminal 2, and your United flight will go out of Terminal 3. You can walk from 2 to 3 from within the secure area – just follow the signs. Have a good trip!
Sandra
Hi Scott, thanks so much for this, so much more helpful than an Airline or Airport website. I have a connecting flight with United Airlines from Brisbane (Australia) – San Fran – Boston with 1h 50 min to connect to the domestic flight. I gather from your information I will have to collect bags, clear customs, recheck bags, clear security, and get to the domestic gate before the flight closes? Is the domestic check-in close by after exiting the international terminal? is it still best to walk between gates or use the AirTrain? I am feeling a bit anxious about not making the connecting domestic flight. Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Sandra – you’re very welcome! And you don’t have much to worry about IMHO. 2 hours will be a little tight, but the customs and immigration process is relatively easy at SFO if both your inbound and outbound flights are United.
Your assumptions are correct. You’ll first go through passport control, and then you’ll have to retrieve your luggage before going through customs. After that, there will be a baggage drop area where you can re-check your bags. You’ll then have to go through the security checkpoint to get back into the terminal.
The entrance to Terminal G will probably be the closest. Go through that one – you’ll easily be able to walk to the domestic United gates from there. Have a good trip!
Tracy
Hi Scott, After reading these comments, I have hope for a 1h 22mins connection, coming from LHR to SFO, then connection up to YVR… Looking at the maps confused me so I’ll be looking for the sign directions – fingers crossed !
Scott (SANspotter)
You’ll make it Tracy! 1:22 isn’t a lot of time for an international to domestic/international connection at SFO, but if it makes you feel any better, I recently did it in just 40 minutes. Study the terminal maps ahead of time, have a plan of attack, and stick to it!
Matthew
Hi Scott, thanks for your fantastic blog. Makes me feel much better about our connection. We are flying HKG – SFO – ATL, all on United. We have a 2.5-hour layover, so should be enough time. Also, does the baggage collection area before customs have a trolley/cart? We are moving and will have 6 checked suitcases, plus 2 carry-on suitcases, plus a toddler. Thanks again for the great info.
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Matthew! It’s been a long time since I’ve done an International arrival at SFO with checked luggage, so it’s hard to say with absolute certainty if there are luggage carts available. I’d be shocked if there aren’t.
Sounds like you’re going to have your hands full!
D Steensma
Hi Scott, we are flying from Phoenix to SFO with united airlines. In San Francisco we have a connection time of 60 minuten to catch our flight to Amsterdam, also with United. Is this doable? Do we have to pick up our checked in luggage ourself en re-check it? Or will they transfer automatically?
I find your blog very useful!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi D! Domestic to international connections at SFO on United are super easy (60 minutes is plenty of time). You’ll arrive in either Terminal E or F, and your flight to Amsterdam will depart out of Terminal G. You can walk to G from E and F within minutes, and it doesn’t require going through security.
And yes – your luggage will transfer automatically. Have a great trip!
Kelli
We are arriving at Terminal 1 A gates on a domestic flight, carry on only, and need to get to Terminal 3F gates. Do you think that 65 minutes is enough to get thru the security?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Kelli – yup, no problem! Don’t follow the exit / baggage claim signs after getting off the plane in terminal A. Instead, look for the corridor leading to concourse G (which is part of Terminal 3). You will have to go though a security checkpoint to get into T3/G, but it’s much quicker than going through the main entrance.
Once inside the G concourse, you can walk directly to F in about 5 minutes.
Neil
Hi Scott, will 2hrs 8min be sufficient for transfer at SFO, arriving on United from ABQ and departing British Airways to LHR. In all probability will arrive at E/F and depart A. Will have luggage so need to reclaim at E/F, go through security into T1 A and drop off luggage? Thanks
BTW, good information on the site
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Neil – yup, your assumptions are correct. You will arrive in E or F, which will require retrieving your luggage and checking in with BA in T1 (followed by going through the security checkpoint to get into the A concourse). You’re very likely to use most of that 2 hours and 8 minutes – but you will make it as long as you don’t waste any time along the way. Have a great trip!
Nikki
Hi Scott, your blog is very helpful, detailed, and appreciated. I am looking to fly from EWR to Sydney (roundtrip on United one booking) with either a lay-over in SFO for 2 hours 4 min or LAX with a 2 hr 50 min. I would prefer a shorter layover given the long flight following, so wanted to ask if 2 hrs is enough for the domestic to international connection with my mom who walks slowly and the potential fog related delays at SFO I seem to be reading about?
On the return international to domestic transfer, would either 1 hour 30 min in SFO or 2 hrs 25 min in LAX be ok and which would be preferable?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Nikki – glad you found this useful! Here are my recommendations:
Fly through SFO on the outbound. 2 hours and 4 minutes is way more than enough time to make a United to United domestic to international connection! You’ll likely arrive in terminal E or F, and your flight to Sydney will depart out of terminal G. You can walk between all these terminals freely (without going through security), and it takes just minutes to do so.
