San Francisco International Airport Guide

If you will be stuck at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), there are good ways to pass the time and reduce the feel of your wait. Let's start by getting oriented. At SFO, there are four main terminals: Terminal 1 (South), Terminal 2 (currently under renovation), Terminal 3 (North) and the International Terminal (infrequently referred to as Terminal 4). You may use AirTrain or your own two feet to travel from one terminal to another. If you are a smoker, please note that smoking is only allowed in designated areas outside of the terminals.

If you have been traveling for a while, you may want to stop for a quick shower at Freshen Up (open 7am-11pm) in the Main Hall of the International Terminal (pre-security). Once you have freshened up, you may want to store your baggage at the Travel Agency (open 7am-11pm) in the Main Hall of the International Terminal (pre-security) so you can wonder freely. Fees are for 24 hours (even if you only need it for a few hours) and are based on the size of your bag. For rates, you can call them at 650-877-0422 or email them at CF.Airport@gmail.com . Now you should be ready to explore San Francisco International Airport.

If you are traveling with kids, you will surely want to visit the Aquarium featuring aquatic ecosystems of the Coral Reef, Lake Malawi, and the Amazon. The Aquarium can be found in the pre-security area of Terminal 1 near Boarding Area C on the Departures/Ticketing Level. In Terminal 3, near Boarding Area F near gate 87A (post-security), is the Kids' Spot which features a plasma wall, crawling equipment and a weather-oriented interactive Exploratorium. Two Children's Art Galleries can be found at the Baggage Claim area of Terminal 1, Concourse A and C. The Aviation Library & Museum (open Sun-Fri 10am-4pm/closed holidays) showcases the history of commercial aviation and SFO's role in its history, particularly as "the Gateway to the Pacific". Located in the Main Hall of the International Terminal, admission is free. With over 50 stores in the airport, you are sure to find things of interest for all. Finally, if you and the kids are tired out, why not stop at InMotion DVD & DVD Player Rentals and watch a movie while you wait. SFO has 3 locations: The International Terminal Main Hall branch (pre-security) is open 8am-12am and the Terminal 3 branches (post-security) in Boarding Area F near Gate 71 and another near gates 80-90 are open 6am-11pm.

If you need some quiet time to meditate or just relax in silence, try visiting the Berman Reflection Room (7am-11pm) in the Main Hall of the International Terminal (pre-security). Or head over to Terminal 1 (post-security) near Gates 40-48 and take a reading break at the Christian Science Reading Room (8am-10pm). You can even enjoy a massage, manicure, pedicure or facial at one of two Xpress Spa locations: International Terminal (post-security) in Boarding Area G near Gate G100 (7am-11pm) and Terminal 3 (post-security) in Boarding Area F near Gate 68 (8am-11pm).

If you need to catch up on some work or perhaps facebook, there are free Traveler Workstations throughout the airport as well as Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi) via T-Mobile. Laptop charging is also available at the Traveler Workstations.

If you get hungry, there are over 40 different places to get something to eat including many cafes and grills. Airport prices are steep so plan ahead for the high prices or bring your own snacks or meal. Personally, in spite of the higher costs, my family and I enjoyed eating at the Japanese restaurant, Ebisu during my last visit to SFO.

If you will be passing time at the San Francisco International Airport, you now know some things to keep yourself occupied. If you are planning to leave the airport, you might be interested in my article San Francisco Public Transportation Guide.

Source:
San Francisco International Airport. < http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/index.jsp> Accessed on October 28, 2009.