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San Francisco International Airport is an international airport located in Northern California. It is located 13 miles south of San Francisco near the cities of San Bruno and Millbrae. It is a hub for United Airlines and is their gateway to Asia. It is the largest airport in Northern California and the second busiest airport in California, after [[Los Angeles International Airport]]. It features 4 runways, configured in pairs, perpendicularly.  
San Francisco International Airport is an international airport located in Northern California. It is located 13 miles south of San Francisco near the cities of San Bruno and Millbrae. It is a hub for United Airlines and is their gateway to Asia. It is the largest airport in Northern California and the second busiest airport in California, after [[Los Angeles International Airport]]. It features 4 runways, configured in pairs, perpendicularly.  


{{infobox|fullname=San Francisco<br />International Airport|location=San Francisco, California|iata=SFO|icao=KSFO|aptype=Commercial|website=http://www.flysfo.com|mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=SFO&ll=37.619534,-122.385035&spn=0.057675,0.118721&t=h&hl=en|mapsource=Google Maps|atctower=120.5 269.1|atcground=121.8|atcclearance=118.2|atcapproach=134.5 135.65 133.95|atcdeparture=120.9 (NW-E)<br />135.1 (SE-W)|atcatis=|atcunicom=122.95|psh=http://www.plane-spotting-hotels.com/index.php/plane-spotting-san-francisco/}}
{{infobox|fullname=San Francisco<br />International Airport|location=Millbrae, California|iata=SFO|icao=KSFO|aptype=Commercial|website=http://www.flysfo.com|mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=SFO&ll=37.619534,-122.385035&spn=0.057675,0.118721&t=h&hl=en|mapsource=Google Maps|atctower=120.5 269.1|atcground=121.8|atcclearance=118.2|atcapproach=134.5 135.65 133.95|atcdeparture=120.9 (NW-E)<br />135.1 (SE-W)|atcatis=|atcunicom=122.95|psh=http://www.plane-spotting-hotels.com/index.php/plane-spotting-san-francisco/}}


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===Terminal 2 SkyTerrace===
===Terminal 2 SkyTerrace===


This observation deck atop Terminal 2 is landside and open to the public with no boarding pass required. The terrace offers close views of the 10/28 runways, which in normal weather are used for most arrivals as well as heavy departures. the 1/19 runways are also visible. The entrance is behind the Starbucks in Terminal 2. Access is up two floors via staircase or a dedicated elevator. A security screening is required to access the terrace, but TSA restrictions on liquids don't apply.
This observation deck atop Terminal 2 is landside and open to the public with no boarding pass required. The terrace offers close views of the 28/10 runways, which in normal weather are used for most arrivals as well as heavy departures. The 1/19 runways are also visible. The entrance is behind the Starbucks in Terminal 2. Access is up two floors via staircase or a dedicated elevator. A security screening is required to access the terrace, but TSA restrictions on liquids don't apply.


For Winter 2021/2022, the SkyTerrace is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 10am until 6pm.
Typically, the SkyTerrace is only good for viewing purposes. For photography, apart from shooting the gates right in front of the terrace, the deck's double paned glass gives horrible reflections in photos. If you are a photographer, avoid this spot.
 
The SkyTerrace is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 10am until 6pm.


For more information, see https://www.flysfo.com/skyterrace
For more information, see https://www.flysfo.com/skyterrace


===Aviation Library===
=====Sample photo=====
 
[https://imgur.com/a/LoyhjtX Alaska Airlines E175 at gate D16]
The [http://www.flysfo.com/museum/aviation-museum-library San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Library and Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum] is within International Terminal A. It is open daily from 10am to 4:30pm except Saturday. Their collection is surprisingly extensive, though not all of it is on display.  It's worth stopping in if you're there when it's open.  Also, temporary rolling exhibitions exist security within the International Terminal as well as air-side Terminal 2 and 3. Public art from the San Francisco Arts Commission is on display throughout the terminals.


