San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco, United States
Terminals & Checkpoints
SFO Historical Analytics
90-day wait time patterns, hourly breakdowns, and best/worst time predictions for San Francisco International Airport.
Unlock with PremiumAbout San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) serves San Francisco in United States. As one of the world's busiest airports, SFO handles millions of passengers annually. During peak travel periods, security lines can extend significantly โ plan your arrival time carefully.
TSA PreCheck is available at SFO, letting enrolled travelers skip the standard screening line. PreCheck passengers typically wait about 8 minutes compared to the 41-minute standard line.
SFO Airport FAQs
How long is the security line at SFO?
Security wait times at San Francisco International Airport vary by time of day and day of week. Check the wait time cards above for current estimates. Peak hours (6-9 AM, 4-7 PM) typically have longer waits.
Does SFO have TSA PreCheck?
Yes, San Francisco International Airport has TSA PreCheck lanes available. PreCheck members typically experience significantly shorter security wait times.
How early should I arrive at SFO?
For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours early. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak travel periods and holidays, add an extra 30-60 minutes.
What terminals does SFO have?
San Francisco International Airport has 4 terminals: Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, International Terminal.
Departure Information
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Peak Hours
Tips for SFO
- Arrive at least 90 minutes early for domestic and 150 minutes for international flights.
- Security is typically busiest 6-9 AM and 4-7 PM. Midday flights (11 AM-2 PM) usually have the shortest queues.
- TSA PreCheck is available here. Enrolled travelers typically wait about 2 minutes โ roughly half the standard line.
- Check-in online and have your boarding pass ready on your phone to save time at the airport.
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SFO Airport FAQ
How long is the security line at SFO?
Security wait times at San Francisco International Airport vary by time of day and day of week. Peak hours (6-9 AM, 4-7 PM) typically see the longest waits. FlightQueue provides real-time estimates based on historical data and crowd reports.
What is the best time to go through security at SFO?
The best times for shorter security lines at San Francisco are typically mid-morning (10-11 AM) and early afternoon (1-3 PM). Avoid the morning rush (6-9 AM) and evening peak (4-7 PM).
How early should I arrive at SFO?
For domestic flights at San Francisco, arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 2.5-3 hours early. During peak travel periods, add an extra 30 minutes.
Does SFO have TSA PreCheck?
Yes, San Francisco International Airport offers TSA PreCheck lanes for faster security screening. Check FlightQueue for the latest checkpoint data.