I’d recommend LAX on the way back, only because you’ll have more time to get through customs and immigration. An hour and a half at SFO might be kind of stressful.
Have a great trip!
Mardi
Hi Scott. I’m arriving in SFO on an international flight from Australia connecting to a Boston flight. All flights are United with only 1hr 40 min connection. I’m flying Business Class. Is there a fast track for customs for business class at SFO and will this likely be enough time to make the connecting flight? Thanks
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Mardi – the only way to get a fast track through customs and immigration is if you have Global Entry. Otherwise you’ll have to hang out in the main queue with everyone else.
Either way, an hour and 40 minutes is plenty of time to make that connection (even if you have luggage). You’ll make it!
Caroline Lundemo
Hi Scott. Thanks for your site . Very helpful. We leave from Reno, on United arriving at SFO at 7.40am in the morning, and then to Singapore on Singapore Airlines, ( terminal G, I think), at 11.30 am. Concerned about getting baggage and going through security if we have enough time. We are over 70, so also wondered if they have “buggy” systems to help. If not, will we have enough time? Not exactly fast walkers. TIA
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Caroline – you’re very welcome! As long as your entire itinerary is part of the same ticket (which it most likely is because United Airlines and Singapore Airlines are partners), you are going to have an extremely easy connection at SFO. The only thing you will have to do is walk from one plane to the next. There will be no security checks to go through, and your luggage will transfer automatically. You’ve got nothing to worry about.
Have a great trip!
Caroline Lundemo
Sorry to bother you yet again . We got our ticket from Australia to SFO return, but the Reno to SFO and then on to Singapore (Singapore Airlines)from United are not the same ticket, as we did that later. Will we still have time to collect bags and go through customs? We could cancel our booking for the day before if our time is limited. What advice do you have for us? Many thanks to you and your website. Singapore Airlines and United will not answer the phone. Can we ask United in Reno to book bags through, even though it’s booked on a different ticket? We are worried about time factor.
Scott (SANspotter)
No problem Caroline! The fact that they are separate tickets will make it slightly more complicated, but it’s still going to be very easy connection at SFO for you. You’ll have have nearly 4 hours – which is a lot more time than you’ll actually need.
You’re not going to have to go through customs at SFO. You will have to retrieve your luggage and then check in with Singapore Airlines, but time isn’t an issue. You’ll be able to move at a very leisurely pace, and still have plenty of time left over IMHO.
Unfortunately, because you have separate tickets, United won’t be able to check your luggage all the way through to your destination when you check in in Reno. But again, your layover at SFO is long enough that you don’t have to worry about anything. It’s going to be easy!
Ying
Hi Scott, thanks so much for this informative article! I’m travelling from YYZ (Toronto) to SFO with only 1h layover and was really stressed about this, but your article gave me a lot of reassurance. Just one quick question if you don’t mind! I will be transferring from T2 to G gate- will I need to retrieve and recheck my check-in luggage? All of my flights are booked through Booking.com with the same airline reference number, in case this matters. Thanks for reading!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Ying – you’re very welcome! Nope, you won’t have to exit the terminal and claim your luggage. Just follow the signs for Terminal 3 (which concourse G is part of). It’s a very easy walk, you won’t have to go through security again, and it shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes. You’ll have plenty of time. Have a great trip!
Dave
Hi Scott, i will arriving SFO from Australia with 1.5 hrs before my connecting flight to Fort Lauderdale.
Its all with United on the same booking. I understand i will need to clear customs at SFO. Do you know if my bags will go straight to Fort Lauderdale or i will need to collect and re check in?
Not having to do this will certainly make my transit a lot easier given my short time frame between flights.
Many Thanks
Dave
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Dave – yes, you will need to claim your luggage before going through customs (and then recheck them afterwards). An hour and a half is going to be a little tight, but you should be OK as long as there are no hangups.
Jason
Hey Scott, thank you very much for all this information. I really appreciate your responsiveness to the comments as well. That said I’m hoping you can give me your thoughts. Right now I’ve already booked a flight from SFO to Manila. Original destination is Cleveland, I’m currently debating between a direct United domestic flight into SFO with only an hour and 9 minute layover or a Delta flight with a 4 hour layover that also has a connection in Detroit. Obviously I’d have to pick up my luggage to recheck it regardless of which I choose. The direct flight would be so much more convenient but the hour and 9 minute layover makes me incredibly nervous, what would you recommend? Thanks in advance.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Jason – you’re very welcome! If retrieving your luggage at SFO is required, that Delta flight will be your best option. The chances of making a 1 hour and 9 minute connection with baggage retrieval and check in is slim to none IMHO.
Have a great trip!
