- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
San Francisco International Airport
Rating Details »
406 reviews for San Francisco International Airport
I have so many memories of SFO. Where to begin? Love the fact that the parking is so easily mapped out depending on which airline you are picking up people.
I used to do a lot of international flying, but have since slowed down now that I'm based in Sacramento. I recall one flight when I came in from Amsterdam. I must have looked "suspicious" because I did get singled out from the crowd. In my backpack, I had packages of herbes de provence which look like, well, you can guess. Anyway, it was an interesting moment!
SFO lets you grab those last minute boxes of See's candies to take to friends or if you forgot last minute "gifts" to bring to overseas hosts.
Personally, I love duty free shopping. Not that I necessarily buy anything, but in general it kills the time. Also, depending on the exchange rate of the country you are in, you can score some good deals!
Apart from the time coming in from Amsterdam (hey, I was young), I've never had any real issues. Unlike Heathrow.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (3)
No free WIFI? WTF it's 2009 almost 2010!!! Terminal 1 has the shittiest food options and the baggage claim is slow and lacks good signage.
Oakland is infinitely better despite the fuck up that is airBart.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
So what does the O stand for? really?
San Francisco Oternational?
Because that's really my best guess, maybe San Francisco Otterpops?
I'm just sayin...
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (2)
I actually like SFO.
Yes, I can's smoke and the rental cars are pretty far away, but the service is super friendly and super quick, be it check in or the security. The food is better than most other airports...
The only problem about this airport is bad weather but there is nothing they can do about it
Skytrex rated this airport as the best in North America and they are right.
Good service to all over N. America and Asia..
It is great that SFO is the hub for Virgin America
All true World Airports have a subway station inside the terminal and SFO offers that...
I always love to fly out of SFO and most of my flights are out of the amazing international terminal
Lines here are usually short for me...
I wish SFO had more lounge service and more stuff to do when a flight gets delayed and had more food options
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/1/2009
Compared to other U.S. airport this is great. Its nice, clean, modern and the international terminal… Read more »
Relatively crowded but I suppose that's expected for an airport.
Everything inside the airports is overpriced.
The security guards really need sensitivity training on transgender issues, um hello!
This alone breaks my heart and makes this place icky in my book. Don't pick on my friends fool!
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (3)
Security checkpoint takes forever so I advise everyone to arrive earlier. Print your boarding passes at home because that will take awhile too depending on what airline you're flying with. There are not a lot food places to choose from. The good thing about this airport is that you can take Bart to the airport terminals.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
Not that you care about an airport review..... but I'm on a 2 star review roll and I don't feel like breaking the pattern. My OCD is kicking and it just feels good.
But seriously, SFO has got to be the most ass backwards and janky aeropuerto EVAH! True, their shopping ain't too shabby, but the airport is not my idea of a fabulous and stylish destination for exercising my wallet. Shit, the layout here is downright ridic... who designed the place, a blind man? My experience here (arriving and departing) has been nothing but headache, cardio under duress and a barrage of trains, planes and automobiles. It will be hilarious once my heart rate rights itself, I'm sure.
Everything is miles and miles away from where it should be. A 35 minute walk followed by a 12 minute train ride and 2 minute tram ride to just get in line to get my rental car? Barf. Plus the United staff here are unnecessarily surly and deserve a sock to the skull, but that's another review entirely.
THANK GOD for your great view, scenery and phenomenal food, San Francisco... your city redeems for what your air hub lacks.
People thought this was:
- Useful (8)
- Funny (10)
- Cool (5)
I don't understand how an international airport could be so much of a clusterfuck.
Why do your self-service machines not work for JetBlue?
Why is there only *ONE* line for the security checkpoint?
Why did the TSA-nazis steal (yeah, I said it) my expensive shower-gel and lotion, because the bottle said they were 8.8 ounces (yet it was obvious that at least 5 ounces were used from each)?
Why are there no food options available past 8pm other than overpriced pizza and old pre-made sammies?
Why was I only told about my flight's mechanical delay *AFTER* I passed through the TSA-nazis' checkpoint? (Had I been informed about the delay when I checked in manually at the counter, I would have called my friend and given her my bath products, instead of letting those community-college rejects steal approx $50 worth of nice things.)
Why are your chairs by the gates sofa king uncomfortable that they make my ass numb?
Why don't you have moving sidewalks?
You FUCKING SUCK, and were the worse part of my trip. Please cease and desist.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (7)
- Cool (3)
SFO: You. Need. To. Get. Your. Shit. Together.
