How long does it take to transfer from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 at SFO?
In March I will be travelling with my wife from Las Vegas McCarran Int'l Airport (LAS) to London Heathrow (LHR) via San Francisco Int'l Airport (SFO.) We have recently received a unexpected flight reservation change that means we will only have 1 hour 11 minutes to transfer from SFO Terminal 3 to SFO Terminal 1. Is this enough time?
Additional information:
- I am British, and my wife is Australian
- We booked through ebookers.com with Lufthansa, although these flights are operated by United Airlines
Related sub-questions:
- When will we go through security in this trip?
- Will our luggage be transferred automatically to the new flight?
- Who could we contact at EBookers, Lufthansa, United Airlines or SFO to get this information?
Best Answer
Since your reservation is a single one you are quite likely to have the luggage checked through directly to Heathrow.
As far as SFO connection is concerned you may not need to go through security which will need to be confirmed with the gate personnel.
United operates a shuttle that runs airside between terminals 3 and 1. The only thing is that United 930 which is flying from the SFO's International Terminal rather then terminal 1. It is also possible that you may arrive at Terminal 1 rather then 3 according to this blog. The same blog also mentions that the United's airside shuttle stops at Gate 92 of the international terminal, so I would check on this with the gate personnel upon arrival.
If you do have to go through security you should request assistance from Airline personnel since they have the capability to cut the security line to put you in front so you can make your connection.
EDIT
As pointed out by @Doc there is walkway from Terminal 3 to International Terminal. I have found it indicated only on this map of SFO Departures Map, most others either don't show it or don't have it clearly marked that it is an airside connector.
Pictures about "How long does it take to transfer from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 at SFO?"
Can you walk from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 at SFO?
Walking the AirportThe best way to get from the International Terminal to Terminal 3 (Gates E1 \u2013 E13 and F1 \u2013 F22, United) is by walking. However, AirTrain is your only means to and from the Rental Car Center and Long Term Parking.Is Terminal 1 and 3 connected?
There is an inter terminal shuttle bus free of use that connect both terminals. Frequency every 20 minutes between T1 and T3. Shuttle bus is operated by DIAL.How long does it take to transfer in SFO?
Moving between terminalsTime required (approximate)International Terminal \u2192 Terminal 1approximately 10 minutesInternational Terminal \u2192 Terminal 2 (open from April 14, 2011)International Terminal \u2192 Terminal 3approximately 1 minutesFeb 6, 2018Is one hour enough for a connecting flight in San Francisco?
1 hour connection at SFO is very doable and it's not looked at as a tight connection, so just try to relax, and you will be fine. I believe Terminal 1 is International and Terminal 3 is domestic.San Francisco International Airport - SFO Int'l Terminal A to Terminal 3 F Gates | Binaural Walk
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Ivan Samkov, Ono Kosuki, Samson Katt, Samson Katt