15.5 million travellers are expected to travel through the SFO between Memorial Day and Labour Day
The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) says it expects approximately 147,000 passengers travelling through SFO in the upcoming start of the summer travel season beginning May 24.
According to press statement by the airport, 15.5 million travellers are expected at SFO between Memorial Day and Labour Day, which represents about 86 pc in total of pre-pandemic summer travel levels.
SFO says that passengers travelling during the summer season are strongly encouraged to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to departure for domestic flights and three hours prior to departure for international flights owing to the rush.
SFO adds that parking garages may be at or near capacity during the summer travel season, so travellers can take public transit or share rides to the airport.
The statement adds that the closure of Runway 28 Left for a taxiway improvement project is scheduled to be completed no later than July 1. Airlines have already reduced flights to accommodate the closure, but SFO advises travellers that delays are still possible until the runway reopens.
It goes on to say that the final phase of the USD 2.4 billion Harvey Milk Terminal 1 is scheduled to open on June 11, featuring a new check-in area, a new mezzanine-level security checkpoint immediately accessible from the AirTrain system, two new gates, five new concessions, a new common-use lounge, a new museum gallery, and a connecting walkway linking every SFO terminal post-security.
The statement adds that Alaska Airlines is scheduled to move its full operation, including check-in ticket counter, gates and baggage services, from Terminal 2 into Harvey Milk Terminal 1 in late June. Alaska will be located near American Airlines and other Oneworld member airlines, providing convenience for guests who have connecting domestic and international flights.
Alaska’s new lobby will boast new technology that will allow guests to get through the check-in process more efficiently and give them more time to relax in Alaska’s new lounge and enjoy new amenities in Harvey Milk Terminal 1.
In July, SFO will officially begin construction on the USD 2.5 billion Terminal 3 West modernisation project, which will renovate the existing western half of Terminal 3, including a seismic retrofit, an expanded security checkpoint and new passenger amenities. During this project, United Airlines will operate a larger number of flights in Terminal 2, and new temporary walkways will open to route passengers around the construction area.
SFO’s experiential series will bring San Francisco’s neighbourhoods and cultural events directly to airport guests. The “SFO Celebrates” programme features live performances, music, demonstrations and arts and crafts.