==Other Spotting Locations==
==Other Spotting Locations==
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If you are traveling by BART or Caltrain, get off at Millbrae Station and walk east approximately one mile on Millbrae Ave (about 15 minutes walk).  Use the south side of the street, as the north side has no sidewalk across the US-101 over-crossing; be cautious of traffic, this is not a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.
If you are traveling by BART or Caltrain, get off at Millbrae Station and walk east approximately one mile on Millbrae Ave (about 15 minutes walk).  Use the south side of the street, as the north side has no sidewalk across the US-101 over-crossing; be cautious of traffic, this is not a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.


=====Sample photos:=====
=====Sample photos=====
[https://imgur.com/a/RNrm3R3 Eva Air B777-300ER taxiing next to runway 1R]
[https://imgur.com/a/RNrm3R3 Eva Air B777-300ER taxiing next to runway 1R]


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If you are traveling by BART, get off at the SFO BART station, and catch the SFO AirTrain. They run at a four minute frequency and the parking lot has its own dedicated AirTrain station to get off at.
If you are traveling by BART, get off at the SFO BART station, and catch the SFO AirTrain. They run at a four minute frequency and the parking lot has its own dedicated AirTrain station to get off at.


=====Sample photos:=====
=====Sample photos=====
[https://imgur.com/a/OtIIRr5 British Airways B777-300ER rotating out of runway 28L]
[https://imgur.com/a/OtIIRr5 British Airways B777-300ER rotating out of runway 28L]


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===Within the airport===
===Within the airport===


Various locations within the airport, but outside security, offer reasonable views:
There are a few great spots within the airport:


'''Parking Garage G''' -- Great views of the south side of International Terminal G. Take AirTrain to Garage G/BART and take the elevator up to parking level 9.  
'''Garage G AirTrain/BART Station''' -- Great views of the south side of International Terminal G. Take AirTrain to Garage G/BART and take the elevator up to parking level 9.  
* Sample photo - [https://imgur.com/a/96Ew8ml Air New Zealand B787-9 "All Blacks" livery resting at gate G7]
* Sample photo - [https://imgur.com/a/96Ew8ml Air New Zealand B787-9 "All Blacks" livery resting at gate G7]


'''Parking Garage A''' -- Great views of the west side of International Terminal A.  
'''Parking Garage A''' -- Great views of the west side of International Terminal A.  
* Sample photo - [https://imgur.com/a/z5Ft1Ym Aeromexico B737 MAX 8 resting at gate A5.]
* Sample photo - [https://imgur.com/a/z5Ft1Ym Aeromexico B737 MAX 8 "Pride" livery resting at gate A5.]


''' AirTrain station at the rental car facility (blue line)''' -- Very good views of runway 10 arrivals on bad weather days; however the windows are often very dirty.
'''Terminal 2 Air Train stop''' -- There are two different parts of the AirTrain station that have openings, which means you don't need to shoot through glass. The West side gives a great view for rotation shots on the 28s. The East side gives great views for taxiing planes going to Terminal 1 and International Terminal A, as well as planes rolling down the 1s. This spot's best lighting is past 1pm in the winter and past 3pm in the summer.
* Sample photo - [https://imgur.com/a/bcxXm59 Alaska Airlines E175 taxiing to Terminal 1]
* Sample photo - [https://imgur.com/a/2seJJnO United Airlines A321neo departing off runway 1R]


'''AirTrain approaching terminal 1''' -- View of aircraft at the International A gates (Qantas, Virgin Atlantic, Air France, Emirates, etc).
===SF Bay Trail (Benihana)===


'''AirTrain Blue Line, between International G and West Field Road''' -- Views toward International G / United gates, and some parts of the cargo ramp (DHL, FedEx).
This spot is located further down the San Francisco Bay Trail right next to the Benihana Restaurant. It has a very similar view to Bayfront Park, but for photo purposes, this spot offers far less heat haze than Bayfront Park. However, there is not much a view of the 1s, but you can get some good photos of departing planes off of the 1s crossing in front of the SF skyline.