I mean, even DFW has better systems in place; it used to be on the bottom of my list, but SFO has now stumbled into that rank.
BF and I show up an hour and a half early...I like to prepare when I'm unfamiliar with an airport. Normally I don't mind cutting it close, but this morning I wasn't in an mood to sit on standby all day if the odds were against us. Which they totally were.
We arrived and saw the long-ass line outside for Southwest curb-side checkin. Whatevs, it's always long so I didn't give it much thought. That is until we walked inside and saw the mess of airport check-ins.
The Southwest line had over 100 peeps in it but it moved more quickly than we expected, surprisingly. It would have moved at normal speed had there been more than 2 agents checking baggage; and a free agent or two would have been nice to assist the old geezers and others that don't quite know how to travel.
Then it was on to security...that's where my patience really thinned. The line was incredibly long because they moved at turtle speed, and it backed up into the Continental check-in area which created even MORE chaos. It was seriously the longest I have ever waited, I'm a frequent jet-setter. I understand it was the closing of Labor Day holiday, but I've seen better organization in my dog's toy basket.
Same comment applies to the restrooms. I saw two women's restrooms between security and our gate (which was a walk). TWO. Do you *know* how small our bladders are??
Thank goodness we padded our trip or we would have been screwed. We walked up just as our flight was boarding...thank goodness for free drink tickets!
People thought this was:
- Useful (8)
- Funny (4)
- Cool (4)
SFO is a-ok by me. I travel sometimes for work, and being in SF I have my choice of SFO and OAK, and I will take SFO any day. You think the security line at SFO is long? Get to Oakland in the morning and there will be a line running all the way out the two double doors and along the sidewalk pickup area.
Also, whenever I travel to other states/countries, my cute boy radar just drops. I know I'm back in SF because as soon as I step off that plane, ding ding ding. There they are, cute, skinny, hopefully single. Thank you California and especially SF for keeping people healthy.
p.s. The BART fee increase is awful.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
(Review is for the International Terminal)
I mostly use the International Terminal when I fly in and out of SFO and I am one of its biggest fans. Since most international flights take off at night and I make my business trips in the morning, the security line is empty and me and my trusty green backpack (nicknamed "Nappy" which can be derived from "nap-time," "napsack" or an accurate depiction of my hair) fly right through.
The International terminal is long and has those walking sidewalks that make life worth living. I don't care how lazy it makes me look/feel, I love using them because it reminds of the Jetsons.
Along the way down the corridor are some gift shops, sandwich places and bathrooms. At the end are the best venues: the coffee shop place and a small Firewood establishment. I don't necessarily consider these the best food/coffee options, but behind them are a long series of tables and chairs with great views of the runway.
While most of the gates are on the floor on which you entered, some are downstairs. Almost all gates have a ton of waiting space to sit back, relax and unnecesarily take up the seat next to you so a creeper doesn't sit there. And there are plenty of bathrooms with the Dyson so you can dry your hands without having to touch anything and obtain a mysterious International disease... like the Syph.
The only setback is I wish this place had a few better/cheaper eating options. Also, I wish there were people dressed up in fairy costumes welcoming me to the gate. And when I scan my ticket, they tap me with a wand and say "have a magical journey."
Yesterday I had 4 hours of a layover and a budget of $20 in my pocket.
Coming from Philadelphia, I deplaned my travel weary self. First stop was the closest bar... The Buena Vista Cafe in Terminal 3, for a margarita. The nice bartender asked if I would be needing a menu. Knowing I was only spending the $20, and airport bars are usually pretty expensive, I declined and just asked for a side salad with my drink. Well, can I just tell you that 1 Margarita and 1 side salad = $19.20 here?! Way to blow my little budget in the first 35 minutes of my stay here.
I put the $20 back in my pocket and defeatedly paid with my ATM card, since I had to tip the woman and the twenty I had planned on using would have given her a tip of .80 cents... it's not her fault the restaurant raped me of $8.00 for a small salad.
I gathered my stuff and went to find a place to sleep. Leaving the restaurant I was greeted by the sight and sound of 3 girls performing for travelers. I stopped to listen, and wow, they were like 3 little Linda Perhacs or Joni Mitchells all harmonizing together! Really beautiful, angelic, folksy voices. A welcome sight/sound considering my morning started off amidst the cacophony of the always horrible Philadelphia airport... Nice touch SFO.
