Summer Travel Tips

Gearing up for a summer getaway? Summer is one of the busiest times at SFO, so to help start your trip smoothly we’ve rounded up some of our top tips:

Allow time: We recommend travelers arrive at least 2 hours prior to departure for domestic flights and 3 hours prior to departure for international flights, and that’s especially advised during our peak summer travel period.

Make sure you have a REAL ID: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now requires all passengers 18 and older to present a REAL ID compliant driver's license or other acceptable form of identification at TSA checkpoints nationwide. For more information, visit: TSA.gov/real-id. Travelers who do not meet this requirement should allow extra time for the security screening process.

Book parking in advance: We expect our parking garages to be at or near capacity during the summer travel season. If you are planning to park, we recommend you pre-book using SFO’s online booking system, which enables you to choose your parking dates and times and enter payment information to complete a booking in advance. Plus, you’ll always find our lowest available rates by booking online. To book, visit: parking.flysfo.com.

Explore transit options: SFO is connected to major public transit systems including BART, Caltrain, SamTrans, and more. Whether you're traveling to San Francisco, the East Bay, Silicon Valley or beyond, SFO offers a number of ways to get you there. Easily hop onboard with the all-in-one transit Clipper card which you can download to your phone. Learn more.

Try Remote Bag Check: Take advantage of our complimentary Remote Bag Check service! Visit one of our Remote Bag Check locations where the Bags Inc. team will check you in for your flight and check your bags. Then, take AirTrain to the terminals. This service is located at the Long-Term Parking Garage, Level 5, and at the Rental Car Center Level 1 Hall.

United Expands Service to Central America!

United Airlines now offers nonstop flights from SFO to both San José, Costa Rica and Panama City, Panama. These new flights bring United’s SFO to Central America routes to four destinations, making it even easier to explore the renowned culture, beauty, and biodiversity of the region. In addition, the two new services provide excellent connectivity with United’s SFO-Asia routes. Service to both destinations operates daily. Learn more.

Nonstop to the Azores on TAP Air Portugal

Experience the Azores this summer! Starting June 3rd, new nonstop service from SFO to Terceira Island (TER) launches on TAP Air Portugal. Let Terceira, the Azores’ third largest island, be your gateway to adventures of all kinds. Explore the historic town center of Angra do Heroísmo, attend lively Azorean cultural festivals, or embark on an outdoor adventure across stunning landscapes. This new seasonal service operates weekly on TAP Air Portugal’s A330-900neo aircraft.

SFO Named a Top 10 Airport for Food & Drinks

Dig into award-winning meals the next time you fly from SFO! We’re proud to have recently been named one of the top 10 airports in the US for food and drinks by Food & Wine Magazine. The ranking highlighted SFO favorites like Napa Farms Market, "dim sum hotspot" Koi Palace, and Vietnamese eatery Bun Mee, which was also recently honored in a Bloomberg ranking of the best airport restaurants in the world. This is the third year in a row that SFO has made the ranking. Discover SFO’s 75+ dining options.

Air Service Updates

Where will you fly this summer? Check out new domestic and international routes launching soon at SFO!