Key Takeaways
• San Francisco International Airport expects 16.2 million summer travelers in 2025, a 4% increase from 2024.
• Starting May 7, 2025, all U.S. airport passengers 18+ need a REAL ID or compliant identification.
• United Airlines will operate 20% more flights from SFO in 2025, boosting travel options and airport activity.
San Francisco International Airport is set to see one of its busiest summer seasons in years. Airport officials are preparing for about 16.2 million passengers to pass through from Memorial Day to Labor Day in 2025. This number means a 4% increase compared to the summer travel numbers in 2024 and shows that air travel is getting close to what it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. At 93% of the pre-pandemic levels, the airport is nearly back to normal, giving hope to both travelers and the travel industry.
The official start to the summer rush at San Francisco International Airport begins on Friday, May 23, 2025. On this day alone, airport leaders expect about 160,000 people to travel through the airport. Days like this will not be rare—in fact, most peak summer days will be just as busy. This shows that people are eager to travel for vacations, business trips, and to visit family, much like they did before the world changed in 2020.
A Clear Growth Path: San Francisco Airport and Summer Trends
The 16.2 million passengers predicted for summer travel are just one sign of the airport’s strong recovery. Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that even with some limits still in place, most travelers are feeling comfortable flying again. This is good news not only for airlines but also for all parts of the travel industry, including hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
This surge in travel connects closely to the rebound of San Francisco’s tourism industry. The San Francisco Travel Association predicts that the city itself will welcome about 23.33 million visitors in 2025, which is up from 23.06 million the year before. Experts believe that this growth is thanks to more conventions being held in the city and more business travel returning as companies start to organize more in-person events.
Between February 2024 and February 2025, San Francisco International Airport led all major airports in the United States in growth, with a 17.6% year-over-year jump in passenger numbers. This means more people are choosing to fly through San Francisco than through other big airports. Airlines are taking notice—United Airlines, the airport’s largest carrier, is planning to fly 20% more flights at the airport in 2025. That means more options for those planning summer travel and more movement in and out of the Bay Area.
Industry experts at S&P Global add more detail to this story. They see San Francisco International Airport hitting about 26.9 million passengers for the full 2025 fiscal year. While that is not quite at the 2019 number of 28.6 million passengers, it’s very close. Most experts believe that the airport will reach or even pass its old record by the year 2026 or 2027.
What to Know Before You Fly: Preparation Tips for Travelers
With so many people expected at San Francisco International Airport, airport officials have shared several important tips to make travel smoother and avoid stress. If you plan to fly during the summer travel period, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Arrive early. Give yourself plenty of time—at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. With long lines, enhanced security, and the extra traffic, arriving early will help you avoid missing your flight.
- Understand identification rules. Starting May 7, 2025, all travelers 18 and older at every U.S. airport will need to show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable type of identification at security checkpoints. If you do not have a REAL ID yet, now is the time to look into getting one. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) explains these requirements in detail on their official REAL ID website.
- Plan for parking. With so many travelers, San Francisco International Airport expects its parking garages and lots to fill up quickly. If you want to park at the airport, you should book a space in advance using the airport’s online system. You might also consider public transportation or ride-sharing services like taxis and app-based rides. This can make the trip to and from the airport much easier while reducing stress about finding a parking spot.
By following these simple steps, you can avoid last-minute problems and make your journey smoother, even as the airport handles one of its largest crowds in recent years.
Airport Upgrades: New Amenities and a Better Travel Experience
To handle the surge in summer travel and 16.2 million passengers, San Francisco International Airport has rolled out several upgrades and new features. Their goal is to make the travel experience better for everyone, whether it’s your first time flying or you are a frequent flier.
First, travelers can look forward to new dining choices. Harvey Milk Terminal 1 has welcomed several fresh options such as Balboa Café, Taste of the City, and the SF Eats Food Hall. Whether travelers want a quick bite before boarding or a sit-down meal, they now have more choices to fit their tastes and time.
The airport is also in the middle of a major upgrade known as the Terminal 3 West Modernization project. Valued at $2.6 billion, this project is still ongoing but will eventually mean expanded amenities for passengers, a bigger security area to reduce wait times, and more shops and places to eat. Even while construction goes on, the effort shows the airport’s long-term thinking about giving people a better travel experience.
To make time at the airport more pleasant—especially during busy periods—live music performances are being brought into the terminals. These performances can help ease stress and give travelers a taste of the city’s culture while waiting for a flight.
These improvements are part of a larger effort by San Francisco International Airport to address the needs of today’s travelers. With long lines, big crowds, and sometimes lengthy waits, extra comforts and conveniences really can make a difference. Travelers with kids, older adults, and people with special needs may notice these upgrades the most, as the changes help make the airport a more welcoming place for everyone.
Summer Travel, Immigration, and International Arrivals
As summer travel increases at San Francisco International Airport, a large part of the 16.2 million passengers will come from outside the country. That means the airport serves as an important gateway for people entering the United States 🇺🇸 from abroad. Whether it’s someone visiting family, attending a convention, or working in tech, these travelers help drive business and friendship between countries.
