SFO kicks off Super Bowl 50 travel

The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) announced the start of travel related to Super Bowl 50, outlining preparations, advice for travelers, and a program of live music in the terminals. 

SFO officials expect approximately 1.3 million passengers to travel through SFO between January 31 and February 10, 2016. 

The busiest single day is anticipated to be Monday, February 8th. 

SFO typically handles about 60,000 departing passengers on an average day, but officials anticipate an additional 30,000 passengers that day, representing a 50% increase in departing passengers.

“We’re excited to be the largest gateway in the Bay Area for Super Bowl 50 visitors”, said Airport Director John L. Martin.  “With enhanced airport services, live music from Bay Area artists, and Super Bowl-themed amenities, we’re committed to making the airport experience enjoyable for our guests.”

Ticket counters, security checkpoints, shops and restaurants to open early on Monday, February 8th
In anticipation of busy departure activity the day after the Super Bowl, most facilities, including domestic airline ticket counters, TSA security checkpoints, shops and restaurants will open early at 3:30am. 

The Airport Medical Clinic, located on the Departure level of the International Terminal, near the Boarding Area A side, will also open at 3:30am on Monday, February 8th. 

International airlines are expected to observe normal ticket counter operating hours. 

Some airline ticket counters, security checkpoints to remain open overnight following Super Bowl 50
In addition, the following airlines plan to keep ticket counters open and staffed throughout the overnight period immediately following the Super Bowl game, from Sunday, February 7th to Monday, February 8th:

• United Airlines – Terminal 3
• American Airlines – Terminal 2
• Southwest Airlines – Terminal 1
• JetBlue – International Terminal

The following TSA security screening checkpoints will also remain open overnight for the same period, to accommodate customers from these airlines:

• Terminal 3, Checkpoint F1 – this location also provides access to International Boarding Area G
• Terminal 2 Security Checkpoint – this location provides access to Terminal 1, Boarding Area C
• International A Concourse Security Checkpoint


United Airlines to offer remote check-in and baggage check at Rental Car Center in order to reduce congestion at curbside and ticket counter locations, United Airlines will be offering remote check-in and baggage check at the Rental Car Center, Level 1. 

This service will be offered from Sunday, February 7th at 6:30pm through Monday, February 8th at 9:00pm.  All times are local.

Passengers traveling through SFO during the Super Bowl period are encouraged to allow extra time, by following the “5-4-3-2-1” game plan:

• 5 hours before departure: check out of your hotel
• 4 hours before departure: return your rental car
• 3 hours before departure: check in at ticket counter
• 2 hours before departure: proceed to security checkpoint
• 1 hour before departure: arrive at your gate


With high passenger volumes anticipated, SFO recommends that travelers take public transit or share rides to the airport. 

BART provides direct service from San Francisco and the East Bay, and there are several shuttle services to SFO.  

Super Bowl game programs can set off luggage screening sensors and should be placed in carry-on luggage to expedite the security screening process.

SFO will again offer the popular “You Are Hear” program of live music featuring Bay Area musicians. 

Artists will be featured in a variety of terminal locations on Friday, February 5th and Monday, February 8th.  

SFO Museum exhibit – The Nation’s Game: The NFL from the Pro Football Hall of Fame To celebrate Super Bowl 50, SFO Museum is featuring artifacts and memorabilia from the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Titled A Nation’s Game: The NFL from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the exhibit includes game-worn items from all 32 NFL teams, including Joe Montana’s home jersey, Walter Payton’s helmet, and Jim Brown’s shoulder pads.

The exhibit also includes a photographic display, titled From Kezar to Candlestick: The Photography of Frank Ripon, featuring highlights from Ripon’s tenure as the de facto team photographer for the 49ers, a position he held from 1948 until his retirement in 1984.

The exhibit is located post-security in Terminal 3, and is also accessible to passengers in the International Boarding Area G by a secure connecting walkway.