'''Terminal 2 Air Train stop''' -- Good rotation shots of the 28s, although there will be no warning-bring a scanner. At each end of the stop there is an opening so you do not have to shoot through glass. The opening on the north side of the station gives good shots of rotation and the SFO water towers. The south side will give shots of the thresholds of the 28s (with a long lens), the beginning of the 1s, and Terminal 2 ramp shots. {{anetlink|2739252}} {{anetlink|2416532}}
====Sample photos====
[https://imgur.com/a/vycnAYJ Emirates A380-800 departing off runway 28L]


===Fisherman's Park===
[https://imgur.com/a/kEFklNN SAS A330-300 about to touch down on runway 28R]
Fisherman's Park is a small area on the coast of the bay under the 28 approach path. The so-called "park" is really a gravel parking lot with small area by the water, used regularly by fishermen. This location is very similar to the popular Coyote Point Recreation Area location; the only differences being it is slightly closer to the threshold, but slightly farther south of the approach path. It is located on Airport Blvd. in Burlingame. A 400mm lens (full frame) will be more than sufficient for heavies, but a longer lens is needed for regionals. It is not the best area at mid-day times, due to the fact that you are shooting above you, but mornings and afternoons will yield great photos.
 
===Coyote Point===
 
Coyote Point is a beautiful park that sticks out into the bay giving great views of arrivals onto Runways 28L and 28R.
 
====Coyote Point Beach====
The beach at Coyote point is ideal for golden hour. It gives stunning views of the bay next to SFO. Do be weary though, as there is a gun range further up the hill behind the beach, and often you will hear gunshots.
 
* Sample photo - [https://imgur.com/a/drNvutA Condor A330-900neo arriving at the peak of golden hour]
 
====Coyote Point Marina====
The marina at Coyote point is truly amazing. Arrivals on the 28s will come literally right over your head, and gives a really unique underbelly view for photographers.
 
* Sample photo - [https://imgur.com/a/bwztdWr A rare Korean Air B747-8 flying overhead]


==Locations to Avoid==
==Locations to Avoid==


Obviously, do not loiter on streets within the airport grounds -- you will be stopped and questioned. Occasionally police may interfere at San Bruno Ave and Garage G, but it has never been severe. Also some reports of being harassed in the Signature FBO area, even if you have real business there. Be discreet.
===Westfield Garage===
 
Westfield Garage was once one of the greatest spots in all of SFO, giving amazing up close views of departing aircraft on the 28s, taxiing aircraft, and views of Terminal 3 and International Terminal A. Unfortunately, SFO security started to crack down on spotters, and once SFO's SkyTerrace was opened, when you would fill out a spotter permit, you would get an automatic email saying that Westfield Garage was not allowed to be visited. There have been many reports of people being stopped by police. There are still people who go there, and technically, you still can, but it is still very risky to do. If you do plan to go, do not use a lens any longer than 300mm, and try to stay on the floor below the top floor, to remain more discreet.
 
=====Sample photos=====
[https://imgur.com/a/ajzuXP6 Lufthansa B747-8 "Retro" livery lifting off runway 28L]
 
[https://imgur.com/a/CCD0e9J United Airlines B787-9 getting tugged]


==Spotting Locations Map==
==Spotting Locations Map==


<display_map>
<display_map>
37.605265,-122.376661~Bayfront Park
37.6187267208939, -122.39333554447713~International Terminal G Observation Terrace
37.635894,-122.400111~New Long Term Parking
37.6175079, -122.3835016~Terminal 2 SkyTerrace
37.631529,-122.401141~San Bruno Ave Overpass
37.605210, -122.376591~Bayfront Park
37.616748, -122.384576~Terminal 2 Air Train Stop
37.635103, -122.401886~Long Term Parking
37.633222,-122.400178~Cell Phone Lot
37.6159213, -122.3923938~Garage G AirTrain/BART Station
37.613781, -122.391982~Garage A
37.6139406258863, -122.39197653255675~Parking Garage A
37.615855, -122.392617~Garage G/BART
37.61706187190578, -122.38471821889077~Terminal 2 Air Train Stop East
37.628242, -122.401189~Rental Car Facility
37.61645909321501, -122.38446455974687~Terminal 2 Air Train Stop West
37.591958, -122.334662~Fisherman's Park
37.598408912099, -122.36429374419507~SF Bay Trail (Benihana)
37.5894667847485, -122.32613310632998~Coyote Point Beach
37.59122246288525, -122.31872529953121~Coyote Point Marina
37.62317473432498, -122.39293061187969~Westfield Garage (avoid)
</display_map>
</display_map>


