SFO: are there 2 levels?

Question

Is there an upper and a downer level; one on top of the other?

If so which is arrivals and which is departure?

Answer

Yes, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) terminal buildings generally have two levels for passenger traffic, which helps separate arriving and departing passengers for easier navigation and traffic flow.

Upper Level: This level is primarily for departures. Passengers coming to catch their flights enter the terminal here, check in, drop off baggage, and proceed through security. It’s also where most airline ticket counters, departure gates (post-security), and some shops and restaurants are located.

Lower Level: This level is primarily for arrivals. Passengers who have just landed come down to this level to collect their checked luggage at baggage claim, clear customs and immigration if it’s an international flight, and exit the airport. Ground transportation such as ride shares, shuttles, and taxis are located here.

Upper Level = Departures (check-in, ticketing, security, departure gates).
Lower Level = Arrivals (baggage claim, ground transportation, exit).

Some terminals may have slightly different layouts depending on the airline and whether it’s domestic or international, but this two-level structure is consistent across the main terminals at SFO.

SFO: are there 2 levels?

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