Oscar
Hi Scott, thank you for all the information. Would 1 hr 20 mins be enough for an international / international transit through SFO of we are hand luggage only? We have a flight from Tahiti to San Fran on ‘French Bee’ arriving at 18:05 and are considering booking the British Airways flight to London at 19:25. It would not be all one booking but we can normally get e-boarding passes for British Airways flights. Do we still need to clear US customs if we are just transiting? Thank you. Oscar
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Oscar! Yeah, unfortunately, you will have to clear US customs and immigration. Not having checked luggage will speed up the process though.
I think you’d stand a pretty good chance of pulling off a 1:20 connection. Predicting how long it’s going to take to get through customs and immigration isn’t easy of course, but I’ve personally never had much of an issue at SFO.
Just keep in mind that you won’t be protected if you miss that flight. If for whatever reason you don’t show up in time, they’ll immediately cancel your reservation (and you’ll have to rebook at your own expense).
Mark
Hello hope all is well, glad I found this brilliant information and I’m after some now.
I am taking my son to Las Vegas next may, for his 21st, and will be arriving into SFO terminal 1 from LHR and then we have a 2hour layover before our flight to Vegas which is from Terminal 2. in your expert opinion would this be enough time to get our connecting flight, bearing in mind we will have to clear passport control, reclaim our baggage then recheck our baggage then go through security again.
Any advice on the matter will be very much appreciated
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Mark – glad to help! Two hours is probably going to be a little tight, but you won’t have any issues. All of the international to domestic connections I’ve done at SFO recently have gone smoothly (and quickly).
The trick is to keep moving as fast as you can just in case you run into any delays. Things are going to have to go very wrong in order for you to miss your connection.
That said, there are a *lot* of flights from San Francisco to Las Vegas on any given day, so missing your original connection won’t be the end of the world. There will be many other flights to choose from.
Have fun!
Mark
Thanks for getting back with the advice,
I got the Layover time wrong and have 2h 30m, instead of the 2hrs I said originally.
so more time to play with. Would this layover time be better to make our connection?
Once again, Thanks for the advice
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re welcome Mark! That’s good news – 30 extra minutes is going make it a far less stressful experience.
Aster
Hi Scott, thanks for sharing all these useful information.
I will be transiting in SFO, the itinerary is YVR>SFO>HKG and the entire booking is with United Airlines, expected to arrive at Terminal 3 and departing for Hong Kong from International Terminal (G?). I have a 2 hours layover.
Wondering if my luggage will be check through from YVR to the final destination HKG.
I guess it must be busy during the summer, will I have enough time if I need to go through immigration, reclaim luggage, clear customs, recheck the luggage and past the security check point?
Thanks in advance for your reply! Aster
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Aster – two hours is going to be plenty of time! Not only will your luggage be checked all the way through to Hong Kong, you’re not going to have to go through security or customs at SFO (you’ll go through US customs prior to leaving Vancouver). Simply walk directly to your connecting gate. Have a great trip!
Gloria
Hi Scott,
Thank you for useful information you shared.
My question is:
Planning the following and the itinerary will be:
YEG~SFO~HKG in the coming November and the whole booking with Air Canada.
I will take AC express from YEG ~ SFO and United from SFO ~ HKG
However, my hesitation is only 1:19 layovers I will have. Will it be too risky?
I would like to check which terminal expected to arrive and departure but still couldn’t figure it out that makes me so worried about that too…
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Gloria – you’re very welcome! 1 hour and 19 minutes is going to be more than enough time. Because you’ll be going through US customs and immigration prior to departing YEG, you’ll arrive at SFO as if you are on a domestic US flight. It’s simply a matter of walking from one gate to the next at that point (with no additional security checks).
Your Air Canada flight will be arriving in Terminal 2 (concourse C or D). Your United flight to Hong Kong will be departing out of Terminal 3 (concourse G). You’ll be able to walk from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 without having to go through security again. It’s about a 10 minute walk at a leisurely pace.
Have a great trip!
Jannie
Hi Scott, thanks for sharing. These informations are very useful and insightful I’ve a flight from Singapore to SFO (operated by Singapore airlines) and then layover at SFO abt 3hrs (will be arriving at T1) after that need to head to T2 to go through customs and check in to continue the journey to Vancouver (the flight from SFO to Vancouver will be operated by Air Canada) This is purchased all in one ticket. I would like to ask whether are we still required to claim our luggage first and then rechecked them again when we go through the customs security immigration ? Or Singapore airlines will help do the arrangement for the luggage to be transported to the air canada plane? I’m not sure how it works. And also getting from T1 to T2 at SFO airport, how long will it takes? Thank you.
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Jannie! Three hours is going to be plenty of time – if your flight from Singapore arrives on time (or close to it), you won’t have any issues making your connection.
All passengers arriving in the US from abroad are required to retrieve their luggage before going through customs.
The first thing you’ll do is go through passport control. Once past that, retrieve your luggage from the baggage carousel. You can then pass through the customs checkpoint and exit out into the main terminal.
