SFO Terminal 1 – San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco International Airport, Terminal 1 also known as the Harvey Milk Terminal is a recently redeveloped terminal for domestic flights with 27 gates with single concourse identified as Boarding Area B. The terminal has received global recognition and has numerous awards for world class sustainability, passengers focus well being, and its role in honoring the legacy of civil rights innovator Mr. Harvey Milk. SFO Terminal 1 has SFO Museum, Yoga Rooms and Sensory Rooms to enhance overall passengers and airport experience.

Comprehensive Look on the SFO Airport Terminal 1

A recently completed $2.5 billion state of art domestic terminal also known as Harvey Milk Terminal 1. It is an innovation of zero waste initiative and the Bay Area Naturalism design that has abundant natural light, sound-reducing surfaces, spacious lounges and comfortable restorative environment. The San Francisco International Airport terminal 1 is the first in the world to be named after an LGBTQ+ leader, civil rights founder and former San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, reflecting the city’s values of inclusivity and diversity.

Category	Details
Operated Airlines	Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Porter, Southwest Airlines, Aer Lingus, WestJet
Concourses Layout	Concourse B  – 27 Gates (B1-B27)
Arrival Level	Lower Floor : Baggage Claim, Ground Transportation, AirTrain Station, Information and Customer service desk, Pet Relief Area, Restrooms, Accessibility, Touchless water filling station
Departure Level	Upper Floor : Airlines Check-ins, Security Checkpoints, Harvey Milk Exhibit, Museum gallery and art, Yoga Room, Sensory Room, Intern Terminal Connections
Lounges Available	Alaska Lounge – Post Security, Near Gate B6American Airlines Admiral Club – Level 2, Near Gate B13 (Post Security)The Club SFO – Right next to B4 (Post Security)Delta Sky Club – Near Gate C3 (Post Security)
Priority Pass	The Club SFO – Right next to B4 (Post Security)
Dining and Food Hub	Kitava, Kona’s, Napa Farms Market, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, Bun Mee, Starbird Chicken, Mama Go Filipino Cuisine, Drake’s Flyaway, Perry’s, Michael Mina’s Bourbon Pub, Farmerbrown, Proper Food, Gateside Market, Ritual Coffee
Shopping hub	San Franpsycho, iStore, Green Apple Books, Gateside Market, Skylink News + Gifts, San Francisco Bay Traders, Fireworks
Parking	Domestic Garage Long-Term Garages Valet Parking Cell Phone Parking Lot
Facilities and amenities	Information Desk, Lost and Found, Exhibit, Yoga Room, Sensory Room, Pet Relief Area, Ground Transportation, AirTrain (Connect Terminals), Kids Play Area, WI-fi, Traveler Workstations, Restrooms, Medical Clinic & Travel Agency, BART Station, Smoking Area (Outside the Terminal), and Special Accessibility
Official Website	https://www.flysfo.com/

Where is the San Francisco International Airport Terminal 1?

The SFO Terminal 1 is a radical-shaped terminal, a seismic spine that runs along its curved structure. Terminal 1 is located within the SFO Airport, in between the International Terminal and Terminal 2. The exact physical location of the Terminal is

San Francisco, CA 94128, United States

San Francisco International Airport Nearby Popular Tourist Places

• Coyote Point Recreation Area: Approximately 4 miles away from Terminal 1,  A Bayside park with trails, beach, marina, birdwatching, plane spotting, and CuriOdyssey science zoo for families.
• Burlingame’s Main Street & Broadway: A 3 miles away at the Burlingame area, an upscale mix restaurants, cafe and unique local boutique along with weekly Burlingame Farmers Market.
• Millbrae’s Broadway: Within 2 miles away, at the Millbrae’s area which offers dining options and a variety of international cuisine focused on Asian and Italian, also host local annual events like Japanese Culture Festivals.
• San Francisco Bay Trail: At the adjacent of Burlingame and Millbrae, a unique place for biking along with the Bay shoreline of San Francisco Bay.
• San Mateo County Event Centre: Approx 4.5 miles away a remarkable event centre which hosts many fairs and many community culture festivals throughout the year.

How to Navigate San Francisco International Airport Terminal 1?

