Immigration Queues at SFO

Wasn't sure where to post this question so hoping that maybe someone out there will know the answer.

If VS19 arrives on time, sounds as if immigration at SFO is a breeze... if it doesn't how long will the wait be - am I gearing myself up for as worse an ordeal as Miami at 3 hours?

Also, any ideas what the best way is to get from SFO into Union Square on a Friday afternoon with luggage and carry on is?

Thanks in advance v-flyers!

[Darren Wheeler]

If the VS19 is late, it very much depends on what time other carriers arrive. If you are unlucky enough to arrive behind the BA and AF flights, then take a folding chair . In May, we were pretty much on-time but arrived behind the AF flight and the queue was almost out of the hall. Then the computers crashed...

As for getting to Union Square, you can take the BART for $4 or so and get of at Powell. It's then a walk uphill for about 3 blocks. Your other option is a Super Shuttle shared van for about $17. Both are pretty good.

[honey lamb]

I've never had difficulty with immigration at SFO even when another flight has arrived just before ours. The last few times I have been through there Immigration has been empty when we got there or else there has been the tail end of another flight. When I passed through in June it was just after the green 1-94 waiver forms had been discontinued and since ESTA is pre-approved it seemed to make the whole entry procedure a lot faster.

The quickest way to Union Square is the BART to Powell St for $5.15

[Neil]

There is also the KLM flight that arrives in to SFO early PM, so it really does depend on how all the flights arrive. You can easily be the only ones there, or if 2/3 of the other flights land at a similar time to yours, then it could be a bit of a wait. 3 hours is quite excessive though and the Immigration hall is much better than the one at MIA.

I vote for the BART. Cheap, direct, quick, and very easy to use. We used it with a big suitcase and a carry on each, with no problems at all, and you will be a 5 minute walk max from Union Square.

Neil

[honey lamb]

There is also the KLM flight that arrives in to SFO early PM, so it really does depend on how all the flights arrive. You can easily be the only ones there, or if 2/3 of the other flights land at a similar time to yours, then it could be a bit of a wait. 3 hours is quite excessive though and the Immigration hall is much better than the one at MIA.

I vote for the BART. Cheap, direct, quick, and very easy to use. We used it with a big suitcase and a carry on each, with no problems at all, and you will be a 5 minute walk max from Union Square.

Neil

Neil, the KLM flight is scheduled to come in at 1:20 pm so should not be a problem. The greatest threat is the BA flight which is due in 5 minutes after VS.

Last June I think we caught the tail end of a flight from somewhere in the Far East but I'm not sure where. I think however it was a delayed flight

Last time I went to SFO (Sept 09) it was a breeze

Time before that (2005 I think) it needed some quick footwork as I could see the hoards from another flight descending but coming from the other direction. Needless to say I'm no dawdler ! (NB was on a UA flight that time!)


Personally I'd opt for one of the shuttle buses - there are a couple of companies and they are a much of a muchness. They are listed on the SFO website.

The BART is an option too of course but there is a bit of a slope from Powell/Market station up to Union Square - depends on how much lugagge you have and how heavy it is of course !.

The lower part of Powell st is quite busy as its the cable car turn around so there are lots of gawping tourists in the way (you of course will be a traveller!)

Whatever you choose have a fab time in SF.

Just ask if you need any tips.

BART is now abt 8 bucks, not sure of the exact amount as I now scan an oyster-like card instead of buying tickets, but it's gone up. Still the best deal around (which is a likely reason it's gone up). BTW, I would recommend grabbing a Clipper Card (as they are known) should you plan on using transport while in the city. They've finally got their act together, and the thing's working pretty well. Alas I don't think you can get the at the airport, but they're available at a bunch of other places.

Having flown through quite a few times in the last few months - it is hit and miss, although if it is busy there is a trick to getting through quickly - once you get through the tensa barriers, go to the far right lane - it is generally quieter, and often the US citizen lanes will empty and you can then use them.