As soon as you exit customs, turn left. You’ll see a large scanning machine not too far away. Give your luggage to the person running that machine. He’ll scan the tags, run it through the machine, and that’ll be it. Your luggage will then be checked through to Vancouver, and you can proceed to the T2 security checkpoint to get back into the terminal.
It’ll take about 10 minutes to walk from T1 to T2. Have a great trip!
James
Hi Scott, I am super paranoid now about potentially missing my flight. I have an upcoming flight from Singapore to Calgary operated by United for both flights, layover in SFO for 1h 55m (flying into SFO at G gate and departing from E gate from previous flights data). Any things I need to take note of? I understand that I need to retrieve my luggage and go through customs.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi James – yes, you will need to retrieve and then recheck your luggage prior to making the connection to Calgary.
Two hours should be enough, but you can save a lot of time by using the dedicated baggage recheck area immediately after exiting customs. Turn left, and you’ll see a large scanning machine. Hand your luggage to the person working that machine, and he/she will scan your tags before putting it through. That’s all you’ll have to do.
From there, just proceed to the nearest security checkpoint to get back into the terminal. All United gates are connected behind security, so it doesn’t matter which one you go through.
J
Just a comment about the international arrival to domestic connection: in March I arrived from SIN around 10:30 pm, and after clearing passport control and retrieving bags, we were shunted out into the main terminal–but there was nowhere to quickly drop bags as there normally are for international arrivals. We had to take our luggage to the main United check in counters, and there was ONE person working. This person seemed to take a long time with each customer, potentially because by this point many people were cutting their connections very close, and he refused to let some of us board our connecting flights even though we could have made it to the gate, because of the baggage check timing cutoff. I don’t know if this (having to go to main airline check-in counters vs the standard bag drop) was a rare one-time occurrence, or if this is happening most/every day for late night arrivals, but I would love to know if anyone else has had this experience, or if it has been fixed. I am making the same trip next month, and would love to know what to expect!
Scott (SANspotter)
Good question J! That baggage recheck area does close at some point every evening – but I’m not sure of the exact time. Hopefully someone who knows will see this and chime in.
Anh
Hi Scott,
I was wondering if I arrive at SFO at International Terminal, and have 1hr 43min transition time for my next flight to PDX. Will you think I will make it?
Thank you very much.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Anh! Yes – as long as your inbound flight arrives on time (or somewhat close), you most likely won’t have any issues. My last several international arrivals at SFO have gone very smoothly. The customs and immigration process is a little better than it is at other US airports IMHO.
If it makes you feel any better, there are a lot of flights between SFO and PDX every day on multiple airlines. Missing your connection isn’t going to be a big deal – they’ll just put you on the next one. Have a great trip!
Kim Chen
Hi there! We’re coming from Toronto-Canada, stop over in San Fran for 1hr15min and flying from there to Maui OGG..says we land in terminal 2 and leave from terminal 3…thoughts on whether we have enough time? Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Kim! An hour and 15 minutes is going to be way more than enough time for two specific reasons:
First, you’ll go through US customs and immigration prior to leaving Toronto. Second, T2 and T3 are connected behind the security checkpoint, so it’ll just be a matter of walking from one gate to the next. Have a great trip!
chrissie
hi scott! i have been trying to study this post (and all the comments!) i have a 1hr35 min layover in sfo next week, and im extremely anxious about it- ive tried changing flights with no luck. i am flying aircanada yyz to sfo (notoriously late), then japan airlines to hnd (often leaves early!). what would be the quickest way to go? not checking any luggage, and changed my seat to be closer to the front, so hopefully that helps! any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Chrissie! No need to be anxious – assuming that you can get your JAL boarding pass online (via the JL mobile app or website), 1 hour and 35 minutes is going to be plenty of time. Not having checked luggage is the way to go!
You’ll be arriving in Terminal 2. FYI, you won’t have to go through US customs and immigration since you’ll be doing that prior to leaving YYZ. It’s hard to know exactly what gate your JAL flight will be departing from, but it will most likely be going out of concourse A in Terminal 1. Note that there is no airside access between T2 and T1 unfortunately. You will have to go through a security checkpoint to get into T1.
Honestly though, without checked luggage and a boarding pass already in hand, you’ll have plenty of time.
You’ll even have enough time if for whatever reason you have to check in with JAL at SFO. That’s only going to add 10 to 15 minutes to the entire process, so (unless your flight from YYZ is massively delayed), you’ve got nothing to worry about. Have a great trip!
Alex
Hi Scott
is it still possible to walk between C (delta) to A (Korean Air) with the ongoing construction?
Thanks in advance. Appreciate your help!
Alex
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Alex! It’s been a while since I’ve walked from Concourse C to Concourse A, but as far as I’m aware, it’s still walkable (though you will have to go through security checkpoint to get into A).
