SFO International Terminal (A & G) Guide

Terminal Overview

SFO’s Dianne Feinstein International Terminal is where you’ll handle most international departures and arrivals, plus a handful of long-haul and partner flights that use its two concourses: A Gates and G Gates. If you’re flying internationally on carriers like Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, ANA, or United’s international service, there’s a good chance you’ll start (or end) your trip here. The terminal also contains the airport’s main international processing areas, so arriving passengers typically pass through immigration, customs, and international baggage claim here.

It’s one of the most passenger-friendly parts of SFO: open sightlines, plenty of seating, and a large central hall that makes it feel less cramped than many U.S. international terminals. The overall experience is smooth if you arrive early and know your concourse (A vs G), because distances can add up and not every post-security route forms a perfect “ring” around the airport.

Airlines & Destinations

  • Concourse G (G Gates) is home to many major long-haul international airlines. Operators commonly include Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana, Emirates, EVA Air, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, and United for some international flights (airline assignments can change by day).
  • Concourse A (A Gates) hosts a rotating mix of international carriers and some partner operations (for example, you may see Air France-KLM-related operations and some United/partner use depending on scheduling).

Key destinations from this terminal typically span Europe (London, Dublin, Frankfurt, Zurich, Paris-area service via partners), Asia (Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Hong Kong/China markets depending on season), Oceania (Auckland), the Middle East (Dubai), and major hubs that connect onward worldwide.

  • Star Alliance: Strong presence here (notably United plus many partners such as Lufthansa, ANA, Singapore Airlines, SWISS, TAP, Turkish, Air New Zealand, Air India, EVA Air, Asiana, and Air Canada on many days).
  • Oneworld: Some international Oneworld carriers may operate from the International Terminal depending on route and time.
  • SkyTeam: Select SkyTeam international operations may appear, but SFO’s SkyTeam domestic footprint is more associated with other terminals.

Layout & Navigation

The International Terminal is split into two main airside areas: Concourse A on one side and Concourse G on the other, with the main terminal hall between them. Check-in and departures generally funnel you toward the appropriate security checkpoint for your concourse. Once you’re through security, follow overhead signs for A Gates or G Gates; the concourses are long, so budget extra time if you’re departing from an end gate.

  • Security: Expect the main screening points near the entrances to each concourse. Peak international departure times (late afternoon/evening) can create longer lines, so arriving 2–3 hours early is wise for international flights.
  • Walking times: If you’re already in the concourse, plan roughly 5–10 minutes for nearby gates and 10–15+ minutes if you’re going from the concourse entrance to far-end gates (especially with crowds or if you stop for food).
  • Connections to other terminals: Pre-security, the AirTrain (free, 24/7, about every 4 minutes) is the simplest way to move between terminals, parking, BART, and rental cars. Post-security, SFO has added useful connectors: for example, there is an airside connection between Terminal 3 and International Concourse G, and other connectors exist between terminals, though they don’t create a full continuous loop. If you’re unsure, ask staff before leaving the secure area.

Amenities & Services

  • Lounges: The International Terminal is where SFO concentrates many lounges. Depending on your airline and day-of-operation, you may find airline-operated lounges and shared lounges serving multiple carriers (including options associated with carriers like Air Canada and Air France-KLM in the broader International A/G areas). Always confirm your lounge’s concourse (A vs G) before you clear security.
  • Food & shopping: The main hall and both concourses offer a solid mix of sit-down meals, quick bites, coffee, and grab-and-go. If you want variety, browse in the central terminal area before walking deep into the concourse—choices thin out near the ends.
  • Business needs: You’ll find plenty of seating clusters suitable for laptop work, plus charging opportunities scattered throughout. Lounges are your best bet for quieter calls and more reliable workspace.
  • Family amenities: Look for family restrooms and nursing/mother’s rooms in the terminal and concourses; SFO is generally well-equipped for traveling with infants. Allow extra time because the walks can be long with strollers.
  • Accessibility: Elevators, accessible restrooms, and step-free routes are standard throughout. If you have a tight connection, request wheelchair assistance early—distances between concourse ends can be significant.

Bonus convenience: the International Terminal area also hosts key airport services like transit access (including the airport’s BART station via AirTrain) and essential passenger support facilities.

Practical Tips

  • Best for long layovers: Stay near the central hall or the concourse “spines” (closer to security) where you’ll have the widest choice of food, shops, and seating. If you camp at a far gate, you may be a long walk from decent dining.
  • Quietest places: Walk away from the central hall toward the mid-to-far sections of A or G, where foot traffic thins. Corner seating areas near the ends of concourses are often calmer, though gate announcements can still be loud.
  • Power outlets: Your best odds are at seating pods and along walls near gate hold rooms. If you find a good outlet, keep it—popular departure banks can make plugs scarce.
  • Wi‑Fi: SFO offers airport Wi‑Fi; connect to the official network and follow the on-screen prompts. If you need stability for video calls, lounges usually provide a more consistent experience than the busiest gate areas.
  • Don’t guess your concourse: Double-check your boarding pass for A vs G before heading through security—switching concourses late can cost you 10–20 minutes, especially if you have to re-clear screening.
  • Use AirTrain when in doubt: For pre-security terminal changes, AirTrain is typically faster and less stressful than walking long corridors with bags.