As for getting to Union Square, it is about $40 taxi ride, or $8.10 on the BART (I don't know where this talk of $4/5 comes from). I've used both, and BART is fine, but generally use a taxi when I'm not paying

Crispin

[honey lamb]

As for getting to Union Square, it is about $40 taxi ride, or $8.10 on the BART (I don't know where this talk of $4/5 comes from). I've used both, and BART is fine, but generally use a taxi when I'm not paying

Crispin

I got the $5.15 I posted from the BART website although it didn't seem right to me. I had a vague idea that the round trip was $16 something

I use virginlimo/Avalon on the rare occasion I am not on a Z.
I hate the Bart - smelly thing (well have only used it once but never ever again) and there is no way I would want to lug my case up that steep hill to Union Square - esp as it is usually packed with tourists.

Last time I was on holiday in SFO, I caught the Bart train to Powell Station. Would definitely use the cheap, efficient Bart again over an expensive overpriced taxi. Was in the city in no time and then we walked two blocks to our hotel in Union Square - completely hassle free even with a suitcase.

I've never had difficulty with immigration at SFO even when another flight has arrived just before ours. The last few times I have been through there Immigration has been empty when we got there or else there has been the tail end of another flight. When I passed through in June it was just after the green 1-94 waiver forms had been discontinued and since ESTA is pre-approved it seemed to make the whole entry procedure a lot faster.

The quickest way to Union Square is the BART to Powell St for $5.15

WOW so no more green I-94's then? There's a result and a long time coming... hopefully as Im in the back seat of the front cabin by L1 I'll be out first and get through speedily! here's hoping!

WOW so no more green I-94's then? There's a result and a long time coming... hopefully as Im in the back seat of the front cabin by L1 I'll be out first and get through speedily! here's hoping!

No the green I-94W's thankfully bit the dust in June at long last. Yes and you should be the very first person off the aircraft being next to L1 so you'll be able to get to immigration before everyone else!

Have a great flight! :X

Yesterday (8/4) my parents were on UA955 (half the price of VS19 ! ). I was watching the flight in real time and realised they were going toland almost an hour early, so I scooted out of work and fought the traffic down 101 to arrive at SFO at 1:10. Flight view showed an arrival of 12:50. Arrival was closer to 1:15 with an hour's wait for immigration, thanks to two other European flights arriving a little early and two flights from the pacific arriving late, it's never been that bad for the VS flight. But with 5 major flights it was still only an hour.

Having flown through quite a few times in the last few months - it is hit and miss, although if it is busy there is a trick to getting through quickly - once you get through the tensa barriers, go to the far right lane - it is generally quieter, and often the US citizen lanes will empty and you can then use them.

As for getting to Union Square, it is about $40 taxi ride, or $8.10 on the BART (I don't know where this talk of $4/5 comes from). I've used both, and BART is fine, but generally use a taxi when I'm not paying

Crispin

Well, folks here fly in once a year or so, typically, and don't always use BART. Fares have gone up quite dramatically for the airport ride in the last year or so, from 5 to 7 to 8 dollars. If you had been coming in late 2008/early 2009 5 bucks might have been right. Last time I did it it was 7.25, and I do remember it had gone up a bit. It's called the tourist tax

A ride to Oakland (which I took Tuesday for a gig) is still at 3.10, I don't myself take BART to the airport all that often as usually the BH will drive me there and pick me up, and if we go oot together I just parked my car this weekend for a long weekend stay and spent 40 bucks, which is hard to beat when there's more than one of you.

It took just over an hour for us to get from landing to kerbside on Tuesday. Crispin is on the money with his "go right" advice.

It took just over an hour for us to get from landing to kerbside on Tuesday. Crispin is on the money with his "go right" advice.

Glad to be of service

thank you all for your tips! i will let you know how it goes when I get to San Fran at the weekend!

robbiechops - what day are you flying? If Sunday I could invite you to the clubhouse ...

Crispin