Tanja
Hi, thanks a lot for this informative post.
I just still have a problem, wich stresses me out …
Our transfer time from Munich via SFO to Kona (Hawaii) was shortened to 2.5 hours (immigration to US and pick up/drop off luggage).
I now have the opportunity to rebook with a transfer time about 4 hours, but with one more stopover. We would then be on the road for 25 hours instead of 20 hours. What would you recommend? Should I rebook and be on the safe side or risk the short transfer time?
I would be very grateful for your opinion … thanks. Tanja
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Tanja – I think you’d be OK with a 2.5 hour layover. Even if your inbound flight from Munich is delayed slightly, that’s plenty of time to do the full US customs and immigration process at SFO (with checked luggage).
A 4 hour layover would be better, but not if it involves an additional stop over. You’d increase the risk of having a delayed flight / missed connection that way. It wouldn’t be worth it IMHO.
Cindy
Hello! I was looking for any info on layover in SFO. We are flying United from HKG to IAD. I have a very short layover of 1 hour! I don’t know if I will make my connection with this short time. Thoughts? I’m surprised the flight was scheduled with such a short layover too.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Cindy! I don’t think that’s going to be enough time if I’m being honest. Maybe the only way you’d be able to make it as if you have Global Entry and no checked luggage. Otherwise I’d be looking for an alternative flight!
Fel
Hi Scott, hope you could help me with this. It will be my first time travelling from Singapore to Minneapolis. I will be taking Singapore airlines with a 3hrs layover at SFO, followed by Delta airlines to St Paul. All under same booking.
Am I required to retrieve my baggage at SFO and recheck again?
Also, do I need to go through immigration at SFO?
Would 3 hrs layover be sufficient?
I read the above comments and assume Singapore airlines is typically at Gate G at SFO and I have to make my way to Terminal 2?
I would assume the return flight transfer would be the same?
Thank you and looking forward to you advice. Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi! First of all, yes – 3 hours is going to be plenty of time to make the transfer (even though you are going to have to do the full US customs and immigration process at SFO). First will be passport control, and then you’re going to have to retrieve your luggage before going through customs.
Rechecking your luggage after customs will be very easy. As soon as you exit customs turn left. You’ll see a baggage drop / scanning machine. Give your luggage to the person operating that machine, and you’ll be good to go. From there, walk to Terminal 2, and go through the security checkpoint to reach the Delta gates.
Going back will be a lot easier since you’re not going to have to go through customs and immigration at SFO. Your Delta flight from Minneapolis will arrive at Terminal 2, and your Singapore Airlines flight will be departing out of Terminal 3. If your luggage is checked all the way to Singapore, you won’t have to retrieve it. You can walk to Terminal 3 (Concourse G) from within the secure area. Just follow the signs for T3.
Have a great trip!
Felicia
Hi Scott, would 3hrs layover at SFO be sufficient for domestic to international connection? Will be flying into SFO on Delta from Minneapolis and departing to SIN on Singapore airlines. Thank you.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Felicia – I assume you’re the same person who asked a similar question last night? If not, there seems to be a lot of people traveling from Singapore to Minneapolis lately. 🙂
Anyway, yes, 3 hours will be more than enough time. You won’t have to do anything at SFO except walk from one gate to the next (no security checkpoints, no customs, and no passport control).
Your Delta flight will arrive in Terminal 2, and your Singapore Airlines flight will depart out of Terminal 3. You can walk between these two terminals without exiting the secure area, so the transfer will be very quick and easy.
Felicia
Yes I’m the same person! Sorry for asking so many questions! I didn’t know it would have taken awhile foe the posts to be up.
Thank so much for the detailed advice and tips.
Just to clarify, since Singapore Airlines and Delta are not partner airlines, would I need to check in via Delta counter or just pass it to the operator after the customs for both going and returning flights?
Scott (SANspotter)
No problem! As I was starting to reply to that second question, I thought “Wait a minute, this sounds familiar…” 🙂 Anyway, yes, I have to manually approve all comments and questions just to avoid spam. FYI, it can take up to a day or two for those comments questions to appear.
As long as your luggage is tagged all the way through to your final destination (MSP coming to the US and SIN going back), you won’t have to take your luggage to the airline counter. For example:
1). On your way to Minneapolis, you can drop your luggage at the baggage drop after exiting customs just as long as your bags are tagged to MSP. If not, you will have to take them to the Delta counters and check them in there.
2). On your way back to Singapore, you won’t have to retrieve (and then re-check) your luggage at SFO as long as they are tagged all the way to SIN when you check in at Minneapolis. If they are only tagged to SFO, you will have to retrieve them and check them in directly with Singapore Airlines.
Betsy Spicer
Hi Scott I wonder if you can help and provide direction with a connecting flight situation I have with United Airlines on 14 December. I will be departing from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and undergo USA customs and TSA clearance as YVR which is a designated pre clearance location.