My phone was dying, so I went in search of a spot to charge it. In the middle of the gates were somewhat private booths with a small desk, bench seat, and outlet. Perfect. I settled in to one, plugged in, and slept almost comfortably for about an hour! It was awesome.
After this last experience, I'm pretty sure I love this airport. I really hope United keeps up this flight pattern of PHL-SFO-OC. I'm going to try to book all my one-stop flights through SFO now! Until we meet again,
Keep it classy San Francisco!
People thought this was:
- Useful (6)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (7)
Ten years ago I would have given SFO a one star review. But Yelp wasn't around just yet and this place was in the midst of a massive remodel.
Today, it's a very attractive and inviting airport. BART is availble to jump right on and is just 30 minutes and $8.10 from Downtown - beats the crap out of $40+ for a cab.
Check in online though. I've heard the ticket agents are few and at between - just another reason to pack light and ship home any big stuff.
Congrats on the face lift SFO, but I'm not gonna lie - it's still a little creepy flying that low just above the bay when landing. I still cross my fingers everytime that the plane touches tarmac before salt water.
Reasons I hate SFO airport:
Rental car is way too far from terminal. It's a pain in the butt to have to walk all the way to the Air Train then wait for the last stop to get to Rental Car then have to take elevator to actually get the rental car. I think the quickest I have been able to make it from my gate to inside my rental car (I don't check luggage) is 45 minutes.
Also, I hate the Free Speech Stations. I am not against the stations, it's the people at the stations. They are rude and aggressive.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
While one of the terminals is closed... this airport is decent. Better than a few others I've been too.
I used to work on the air field as well.
I love this airport.
I used to fly to Hong Kong a lot and I often flew through SFO. SFO is my favorite airport in the US . . . better than LAX, Dulles, Reagan National, New York airports, Logan, O'Hare. When I flew out of Hong Kong's airport and landed in an airport other than SFO I felt a little depressed for America because all the other airports were so inferior in comparison. Only SFO compared well. Even better, the BART ride to San Francisco was much cheaper than the airport express to Hong Kong.
People thought this was:
- Cool (2)
Wow, I don't remember the airport being like this!
Ok, so the last time I was at this airport must have been well over 10 years ago. I really do not remember it like this. Much better than Oakland. The interior reminds me of a mall, but with cool stores. The stores sport some pretty cool things such as wines and trendy items. But they are costly.
After visiting a few airports within a week, this was a breath of fresh air compared to Chicago and Baltimore. I hate to say this but even the "crowd" was more to my liking. Trendy clothes and diverse. Obviously, I am a Californian. What stood out most was that this airport was crazy busy, but everyone was friendly. From the TSA to the airline employees, I was greeted with a smile and friendliness from everyone.
The airport is clean. The bathrooms could be updated and maintained a bit more. But, I actually felt like I was strolling through a mall. Even transportation is great. BART is readily accessible as is other ground transportation.
I even left in San Francisco style by having a glass of wine, instead of coffee, while I watched my departing plane being prepared for boarding.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
I am going to say this airport is one of my favorites. Even if I have to travel somewhere closer to Oakland, I think I will come here instead!
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (3)
Ah, my precious San Francisco Int'l. Gateway to Asia Pacific, doorway to the longest route to Europe in the history of forever. This is a 4.5-star airport if only due to the fact that there never seem to be enough people at the ticket counter, which would be fine if I traveled lighter; but I don't, so it isn't. The shopping and dining is great, and I'm always in a GREAT mood when I come here, because I love traveling and receiving guests, and a trip here almost always means I'm doing one of the two! With the exception of the No-Frills/Value airlines that prefer flying out of Oakland or Mineta, SFO typically has the absolute best deals you can get without heading down to LAX.
Still my favorite airport in the country, though I've still yet to fly through O'Hare, SeaTac, or Hartsfield-Jackson. Worldwide, I think I've only enjoyed Taoyuan more.
Ok...so someone very familiar with the airport contacted me about a couple of corrections:
First of all, the Burger King is in the domestic terminal (I must have walked past it on the way to my international flight). There are other restaurants in the int'l terminal, I found one, but apparently there are others.
Anyhow, besides that I would still REALLY like to see this airport offer free wifi. Maybe it's something they will consider. Denver seems to be able to, I've also seen it offered free in Rockhampton, and a few other regional airports....so many of us will see the city first only through the airport, so a good first impression is important.
--Original review below--
This is a review for the international terminal. First the good, it is a very beautiful terminal. Lots of marble tiled floors and upscale duty-free shops.
