By Kavita Mistry 
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is preparing for a bustling summer travel season, expecting 16.2 million travellers between Memorial Day and Labour Day – a 4% rise over 2024, bringing traffic to 93% of pre-pandemic levels. Anticipating about 160,000 passengers on peak days, SFO is advising travellers to arrive early – two hours for domestic and three hours for international flights.
The airport is also reminding passengers about the new TSA REAL ID requirement. Effective May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require all passengers 18 and older to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other acceptable form of identification at TSA checkpoints nationwide. Travellers who do not meet this requirement should allow extra time for the security screening process.
Parking is expected to be at capacity, and SFO advises travellers to book parking online in advance. The airport’s online booking system allows users to secure spots and complete payments ahead of time. Alternatively, public transit or ride-sharing is recommended.
New dining options are set to launch this summer at Harvey Milk Terminal 1, including Balboa Café, Taste of the City, and SF Eats Food Hall.
Meanwhile, the $2.6 billion Terminal 3 West Modernisation project is progressing, with seismic upgrades, enhanced security, and new passenger amenities, expected to be completed by 2027. The project will also create 200,000 square feet of additional space, allowing for expanded food, beverage, and retail concessions.
An interim corridor will allow passengers to traverse from various terminals and boarding areas around the project site and will be in use for the next four years.
SFO’s experiential series, ‘SFO Celebrates,’ will continue to offer live performances, music, and arts & crafts, providing travellers with a taste of San Francisco’s culture.