The United Airlines (UA) flight departs at 07:15 pm arriving 09:42 pm. It is imperative I make the UA connection to Cancun departing 11:03 PM. At this time, UA staff are unable to provide suggestions as flight gates and terminals are undetermined. When connecting through SFO to Venice in 2013, I didn’t change terminals but understand this may not be the case in 2023.
Do you anticipate I may need to go through a security checkpoint again and 1 hour and 20 minutes is too short of a connection time? Many thanks for your time and attention to my questions.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Betsy! That’s going to be a very easy connection IMHO. United Airlines occupies Terminal 3 at SFO (which consists of concourses E, F, and G). You can walk between all of these concourses without having to go through any security checkpoints.
Basically, you’re not going to have to do anything at SFO except walk from one gate to the next. An hour and 20 minutes is a lot of time for this, and you’ll very likely have enough time to sit down and get something to eat if you want.
Have a great trip!
Betsy Spicer
Thx Scott, have been following the SFO to Cancun flight pattern and majority are departing from Terminal 3 which would be great, as Vancouver flight arrives at Terminal 3.
However, one SFO to Cancun flight is departing from International area instead of Terminal 3. What would I do in that case? Thx again for your kind assistance.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Betsy – yes, it’s definitely going to be Terminal 3 (for both your inbound and outbound flights). Concourse G (in Terminal 3) is the international terminal for United and other Star Alliance airlines. You can get into it from concourses E and F without having to go through security. I promise it will be easy. 🙂
Felicia
Thank you, Scott! This is extremely helpful!!
Betsy Spicer
Thank you for everything Scott, your guidance and direction are greatly appreciated. You’ve reduced my anxiety level immensely for making my SFO connection for my Dec 14 Cancun trip.
Angelica
Thanks Scott for this helpful guide! My parents are flying from SFO to BNE (Australia) with United (arriving from Austin with United too). They will have 1h20min if the flight gets SFO on time. I understood they can actually walk from one gate to the other easily and they do not need to go through security check point. Is that correct? You think is enough time? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Angelica! Yes, that is exactly right. They will be able to walk from one gate to the next without having to go through security. An hour and 20 minutes is going to be a piece of cake, and they won’t have to stress about anything at all.
Well, trying to figure out what to eat before the flight is always a bit of a challenge at SFO. There are many good options. 🙂
Angelica
their flight has been delayed 🙁 and now they will have less than an hour at SFO 🙁 I was checking the interactive maps and it is showing a check point between gates……. hopefully it is just in the map and they dont have to go through there! Thanks again for your advice!
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome! As long as they’re flying United the entire way, they’re not going have to go through any security checkpoints. Less than an hour will still be easy – though they might not have enough time to grab a meal beforehand.
Jaclyn
This article has been so helpful! We booked a mid-week United flight from Austin to Taipei in March. Our flight has a connection at SFO, it arrives in SFO at 9:58 p.m. and our next flight to Taipei departs at 11:25 p.m. We usually try to book flights with longer layovers to minimize stress of missing a flights, a one hour 27 minute layover feels tight for us . Is this sufficient time for a connection to our next fight? I appreciate your advice, thank you!
Scott (SANspotter)
Glad to help Jaclyn! Yes, that will be plenty of time. You’ll be arriving at SFO in Terminal 3 (concourses E or F), and departing out of Terminal 3 (concourse G). You can walk between concourses E, F, and G without having to go through any security checkpoints, so it’ll be quick and easy. Have a great trip!
Jaclyn
Thank you so much!
Myles
Hi Scott. This is really helpful, I’ll be flying from Philippines to SAN this June and will connect in SFO (i think its better than connrcting in LAX). When you say, retrieve you luggage, are the the 50lb checked baggages? I Normally fly direct Tokyo to SAN so I have no idea how it works when connecting International to domestic. Thank you!!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Myles! First of all, yes – connecting at SFO is generally easier than LAX. Good choice!
Any piece of luggage that you don’t bring inside the plane with you is considered “checked” luggage. You will have to retrieve this before going through customs at SFO. The process is fairly simple:
1). Go through passport control
2). Retrieve your checked luggage from the baggage carousel
3). Go through customs (which is usually very quick and easy)
From there, you will exit out into the non-secure area of the terminal. There will be a place to re-check your luggage right outside of customs (so that you don’t have to take it all the way back to the airline ticket counter).
Once you’re finished with that, re-enter the terminal using the nearest security checkpoint. Have a great trip!
Myles
Thank you so much!!!
steph
Hi Scott, I found this the most useful article! Thank you for taking the time (especially the responses to comments as well!). I am hoping you might be able to help me as well!
I made the mistake of booking my trip from Australia and then working out my itinerary in the US. As a result I fly into and out of SFO but I end my journey in San Diego (for varying reasons that cannot be helped). In any case, I would prefer to fly from SD to SFO on my departure date (16 April) but I’m worried that since I have to get my luggage and then check-in for the international flight (as they will be separately ticketed).