What it is missing though, is that it is missing a lot of the comforts for the traveller that make them less grouchy. Confusing labeling of gates (in particular the gates that require an escalator down from the main level), mediocre choices in food (for San Francisco being such a culinary haven, I was expecting better choices than Burger King and Starbucks), and what's up with the internet? You are the city that is 30 minutes from Silicon Valley, right? Why isn't your wifi free? I've been through some pretty piddly regional airports that can at least offer that for free.
So in all, gets one more star than LAX, because it's marginally better than LAX. Will I return? Inevitably I will...it seems I go through SFO at least twice a year.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
This almost received 4 stars, but for very selfish reasons. I never thought that SFO would not be associated with home. It's one my favorite airports in the world. For the amount of traffic that it handles, SFO is comfy, easy to get in and out of and relaxing. Yes, it's not a huge airport with a myriad of chain restaurants, but it serves its purpose well. The security line is never too long, you don't have to walk 3000 miles to get to your terminal, baggage service is fast and efficient and flying into the bay area at night is simply breathtaking.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
I LOVE VACAY-ING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where do I go first before I go any other place??? SFO, my airport, ok not my airport but the closest one to me.
I've ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS wanted to work here. I even have a brochure on my desk that I will not throw away.
I would say this is the most happening place, people come & people go to explore the wondrous WORLD!!!! This is where people reunite with family and friends.
Lost luggage, flight delays, luggage fees....we know they all suck, but come on, do I have my own airplane or airline??? No, this one will have to do.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
This is a great airport. Very easy to get too, free shuttle from Bart too.
I can now write a review because I've flown both domestic and international out of here.
Gotta rep the access via BART is pretty damn convenient! I'm used to driving to LAX so this is much appreciated via public transport. I think I'm probably most fascinated by the AirTrain rail that circles around the whole airport taking you to different terminals. That soothing automated voice can talk to me all day...
I had a good experience flying both domestic and international. Security is super duper efficient as I've had to wait no longer than 15-20 minutes for a security checkpoint even with a line that wraps around a la Splash Mountain at Disneyland.
I think the only "boo" portion is that they do not have free wi-fi like Oakland International Airport. I end up always underestimating how fast the security line goes and have alot of time to kill. Guess I'll start reading into the Women's Interest magazine section if I have to...
People thought this was:
- Useful (5)
- Funny (5)
- Cool (5)
Of all the airports I have visited, San Francisco (KSFO) is best organized. From the AirTrain system -- which encircles the airport -- to the directional signs. The signs at KSFO are abundant and posted thoughtfully. Further, the airport seems to utilize land efficiently (ex. the multistory car rental facility).
However, when compared to Oakland -- I have noted the following:
- Longer security lines.
- Longer wait for checked-in baggage to arrive.
- More expensive fares (largely dependant on the airline... Southwest fares tend to remain comparable between KSFO and Oakland).
- No free Wi-Fi Internet access.
When traveling to the metro area of San Francisco, I suggest KSFO.
When traveling to the East Bay of the Bay Area, I suggest Oakland.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (3)
Everytime I've flown out of the US, I've flown out of this airport. And I've never had a bad experience. Whether I've flown British Airways, US Airways, or Mexicana, all the lines have been quick to check in luggage, go through the security gate, and get on the plane. They have a variety of stores, nice bathrooms, and plenty of places to eat.
My only complaint? My brother got food poisoning from one of their food joints and spent half of our vacation sick. I'll find out what the name of the place is and yelp that later... but STILL, SFO, everything else about you is perfect except for you food, get it together!
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (4)
I think SFO is pretty solid for me. I live in the Mission, so all I have to do is hop on a SFO bound train and I'm there in 30 minutes. Pretty awesome for like $6 bucks.
The food at most of the places in SFO is terrible. I really wonder how the spots are auctioned off but the quality seems overall to be sub 3 stars.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (2)
Ok first of all I hadn't been to this place in at least 4 maybe 5 years. I got last back then and I got lost again.
Is it jus me or are their signs not obvious? Maybe its jus me, lol!
Well I tell ya one thing, they sure keep this place clean and cold, dog onit they had the air on so cold by my gate that I nearly froze!
Oh and lets not forget to mention the fact that they like to force you to do your passenger drop off in 30 miliseconds, lol! They are jus trying to find all the reason to give somebody a ticket.