SFO Airport Terminal 1, also known as Harvey Milk Terminal is situated in San Mateo County, 14 miles away south of downtown San Francisco. There are various ground transportation options available to navigate Terminal 1, including driving, ride share, and public transit services. 

By Driving

If you are arriving by driving, follow the route of US-101 South, then tag along the sign of Domestic Terminal/ Terminal 1. You can navigate the address of SFO Terminal 1, here you can access the domestic garage, centrally between the domestic terminal with short walking tunnels.

Taxi/Rideshare

Uber and Lyft rideshares/taxis typically picked up the passengers at the departure level of the international terminal or from the level 5 of Domestic Garage which is connected to the Terminal 1 at SFO.

Public Transit

• BART Station: The BART station is located at the International Terminal of SFO, here you can take either AirTrain or Walk through the airside walkway to connect to Terminal 1, from the SFO-Bound train around the Bay Area.
• SamTrans: A 24 hours bus service which connects SFO to San Mateo County, and various parts of San Francisco.

Inter Terminal Connections

• AirTrain: A free train service with two colored lanes, red and blue that connects all the terminals of the SFO. The red line loops through terminals, garage and BART stations, whereas the Blue line crosses through the rental car and long term parking as well.
• Walkways: All terminals are connected through walkways, at both after and before security checkpoints. It takes typically 6 minutes to cross and connect through different terminals from the walkways.

Airlines Operated By San Francisco International Airport Terminal 1

SFO Airport Terminal 1 is the main hub for the domestic airlines, but some of the operating airlines also serve the international flights, mostly to the nearby destinations like Canada, Mexico and few from the global destinations. While there is a main International Terminals for major International destinations connected through the walkways to Terminal 1. Here is the sophisticated table to understand about the Terminal 1 airlines’ carrier : 

International Airlines	Domestic Airlines
Porter	Alaska Airlines
WestJet Airlines	American Airlines
	Delta Air Lines
	Hawaiian Airlines
	JetBlue Airways
	Southwest Airlines

Destinations of SFO Terminal 1

The Terminal serves carriers to a wide range in San Francisco. The entry of international flights is mainly to and from Canada, Mexico and some other global destinations only by Porter and WestJet Airlines. Here is the distinguish table of the airlines destinations, administered by San Francisco International Airport Terminal 1 : 

Domestic Destinations

• West Coast: Anchorage, Los Angeles, Portland, San Diego, Santa Ana, Seattle
• Mountain West: Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City
• Central/Midwest: Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Minneapolis
• East Coast: Baltimore, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, New York and Washington D.C
• Hawaiian: Honolulu, Kahului, Flights within North America and to the Hawaiian Island

International Destinations

• Canada: Canadian cities consist of Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver
• Mexico: Cancun and Puerto Vallarta
• Caribbean and Central America: San Juan, Nassau, and Liberia

San Francisco International Airport Terminal 1 Arrivals and Departures

Arrival Level

Departure Level

The arrival process operates at the Lower  Level of Terminal 1, has the baggage claim, ground transportation access for taxis, rideshares, AirTrain, and BART. Passengers arriving at SFO can take advantage of amenities such as the SFO Information Booth and an outdoor pet relief area, adding convenience and comfort as they navigate the airport. Travelers are permitted airside access from Terminal 1 to the Immigration A gates through  a new walkable path. The G gate, for international flights, requires travelers to exit the terminal and then re-clair security. For those without a boarding pass, please check in at your airline’s counter in the International Terminal Main Hall before proceeding through security. All international passengers arriving at SFO Airport Terminal 1 must go through US Customs, claim and re-check baggage, and go through security again. Once clear of immigration and customs, follow the signs for “Connecting Flights,” drop off your bags, and go through the security check before heading to Terminal 1, using post-security walkways.

Departure processes are handled on the Upper Level in Terminal 1, check-in and security are located at Checkpoint B. This leads to Concourse B and gates B1 to B27. After passing through security, passengers will find shopping and dining, lounges, and the Harvey Milk exhibit, all to ensure a pleasant experience for departing travelers. If you have a boarding pass, you can walk airside from Terminal 1 to International A Gates using a connector. For G Gates (International Flights), you can walk through Terminals 2 and 3. If you do not have a boarding pass, you must check in at your airline’s counter prior to proceeding. When you arrive, look for the flight info screens for gate details. For international-to-domestic connections, it is recommended to allow 2-3 hours for customs and security. Please refer to SFO’s website for maps and information. Passengers on a pre-cleared international flight will arrive airside and will be able to go straight to their connecting gates.

