SFO Terminal Connections | iFlyer Forum

As YQB does not seem to have US customs clearance, you would need, on arrival at SFO, have to go through passport check, pick up bags, go through customs clearance & then re-check in your bags. This alone can take anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes. Where you arrive & depart will depend on the airline(s) you take. I suggest you open www.ifly.com/sfo then click on 'Terminal Map' under QUICK LINKS and scroll down to the detailed text, including transfers.

Yes, it should be possible to make that connection.

Will l have to run for it or it can be done at a regular pace.

What airlines and airport?

Was 1.5 hours enough time? I am considering the same. Reply will be appreciated.

By the way flight UA 820 from Mexico City through SFO and then to connect to UA 885 to Osaka. ..1.5 hours to connect. Can I do it? End of July in mid-week. ..

You need to take the red-line of the AirTrain and go through security check at T2. (open http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/as_airportmaps.htm)

The connection is not on the secure side.

No, T1 and T3 aren't connected beyond security and since you won't have a valid boarding pass departing SFO, your best bet will be to meet her in the T3 baggage claim.

China Eastern hasn't started service to SFO yet, so it's not entirely clear what they'll have there, but if the re-check desk at SFO won't take your bags, then you will just have to take them up to the departures level of the same terminal you're already in (the International Terminal) and find the China Eastern counter.

Should not take you more than 10 mins. (Note: There is also easy transfer via a pedestrian bridge leading to the AirTrain, with connection to the BART transit system.)

A 10 minutes transfer is only doable if it is within the same gate area. I suggest you open www.ifly.com/sfo then click on 'Terminal Map' under QUICK LINKS and scroll down to the detailed text.

You will re-check your bag after you go through immigration then you need to go back through security - You have to do this any time you enter the US from abroad. You have enough time.

You will arrive at SFO's International Terminal (TI), where you need to go through passport check, retrieve checked bags, go through customs clearance, and thereafter, with bags in tow, take the Red-line of the AirTrain (an automated people mover) to one of the two currently operating Terminals 1 or 2. Estimated time Arrival to Domestic Terminal: 1 hr to 1hr 15 mins. For more airport information open I suggest you open www.ifly.com/sfo then click on 'Terminal Map' under QUICK LINKS and scroll down to the detailed text.

4+ hours is plenty of time to make any transfer.

Many flights from YVR arrive in Terminal 3 (since you will preclear US immigration in YVR), if that's the case you won't have to change terminals or go back through security.

You are right..... I will be on United Express, which would be arriving at Terminal 3 and not at SFO International Terminal as I thought, eventhough it is an international flight from Canada. Thanks very much for your prompt reply!

flight from YVR to SFO allows 39 minute connection time - will we make it?

You arrive at the International Terminal (IT or TI) where you need to go through passport check, retrieve checked bags, go through customs clearance and - if transferring to another flight - re-check-in bag: Onward passengers will exit Arrivals Hall through dedicated doors indicating 'Connecting Flights', where they will re-check in bags at the baggage desk directly outside of the exit. However, if you need to take your bags along to check them in with Frontier, you may have a problem time-wise. Your connecting flight with Frontier is in Terminal 1, which has Boarding Area B (gates 20-39). The Blue-line of the AirTrain (automated people mover) serves all terminals, making a continuous loop and taking only minutes between stops. On arrival at T1 you need to go though security check before proceeding to your gate.

25 minutes is not enough, particularly if you are an international arrival. I suggest you open www.ifly.com/sfo then click on 'Terminal Map' under QUICK LINKS and scroll down to the detailed text. Pay attention to Getting around, Security Check lines & terminal details.