SFO stands for San Francisco International Airport, a major gateway airport for international travel, with millions of passengers annually. One of the many carriers operating from this important hub of activity is Aer Lingus, the flag carrier of Ireland. Knowing the layout and operations of the terminal when flying into or out of San Francisco with Aer Lingus will be very useful for travelers. This article will explore every aspect of Aer Lingus’ presence at SFO, including information on the departure and arrival terminals, services, and amenities.
Arrival Terminal
As of January 8, 2024, all Aer Lingus flights arriving at SFO will now arrive at Terminal 1. This is part of SFO’s overall effort to rationalize passenger flows to make the overall airport experience better. Before this date, the arrival of Aer Lingus was based in the International Terminal.
Terminal 1 Features
Terminal 1, also known as the Harvey Milk Terminal, is a new facility that opened in phases starting in 2019. The following is what arriving passengers can expect:
- State-of-the-art baggage claim facilities
- Easy ground transportation facilities
- Sufficient dining and shopping options
- Art installations expressing the life and times of Harvey Milk
- Sustainable design features that make it one of the ‘greenest’ airport terminals worldwide.
- Immigration and Customs
Upon arrival, international passengers will still be obligated to pass through immigration and customs procedures before proceeding into the public areas of Terminal 1. The normal procedure includes the following steps:
- Passport control
- Collecting checked baggage
- Clearing customs
- Exit to the public area of the terminal
Interestingly, the immigration waiting time depends significantly on the time of day, the number of flights arriving at that particular time, and even the availability of personnel. These are some reasons which contribute to delays within this step, and passengers need to be prepared for it.
Departure Terminal
Departures from Aer Lingus take place at the International Terminal A of San Francisco International Airport. This is a state-of-the-art facility equipped to handle heavy international flights and ensure passengers have a comfortable and efficient pre-flight experience.
The International Terminal A can be accessed by various modes of transport. Given below are some of the basic means of getting to it.
1. Car: Just follow the International Terminal signs. Both short and long-term parking is available near the International Terminal.
2. Public transit: The BART system—Bay Area Rapid Transit—has a station directly in the International Terminal, so passengers can arrive from any part of the Bay Area.
3. By shuttle: Various hotel and off-airport parking shuttles service the International Terminal.
Check-in Process
Aer Lingus check-in counters can be found in the International Terminal A. The airline advises that passengers get to the airport a minimum of three hours before the flight’s scheduled time of departure for international flights. This will provide the passengers with enough time to check in, go through security, and reach the gate.
The check-in area of Aer Lingus is facilitated with:
- Staffed check-in counters for one-on-one service
- Self-service kiosks for speedy check-in and boarding pass printing
- Bag drop areas for those passengers who checked in online
Aer Lingus typically opens check-in counters about three hours before any scheduled time of departure. Irrespective of that, it is always advisable to check the exact opening times, particularly during peak travel seasons or on holidays.
Security Screening
All passengers proceed to security checkpoint areas after checking in. At International Terminal A, there is a security checkpoint independent of the domestic terminals. Although these security checkpoints are generally less busy than the others within the domestic terminals, the wait time may vary depending on the time of the day and season.
In an attempt to speed up the security process, passengers are required to:
- Have a boarding pass and valid ID ready
- Remove laptops and large electronics from bags
- Remove shoes, belts, and jackets
- Remove metal from pockets
- Place all liquids in a clear, quart-sized plastic bag
Gate Lounge
Once passengers have cleared this security checkpoint, they enter the expansive International Terminal A gate lounge. This features:
- Duty-free shopping,
- Restaurants and cafes
- Currency exchange facilities
- Seating areas
- Electricity stations to charge electronic devices,
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
Indeed, the departure gates are well marked at Aer Lingus, and airline staff awaits to answer any last-minute queries or take on board special requests.
Terminal Connections
For passengers who may need to transfer between International Terminal A and Terminal 1, SFO has easy airside transfers. This means passengers already cleared to one terminal need not go through security again to move to the other.
Walk from the security checkpoint at International Terminal A to the furthest gate in Terminal 1 in about 10 minutes. This connection is possible because of:
- Adequate signing to lead passengers inter-terminal
- Moving walkways to and from gates to mitigate longer distances
- AirTrain stations for passengers that do not want to walk Connecting to Other Terminals
If passengers are connecting to another flight departing from one of the other terminals, such as United flights departing from Terminal 3, they will use the AirTrain system to access them. The AirTrain is free and connects all terminals at SFO.
To connect from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3:
- Follow signs to the nearest AirTrain station
- Board the Red Line or Blue Line train
- Get off at the Terminal 3 station
- Go to the security checkpoint for Terminal 3
Note: Connecting passengers to other terminals must re-clear security. Therefore, an adequate amount of connecting time must be allowed.
Baggage Claim
With the move to Terminal 1 for arrivals, the Aer Lingus baggage claim has been transferred to this terminal. It is well-designed and equipped for efficient baggage reclaiming for several flights at a time.
Process
Upon arrival:
- Follow signs to the baggage claim area
- Check the information screens for your flight number and assigned carousel
- Collect your luggage from the assigned carousel
- In the event of loss in baggage or damage, report to the Aer Lingus baggage service office, which can be found in the baggage claim area
Baggage Services
In case of any issue with your checked baggage, Aer Lingus has a dedicated baggage service to deal with exactly that. You can contact them for the following:
1. Searching for delayed bags
2. Claiming lost or damaged items
3. Submitting claims for compensation
4. Receiving delayed luggage
In case there are problems with your baggage, do not leave the airport until this matter is resolved, or at least declare it before the airline initiates steps for its quick resolution.