So, my options are to allow either 4 hours or 6 hours between scheduled arrival time (Alaska Airlines) and departure time (Fiji Airways). Which would you recommend? I am traveling as sole parent with 3 teenagers. Fiji flight departs at 11:30pm so the arrival times on Alaska are either 5:15pm or 7:25pm… I’d rather not have 6 hours at the airport before boarding an international trip back to Australia but if you think that it would save a million stresses I’m keen to hear!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Steph! Four hours will be more than enough time. You won’t have any issues at all arriving at 7:25 PM (or later). SFO starts winding down in the evenings (earlier than other major airports do), so it’ll be a really easy transfer IMHO.
No need for the long layover!
steph
thanks Scott! I think you’re amazing with your community support, passion, and quick responses! thank you for easing my mind. appreciate it so much!!!!
Danica
Hello Scott, traveling from Manila to SFO and then SFO to Memphis (terminal 1) with 3 hours in between the two flights with 2 toddlers. Is this enough time? We are traveling in June and our SFO to Memphis flight is at midnight.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Danica! Nope, you aren’t going to have any issues at all. 3 hours is a lot of time for an international to domestic connection at SFO. Especially in the evenings (when things are generally quieter).
Even if your flight into SFO is a little late, you’ll be fine. Nothing to worry about!
Kieran
This is super helpful and is giving me more confidence to stick with my original plan. We will be flying in from Japan (stop in ICN) on Asiana and will land at 3:00pm (hopefully). We will have 2.5 hours until the next plane departs at 5:35pm. However, I’m worried about the time of day and also that the airlines have no baggage agreement or connection whatsoever. Which means I’ll need to use the check-in counter and go back through security at possibly one of the busiest times. Do you think it’s worth the extra hundreds of dollars to get on the next united flight at 6:25pm? Or add 9 more hours at the airport for the next flight? Both are not ideal options, do I have a decent chance of making it on the 5:35 flight?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Kieran – as long as your flight from ICN arrives on time (or close to it), 2 1/2 hours will probably be OK. if it were me, I would pay a little more for the 6:25 PM flight – if only to save myself from the stress of worrying about making the connection.
Keep in mind that you won’t be protected if you miss your connecting flight. It sounds like you are flying on two separate tickets (Japan/ICN to SFO and SFO to your destination). If your flight from ICN arrives late, and you don’t have enough time to make your connection to the other airline, that other airline won’t reimburse or refund you. Your only choice will be to purchase a new ticket.
I highly recommend the 6:25 PM flight. Good luck!
Kieran
Thanks so much for your reply,
I feel as though I should add, we are coming in on business class on Asiana (there is no first class). So we will be the first off the plane and (I assume) in the customs line. Do you think that can help make up the difference? I did the math and for both of us to change flights to the 6:25 it would actually cost about $1k. I would hate to spend that much on the exact same fare type, even though it was my mistake. Curious, do you know if there is more than one TSA checkpoint/security from terminal G to terminal 2D? (After customs I mean).
I’m thinking absolute worst case, I’ll check both bags while my husband makes it on the first flight. That way we only lose one ticket and buy one additional ticket. IF I can’t make it. Then go from there.
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome! Yes, being one of the first passengers off the plane from ICN is going to help speed things along. I’ve arrived into SFO on an international flight at 3pm (ish) recently, and getting through passport control and customs was very quick. Keep in mind that I’m a US citizen with Global Entry, but still, the line for non-US citizens didn’t seem very long.
I highly recommend getting to passport control as quickly as you can upon exiting the plane though.
And yes, there are multiple security checkpoints to get back into the Terminal. Keep in mind that Terminals 2 and 3 (concourses D, E, F, and G) are connected airside. This means that you can move freely between them behind the security checkpoint. Use any security entrance to reach any of those concourses.
A lot is going to have to go wrong for you to miss your connection I think. Just stay positive – and maybe study the SFO terminal map before you arrive. 🙂 Good luck!
Kay
Hello, thank you for your blog & all your replies. I have read them all looking for my situation & didn’t see it. First time doing an International to domestic : I will be returning to SFO on Vietnam Airlines at Terminal A at 6:40pm, I then searched for the latest flight I could to get home to Phoenix. It’s a United flight leaving at 9:22pm from Terminal 3. So 2 hours & 40 mins with 2 separate tickets and 1 checked bag. Is this doable? There is no later flight on any airline to get to Phx. & I don’t want to spend night at SFO 🙁 Can I do a recheck bag after customs even tho it’s different airlines? Thank you for any help/suggestions.
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Kay! Yes, SFO international to domestic connections at that time of night are always relatively quick in my experience. You’ll breeze through passport control and customs in no time.