SFO Terminal 1 Map and Layout 

Familiarity with SFO Terminal 1 map is essential to helping travelers have a world-class airport experience. As the first terminal to receive BOTH LEED Platinum and WELL certifications, it embodies the values of sustainability, health and wellness, and inclusion that characterize San Francisco. Knowing the SFO airport map terminal 1 features, such as natural light, sound reducing structure, and enhanced air ventilation, can allow you to find a small amount of comfort and calm while traveling. 

Categories	Layout
Concourses & Gates	Concourse B  – 27 Gates (B1-B27)
Connected Terminals	International Terminal (Airside Walkways) Terminal 2 (Airside Walkways)
Level 1	Arrival Level : Baggage Claim, Ground Transportation, AirTrain Station, Information and Customer service desk, Pet Relief Area, Restrooms, Accessibility, Touchless water filling station
Level 2	Departure Level :  Airlines Check-ins, Security Checkpoints, Harvey Milk Exhibit, Museum gallery and art, Yoga Room, Sensory Room, Intern Terminal Connections
Level 3	Mezzanine Level : Airside Walkways, House connector access to International Terminal, Pass through the post security to other terminals
Level 4	AirTrain Level : AirTrain Connections, Parking Garage, BART Station, Access to International Terminal
Level 5	Parking Level : Domestic Garage, Pedestrian Bridge, Taxi/Rideshare

Knowing the terminal layout, tech-savvy amenities, family-friendly areas, and cultural exhibits can all provide a sense of efficiency and enjoyment to your travel experience. Finally, when traveling internationally, knowing the SFO terminal 1 map and the historical significance of the terminal can aid in smoother travel connections. Ultimately, this knowledge makes the travel experience smarter and more meaningful.

TSA Checkpoints and Weighing Stations

San Francisco International Airport Terminal 1 particularly security checkpoint B at the Departure level. The SFO airport also offers several other advanced security checkpoints TSA PreCheck and CLEAR screening services to enhance the travel experience. There are no public baggage weighing stations, you can weigh your bags at the airline check-in counters or kiosks before dropping them.

TSA Checkpoints at Terminal 1

• Checkpoint B: Located at the Departure level, opens at 3:30 AM to 12:30 AM. The expedited screening of TSA PreCheck and CLEAR PLUS lanes are available for the eligible passengers at this checkpoint. The terminal also features Automated Screening Lanes, which are designed to streamline the screening process and improve efficiency.

• Mezzanine Level: This section often processes to serve the expedited screening of TSA PreCheck and CLEAR PLUS lanes, available for the eligible passengers at this checkpoint.

Weighing Stations at Terminal 1

 Luggage weight limitations vary by airline, so be sure to check your specific airlines guidelines prior to arriving to avoid extra fees for overweight/oversized bags.

• The one personal item is free at the airport like carry bags.
• For economy and premium economy classes, the average weight is 50lb and for business classes the weight range goes to 70lb.
• For overweight luggage the extra fees would be $100-$200, more than 100lb is not acceptable further from the security checkpoints.

San Francisco International Airport Lounges at Terminal 1

SFO Airport Terminal 1 has regular lounges specifically for both domestic and international passengers. The lounges may offer amenities, such as Wi-Fi, light snacks, beverages, seating, power outlets, and, in some locations, showers, business facilities, and other services. 

Lounge Name	Location	Hours of Operation	Airlines / Access
Alaska Lounge	Retail Street, Level 2, Post-Security	5:00 AM – 12:00 AM	Alaska Airlines, oneworld members
American Airlines Admirals Club	Near Gate B13, Level 2, Post-Security	4:30 AM – 11:30 PM	American Airlines, oneworld members

Priority Pass at San Francisco International Airport Terminal 1

Apart from the SFO Terminal 1 Lounges, there are other special relaxing places with the same access to Priority Pass. These locations provide comfort and unwind to the travelers.

