As a key US gateway for domestic and international travellers, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has done many updates both in route and safety measures.
British Airways has been operating 50% of its flights between London Heathrow (LHR) and SFO since June 8 with seven flights a week now departing once a day. United Airlines is currently operating five flights a week between LHR and SFO and will increase to daily service on September 9. Virgin Atlantic will continue to evaluate relaunching LHR to SFO. Furthermore, Norwegian Airlines will also continue evaluating SFO to London Gatwick (LGW) in 2021. With airlines resuming limited services, all travel advisories, restrictions on entry and arrival screening procedures remain in effect.
The boarding Area A, which houses Gates A1 ? A15, reopened on September 1 2020, to accommodate the continuing return of international flights at SFO. The Airport has been operating all international flights on a single concourse since the closure from April 1. The reopening also includes security checkpoints for Gates A1 ? A15 and Customs & Border Protection (CBP) facilities for flights arriving at Gates A1 ? A15.
SFO has also launched the first rapid COVID-19 testing programme for airport employees in the US, partnering with Dignity Health-GoHealth Urgent Care to provide employee testing both on-airport and at nearby Dignity Health-GoHealth Urgent Bay Area care locations.
Meanwhile, SFO has been leading the way in aviation safety and hygiene standards since international routes began resuming in June. With current flight route schedules from the UK to SFO continuing to increase this summer, SFO introduces ?What to Expect? guidance for travellers ensuring the best health guidance measures are in place related to air travel.
To encourage this, SFO has installed over 4,000 spacing markers in queuing and seating areas, signage, as well as clear plastic barriers where face-to-face interactions might take place. Hundreds of hand sanitisers have been installed throughout the terminal and travellers are now allowed to bring liquid hand sanitiser, up to 12 ounces in size, in carry-on baggage.
