If you’re planning to fly through SFO anytime soon, there are a few new changes in Terminal 3 that you should be aware of.
As of today, Tuesday, Nov. 4th, San Francisco International Airport has commenced the next phase of the Terminal 3 West Modernization project, which is due to open a newly expanded Terminal 3 in 2027. For now, this will cause changes for some United Airlines ticket counters, curbside dropoff, and the AirTrain.
Here’s what to know before you head to the airport.
SFO closures effective Nov. 4th
Here are the latest changes at SFO as of Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, according to a press release.
- AirTrain: Terminal 3’s AirTrain station is now closed until 2027. Passengers will instead utilize the station at Terminal 2, which has been renamed “Terminals 2 & 3 AirTrain Station.”
- Ticket counters: United Airlines ticket counters on the west end of Terminal 3 are closed. Ticket counters at the east end of Terminal 3 will remain open for passengers departing from F gates. United will operate new ticket counters at the west side of Terminal 2 for passengers departing from D and E gates.
- Curbside: The departure level curb at Terminal 3 will close from Doors 6 through 13 until 2027. SFO recommends travelers be dropped off at Terminal 2 or at the Terminal 3 arrivals level.
SFO Off the Grid market reopening
Off The Grid also revealed that its SFO market has reopened as of Monday, Nov. 3. Passengers can now enjoy daily food trucks from 11am-2pm and 5-8pm at Terminal 1 on Departures Floor 2 between Door 1 and 2.
SFO employees get a 10% discount with ID.
Terminal 3 West Modernization project: what’s next
The Terminal 3 West Modernization project is a $2.5 billion initiative to renovate and expand Terminal 3. The Terminal currently covers 650,000 square feet, but this renovation will add another 200,000 square feet of space to accommodate more retail, food, and beverage areas. This section is due to be completed in the fall of 2027.
Upgrades include a revamped exterior facade, expanded check-in areas, a next-gen self-bag drop, and new security checkpoints opening in 2027. A brand new six-story building for office spaces and lounges is due to open in 2028, and another refreshed check-in lobby on the east side of Terminal 3 will debut in 2029.
The project also follows stringent standards for LEED Platinum certification, including daylight harvesting, on-site photovoltaic cells, recycled water, and more state-of-the-art green building techniques.
🌐 Learn more: SFO Terminal 3 West Modernization Project