Airport Assistance Services

At SFO, Airport Assist steers you to the right security lane for your terminal and airside, shaving minutes off queues—particularly useful during morning rushes and when Terminal 3 or the International Terminal is especially busy.

Our host will meet you curbside or just past baggage claim, escort you through arrivals procedures and, if needed, guide you toward CBP lines or recheck counters in the International Terminal—simple, hands-on arrival help.

We arrange entry to airline and pay-to-enter lounges across terminals—pointing you to temporary or permanent Centurion lounges, Delta/United clubs, and Plaza Premium spaces depending on where you’re flying from. Booking early prevents last-minute surprises.

For a discrete, priority route through SFO, a dedicated host manages priority check-in, escorts through enhanced screening lanes where available, and routes you through quieter corridors—handy when Terminal 3 modernization or gate changes add friction.

Airport Assist locates sensory rooms, nursing areas and family rest zones, coordinates wheelchair support, and times transfers to avoid long corridors—especially helpful at Harvey Milk Terminal 1 where family facilities are concentrated.

A porter meets you at the carousel, takes bulky luggage, and escorts it to the AirTrain, BART access points or curbside pickup—useful for travelers changing between domestic and international gates or carrying oversized gear.

Practical, short tips tailored to SFO’s operations and passenger needs.

• Confirm your terminal cluster early. SFO’s terminals are grouped; know whether your flight uses Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, or the International Terminal.
• Allow AirTrain time. The AirTrain links all terminals, parking and the BART station; the Red Line loop takes about nine minutes—factor in walking to platforms.
• Use Global Entry or Mobile Passport to speed CBP. If eligible, Global Entry or the free Mobile Passport app can cut CBP wait times on arrival. Official CBP info is the source to check.
• Expect fluctuating CBP wait windows. International arrivals often cluster in late afternoon and evening—arrive earlier or later to avoid the longest lines.
• Plan minimum connection times conservatively. Minimal connection times are to be calculated on the conservative side, 1-1.5 hours intra-terminal domestic transfers; 2-3 hours cross-terminal or domestic-international; 3 or more (international) baggage recheck transfers.
• Prepare day rooms or book lounges: Popular lounges as well as transitional Centurion or airline clubs may be at capacity level--reserve entry should you appreciate assured downtime.
• Book lounges or day rooms ahead. Popular lounges, including temporary Centurion or airline clubs, can reach capacity—reserve access if you value guaranteed downtime.
• Sleep and short-stay options. Quiet seating and some paid rest suites are available; look for calmer gate ends or book Minute Suites type rooms beyond TSA if you need privacy and a nap.
• Grab a local bite near your gate. SFO’s concession map changes during renovations—locate nearby spots like Napa Farms Market or Boudin for reliable regional flavors.
• Stay connected. Free airport Wi-Fi is available but requires reconnection; if you need steady data, an eSIM before arrival is the smoothest option.
• Baggage recheck rules. If you arrive internationally and continue onward, follow SFO’s recheck signage—do not exit the secure area with bags if you have an onward flight.
• Family and neurodiverse support. SFO’s sensory room and family facilities (Harvey Milk Terminal 1) make transitions easier—ask Airport Assist to route you there.
• Art and calm spaces. SFO Museum galleries and SkyTerrace are good places to stretch and recharge between flights—free and unexpectedly pleasant.
• Watch for construction impacts. Monitor construction effects. Modernization of terminals can change gates, lounges/security checkpoints check flysfo.com live notices before travelling.
• Weather and delays. operations may be slackened by mist or tempests; radio messages must be transmitted and alternative rerouting arranged with Airport Assist.Authoritative CBP entry and trusted-traveler data: U.S. Customs and Border Protection.