People thought this was:
- Useful (5)
- Funny (5)
- Cool (5)
One of the best travel experiences I have ever had finally had to come to an end. Whatever better way to wrap up my series of reviews than to review how I left the city.
This airport is amazing. It is connected to the BART, which is cheap and relatively fast.
The security is thorough yet fast enough for those who are late. It seemed pretty cleaned as I ran through the terminals. All the employees I ran into along the way was cheering me on to catching my flight.
Upon arriving at the gate, even the lady smiled and told me you can stop running you've made it, the last memory I will have from San Francisco was a smile.
I love this city and hope to come back once again.
People thought this was:
- Useful (5)
- Funny (5)
- Cool (5)
I have flown out of this airport only a few times in my life but never have had any problems.
Lately I had to go meet someone at the airport and had a long wait on my hands. So upstairs I browsed the stores, they have so many! They all were super organized, clean and had great selections. I even found a mascara I've wanted in Sephora.
The whole airport just seemed nice, very clean and not too overwhelming loud. Though it was a wait, there was plenty to see in a nice environment.
*Oh and temporary parking was easy, safe and had standard fairs.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
What the hell can I love about SFO? I'll tell you what the hell I can love.
Virgin America flies in/out of the International terminal.
That means. I put all the Duty free products on my face possible without having to go out of the country. That 200 dollar face cream? Rub it all over my face. That 200 dollar eye cream? Yes, my eyes need a little bit of that. La Mer? All over. My lovely ladies Dior, Chanel, Shiseido all slathered and sprayed.
Please, take me to the airport early, there might be a looooooooooong line at the check in.
People thought this was:
- Useful (6)
- Funny (6)
- Cool (6)
Dear LAX,
I don't mean to harp on the past (nor do I mean to keep bringing up known issues), but I would like to make a suggestion. Please try to be more like your Northern cousin, SFO.
SFO's got pretty much perfect manners - articulate and thorough, pointing me exactly in the right directions and taking the time to light the way. Your cousin is also quite resourceful - offering numerous dining options and shopping establishments, and plentiful directions to transportation options (whether it's BART or the rental car center). One thing I'll suggest as an "area of improvement" for your cousin SFO is the offering of wi-fi. Above all, your cousin's attention to detail and personal hygiene is pretty much impeccable - and leaves something to be desired regarding your levels of hygiene.
LAX, take note. Your cousin has set the bar high - I'm making a mere suggestion when I say you need to step up your game in order to compete on the same level.
Best Regards,
Dawn "LA808Girl" S.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (3)
This airport has it all: clean, modern, cool, and very efficient. The cool architecture and metal design makes other airports like LAX and Sky Harbor look ancient. They have a Sephora (yes, Sephora) and alot of good dining and shopping options as well.
Why only 3 stars then?
We checked in for a 7am flight and walked the long terminal to our gates. We passed FOUR bathrooms along the way and they were all closed for servicing. Not cool!
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (3)
Seemed like a pretty nice, well maintained, comfortable and efficient place. The airport food here is MUCH better than at other places, especially the Asian food. I mean, I'm sure it's not the greatest Chinese and Japanese cuisine in the world, but a couple plates of dim sum with a Sapporo sure beat the Burger King sandwich and shitty pizza you get at most other airports if you don't want to pay $$$ and put up with bad service for a sit-down airport meal.
One thing to remember - this airport does not have any mailboxes inside security (Some do lately, and some don't, although the trend is toward "don't") so if you need to send post cards, do it before you go through the line. .
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
While I get what my friend John S. is saying about SFO being "a really pretty girl with no personality," I have to say that SFO isn't all that bad. I have been to a bunch of airports all over the country (and abroad) and have definitely seen worse.
One thing that was quite confusing when I was arriving into SFO from Detroit last month was that there is no clear designation for travelers who are meeting someone who is picking them up. I found myself waiting for an hour in the departures drive-by for my friend to pick me up. There were other passengers around me who had been on the same flight so I didn't think anything of it. Eventually they all were picked up by loved ones, and I was there....standing...freezing...thinking I had been abandoned and would have to take Bart home, carrying 2 large suitcases and 2 carry-ons. NNNNOOOOOOOOO!!!
I finally got a call from my friend asking me where I was, and we finally met up realizing that there is a separate floor for arrivals and departures (something I completely missed apparently).
Otherwise, the security lines aren't too annoying as they are in other airports and from my experience, my flights have never been delayed or canceled. I've also never had issues finding parking if I'm leaving my car for an extended time.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
I'm not quite sure why the guards told me to hop into the VIP line...which was empty...and allowed me to go straight to the front and escape the long line of people.
