The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) announced it has received the Airport Health Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI) World. The organization’s Airport Health Accreditation program evaluates new health and safety measures and procedures introduced at airports worldwide in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Areas of assessment for accreditation include cleaning and disinfection, physical distancing, staff protection, physical layout, passenger communications and passenger facilities.
“The safety of our passengers and employees has always been our highest priority,” said Airport Director Ivar C. Satero. “We have transformed our airport to meet the challenges of this pandemic and will continue to drive initiatives that help restore air travel. Earning the ACI Airport Health Accreditation serves as a validation of the safety and health measures we have implemented.”
SFO has taken the following measures which align with the ACI Airport Health Accreditation:
Onsite rapid COVID-19 testing
SFO was the first U.S. airport to offer rapid onsite testing for airport employees and has since expanded the onsite testing facility to be available to United Airlines passengers traveling to Hawaii and Cathay Pacific passengers traveling to Hong Kong.
Facial covering/face masks
SFO was the first major airport in the U.S. to require a facial covering or face mask to be worn at all times in its facilities. SFO offers complimentary masks in all terminals and created a Travel Well Ambassador program, which is staffed with volunteer airport workers, to help passengers to meet masking/facial covering requirements.
Physical distancing
Provisions are in place to help travelers maintain a distance of at least six feet from others. SFO has installed over 15,000 physical distancing markers at ticket counters, security checkpoint queues, baggage claim, and seating areas. Elevators are limited to a maximum of two passengers.
Hand Sanitizers
SFO has installed hundreds of hand sanitizers throughout the terminals, and the TSA now allows travelers to bring up a container of liquid hand sanitizer, up to 12 ounces in size, in carry-on baggage.
In terminal restrooms, SFO has deactivated hand dryers in accordance with current health guidance; disposable paper towels are available for drying hands.
Clear Protective Shields
To protect passengers and employees, clear plastic barriers have been installed in locations where face-to-face interactions might take place, such as information booths, airline ticket counters and TSA podiums.
Enhanced cleaning measures
SFO staff continue increased cleaning of facilities with EPA-approved effective germicidal agent that kills all coronaviruses and is outlined in CDC recommendations for cleaning and disinfection.
The SFO team employs no-touch cleaning systems, including all-surface equipment and battery-operated disinfectant sprayers, to clean, rinse and dry surfaces, and recover the water used without ever touching a surface.
