Best place to meet international traveler

Question

If one is traveling from MN to SFO to rendezvous with a friend from Scotland...where is the best place for them to meet in the airport before heading out for their adventure?

Answer

Meeting someone at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is straightforward if you know a few key points about the airport layout and options for arrivals.

Since one traveler is coming from Minnesota and the other from Scotland, they will likely arrive at different terminals (domestic vs. international). Here’s a detailed approach:

Option 1: Meet at the International Terminal (Terminal G)

If the friend from Scotland is arriving internationally, it is easiest to meet them right after customs and baggage claim in the International Terminal (near Door 1 or the Arrivals Hall). This avoids the need to navigate multiple terminals and allows the domestic traveler to take the AirTrain or walk over.
There are several seating areas and a few cafés where you can wait comfortably, such as Napa Farms Market or Starbucks inside the arrivals area.

Option 2: Meet at a designated AirTrain/Connecting Area

SFO has the AirTrain, which connects all terminals. The domestic traveler (from Minnesota) can take the AirTrain to the International Terminal and meet their friend outside of customs in the public area.
Look for the International Terminal's public meeting area near the Information Desk. This is a safe and easy-to-find spot.

Option 3: Meet at a central airport café or lounge

Many travelers choose to meet at the public seating areas of popular cafés such as Peet’s Coffee or Starbucks inside the terminal concourses.
This allows both travelers to relax, grab a beverage, and plan their onward journey together.

Tips for a Smooth Meeting:

Check flight arrival times and potential delays in advance. SFO’s monitors and apps provide live updates.
If the domestic traveler arrives first, it may be easiest for them to meet the international friend just outside customs in the public arrivals hall.
Consider sending a text or making a call to coordinate the exact meeting point, since SFO is large and can be confusing.

In short, the most practical and convenient place to meet is right outside the International Terminal’s baggage claim after the arriving international friend clears customs, either near the Information Desk or a café in the arrivals hall. This ensures both travelers are in a public, accessible, and easy-to-find area before starting their adventure together.

Best place to meet international traveler

More San Francisco Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions