The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) highlighted the upcoming start of the summer travel season with tips for passengers, information on parking, upcoming facility enhancements, and a program of live music in the terminals.
The summer travel season will begin in earnest on Friday, May 23, 2025, with approximately 160,000 forecasted passengers travelling through SFO. In total, 16.2 million travellers are expected at SFO between Memorial Day and Labor Day, an increase of approximately 4% over summer 2024 levels and 93% of pre-pandemic summer levels.
SFO recommends travellers allow extra time
Passengers travelling during the summer season 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.
TSA REAL ID requirement
Effective May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require all passengers 18 and older to present a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or other acceptable form of identification at TSA checkpoints nationwide. Travellers who do not meet this requirement should allow extra time for the security screening process.
Parking garages expected to be full – book in advance
SFO expects parking garages to be at or near capacity during the summer travel season. SFO recommends that travellers take public transit or share rides to the airport. For parking, the Airport recommends travellers book parking early using SFO’s online booking system, which allows users to choose their parking dates and times and enter payment information to complete a booking in advance.
New restaurants coming to Harvey Milk Terminal 1
Coming this summer, New restaurants will be opening in Harvey Milk Terminal 1, including Balboa Café, Taste of the City, and SF Eats Food Hall, a five-concession food court.
Terminal 3 West Modernization project is underway
The $2.6B Terminal 3 West Modernization project will renovate the existing 650,000 square foot western half of Terminal 3, including a seismic retrofit, an expanded security checkpoint and new passenger amenities. The project will also create 200,000 square feet of additional space, allowing for expanded food, beverage, and retail concessions. The expanded section is expected to open in fall 2027.
An interim corridor will allow passengers to traverse from various terminals and boarding areas around the project site and will be in use for the next four years. The walkway consists of two sections; the first, 440 feet in length, begins in Terminal 3 near Gate E2 and ends in the existing rotunda food court area in Terminal 3. The second section, 1000 feet long, runs from the food court to an existing post-security walkway to the International G gates. SFO had previously connected all passenger terminals post-security, and this interim corridor continues that connectivity.
Experiential series brings San Francisco events to airport travellers
SFO’s experiential series that brings San Francisco’s neighborhoods and cultural events directly to airport guests. The “SFO Celebrates” program features live performances, music, demonstrations and arts & crafts.
