The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) anticipates a busy holiday travel season, with the number of airlines operating at SFO returning to pre-pandemic levels for the first time. The holiday travel season will begin in earnest on Friday, November 17, 2023, with approximately 144,000 forecasted passengers traveling through SFO. In total, 6.3 million travelers are expected at SFO between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, about 87% of 2019 holiday levels.
Allow extra time getting to the Airport
Travelers 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.
Parking garages expected to be full – book in advance
SFO expects parking garages to be at or near capacity during the holiday travel season. SFO recommends that travelers take public transit or share rides to the Airport. For parking, the Airport recommends travelers 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. To book, visit: parking.flysfo.com.
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. This includes the return of China-based airlines such as Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern, who 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.
Live music in terminals for the holiday season
“SFO Celebrates: Holidays in the City” brings the excitement of San Francisco’s neighborhoods directly to airport guests. The program features holiday photo stands in each terminal, a holiday stage and live performances in Terminal 3. For more information and a schedule of events, please visit: flysfo.com/sfo-celebrates.
