Alaska Airlines San Francisco International Airport – SFO Terminal

If you have an upcoming Alaska Airlines flight from San Francisco International Airport, knowing your terminal in advance will make your trip even better including the info about check-in and deboarding procedures, terminal names, etc. This read is beneficial if it’s your first time flying out of Alaska Airlines SFO Terminal to get you introduced to the necessary factors. By the end, you’ll surely feel confident and prepared for your trip.

Terminal Used By Alaska Airlines In SFO

When you take off from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with Alaska Airlines, you’ll depart from Terminal 2, gates explicitly D1 through D18, known as Terminal 2 D Gates. This airline also uses gates in another part of the airport, the International Terminal, which has gates A1 through A15.

Things To Do Before Departure

Before taking off, you must follow some essential procedures to board the plane. 

Checking In

You have three check-in options to choose from mentioned below:

• Online Check-In– This is the most suitable option. 

1. Alaska allows you to check in online 24 hours before your flight departure. 
2. You’ll need your booking reference number & your passport details. 
3. After checking in online, you can print your boarding pass at home or use the mobile boarding pass on your phone.

• Self-Service Kiosk– At the SFO airport, you can find self-service kiosks where you can check in using your touchscreen and the provided on-screen instructions. 

1. These kiosks are easy to find and will guide you through printing your boarding pass and checking baggage.

• Airport Check-In Counters—This is the oldest method of check-in. If you prefer checking in at the airport with the help of staff, you can go to the counter assigned to your airline. A staff member will assist you with checking in and verifying your ID and documents. Then, you will get your boarding pass.

Baggage Drop

Once you get done with your check-in process & you have checked your baggage, look for the baggage checking area to drop off your bags. 

• A staff member will weigh your luggage and attach a baggage tag with a barcode.
• Don’t forget to keep the receipt for your checked baggage as a reference.

Security Check

After checking in, go to the security area. The officer will check your boarding pass & an ID.

• Trays will be where you can place your carry-on luggage, belongings like jackets and electronics, and liquids.
• You will also have to go through a metal detector & get scanned by a security machine.

Procedure Followed After Landing

Once you have landed at the SFO airport, you will have to follow some of the procedures for a smooth exit from the airport:

Deboarding 

1. You will have to wait for your turn to step off the plane. The cabin crew might announce or give instructions.
2. Once stepping off the plane, go to the immigration area and find the signs or ask the staff members.
3. Keep your documents with yourself.
4. Stand on the line at the immigration counter. 
5. The immigration officer will check your documents, ask some questions about your visit, & may take your fingerprints & photograph as well.
6. The immigration officer will stamp your passport upon clearing you through the immigration check.

Claim Your Luggage

1. Look for signs giving directions to the baggage claim area.
2. Check the conveyor belt for your luggage and identify your bags correctly before taking them.
3. If your bags are missing, report it immediately to the lost and found counter at the airport.

Customs

1. If you arrive on an international flight, go to the Customs department. You must complete the declaration form about the items you bring into the country there.
2. There might be a red channel for those who want to declare any item and a green channel for those who don’t.
3. If you are unsure, ask a customs officer for clarification. They can guide you through the declaration process.

Exiting the Airport

1. Once you’ve cleared customs & collected your luggage, you can leave the airport.
2. There will be signs at the airport for transportation, or you can choose your mode of travel.
3. If you have already booked a ride, follow instructions on where to meet your driver or find your pick-up point.

Connecting Flight After Landing At SFO 

If you have another flight after landing at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), follow the steps below:

• Go to the connecting flight area, then get your immigration done along with customs if needed.
• Now, proceed to your Alaska gate. At Alaska’s service desk, recheck any bags needing tags for your final destination. Obtain one now if you still need to receive your boarding pass for the next flight.
• Clear security check again before boarding. 
• Great inside the free AirTrain to reach the terminal of your connecting Alaska Airlines flight.
• Find your gate and board when it opens. 

In-flight Amenities Provided By The Alaska Airline

Alaska Airlines provides many amenities to make your flight more comfortable and enjoyable, whether you want entertainment options to stay entertained and engaged, drinks and snacks to satisfy your appetite or special services. The list below gives the in-flight amenities you can expect on your trip.

