Guide to Understand Everything About the International Terminal SFO

One of the largest North American international terminals is San Francisco International Airport's Dianne Feinstein.International terminal SFO is known for its high-tech architecture and sheer scale, and also has a passenger-centric design that makes travel easier. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill has designed the terminal; the five-level, 1.8 million-square-foot steel terminal opened in 2000. There are two boarding areas of this terminal, including A (Gates A1–A15) and G (Gates G1–G14), for 29 gates. Most of the gates can handle double-deck aircraft like the A380.

Structure and Layout

This international terminal is unique at SFO because of the dedicated building and two main boarding areas. Concourse and Concourse G are both connected by the international Main Hall on Level 3. This main hall is essential for most international airlines to find check-in counters.

Concourse A (Gates A1-A15): Serves various international airlines.

Concourse G (Gates G1-G14): This is primarily used by United Airlines for international flights and some other international carriers. Therefore, if you are flying with United from San Francisco, then you need to arrive at Concourse G. The terminal is designed with prominent signage to help passengers navigate between security, gates, check-in, and connecting transportation.

Airlines Operating from the International Terminal

As we know, this is an international terminal that hosts a vast number of international airlines, including American, Delta, United, and many more for the regions of Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. Some of the major airlines operating here include:

Major Carriers:

British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, EVA Air, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Philippine Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines (for international flights), Virgin Atlantic, and many more.

Other Airlines:

Aer Lingus, AeroMexico, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air New Zealand, Air Premia, Asiana Airlines, Avianca, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Condor, Copa Airlines, Frenchbee, Iberia, ITA Airways, LEVEL Airlines, SAS, Starlux, TAP Air Portugal, Vietnam Airlines, and ZIPAIR.

You must cross-check the particular airline for the information on exact terminal and gate assignments.

Services and Amenities

SFO's International Terminal offers a comprehensive array of services to make your travel experience comfortable and convenient, including dining, shopping, and lounges. There is a wide range of shopping options, including a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars, ranging from quick bites to sit-down meals, often featuring local Bay Area flavors. If you are looking for duty-free shopping at the SFO terminal, then there are many shops available, including luxury boutiques.

SFO Terminal Lounges

Access to lounges usually depends on the airline, ticket class, and your loyalty program membership, but there are many airline lounges available. The airline lounges at the terminal are British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Air France/KLM, and United Airlines (Polaris Lounge and United Club in Concourse G). On the other hand, currency exchange and ATMs are also readily available throughout the terminal for financial needs.