SFO · San Francisco · Terminal T3 / International
United Airlines Check-in at San Francisco International Airport
United Airlines departs from Terminal T3 / International at San Francisco International Airport. Online check-in opens 24h before departure.
United Airlines check-in rules at SFO
Step-by-step at San Francisco International Airport
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Check in online
Open the United Airlines app or website 24 hours before departure. Save the boarding pass to your phone wallet.
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Arrive at Terminal T3 / International
United Airlines flights at SFO depart only from Terminal T3 / International. Allow 120 minutes from arrival to gate.
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Drop off bags at T3 main hall (domestic) / IT-G main hall (international)
Bag-drop 3 hours before departure (long-haul) / 2 hours (domestic), closes 45 minutes before departure. Self-service kiosks available.
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Clear security
Submit your wait time on the airport page above to help others. Standard liquids rule: 100 ml in a single transparent bag.
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Walk to gate T3 gates 60–90 (domestic); IT-G gates G1–G102 (international)
Allow 10–20 minutes from security to your gate. Boarding starts 30 minutes (domestic) / 40 minutes (international) before departure; gate closes 15 minutes before.
Boarding United Airlines at SFO
Terminal T3 / International notes
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Typical gates
United Airlines flights typically depart from gates T3 gates 60–90 (domestic); IT-G gates G1–G102 (international).
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Walk time
Expect 10–20 minutes from security to the furthest gate.
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Eat & shop
T3 has Lark Creek, Napa Farms Market, Mustards Last Stand. IT-G has more upscale options (Equator Coffees, Cat Cora's Kitchen). Polaris Lounge has full restaurant.
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Lounges
United Polaris Lounge (Business / GlobalServices) at IT-G. United Club (Premier Gold/Platinum, paid pass) at T3 and IT-G.
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Family / accessibility
Family priority lane at security. Stroller drop at gate. Lactation rooms in both T3 and IT-G; children's play areas at IT-G.
Known issues at SFO with United Airlines
Fog delays in summer
Problem: SFO has frequent low-visibility delays May–August, particularly morning fog. Flights can be delayed 1–3 hours.
Solution: If possible, book afternoon flights during peak fog season. Build buffer for connections through SFO.
T3 ↔ International Terminal walk
Problem: Connecting from T3 (domestic) to International Terminal can take 15–20 minutes with AirTrain.
Solution: Allow 90+ minutes connection time at SFO including AirTrain ride and re-clearance if exiting and re-entering airside.
Estimate your EU 261 compensation
Flights to/from the EU, delayed 3+ hours or cancelled with less than 14 days' notice, are eligible for €250–€600 in compensation. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds: