SFO Hacks: Here’s How to Navigate San Francisco’s Airport Like a Pro this Holiday

Between the crowds, the security line and the anticipation of being in a flying metal tube for multiple hours, the airport isn’t always this reporter’s favorite place — and perhaps you feel the same way.

And speaking of crowds, the upcoming winter holiday travel season will make San Francisco International Airport even busier.

All of which means that it’s a good time to learn about several of SFO’s more hidden or low-key aspects that could make your next flight out (or in) much more relaxed — enjoyable, even.

From the shortest walkways to where to find some serenity post-security, keep reading on for the SFO hacks that even seasoned travelers might not be aware of yet, recommended by airport experts.

(Want even more SFO tips? We have thorough guides to the best restaurants at the airport and where to visit in San Francisco if you have a long layover and feel adventurous enough to take public transportation.)

Time to explore? Travel between SFO terminals post-security

Once you are through security, you actually can walk between terminals using the several connected corridors at the airport. (SFO’s free Airtrain connects the terminals pre-security.)

“If you’re trying to be adventurous, you should wander around these different terminals,” said Francis Tsang, from SFO’s communications team. “There’s something for everyone.”

Tsang said people may want to check out a specific local restaurant, go shopping or view the rotating art displays across the entire airport, which include both pre-and post-security installations. In fact, the SFO Museum is the only airport museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

You may also want to check out the architecture at Harvey Milk Terminal 1, which has recently received international recognition for its sustainable design.

“Just make sure that you have time so that you don’t miss your flight,” Tsang added. And to be sure of how long you’ll actually need to stroll between terminals — and get back to your gate before boarding ends — this reporter visited SFO to time out the walk for you:

• From Terminal 1 to Terminal 2: Around a 3-minute walk
• From Terminal 1 to International Terminal A: Less than a minute walk
• From Terminal 2 to Terminal 3: Around a 2-minute walk
• From Terminal 3 to International Terminal G: Around 6 minutes walk (by far the longest stretch, and it does feel like a bit of a trek.)

If you have a long layover and want to do some wandering, be prepared to do some walking. According to Tsang, Terminal 1 itself is as long as San Francisco’s Salesforce Tower is tall: “About three and a half football fields.”

Before going exploring, check out the airport’s own guide to navigating its terminals first, and make very sure you don’t accidentally exit security.

Find extra support for neurodivergent travelers 

Even though SFO has a quiet airport policy, there is a fairly large “sensory room” located in the Harvey Milk Terminal 1.

While open to all passengers, this space was designed especially for neurodivergent travelers and their families. The room features comfy seats, a mock-up of an airplane cabin where travelers can practice being in a flight environment and several interactive wall displays. (This reporter got a real kick out of the room’s installation of lights that follow your body’s movements.)

There are also yoga and meditation rooms located around the airport, including Terminal 1, 2 and 3 post-security.

You can also request extra support online from TSA to get through security. Filling out the TSA Cares form can get you access to extra assistance during screening for situations including:

• Difficulty following instructions due to a disability or medical condition
• Mobility limitations, including difficulty standing, walking or lifting my arms
• Mobility aids or support devices
• Traveling with medically necessary liquids, gels, aerosols over 3.4oz
• Traveling with a child who has a disability or medical condition
• Traveling with a service animal
• Difficulty understanding and communicating in English.

If your flight is within 72 hours, you should go ahead and call (855) 787-2227.

Paws and fur-get about airport stress with SFO’s support animals

SFO has a program called the “Wag Brigade,” where trained animals wander the terminals post-security, accompanied by their humans, for any travelers to approach, pet or cuddle before or after their flight. Tsang said you’re most likely to spot these animals mid-afternoon at SFO at Terminal 3, departures level.

The animals — including golden retrievers, rabbits and sometimes even a pig named LiLou — will be wearing vests that explicitly encourage visitors to pet them (but of course, be sure you are not confusing a Wag Brigade animal with another traveler’s service animal).

The animal’s human may even have a card about their pet to hand out to you — that you can collect like a Pokémon card.

This reporter got to meet a sweetheart corgi named Lia, who already had two other passengers fawning over her. If I saw Lia before a flight, I would probably have to restrain myself from taking her with me.

If you have an early morning flight, download and monitor your airline’s app

This tip actually comes from KQED photographer Beth LaBerge, whose work you’ll see in this story, and who previously worked for years as a customer service agent for Delta Airlines — primarily at SFO.

LaBerge said that the airport is known for what’s called “flow control delay.”

SFO has two main landing runways, about 750 feet apart. Planes can land side-by-side on a clear day. But during foggy conditions — common here in the Bay — it’s a different story.

When the marine layer comes in and visibility out on those runways drops, “SFO can’t have dual arrivals because the runways are too close together,” LaBerge said. In these cases, air traffic control shuts down one runway and arrivals “basically get cut in half.”

These occurrences primarily impact shorter, domestic flights in the morning — and when delays happen, it could potentially spill into the rest of the day. While there is no “surefire trick” to avoid delays on foggy days, LaBerge noticed that early flights, around 5 a.m. or 6 a.m., are sometimes able to sneak out before the fog settles.

“Being proactive is one of the biggest things that I recommend to anyone flying from anywhere,” LaBerge said. She recommended that you download your airline’s app and turn on alerts, which “will give you updates about delays, gate changes [and] cancellations, and just help you stay ahead of those surprises.”