Key facts
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is planning to construct a new private luxury terminal.
- The terminal will be approximately 75,000 square feet and cater to commercial flights.
- It will feature private Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) lines.
- SFO is accepting proposals from bidders between late September and early October.
- A contract is expected to be awarded by early December, with an opening targeted for late 2028.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is moving forward with plans to construct a new, exclusive private terminal designed to cater to premium travelers seeking a more luxurious and less crowded airport experience. The airport is actively seeking bids from developers and operators for the 75,000-square-foot facility, which is intended to service commercial flights.
The proposed terminal will offer passengers dedicated Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) lines, along with valet service, aiming to provide a seamless transition from ground to air travel. This initiative reflects a growing trend in the travel industry towards enhanced premium services, driven by what SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel described as a "high level of demand" for such experiences.
SFO plans to accept proposals from interested parties between late September and early October, with the goal of awarding a contract by early December. The airport anticipates the new terminal could be operational by late 2028. This development aligns with a broader increase in spending on "pay-to-play" luxury experiences across various sectors, including the airline industry's focus on upgraded onboard and lounge amenities.
Several other major airports in the United States, including Los Angeles, Dallas Fort Worth, Miami, and Atlanta, already offer private terminal services through companies like PS. European airports such as London Heathrow and Paris-Charles de Gaulle have long operated similar luxury facilities, and São Paulo/Guarulhos recently launched its own private terminal. The pricing for SFO's new terminal will be determined by the winning bidder and could be offered on a membership or per-use basis.