SFO Airport Terminal 1 Restaurants 

San Francisco International Airport Terminal 1 offers a wide range of food and dining options. All Food in Terminal 1 SFO, have their unique taste and majestic decorations. Whether you are relax seater eater or a grab and go person, there are various alternative of SFO Terminal 1 Food and Dining corners: 

Restaurant Name	Location (Gate Area)	Cuisine / Highlights
Bun Mee	Gate B3	Vietnamese banh mi, pho, spring rolls
Mama Go’s Filipino Cuisine	Gate B18	Filipino dishes, vegan/gluten-free options, boba
Gateside Market	Gate B18	Sandwiches, snacks, açaí bowls, local treats
Starbird	Gate B13	Crispy chicken sandwiches, salads
Dolores Park Café	Gate C5	Grab-and-go sandwiches, pastries, salads
Perry’s	Gate C1	Full-service American fare, burgers, breakfast
Farmerbrown	Gate C4	Southern comfort food, hearty meals
Bourbon Pub by Michael Mina	Gate B7	Upscale pub food, full bar
Drake’s Flyaway	Gate B20	Bay Area brewery, burgers, pizzas, salads
Ritual Coffee	Near B Gate Security	Specialty coffee, pastries

Shopping Hubs at SFO Terminal 1

SFO Harvey Milk Terminal 1 offers a variety of shopping options, from  Bay Area-themed apparel and tech gadgets to books, local treats, and gifts.

Store Name	Location (Gate Area)	Category / Highlights
Mills Cargo	Near Gate B13	Travel accessories, luggage, souvenirs
iStore	Near Gate B18	Electronics, headphones, chargers
Johnston & Murphy	Retail Street	Footwear, leather goods, business attire
DepARTures	Gate B20	Art-inspired gifts, local artisan products
L’Occitane	Retail Street	French skincare, beauty products
Skyline News + Gifts	Gate B6	Magazines, snacks, travel essentials
Fireworks	Gate B14	Unique gifts, jewelry, accessories
NYS Eyewear	Gate B10	Sunglasses, reading glasses

Hotels Near San Francisco International Airport Terminal 1

There are plenty of hotels near SFO Terminal 1, offering a range of options from premium on-airport luxury to more affordable choices with complimentary shuttle services in nearby cities like Burlingame and Millbrae.

Hotel Name	Distance from SFO	Airport Shuttle
Grand Hyatt at SFO	0.8 miles	Yes
The Westin San Francisco Airport	1.2 miles	Yes
Hotel 1550 – SFO Airport West	1.3 miles	Yes
Aloft San Francisco Airport	1.3 miles	Yes
San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront	1.5 miles	Yes
Hampton Inn & Suites Burlingame-Airport	1.5 miles	Yes
Regency Inn San Francisco Airport	1.6 miles	Yes
Hotel Aluxor SFO	1.6 miles	Yes
Vagabond Inn Executive SFO Airport	1.7 miles	Yes
Bay Landing Hotel	1.8 miles	Yes

SFO Terminal 1 Parking Options

There are a number of parking options available at the SFO Airport Terminal 1, ranging from long term, short term, and valet parking, according to the durations and budgets. 

On-site Parking – Ideal for Short Term Parking

Domestic Garage – Underneath the International Terminal, short walkways tunnels to Terminal 1. Opens 24 hours at $4 for the 30 minutes and $38 max for daily parking, also the first 10 minutes are free for drop offs.

Off-site Parking – Ideal for Long Term Parking

Long Term Garage – In the main terminal complex at 794 S Airport Blvd, offers most economical budget parking, connects through AirTrain Blue Line. Works 24 hours service at the rate of $4 for 30 minutes and $25 for max daily parking.

Other Parking Options

• Cell Phone Waiting Lot: At the adjacent to the Long Term Garage, best for picking up the arriving passengers; The first 60 minutes are free.
• Valet Parking: The Valet Parking is in the Grand Hyatt Hotel of SFO, provides various services like Car Washing, Detailing, EV Charging Stations, Battery Jump, Tire-Inflation, and Dry cleaning services, the charges vary accordingly SFO websites.

SFO Lost and Found at Terminal 1

When and How to report of the missing items at the SFO Terminal 1, is totally depends on where you considered the luggage was lost : 

If Your Checked Luggage is Lost or Delayed

If the luggage doesn’t arrive at the baggage claim area, you have to contact your airlines immediately before leaving the airport. The Baggage Service Office will claim a file and provide a file reference number to find your luggage.

