San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Information Booth for Baggage Claim

Navigating San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can feel overwhelming, especially after a long flight. That’s why SFO’s Information Booth for Baggage Claim exists to provide travelers with clear guidance, assistance, and support right where they need it most. Whether you’re searching for your luggage, looking for directions, or need accessibility services such as TTY, these booths are strategically located across terminals to make your arrival seamless.

Official Locations & Hours for Baggage Claim At SFO

Here’s a detailed breakdown of where you’ll find the Information Booths at SFO Airport, based on official airport information:

Accessibility & Support (Including TTY)

SFO ensures that all travelers including those with hearing or speech impairments can access help at baggage claim. TTY (Text Telephone) services are available, allowing passengers to communicate effectively with airport staff. This commitment to accessibility reflects SFO’s broader mission of providing inclusive, traveler-friendly services.

Baggage Claim Procedure At SFO

Here are some things to keep in mind while claiming your baggage at SFO. 

1. Follow Signs: After deplaning, follow “Baggage Claim” signs to the designated carousel.
2. Check Monitors: Electronic monitors display carousel assignments for arriving flights.
3. Retrieve Luggage: Wait at the carousel until your luggage arrives.
4. Report Issues:
   • Lost or delayed luggage: Contact your airline directly at their baggage service office near the claim area.
   • Items lost in terminals/security: Contact SFO Lost & Found at 650.821.7014 or email SFOLostandFound@flysfo.com
   • Items lost and found at the security checkpoint: Dial Covenant Security number at  800.764.8050.  You may email them at LostandFound@covenantsecurity.com. Do read our blog on SFOs lost and found details. 

Hours & Services Provided By Baggage Booths At SFO

When you know the operation hours and services of the baggage booths at SFO commutation becomes easier and more convenient. 

• Information Booths: Typically open from 8:30 AM – 11:45 PM in most terminals.
• Cash-only Booths: Some locations (e.g., International Terminal Custom Exit G, Terminal 1 Claim #17) operate on a cash-only basis.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and guided assistance can escort passengers from the aircraft to baggage claim upon request through airlines.

Contact Information

• Airport Lost & Found: 650.821.7014
• Security Checkpoint Lost Items: Covenant Security at 800.764.8050
• Airline Baggage Services: Contact your airline directly for delayed or missing luggage.

Immigration & Baggage Claim Guide at SFO

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has a well-structured process for international arrivals, ensuring smooth entry into the United States and efficient baggage handling. 

Immigration (Customs & Border Protection)

• Federal Inspection Area: All international passengers (except those from pre-cleared countries) must complete U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) entry procedures here.
• Process:
  • Present passport, visa/ESTA, and customs declaration.
  • Undergo inspection by CBP officers.
  • Once cleared, proceed directly to baggage reclaim.

Baggage Reclaim

• After immigration clearance, passengers enter the baggage reclaim area.
• Steps:
  • Follow signage to the assigned baggage carousel.
  • Collect checked luggage.
  • International terminals have baggage carts for arriving passengers absolutely free of charge. 
  • You will get porter services as well upon request, with the charge per bag being $3. The porters will basically be wearing uniforms alongside a yellow vest. If you cannot spot them, you may directly call at 650 – 333-5670. 
  • If baggage is lost or damaged, contact your airline’s baggage service office located near the claim area. Our Airlines at SFO page gives you an insight into the airlines from SFO along with their contact details for general queries and baggage claim. 

Arriving to San Francisco (Final Destination Passengers)

• After baggage reclaim, passengers ending their journey at SFO exit through doors marked “San Francisco.”
• This leads into the International Arrivals Meeting Area, where friends, family, or drivers can meet arriving travelers.
• Ground Transportation: Options include taxis, rideshare services, shuttles, and public transit (BART station is accessible from the International Terminal).

Connecting Flights

• Passengers with onward journeys exit through doors marked “Connecting Flights.”
• Rechecking Baggage:
  • If baggage is tagged to the final destination, recheck it at the Baggage Desks outside the exit.
  • If no agent is available or baggage is not tagged, proceed to your airline’s ticket counter.
• Security Clearance: Connecting passengers must re-clear TSA security checkpoints before boarding their next flight.
• Terminal Transfers:
  • Walk between terminals or use AirTrain, SFO’s automated transit system.

Why Do These Baggage Booths Matter?

Here is the importance of baggage booths at the San Francisco International Airport. 

1. Immediate Assistance: Lost luggage, baggage delays, or confusion about claim areas can be resolved quickly.
2. Traveler Guidance: Staff provide directions to connecting flights, ground transportation, or airport amenities.
3. Payment Support: Some booths operate on a cash-only basis, ensuring flexibility for travelers without cards.
4. Accessibility: With TTY and multilingual support, SFO makes sure every passenger feels supported.

Baggage Porters At SFO

At SFO baggage porters are available across all terminals – Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3 and International Terminal. 

When you are at the domestic terminal you should seek assistance from the check-in staff at the curbside. 

At the international terminal you will spot baggage porters  in bright yellow vests. When you cannot see them you may call (650) 333-5670. Porters will charge $3 per baggage while SmartCarte charges $9 for each luggage cart. 

Conclusion

The baggage claim booths at the San Francisco International airport will be of immense help to guide individuals across the baggage claim and retrieve their luggage. When you have any issues with your baggage you may get in touch with SFO’s customer service for more assistance.

FAQs