San Francisco International Airport Ready For Holiday Travel Takeoff

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco International Airport is expecting a busy holiday season this year beginning with the first day of Thanksgiving Travel, Friday, Nov. 17 when roughly 144,000 passengers are forecast to be traveling through the airport that day.

With the number of airlines operating at SFO returning to pre-pandemic levels for the first time, 6.3 million travelers are expected to travel through the airport between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, or about 87 percent of 2019 holiday levels, a news release from SFO said.

To make holiday travel less stressful, officials at SFO said there are a few things passengers can do to make their holiday travel experience less stressful, including allowing extra time to get to the airport, booking parking in advance and checking in for their flights before heading to the airport.

Allow extra time to get to the airport

Travelers are strongly encouraged to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to departure for domestic flights and three hours prior to departure for international flights.

Parking garages expected to be full so book in advance

According to the Nov. 13 news release, SFO expects parking garages to be at or near capacity during the holiday travel season so travelers should travelers take public transit or share rides to the airport when possible.

For parking, the SFO recommends travelers book parking early using its online booking system, which allows users to choose their parking dates and times and enter payment information to complete a booking in advance. To book parking, click here.

Check in for flights before arriving at the airport

Passengers can save time by checking in for their flight before coming to the airport using their airline’s website or mobile application. In case of airline delays or cancellations, be sure to check flight status before coming to the airport as well.

Airlines continue to resume service, 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," the news release said.

This includes the return of China-based airlines such as Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern, which will all resume flights this month.

"United Airlines also launched nonstop flights to Manila and Christchurch, New Zealand, and a new airline, Starlux, will launch nonstop flights from SFO to Taipei on December 16, 2023," the news release said.

Live music in terminals for the holiday season

For those looking for a bit of entertainment while waiting to catch their flight, the airport's "SFO Celebrates: Holidays in the City" will "bring the excitement of San Francisco’s neighborhoods directly to airport guests," the news release explained. "The program features holiday photo stands in each terminal, a holiday stage and live performances in Terminal 3."

For more information on SFO Celebrates: Holidays in the City, including a schedule of events, click here. flysfo.com/sfo-celebrates.

For more information on San Francisco International Airport, including up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation and more, click here.