However, I am grateful...because I hate lines...and just for that, you get FIVE STARS!!!
PS
Please feel free to give me front cuts anytime SFO...you are the BEST! =D
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (4)
- Cool (4)
This is truly the best airport in America that I've been to, and I've been to a great many airports.
Everything is so wonderfully clean, and I feel like I can ENJOY my flight, as opposed to having to ENDURE it. I feel like I can sit on the ground and look out the freshly cleaned window at the airplanes. In contrast to airports like LAX and O'Hare, where I just jack up my music to drown out the 60000000 people who are crammed inside.
One of the biggest pluses, SFO has a full-service bookstore! I remember flying out of the country through here (a United Hub) on May 12th, when a book I had been anticipating was due to come out. It wasn't QUITE a very very popular book, so I was afraid I wouldn't get to read it until July. However, sitting RIGHT THERE was the book!!! The lady at the cash register said proudly, "we're a very hip bookstore!" I agree.
Anyway, everything here is a breeze. Absolutely loved it.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
Overall, I'd have to say we're lucky to have SFO, one of the better airports in the U.S.
Food options are quite good. Access (with BART) is also good. The terminals are spacious and comfortable - except for T1, which kind of sucks, but is slated for renovation. Security lines seem to move fine and I haven't encountered a flight delay here in a long time. The whole place feels like a real airport, in contrast to the makeshift-feeling Oakland airport.
Whenever I get stuck with a long layover in a less comfy airport like O'Hare or DFW, I find myself thinking I wish I were trapped in SFO instead. That's high praise indeed.
My friend and I felt like a terrorist or an enemy when we were there. I understand because of 9/11 that many airports and facilities are taking precautions. But making every single person in the airport feel like they are a threat doesn't make the environment and the atmosphere any better. I mean, they can still take precautions, too but at least put a smile on and maybe be a little bit nicer and considerate?
My aunt forgot she can't take any liquid, shampoo stuff with her carry-on baggage. Good thing I was still there to take them all back. The employees there need to communicate with each other. Everyone is doing their own independent thing which makes it difficult when a problem arises. So when I was trying to retrieve all of my aunt's shampoo, I had to go around the security and through the arrivals'exit. Before I even approached 3 feet from a security or the red velvet rope that seperates us, he told me to stop there. He told my friend to stop 15 feet away from him. Another security comes out with the shampoos and tries to give them to me. Because the other security told me not to move, I was debating whether I should move up closer to get the shampoo or not... I was about to play with them but naah, I didn't want to make things worse. So the security lady gave me the stuff back but she told me to take it like, "Take the damn stuff immediately!" kind of tone. She didn't exactly say that but that's how her tone sounded like...
I mean... I used to LOVE THIS AIRPORT. It's so big, clean and organized. I loved going here. Now it's a hassle. If you're going international, the lines are shorter and there are more workers to assist you. If you're going domestic, then... you'll be playing the waiting game. I always find that international airlines are way nicer than domestic airlines. I only like going there only for international purposes. Parking is expensive. Picking up an arrival is expensive, too, because you can't stop or park at the loading zone. So in a way, they make you park and pay for parking, or make you drive around and around in circles. But sometimes, you can get away with it. Sometimes the employees don't care so they don't even bother telling you to move.
The stewards (I think that's what you call them?) or the people who work for their specific airlines are really nice. But the securities can be assholes. :(
I still like SFO because it's big and have more travel options than the San Jose Airport. But I wished I didn't have to run through that experience.
While I have not experienced delays at the San Francisco International Airport, I've seen many people stranded (due to the fog, poor booking by United, etc.). It is a pretty busy airport and with the fog, it seems that you need to be prepared for possible delays.
But I was impressed with this airport's handling of customers who were delayed or needed to catch an about-to-leave-airplane. I had to fly out of LAX to SFO and then proceed to SFO's international terminal for an airplane heading to Japan. The window to catch the connecting flight was already tight. The LAX flight was delayed, and we arrived just when the Japan flight was about to leave. The airport personnel at SFO were very organized. They quickly assembled all connecting travelers (also verbally confirmed that everyone was there) and then shuttled us quickly over to the international terminal...and then straight to the gate so we wouldn't miss our flight.
Through my trips here at SFO, I've experienced similar strong customer service that is definitely better than your average airport. At the United Terminal, there are plenty of places to eat and shop (though it is very busy).
