Connecting from Virgin Atlantic to Virgin America at SFO

Hi All,

I have a reward UC flight booked from LHR to SFO. We are travelling to Las Vegas and I am going to book the connecting flight with VX. As this will be on two separate tickets I am conscious I need to leave enough time at SFO to get through customs etc. Does anyone have any experience of this and any idea of how much time I should allow? I am going to book 1st class with VX, will I be able to use the Clubhouse at SFO without paying an extra charge? I know there is usually an additional fee but can this we waived as I will be flying in UC with VS? Finally any advice on which seat I should choose on VX?

Thanks for the tips!
Ben

The VS SFO flights arrive at the International Terminal, and the VX flights depart from Terminal 2. It is a short hop on the AirTrain between terminals, it shouldn't take you more than 15 minutes (and probably less).

I believe you still have to buy lounge access as a VX First passenger: the SFO Clubhouse is before security in the International Terminal.

As for immigration...how long is a piece of string? I have found immigration at SFO to be comparably fast, maybe 30 minutes tops. I have, however, had to wait for bags. Normally I'd probably allow two hours, to allow both enough time for customs and any potential delays on your VS flight.

You will have to pay $35 to use the SFO CH. It matters not that you have an UC ticket for your flight to SFO. Even with a VX 1st ticket you have to pay.

You need to buy your CH pass at the VX desks and then go back to the international terminal from T2

The SFO CH is only opene for limited hours so it might not even be possible to use it depending on your VX flight time.

SFO page on VX website

Thanks Nick. We land a 1415 and there are VX flights at 1640 and 1815. Looks like we should be safe with the 1640 flight....

Tontybear - thanks for the info. I don't think I'll bother with the CH. Going all they was to T2 then back seems like too much hassle.

T2 isn't that terrible, from memory. Fairly comfortable, couple of decent coffee shops you can sequester yourself in, and SFO has free wi-fi throughout (yay).

T2 isn't that terrible, from memory. Fairly comfortable, couple of decent coffee shops you can sequester yourself in, and SFO has free wi-fi throughout (yay).

T2 at SFO is exceptional. Really really nice. I use it a lot and I'm never tired of going there.

Thanks Nick. We land a 1415 and there are VX flights at 1640 and 1815. Looks like we should be safe with the 1640 flight....

Tontybear - thanks for the info. I don't think I'll bother with the CH. Going all they was to T2 then back seems like too much hassle.

As I said above, T2 is really nice and you'll enjoy it in there. Aside from having to pay for things it almost feels like one enormous lounge, I rec going to the wine bar (on the right as you walk toward gates) for a nice relaxing glass of vino prior to your VX flight. Once on board, sit back and don't forget to hit the in seat massage button.

T2 isn't that terrible, from memory. Fairly comfortable, couple of decent coffee shops you can sequester yourself in, and SFO has free wi-fi throughout (yay).

T2 at SFO is exceptional. Really really nice. I use it a lot and I'm never tired of going there.

Absolutely, its a lovely place to wait for a plane.

[honey lamb]

Another vote for T2. It's really light and airy with lots of choice for food and drink and is really uncluttered. I really love it and looking forward to being there in July y)

Whilst I'm sure your be fine, be warned about immigration.

I was at SFO last Sunday and know someone who was there yesterday, both of us had a two hour wait. Seems to be getting like Heathrow over there! :s

Did the same in March, UC from LHR to SFO and then VX to San Diego. (see trip reports)

Echo all the comments to date. T2 great, 15 mins max walk from Int. terminal to T2 quicker by air train.

We found immigration very speedy, particularly if you're used to JFK and IAD.

The VS CH shuts 1 hour before the LHR flight leaves, even for VX passengers. I would agree not to bother.

Enjoy VX 1st - it was pretty special in coach! You won't want to get off in Vegas,

Looking forward to your trip report?

Thanks for all the tips! Really looking forward to flying VX. Not flown with them before but have read lots of good things. Trip is not until later in the year but I'll be sure to do a TR. Think LAS terminal 3 should be open by the time I fly so it will be good to see that. Terminal 2 was a dive!

[honey lamb]

Whilst I'm sure your be fine, be warned about immigration.

I was at SFO last Sunday and know someone who was there yesterday, both of us had a two hour wait. Seems to be getting like Heathrow over there! :s

I've never had a problem with Immigration in SFO and on the last couple of occasions have been the first person into an empty hall. Maybe the earlier departure time has changed all that?

I've never had a problem with Immigration in SFO and on the last couple of occasions have been the first person into an empty hall.

My thoughts exactly ?|

As an aside SFO has one of the few accredited airport museums in the world and has some wonderful displays in all the terminals.

The main museum is in the International terminal but there are display cases all over the airport

Lots of info here

It pains me to see in the international terminal (the only one I have been too) the number of people who seemingly avoid looking at the various display cases yet who then complain that airports are 'boring'

I've never had a problem with Immigration in SFO and on the last couple of occasions have been the first person into an empty hall.

My thoughts exactly ?|

I've never had a problem either and I've been there three previous times however, last Sunday it was terrible.

I thought it was a one off but a friend of mine had a problem yesterday.

I'm sure it'll be fine, just thought I would let you know .

I've never had a problem with Immigration in SFO and on the last couple of occasions have been the first person into an empty hall.

My thoughts exactly ?|

I've never had a problem either and I've been there three previous times however, last Sunday it was terrible.

I thought it was a one off but a friend of mine had a problem yesterday.

I'm sure it'll be fine, just thought I would let you know .

It was fairly bad for SFO when I came back on the 25th of Feb, still clearing through an emirates arrival I think, went quick though once they opened up a bunch of desks and started funneling through the 'US Citizen' desks once that line had cleared. 2 hours is very very unusual I'd wager.