You won’t be able to re-check your bag at the baggage recheck area immediately after exiting customs unless it’s already tagged to PHX. If it’s only tagged to SFO, you’ll have to take it to the United check-in counter (which isn’t far from the exit from customs).
Have a great trip!
Chi
Hi Scott, Thank you so much for help everyone here, I am planning to travel from domestic to International, from Albuquerque ABQ to SFO (UA 5215), layover 2 hours, fly back to Vancouver YVR (ac573), just wondering will 2 hours be enough ? I am going to travel with my friend who is wheelchair user , cant walk by herself, quite worry about 2 hrs time, will it enough for transfer back Canada including her luggage? Thank you.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Chi – you’re very welcome! Two hours is going to be plenty of time . You’ve got nothing to worry about.
The transfer at SFO will be very easy. United and Air Canada are partner airlines, so luggage will transfer automatically. You’ll simply walk to your connecting gate without having to go through any security checkpoints.
Have a great trip!
Lui
Hi Scott, thank you for all the information, it’s super helpful. I am a non US citizen, first time doing an International to Domestic at SFO. I’ll be flying in from Singapore to SFO at 8:15pm with a layover of 2.5 hours and then depart SFO at 10:47pm to Fort Lauderdale. Will 2.5 hours be enough? I will be travelling in mid May.
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Lui! Yes, that will be plenty of time. There aren’t that many international arrivals coming into SFO that time of night, so you should be able to get through passport control and customs relatively quick.
In general, I’ve found that 2 1/2 hours is a good amount of time nearly any time of day at SFO. They seem to be able to process incoming international passengers faster than most other major airports IMHO.
Have a great trip!
Gary Jenkins
Hi Scott,
We are travelling from LHR to LAS via SFO with a rather lengthy 6 hour layover (so time is not an issue) – but i wonder if we have to collect and re-check our checked baggage in SFO.
The flights are all on one ticket with BA so we arrive in SFO on BA then transfer to Alaskan for our onward journey to LAS.
There seems to be conflicting information about the need to collect baggage and re-check in SFO.
Thanks
Gary
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Gary – yes, you will need to retrieve your luggage before going through customs (it’s a requirement for all passengers arriving in the US from abroad).
The good news is that re-checking luggage is very easy for Alaska Airlines passengers at SFO. Upon exiting customs, turn right. You’ll see a baggage drop area (consisting of a scanning machine and an attendant or two). This is for Alaska Airlines passengers only.
Simply give them your luggage (which should already be tagged to LAS) and they’ll take care of the rest. You can go directly to the nearest security checkpoint to get back into the terminal.
Gary Jenkins
Thank you Scott #legend
Mai
Hi Scott,
I’ve read the post and all comments thus far which have been helpful and stressful at the same time!
I managed to scrape recently from my international to domestic connection and just make the flight – customs line was long and I had to run – I had 2 hours layover!
I was wondering for domestic (Alaska Airlines) to international (Fiji Airways) with a 2.5 hour layover would suffice? Unfortunately, they are on not on the same ticket, although I know they are codeshare partners – would there be enough time? Otherwise, I was contemplating paying the change fee to get on the earlier flight from Seattle to SFO on Alaska.
Thanks in advance!
Mai
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Mai! Bummer that your two hour connection wasn’t as smooth as it should’ve been. I guess I’ve been lucky, because I’ve never had any issues getting through SFO customs and immigration at any time day or night.
Anyway, 2 1/2 hours to go from domestic to international shouldn’t be an issue if you don’t have any checked luggage. If you do, it’ll be a little tight – but not impossible. I highly recommend going carry-on luggage only if you can.
Personally, I wouldn’t change a thing if it were me. Then again, it seems that I have had better luck at SFO than you, so there would be no shame in choosing an earlier flight. 🙂 Good luck!
Chuck
Hi Scott thanks so much for this page, really helpful. Hoping you can help assuage my fears here (or make me reconsider!):
I’ve got a domestic flight on Alaska to SFO arriving 22:31– should be at the B gates as I understand it.
Then I’m flying out of China Airlines at 23:40 — I’m under the impression this departs from G gates.
Just shy of 70 minutes. I have only a backpack (no luggage). Also, I can run pretty fast. Doable?
From what you’ve described above, I have about a 6 minute walk plus security? Sounds tight but doable?
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Chuck! Yup, you’ve got it exactly right. You won’t have to walk very far, but you will most certainly have to go through security.
And not to scare you or anything, but the SFO International Terminal is quite busy that time of night.
Would I do it? Yes. Would I be a little worried about it? Not gonna lie – yes. 🙂
It should be OK though. It’s probably going to be a smidge stressful, but a lot is going to have to go wrong for you to miss your connection.
Chuck
Thanks for your response Scott! Yeah, I think I’ll go for it. Also, I just got this Global Entry thing so maybe that’ll help expedite the security part, not sure as I haven’t used it.
Anyway, thanks again, happy spotting.