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|-
|-
|Hawaiian Airlines
|Hawaiian Airlines
|Airbus A330-200/A321neo
|Airbus A330-200, Airbus A321neo
|[[Daniel K. Inouye International Airport]], [[Kahului Airport]]
|[[Daniel K. Inouye International Airport]], [[Kahului Airport]]
|-
|-
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|-
|-
|Fiji Airways
|Fiji Airways
|Airbus A350-900
|Airbus A330-200/300, Airbus A350-900
|[[Nadi International Airport]]
|[[Nadi International Airport]]
|-
|Avianca
|Airbus A320neo
|[[El Salvador International Airport]]
|-
|-
|Lufthansa
|Lufthansa
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|[[Los Angeles International Airport]], [[San Diego International Airport]], [[Seattle-Tacoma International Airport]], [[Harry Reid International Airport]], [[Denver International Airport]], [[John Wayne Airport]], [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport]], [[Chicago O'hare International Airport]], [[Newark Liberty International Airport]], [[Portland International Airport]], [[Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport]], [[Salt Lake City International Airport]], [[Boston Logan International Airport]], [[Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport]], [[Hollywood Burbank Airport]], [[George Bush Intercontinental Airport]], [[Washington Dulles International Airport]], [[Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport]], [[Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County International Airport]], [[Vancouver International Airport]], [[Palm Springs International Airport]], [[Daniel K. Inouye International Airport]], [[Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport]], [[Toronto Pearson International Airport]], [[Austin-Bergstrom International Airport]], [[Ontario International Airport]], [[Boise International Airport]], [[London Heathrow Airport]], [[Miami International Airport]], [[Reno–Tahoe International Airport]], [[Incheon International Airport]], [[Philadelphia International Airport]], [[Kahului Airport]], [[California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport]], [[Mexico City International Airport]], [[Tokyo Narita International Airport]], [[San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport]], [[Singapore Changi Airport]], [[Sacramento International Airport]], [[Redmond Municipal Airport]], [[Santa Barbara Municipal Airport]], [[Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport]], [[Orlando International Airport]], [[Hong Kong Airport]], [[Los Cabos International Airport]], [[Eugene Airport]], [[Fresno Yosemite International Airport]], [[Tokyo Haneda International Airport]], [[Redding Regional Airport]], [[Tucson International Airport]], [[Spokane International Airport]], [[Rogue Valley International Airport]], [[Puerto Vallarta International Airport]], [[Frankfurt Main Airport]], [[St. Louis Lambert International Airport]], [[Cancun International Airport]], [[Meadows Field Airport]], [[Paris Charles De Gaulle International Airport]], [[Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport]], [[Monterey Regional Airport]], [[Ninoy Aquino International Airport]], [[Monterey Regional Airport]], [[Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport]], [[Munich Airport]], [[Omaha Airport]], [[Tri-Cities Airport]], [[Albuquerque International Airport]], [[San Antonio International Airport]], [[Albuquerque International Airport]], [[Auckland Airport]], [[Monterrey International Airport]], [[Tampa International Airport]], [[Nashville International Airport]], [[Baltimore/Washington International Airport]], [[Cleveland International Airport]], [[Indianapolis International Airport]], [[Pittsburgh International Airport]], [[Raleigh-Durham International Airport]], [[Indira Gandhi International Airport]], [[Shanghai Pudong International Airport]], [[Sydney Airport]], [[Calgary International Airport]], [[Beijing Capital International Airport]], [[Lihue Airport]], [[Albuquerque International Airport]], [[Aspen Pitkin County Airport]], [[Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport]], [[Glacier Park International Airport]], [[Kansai International Airport]], [[Kona International Airport]], [[Fa'a'ā International Airport]], [[Melbourne International Airport]], [[John Glenn Columbus International Airport]], [[Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport]], [[Zurich Airport]], [[Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]], [[Southwest Oregon Regional Airport]], [[Southwest Florida International Airport]], [[Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport]], [[Christchurch International Airport]], [[Jackson Hole Airport]], [[Montrose Regional Airport]], [[Friedman Memorial Airport]], [[Bishop International Airport]], [[Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport]], [[Barcelona International Airport]], [[Eagle County Regional Airport]], [[Yampa Valley Regional Airport]], [[Rome Fiumicino Airport]], [[Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport]], [[Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport]], [[Juan Santamaría International Airport]]