In-Flight Services
Aer Lingus does the best it can to provide comfort and enjoyment for passengers on board its long-haul flights between Ireland and North America, including those flying to and from SFO.
Food and Beverages
Aer Lingus offers full-bar service and meal options on all direct flights from Ireland and Manchester to North America. Dining typically includes:
- Hot lunch service shortly after takeoff
- Selection of drinks—a combination of alcohol and soft beverages
- Tea and Coffee
- Light refreshments or pre-landing breakfast depending on the flight duration
Special Meal Request: Passengers are required to make special meal requests through the booking page at aerlingus.com, during online check-in, or with the Aer Lingus Call Center at least 24 hours before their scheduled flight time. Requests for special meals can be made as follows:
- Vegetarian and vegan
- Gluten-free meals
- Kosher and Halal
- Low-sodium or diabetic meals
Entertainment
To allow passengers to unwind and enjoy themselves on board for long flights, Aer Lingus provides the following entertainment services:
- Personal screens: Each seat is equipped with a touchscreen display
- Movies: Selection of new releases and classic movies
- TV shows: Various series and episodes
- Music: Albums and playlists of various genres
- Games: Various interactive games targeted towards adults and children
The entertainment system is usually available gate-to-gate, meaning that passengers can get started on board, nearly from the moment they step on board, until they reach their destination.
Family Services
Aer Lingus understands that traveling as a family requires some special needs for its young travelers and offers the following services to make the journey more comfortable for them:
- Priority boarding with young children
- Bassinets are available for infants subject to availability and weight restrictions.
- Children’s meals (available on request before flight)
- In-flight child entertainment
- Diaper changing facilities in the aircraft toilets Lounges
Business Class Lounge Access
Aer Lingus business class passengers enjoy lounge access, enhancing their journey by providing them with a quiet spot to wait before their flight. While Aer Lingus does not have its lounge at SFO, business-class passengers do have access to partner lounges.
Lounge Facilities
While lounge access may vary at SFO, in general, Aer Lingus’ usual partner lounge includes:
- Spacious seating areas
- Complimentary food and beverages
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Business facilities with computers and printers
- Shower facilities at some selected places
- Quiet zones to relax or work
It is, however worth noting that the amenities may differ from one lounge to another and passengers should take a close look at the amenities of a specific lounge accessible to them at SFO.
Aer Lingus Lounges at Other Airports
While not directly related to the SFO experience, to give a fuller sense of just how seriously this carrier truly seems to take the comfort of its passengers, here’s what’s on offer in the Aer Lingus Revival Lounge at Dublin Airport:
- Big windows that let in loads of natural light
- Seating types
- Charged points for electronic devices
- A variety of hot and cold food
- Premium beverages
- Shower facilities
- Digital newspapers and magazines on the PressReader app
Future Developments
Aer Lingus continuously evaluates and improves its services to better the experience of passengers. Even though plans for SFO are not made public, future developments may include the following:
- In-flight entertainment system upgrade
- Enhanced dining with potentially more locally sourced ingredients
- Enhanced connectivity, faster in-flight Wi-Fi
- Increased transatlantic routes with more premium economy
Read Also: How do I Check-in a Group with Aer Lingus?
Sustainability Initiatives
As the aviation industry increasingly comes under scrutiny for environmental concerns, sustainability is going to be high on the agenda for Aer Lingus in the coming times. This could include the following initiatives:
- More fuel-efficient aircraft deployed on the SFO route
- Use of sustainable aviation fuels
- Elimination of single-use plastics from inflight services
- Carbon offset schemes for passengers
Network Growth
Aer Lingus has strategies in place to expand its network of routes, particularly in North America. While these do not directly impact SFO operations, this could have the following implications:
- Higher frequency on SFO—Ireland flights
- Potential opening of new routes from SFO to other European destinations via Dublin
- Tightening codeshare pacts with partner airlines and offering a wider choice of connection options for passengers traveling through SFO.
Conclusion
Knowing some of the particulars about how your airline works can sometimes make all of the difference in your travels when it comes to mastering any of the world’s major international airports. For those flying out of San Francisco International on Aer Lingus, here is a comprehensive rundown on what to expect from check-in to arrival.
Note that while this information is current as of early 2024, airport operations and airline services are always subject to change. It’s advisable to check for the most recent information regarding your specific flight with Aer Lingus‘ website or customer service.
Whether you are departing from International Terminal A or arriving at newly-designated Terminal 1, Aer Lingus is committed to comfort and efficiency in your travel. Knowing the layouts of terminals and the various services and facilities within them will go a long way toward helping you ensure a smoother journey through SFO.
All the best for a safe journey, and enjoy your flight with Aer Lingus!
FAQs – Aer Lingus at SFO
The majority are through the International Terminal, but some international flights will leave from the domestic terminals.
This varies by airport. Aer Lingus flies out of various terminals at various airports. You’ll need to check your specific departure airport.
Your flight with Aer Lingus will operate out of a different terminal, depending on which airport you are flying from. You can check the details in your ticket or on the website of your airport for the most updated information.
Several cities in the United States are served by Aer Lingus including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.
Aer Lingus recommends that all passengers check in at an airport 3 hours before their scheduled flight time if it is an international flight. You can do check-in, security, and everything in between far in advance just in case something goes wrong.
You can find flight terminal information on your boarding pass, on the website or in the app of the airline company, on the airport’s website, or by calling the airline directly.