• Entertainment– On Alaska Airlines flights, you can enjoy movies, TV shows, and music through your personal device or seatback entertainment system.
• Beverages– You can stay hydrated with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks like coffee, tea, and soda. Alcoholic beverages are available for a cost. 
• Snacks—These flights offer light complimentary snacks. Depending on the flight length, you might get pretzels, cookies, or a cup of coffee.
• In-flight Wi-Fi– If you need to use the internet for urgent work or to stay connected simply, in-flight Wi-Fi is available for purchase. 
• MVP Benefits– Alaska Air’s Mileage Plan members can take advantage of benefits, such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and complimentary upgrades.
• Preferred Seat Selection– Passengers can choose their preferred seat during booking or online check-in for a more comfortable flight.
• Memorable Meals– You can also pre-order special meals according to our diet restrictions. These can include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

• Charging Ports– With power outlets and USB ports available on board, it is very easy to charge your devices if they run out of battery during your flight.

Facilities To Expect At The SFO Airport

There are many when it comes to witnessing the facilities the SFO airport provides. If you’re eager to know what benefits and services you can expect at this airport, then check out the list below:

Transportation

1. Rental car services 
2. BART
3. Taxis
4. Ride-sharing
5. Shuttles

Passenger Services

1. Baggage claim
2. Currency exchange
3. ATMs
4. Children’s play areas
5. Assistance for passengers with disabilities
6. Information booths
7. Lost and found.

Dining

1. A wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and food sellers offer global cuisine options to customers.

Shopping 

1. Duty-free shops
2. Convenience & Grocery stores
3. Newsstands
4. Specialty stores.

Business Services

1. Business centers offer computers, printers, fax machines, conference rooms, co-working spaces, & high-speed Wi-Fi.

Amenities To Just Relax

1. Spas
2. Massage Services
3. Yoga Rooms
4. Meditation rooms.

Security

1. They offer 24-hour security with the best security checking technology.

Additional Facilities Offered

1. Airport museum
2. Hotel accommodations are on-site or nearby.
3. Electric vehicle charging stations.
4. Nursing rooms.
5. Pet relief areas.

Queries Handled By Alaska Airlines

If the passenger has any query to ask from the airline, here are all the queries that you can get answers to mentioned below:

Booking Your Trip

1. Finding Flights 
2. Ticket Prices & Types
3. Selecting Seats & Adding Extras 

Managing Your Trip

1. Checking In For Flights (Online & Offline)
2. Printing Boarding Passes 
3. Changing or Canceling Flights 
4. Adding Bags or Upgrading Seats

Learning About Flights & Services

1. Flight Status & Tracking 
2. Baggage Allowance & Fees 
3. In-Flight Services & Entertainment 
4. Traveling with Special Needs 

Mileage Plan

1. Earning and Redeeming 
2. Mileage Plan Benefits 
3. Managing Your Mileage Account 

Policies & Information

1. Pet Policy
2. Unaccompanied Minors 
3. Travel Insurance 
4. Airport Information

How To Reach SFO Airport?

There are several ways to reach SFO. But your transportation choice will also depend on budget, traffic, distance & your luggage, plus comfort. Look at the options below:

Public Transportation (BART)

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is a suitable & budget-friendly way to reach SFO from many parts of the Bay Area. Its station is in the International Terminal, a short walk from Terminals 1 and 3. 

Advantage- It is cost-efficient, & reliable.

Disadvantage- BART gets crowded during peak hours & it may also require transfers depending on your location.

Ride Sharing Cabs

Ride-sharing offers a comfortable and hassle-free way to reach the SFO airport. You can request a ride directly to your terminal from the app, and your driver will drop you off at your location.

Pros– This option is convenient, comfortable, & provides door-to-door Service.

Cons– It can be more expensive than public transportation, and you might face higher prices during peak hours.

Taxis

Taxis are available at all terminals outside of baggage claims. They are a comfortable option if you have a lot of luggage or want to avoid dealing with the stress of finding good public transportation.

Benefits- It is more suitable & very feasible plus it is available.

Drawbacks- Taxis are more expensive than public transportation or ride-sharing.

Rental Cars

Renting a car can be an excellent option to explore the city and the nearby area after your flight. However, parking at SFO can be costly.

Advantages	Disadvantages
It provides you the flexibility to check out the area flexibly.	It may have limited drop-off and pick-up locations, & can be slower than other options.
This can be affordable and & convenient for groups or luggage.	The airport and nearby parking can be expensive.

Commonly Asked Questions