|[[Los Angeles International Airport]], [[San Diego International Airport]], [[Seattle-Tacoma International Airport]], [[Harry Reid International Airport]], [[Denver International Airport]], [[John Wayne Airport]], [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport]], [[Chicago O'hare International Airport]], [[Newark Liberty International Airport]], [[Portland International Airport]], [[Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport]], [[Salt Lake City International Airport]], [[Boston Logan International Airport]], [[Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport]], [[Hollywood Burbank Airport]], [[George Bush Intercontinental Airport]], [[Washington Dulles International Airport]], [[Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport]], [[Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County International Airport]], [[Vancouver International Airport]], [[Palm Springs International Airport]], [[Daniel K. Inouye International Airport]], [[Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport]], [[Toronto Pearson International Airport]], [[Austin-Bergstrom International Airport]], [[Ontario International Airport]], [[Boise International Airport]], [[London Heathrow Airport]], [[Miami International Airport]], [[Reno–Tahoe International Airport]], [[Incheon International Airport]], [[Philadelphia International Airport]], [[Kahului Airport]], [[California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport]], [[Mexico City International Airport]], [[Tokyo Narita International Airport]], [[San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport]], [[Singapore Changi Airport]], [[Sacramento International Airport]], [[Redmond Municipal Airport]], [[Santa Barbara Municipal Airport]], [[Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport]], [[Orlando International Airport]], [[Hong Kong Airport]], [[Los Cabos International Airport]], [[Eugene Airport]], [[Fresno Yosemite International Airport]], [[Tokyo Haneda International Airport]], [[Redding Regional Airport]], [[Tucson International Airport]], [[Spokane International Airport]], [[Rogue Valley International Airport]], [[Puerto Vallarta International Airport]], [[Frankfurt Main Airport]], [[St. Louis Lambert International Airport]], [[Cancun International Airport]], [[Meadows Field Airport]], [[Paris Charles De Gaulle International Airport]], [[Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport]], [[Monterey Regional Airport]], [[Ninoy Aquino International Airport]], [[Monterey Regional Airport]], [[Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport]], [[Munich Airport]], [[Omaha Airport]], [[Tri-Cities Airport]], [[Albuquerque International Airport]], [[San Antonio International Airport]], [[Albuquerque International Airport]], [[Auckland Airport]], [[Monterrey International Airport]], [[Tampa International Airport]], [[Nashville International Airport]], [[Baltimore/Washington International Airport]], [[Cleveland International Airport]], [[Indianapolis International Airport]], [[Pittsburgh International Airport]], [[Raleigh-Durham International Airport]], [[Indira Gandhi International Airport]], [[Shanghai Pudong International Airport]], [[Sydney Airport]], [[Calgary International Airport]], [[Beijing Capital International Airport]], [[Lihue Airport]], [[Albuquerque International Airport]], [[Aspen Pitkin County Airport]], [[Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport]], [[Glacier Park International Airport]], [[Kansai International Airport]], [[Kona International Airport]], [[Fa'a'ā International Airport]], [[Melbourne International Airport]], [[John Glenn Columbus International Airport]], [[Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport]], [[Zurich Airport]], [[Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]], [[Southwest Oregon Regional Airport]], [[Southwest Florida International Airport]], [[Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport]], [[Christchurch International Airport]], [[Jackson Hole Airport]], [[Montrose Regional Airport]], [[Friedman Memorial Airport]], [[Bishop International Airport]], [[Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport]], [[Barcelona International Airport]], [[Eagle County Regional Airport]], [[Yampa Valley Regional Airport]], [[Rome Fiumicino Airport]], [[Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport]], [[Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport]], [[Juan Santamaría International Airport]]
|}
|}
**As of November 2024


==Facilities and Transportation==
==Facilities and Transportation==
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