When should I leave for San Francisco International Airport?
Tell us your flight and we'll work back from how busy the terminal is expected to be. It's a starting point — your airline's deadlines always take priority.
Suggested arrival time
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Expected crowding
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How reliable
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This is a guide, not a guarantee.
Your airline's check-in and boarding deadlines are the only times that count — always follow those. This suggestion covers the terminal only: add your own travel time, and allow extra for traffic, parking, queues and anything unexpected.
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Typical arrival times
Most people reach the terminal about 1 hour before a short flight and 2 hours before a long one.
The times we suggest are deliberately earlier: they put you ahead of about four travellers in five, rather than in the middle of the crowd.
Recommended arrival time for each upcoming departure from San Francisco International Airport.