Connecting at San Francisco

To connect with another airline at San Francisco you may need to change terminals. This information will help you understand the transfer process.

Air New Zealand operates from the International Terminal at San Francisco International Airport.

The following steps apply to all Air New Zealand passengers connecting at San Francisco

Transferring to a Domestic or Onward International Flight

All passengers arriving on international flights must complete US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) entry procedures at the International Terminal Arrivals Hall.

Connecting to another flight and your baggage has been through checked to your next/final destination?

  • Exit the arrivals hall through the doors marked "Connecting Flights"
  • Drop your baggage at the Connecting Baggage Desk, located directly outside of the exit
  • Make your way to your connecting airlines terminal
  • If you have been issued a boarding pass to your next destination you can proceed through security, check the screens for departure gate information. If you haven't been issued a boarding pass you will need to check-in with your connecting airline before proceeding through security

Connecting to another flight and your baggage has not been through checked to your next/final destination?

  • With your bags make your way to your connecting airlines terminal, where you will need to check-in with your connecting airline before proceeding through security

Transferring from Terminal 1 or 2 to the International Terminal

Terminal 1 or 2 passengers transferring to flights in the International Terminal must exit the terminal and proceed to the International Terminal. Passengers checked in for onward flights may proceed to the security checkpoint at the designated boarding area.

Transferring from Terminal 3 to the International Terminal

Passengers on flights arriving at Terminal 3 may transfer to International Terminal Boarding Area G via a connector walkway linking the two terminals. The entrance to the connector is located post-security in Terminal 3 near Gate 75, and the exit is located post-security in International Terminal Boarding Area G near Gate G92.

Connecting between terminals

Passengers may transfer between terminals by making their own way or riding AirTrain, SFO's automated people mover system. AirTrain is wheelchair accessible. Space designated for wheelchairs is located at each end of every AirTrain car. Lifts are available at all AirTrain stations.

San Francisco International Airport

Map courtesy of San Francisco International Airport.

Visit the city between flights

Passengers with a layover of four hours or more may wish to explore San Francisco via the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, which takes visitors from SFO's International Terminal nearly to the doorstep of several top attractions. Learn more about visiting San Francisco between flights.