San Francisco International airport is one of three major airports in the Bay Area, and normally serves as a not only a domestic hub, but a major pacific international hub with lots of flights to Asia. I've been to SFO a few times and overall its a pretty good airport. I have only used the Domestic area and have flown United and US Airways. Its clean, manageable, and in a pretty good location. The airport is located south of the city, and provides subway (BART) service to downtown which is nice although its a bit pricey. Getting from terminal to terminal via the local airport train is also relatively easy and doesn't take very long. Even if you get on the wrong one going in the wrong direction it seemingly brings you back around in a few minutes. There are places for someone with a laptop to plug it in located all over including the seating areas. San Francisco is fairly up to speed with more modern airport amenities including things you can't do at some airports like renting a DVD player, a medical clinic, and some museum galleries. It even has an aquarium. I like the people movers inside the airport (they are bouncy which for some reason I like) and they are placed pretty much everywhere. Signs are well placed, and large to see from far away, yet not overbearing. I haven't experienced any delays at SFO, but from what I hear they can happen, especially if the infamous San Francisco fog is present around the airport. Food is not too bad, but I would like to see a few more of the national chains believe it or not as sometimes I'm in a hurry and don't have time to sift through all of the different places trying to figure out what they have and how much it costs etc. I'm also a picky eater so that comes into play.
Some things I don't like about the airport are having to leave security to make a connecting flight. This really annoys me, and I most recently flew into SFO and had to basically run to my next flight after a 30 minute hold up at security so I could make a connection in another terminal. I understand its rare for large airports to have everything behind one security check, but some do with Chicago (minus the international terminal) being one of them and also Charlotte. Wireless internet is not free which is another thing I really don't like. Also if your renting a car in San Francisco be prepared for some frustration. I could not believe how small their rental counter area was. There were people sitting on the floor, lines spiraling into other rental company areas and not even room to walk from one part to the other. Rental cars tend to be very expensive here as well.
Overall its a decent airport and if you like big planes there are few places in the United States to see more of them. The last time I was there I saw 6 747's which is quite a few to be parked at the airport at one time. The terminal is good at showcasing traffic on the tarmac as well.
Airport rating B+
Eating B-
Crowd management A-
Amenities B+
Ease of getting around A-
Car Rental D
Public Transportation A-
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