If an Item Was Lost in the Public Area

Contact the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Lost and Found, if you lost your luggage in the Terminal, Parking Garage or in the AirTrain. You should have the detail of the item like when and where it was last seen to the department. The details of department is : 

Contact –  (650) 821-7014

Email – sfolostandfound@flysfo.com

Hours – Daily at 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM

If an Item Left at the Security Checkpoints 

If you lost the luggage while at the Security Checkpoints,  then you should connect to the Covenant Aviation Security. The details are : 

Contact – (650) 457-2670

Email  – lostandfound@covenantsecurity.com.  

Hours – 9:00 AM to 3:00 AM (Monday – Friday)

SFO Wait Times at Terminal 1

The only checkpoint in SFO Terminal 1 is located at Security Checkpoint B, on the Departures Level. Wait times are typically in the 20-30 minutes range but can extend to over 45 minutes during peak times, particularly between 4:30 AM and 7:00 AM, holidays, and major events. To minimize delay, you may want to arrive early and check the wait times on the SFO website in real-time.

SFO Smoking Areas at Terminal 1

There is no particularly designated smoking area at San Francisco International Airport Terminal 1, the only allocated areas for smoking are outdoors, outside the Terminal buildings.

• Location: Outside each terminal building, there are designated smoking areas, Terminal 1 included. 
• Access: Anyone arriving, departing, or waiting to check in may use the smoking areas. 
• Rules: You cannot smoke within 20 feet of the main entrances, exits, or any operable windows of the airport buildings. 
• Post-Security: If you are post-security in Terminal 1 and want to smoke, you must exit the secure area, use the designated outdoor area to smoke, and re-enter the terminal through a security checkpoint. 

SFO Special Accessibility and Assistance at Terminal 1

Terminal 1 at SFO – the Harvey Milk Terminal, provides unique facilities and services to promote accessibility and assistance for all travelers. They focus particularly on neurodivergently diverse travelers and travelers who have mobility, visual or hearing impairments.

• Sensory Rooms: Located at the post security area, near gate C2 is accessible through Concourse B. The room is designed neurodivergently to prepare them for the flights, and opens at 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM with supportive and calm space.
• Wheelchairs and Guidance: Airlines provide assistance for boarding, deplaning, and making connections within the airport, from the vehicle drop-off point to the seat on the plane. Travelers needing wheelchair or guided assistance must arrange these services with their airline, preferably when booking their flight or at least 72 hours in advance.
• TSA Cares and Security Screening: This is a dedicated TSA helpline that provides information on screening procedures for passengers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other circumstances. They can also coordinate assistance through the security checkpoint.
• Other Accessible Features: SFO Terminal 1 provides accessible restrooms, ramps, elevators, visual paging, TTY phones, mobility aid assistance, and a pet relief area, ensuring comfort and accessibility for all travelers, including those with disabilities.

SFO Terminal 1 Amenities and Services

San Francisco International Airport Terminal 1 provides contemporary features, which include dining options, shopping venues, lounges, art displays, and family-friendly areas. Services include convenient facilities for easy access, free Wi-Fi, water stations, areas designated for pet relief, and cutting-edge technology to facilitate a smooth experience with check-in procedures, security, and access to flight information.

Post Security	Wellness and Relaxation	Museum Galleries & Art	Technology and Connectivity	Other Services
Check-ins Exhibits Ground Transportations SFO Information Booth  Pet Relief Area	Yoga Room Sensory Room Kids Playing Spot	SFO Museum Galleries Visual Arts	High Speed wi-fi Charging Stations Touchless Water filling stations Escalators Elevators AirTrain Airside Walkways	Restrooms Lost and Found Medical Clinic and Travel Agency

Overall,

The Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at SFO is a brand new, world-class terminal designed with sustainability, passenger comfort, and inclusive design in mind. The terminal’s technology, services, amenities for families, and cultural displays reflect the best of what a modern terminal has to offer to create a pleasant travel experience. Terminal 1 has sustainable design and homage to civil rights leader Harvey Milk embodies San Francisco’s progressive values. SFO Terminal 1 map and amenities have designed an easier and more enjoyable experience when traveling, whether to catch a connecting flight or begin your trip.

FAQs on SFO Terminal 1 – San Francisco International Airport