This also means that the airport’s customs and border protection teams will be busier than usual. The experience for international travelers includes going through passport control, meeting any COVID-19 or health guidelines, and showing required travel documents. For those with questions about requirements—including visas or entry paperwork—the airport’s official international arrivals page has helpful information.
U.S. citizens returning home, or those arriving with work, student, or tourist visas, will find the airport’s processing methods are designed for speed and safety. Even so, lines can still be long on certain days. That’s why it’s wise to keep travel documents ready, follow instructions from airport staff, and be patient as you move through the arrival process.
International arrivals are more than just numbers—they represent stronger business ties, learning opportunities, and family reunions that shape the local economy and community. Each successful arrival means more business for hotels, restaurants, and transportation companies in the Bay Area. With the summer surge, these economic winds are blowing in a positive direction.
Economic Impact and Recovery for San Francisco
The anticipated 16.2 million passengers at San Francisco International Airport are not just a travel story. These numbers mean real jobs for people in the area, from baggage handlers and security officers to hotel staff, taxi drivers, and local shop owners. More travelers at the airport mean more people staying in the city, going out to eat, seeing attractions, and shopping.
According to the San Francisco Travel Association, visitor spending helps create thousands of jobs and brings billions of dollars to the city’s economy each year. The expected 23.33 million visitors for San Francisco in 2025 will continue this trend and could help drive the economy back to pre-pandemic strength.
Airlines like United adding 20% more flights creates more direct jobs at the airport and more indirect jobs across industries. As reported by VisaVerge.com, growth in air travel often leads to new hiring for security, customer service, food service, and maintenance. With more flights landing and departing, airports must hire more people to keep up with growing demand and stricter safety standards.
Challenges and Considerations: A Busy Airport Comes With Trade-offs
While the numbers look good for the travel industry, the push for more flights and higher passenger counts also comes with challenges. For example:
- Longer lines at security and customs: With more people traveling, lines can grow, testing the patience of even the most seasoned travelers.
- Increased pressure on parking and transportation: As parking lots fill up, some travelers may have to use remote lots or lean more heavily on public transit. This can be tough for families or travelers with lots of bags.
- Stress on airport staff and services: More travelers need more help and security. This raises concerns about worker fatigue, the need for extra staff, and how well the airport can keep everyone safe and comfortable during very busy periods.
- Managing health and safety: With larger crowds, making sure everyone stays healthy becomes even more important. The airport continues to monitor health guidelines and adjust cleaning and spacing rules as needed.
Despite these issues, most people would rather see a crowded airport than an empty one. The increase in summer travel points to a recovering community, growing opportunities for work, and better times for the tourism industry. Still, all travelers are asked to stay flexible, patient, and prepared, as things may not always go perfectly with so many people on the move.
The Road Ahead: Looking Beyond Summer 2025
The forecast for San Francisco International Airport in the summer of 2025 is bright. With 16.2 million passengers expected, the city and its airport are setting clear goals for continued recovery. S&P Global’s estimates show that a total return to pre-pandemic passenger figures may only take another year or two.
If these trends continue, the airport and city could return to or pass their old travel records soon. For travelers, this means more flight choices, better prices, and more chances to visit loved ones or handle business in the Bay Area. For the city, it means a steady boost to the local economy, more visitors to popular landmarks, and a return to the vibrant, high-energy tourism scene that San Francisco is famous for.
Airport officials, city leaders, and business owners will keep working together to build on this momentum. Their shared aim is to create an airport and a city that feels safe, welcoming, and exciting for everyone—locals and visitors alike.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Summer travel at San Francisco International Airport will be busy, with about 16.2 million passengers expected in 2025. If you’re flying through the airport, plan ahead—book parking, check your identification documents, and read up on any new rules that could affect your trip. The airport is adding new restaurants, stores, and entertainment, all designed to make your time there more comfortable.
For international travelers, remember to have your paperwork ready and expect longer wait times. For local businesses, this summer is an opportunity to welcome back visitors and show off everything that makes San Francisco special.
If you’re looking for more details about airport guidelines, identification, or travel tips, visit the official San Francisco International Airport website. This is the best place to get up-to-date news and prepare for your summer journey.
As the world takes to the skies again for summer adventures, San Francisco International Airport stands ready to help millions reach their destinations. Through strong planning, new amenities, and clear communication, both the airport and the city are opening doors—to travelers, to progress, and to the bright future that awaits.
Learn Today
REAL ID → A federally recognized identification card required for U.S. airport security from May 7, 2025, enhancing travel security standards.
Terminal 3 West Modernization → A $2.6 billion project at SFO to expand security, amenities, and shops, improving passenger experience and terminal efficiency.
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) → The U.S. government agency responsible for airport security screening and implementing identification rules at airports.
VisaVerge.com → A website providing analysis and news about air travel trends, airline growth, and international passenger movements impacting travel industry recovery.
S&P Global → A financial and industry analysis organization that forecasts traveler numbers and economic impacts for airports like SFO.
This Article in a Nutshell
San Francisco International Airport forecasts a lively summer travel season in 2025 with 16.2 million passengers, nearing pre-pandemic levels. Upgrades, new dining options, and enhanced security anticipate the surge. Travelers should prepare early, secure parking, and ensure REAL ID compliance for smoother journeys through this bustling Bay Area gateway.
— By VisaVerge.com
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