SFO offers tips for a smooth trip to the airport during the holidays

SAN FRANCISCO – Holiday travel season is here and many people will be heading to the airport soon. For those who haven’t traveled in a while, making the trip to the airport can seem daunting, but a little planning can help make the trip relatively smooth.

The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) anticipates a busy holiday travel season. The number of airlines operating at SFO has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

SFO offers some tips for a smooth trip to the airport:

Allow extra time getting to the airport

Travelers are strongly encouraged to arrive at the Airport at least 2 hours prior to departure for domestic flights and 3 hours prior to departure for international flights.

Parking garages expected to be full – book in advance

SFO expects parking garages to be at or near capacity during the holiday travel season. SFO recommends that travelers take public transit or share rides to the airport. For parking, SFO recommends travelers book parking early using its online booking system. This system allows users to choose their parking dates and times. Users can enter payment information to complete a booking in advance. To book, visit: parking.flysfo.com.

New airlines and destinations

By the end of November, a total of 43 airlines will operate flights at SFO, which is the same number that were present in 2019, before the pandemic began.

This includes the return of China-based airlines such as Air China, China Eastern and China Southern. These airlines resumed flights in November.

United Airlines also launched nonstop flights to Manila and Christchurch, New Zealand. A new airline, Starlux, will launch nonstop flights from SFO to Taipei on December 16, 2023.  

Live music in terminals for the holiday season

“SFO Celebrates: Holidays in the City” brings the excitement of San Francisco’s neighborhoods directly to airport guests.

The program features holiday photo stands in each terminal, a holiday stage and live performances in Terminal 3.

For more information and a schedule of events, visit: flysfo.com/sfo-celebrates.