San Francisco Airport

(SFO) – History, Airlines, Dining & Transportation

History of San Francisco Airport

San Francisco Airport began in 1927 as Mills Field Municipal
Airport, located on a former cow pasture in San Mateo County.

• The site was
  chosen to serve the growing aviation needs of the Bay Area.
• In 1931,
  the name changed to San Francisco Airport, dropping “Mills Field,”
  and operations expanded.
• Between 1940
  and 1960, commercial aviation boomed, and SFO began handling more
  domestic and international flights.
• In 1954,
  the Central Passenger Terminal was completed.
• In 1955,
  the airport was officially renamed San Francisco International Airport
  (SFO).
• During the 1970s,
  new terminals and runways were built to accommodate larger jet aircraft.
• In 2000,
  the International Terminal opened — one of the most modern and
  spacious in the U.S. at the time.
• SFO introduced
  the automated Air Train, a people-mover system connecting terminals,
  garages, and BART.
• Sustainability
  efforts began, including green building certifications, carbon neutrality
  goals, and zero-waste initiatives.
• The Harvey
  Milk Terminal 1, named after the civil rights leader, began opening in
  phases starting in 2019 with a state-of-the-art design.

SFO is a major hub for United Airlines and a gateway to Asia
and Europe. It serves over 50 million passengers annually
(pre-pandemic numbers) and continues to invest in sustainability,
accessibility, and high-tech passenger services.

Airlines Serving San Francisco
International Airport (SFO)

Domestic Airlines

• United Airlines – Major hub
• Alaska Airlines
• American
  Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Southwest
  Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Frontier
  Airlines
• Hawaiian
  Airlines
• Sun Country
  Airlines
• Breeze Airways (limited
  service)

 International Airlines – Asia & Middle
East

• ANA (All Nippon
  Airways) – Japan
• Japan Airlines
  (JAL) – Japan
• Singapore
  Airlines – Singapore
• Korean Air – South Korea
• Asiana Airlines – South Korea
• China Airlines – Taiwan
• EVA Air – Taiwan
• Philippine
  Airlines – Philippines
• Air India – India
• Emirates – UAE (Dubai)
• Etihad Airways – UAE (Abu
  Dhabi)
• Qatar Airways – Qatar

Restaurants at SFO (Post-Security)

• Amy’s Drive
  Thru – Organic vegetarian/vegan burgers, fries, shakes
• Boudin Bakery – Famous San
  Francisco sourdough, soups in bread bowls
• Dogpatch
  Bakehouse & Caffè – Pastries, sandwiches, coffee
• The Little
  Chihuahua – Tacos, burritos, bowls
• Black Point
  Café – Espresso drinks, salads, pastries
• Tacos Cala – Elevated
  street-style Mexican fare
• Lark Creek
  Grill – California cuisine, wine bar
• The Plant Café
  Organic – Healthy wraps, bowls, smoothies
• Burger Joint – Classic
  burgers, fries, and shakes
• Klein’s Deli
  & Coffee Bar – Sandwiches, snacks, coffee
• Vino Volo – Wine bar
  with small plates
• Yankee Pier – Seafood
  restaurant, chowder, fresh fish
• Peet’s Coffee
  & Tea – Bay Area coffee chain
• SF Uncork’d – Wine, cheese
  plates, and small dishes
• Urban Tortilla – Burritos,
  quesadillas, tacos
• Starbird – Fried
  chicken sandwiches, salads
• Sweet Maple – Famous for
  its “Millionaire’s Bacon” and brunch fare

Flight Price
Comparison: SFO vs. LAX

When SFO Is Cheaper:

• Bay Area
  departures: Great for travelers based in Northern California.
• Business travel: Competitive
  rates on tech and finance routes (e.g., Seattle, Denver, NYC).
• Fewer crowds: Easier
  check-in and shorter lines in non-peak seasons.

When LAX Is Cheaper:

• International
  travel: More global carriers mean more competitive prices.
• Budget airlines: LAX has more
  low-cost carriers.
• Higher
  frequency: Greater flight volume usually equals better deals.

Tip: Always compare the full trip cost — airfare + parking + ground
transportation + time.

Ground Transportation at SFO

1. Ride Apps (Uber / Lyft / Wingz)

• Pick-up zones: Each terminal
  has designated ride-share areas (typically on Level 5 of the Domestic
  Garage).
• Estimated Costs:
  • SFO to
    Downtown SF: ~$30–$50
  • SFO to San
    Jose: ~$60–$90
  • Surge pricing
    applies during busy hours.

2. Public Transit: Caltrain + BART

• Ideal for
  travel to San Mateo, Palo Alto, or San Jose.
• Route: Take BART
  from SFO to Millbrae, then transfer to Caltrain.
• Cost-effective
  but slower than private service.

3. SamTrans Bus Service

• Serves San
  Mateo County and SF.
• Routes: ECR, 292,
  397, 398
• Pickup
  available curbside at all terminals.
• Great for
  locals and airport staff.

4. Private Car Services &
Limousines

Ideal for executives, business travelers, families, and VIPs seeking
comfort and convenience.

Popular Services:

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• Limousine
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• Limo from San
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Whether you need a cheap car service in San Francisco or a luxury
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