San Francisco Airport Security Wait Times Guide
Are you gearing up for a journey via SFO Airport? Our detailed guide is designed to help you seamlessly navigate through the airport's security checkpoints, providing exact locations and operating hours for each. We also furnish information about expedited screening programs such as TSA Pre and CLEAR Plus. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your maiden flight, our guide is aimed at simplifying your transit through San Francisco Airport, assuring a quick and stress-free experience.
Experience the Ease of Travel with CLEAR Plus at SFO - 2 Months Free!
Want to cut down your wait times at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)? Experience the convenience of CLEAR Plus! This expedited security screening service is available in Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal. With CLEAR Plus, you can breeze through security and get to your gate faster. And the best part? You can try it out for free! In partnership with iFly, CLEAR Plus is offering a 2 Months Free promotion. Don't miss this opportunity to make your travel experience at SFO smoother and more enjoyable.
SFO Flight Delays
Before you head to San Francisco International Airport, it's advisable to check if there are any departure delays. Alternatively, you can use our convenient flight tracker to keep an eye on the status of a particular flight.
Security Checkpoints - Location & Hours
SFO TSA Checkpoint A (International Terminal)
- Location: International Terminal
- Gates: A1-A12
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
- Hours: Daily, 4:30 AM to 2:00 AM
- CLEAR Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
SFO TSA Checkpoint B (Terminal 1)
- Location: Terminal 1
- Gates: B6-B18
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
- Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 12:30 AM
- CLEAR Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
SFO TSA Checkpoint C (Terminal 1)
- Location: Terminal 1
- Gates: 40-48 and 50-59
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
- Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- CLEAR: Closed due to construction - use Terminal 2
SFO TSA Checkpoint D (Terminal 2)
- Location: Terminal 2
- Gates: 50-59 and 40-48
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
- Hours: Daily, 3:45 AM to 12:30 AM
- CLEAR Hours for Checkpoint D, D1-D18: Daily, 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
SFO TSA Checkpoint F1 (Terminal 3)
- Location: Terminal 3
- Gates: 60-69 and G91-G102
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
- Hours: Daily, 3:30 AM to 12:00 AM
- CLEAR Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 12:00 AM
SFO TSA Checkpoint F3 (Terminal 3)
- Location: Terminal 3
- Gates: 72-75
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
- Hours: Daily, 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- CLEAR Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM
SFO TSA Checkpoint G (International Terminal)
- Location: International Terminal
- Gates: G91-G102, and 60-90
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
- Hours: Daily, 4:30 AM to 1:00 AM
- CLEAR Hours: Daily, 6
TSA PreCheck at SFO
TSA PreCheck is a program that provides expedited security screening at participating airports, including San Francisco Airport (SFO). By being a part of this program, travelers can enjoy benefits such as not having to remove shoes, light outerwear, and belts, and keeping laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in their carry-on bags during security checks.
Where to Use TSA PreCheck at SFO:
- TSA PreCheck is available at all SFO TSA Checkpoints: A, B, C, D, F1, F3, and G.
- The service is designed for frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs.
Learn More About TSA PreCheck:
- For detailed information on how to enroll in TSA PreCheck, visit iFly TSA PreCheck Guide.
Participating Airlines at SFO:
- AeroMexico
- Air Canada
- Air France
- Air India
- Alaska Airlines
- All Nippon Airways
- American Airlines
- Asiana Airlines
- Avianca
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- China Airlines
- Copa Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- EVA Air
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Finnair
- Flair Airlines
- French bee
- Frontier Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Icelandair
- Interjet
- Japan Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Korean Air
- Lufthansa
- Norwegian Air
- Philippine Airlines
- Qantas
- Scandinavian Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines
- Turkish Airlines
- United Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- Volaris
- WestJet
- ZIPAIR
CLEAR Plus
CLEAR Plus is a premier service that offers expedited security screening at the airport. This service is available in Terminal 1 at Checkpoint B, B6-B18, Terminal 2 at Checkpoint D, D1-D18, Terminal 3 at Checkpoint F, Gates F1-F22, E1-E13, and Checkpoint F3, and in the International Terminal at A1-A15 and G1-G14. Please note that Checkpoint C in Terminal 1 is currently closed due to construction.
For more information about CLEAR Plus, including how to enroll and further details about the service, please visit iFly's CLEAR Plus page.
Lost Items at TSA Checkpoints
If you've lost an item at a TSA checkpoint or in checked baggage at San Francisco Airport (SFO), you should promptly contact the airport's Lost and Found. For detailed information and to report your lost item, you can reach the TSA Lost Items Contact at +1-800-764-8050. Be prepared to provide a comprehensive description of your item, including color and any unique features, to aid in its identification and recovery.
About SFO Security Wait Times
The security wait times at San Francisco Airport are calculated using a combination of historical flight traffic data and TSA staffing schedules. We use advanced data analysis methods to offer a reasonably accurate estimate of wait times at SFO. However, these estimates can fluctuate due to unexpected factors. The TSA advises passengers to reach the airport well in advance of their scheduled flight departure time.
Our goal is to provide accurate security checkpoint wait times to assist in your travel planning, but it's also crucial to check with your airline about wait times at the ticket counter and any potential changes to your flight schedules. These factors should be taken into account when deciding when to arrive at SFO. Please note that each airline has its own recommended and mandatory arrival times.
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TSA Pre Check at SFO
International Terminal
Boarding Area A Checkpoint
Boarding Area G Checkpoint
Terminal 1
Boarding Area B Checkpoint
Boarding Area C Checkpoint
Terminal 2
Boarding Area D Checkpoint
Terminal 3
Boarding Area F1 Checkpoint
Boarding Area F3 Checkpoint
Tips, Help & Resources
iFly.com can help you get to, through, and between airports around the world. Here are some things you may need to know that can assist you during your journey specific to SFO:
- Once you get through security, pull up the interactive San Francisco airport terminals map to navigate to your gate, and see all the SFO restaurant and shopping options along the way.
- Remember that a great low-cost alternative to parking within the SFO airport facility is to use an off-airport parking lot. They offer lower costs, a bit further away from the terminals.
- If you have some time before your flight's departure, be sure to grab a bite, peruse the shops, or jump on the free wifi.
- The next time you need to fly from the San Francisco area, don't forget to check nearby airports to compare with SFO airports' flight fares.
San Francisco Airport wait times Q&A
Find more help here for your journey through the airport