What Terminal Is Cathay Pacific at SFO?

Cathay Pacific operates from the International Terminal at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Passengers departing with Cathay Pacific should head to the Dianne Feinstein International Terminal, where the airline’s check-in counters are located on Level 3. According to Cathay Pacific’s airport information, its check-in counters are at Islands 7–11. Before leaving for the airport, check your booking and flight status to confirm the latest departure details.

Cathay Pacific Terminal Information at San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco International Airport handles domestic and international flights through several terminals. Cathay Pacific passengers should follow the signs for the International Terminal and confirm their specific flight information before proceeding to check-in or the gate.

Airport Detail	Information
Airline Name	Cathay Pacific
Airport Name	San Francisco International Airport
Airport Code	SFO
Terminal	International Terminal
Terminal Area	Dianne Feinstein International Terminal
Check-In Level	Level 3
Check-In Counter Area	Islands 7–11
Departures	International Terminal
Arrivals	Confirm flight details on the airport’s arrivals board
Airline Code	CX

Cathay Pacific Check-In and Departure Procedures at SFO

Passengers flying with Cathay Pacific should go to Level 3 of the International Terminal for check-in. The airline lists its check-in counters at Islands 7–11. Cathay Pacific recommends arriving around four hours before departure because check-in and baggage screening can take time. Its counters are scheduled to close 60 minutes before departure, so passengers should verify the requirements for their particular flight.

Departure Step	What You Need to Know
Airport Arrival	Go to the International Terminal
Check-In Location	Level 3, Islands 7–11
Online Check-In	Use the Cathay Pacific website or mobile app if eligible
Baggage Drop	Follow the airline’s instructions at the airport
Security Screening	Proceed through the designated security checkpoint
Boarding Gate	Check airport display screens for the assigned gate
Recommended Arrival Time	Allow approximately four hours before departure, as advised by Cathay Pacific

Completing online check-in when available can help you prepare in advance, but passengers with checked baggage must still follow the airline’s baggage-drop instructions.

Cathay Pacific Arrivals and Baggage Collection at SFO

Passengers arriving on Cathay Pacific should follow the airport signs for Arrivals after leaving the aircraft. International passengers may need to complete U.S. immigration and customs procedures before entering the public arrivals area. Baggage collection information is displayed inside the airport, so check the screens for your flight’s assigned carousel.

Arrival Detail	Passenger Guidance
Arrival Terminal	International Terminal for Cathay Pacific-operated international flights
Arrival Route	Follow the airport’s Arrivals signs
Immigration	Complete passport control when required
Customs	Follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures
Baggage Reclaim	Check the flight information screens for the carousel
Meeting Passengers	Arrange to meet in the designated public arrivals area
Flight Updates	Check the official SFO arrivals board

If your ticket shows a codeshare flight operated by another airline, check the operating carrier and terminal details on your itinerary before travelling.

Cathay Pacific Lounge and Passenger Facilities at SFO

Eligible Cathay Pacific passengers may use the airline’s lounge in the International Terminal. SFO lists the Cathay Pacific Lounge near Gate A1 on Level 4, after security. Access depends on the airline’s current lounge eligibility rules, your ticket and frequent-flyer status.

Facility	Location or Information
Cathay Pacific Lounge	International Terminal, near Gate A1
Lounge Level	Level 4, post-security
Check-In Counters	Level 3, Islands 7–11
Restaurants and Cafés	Available in airport terminal areas
Shops	Retail and travel essentials available at SFO
Wi-Fi	Check airport signage for access instructions
Accessibility Assistance	Contact Cathay Pacific and SFO ahead of travel if assistance is needed

Check the official airport website for current lounge hours and services, as these may change.

Cathay Pacific Connections and Terminal Transfers at SFO

Travellers connecting between flights at San Francisco should check their itinerary to understand whether they need to change terminals, pass through security again or collect their baggage. SFO provides terminal connections, but the exact route depends on the arrival and departure locations and applicable security requirements.

Connecting Situation	Recommended Action
Cathay Pacific to Cathay Pacific	Follow the airport’s connection signs and check your onward gate
Connection to a Partner Airline	Confirm the operating airline and departure terminal
Separate Tickets	Check whether baggage collection and re-checking are required
International Arrival Connecting to a U.S. Flight	Allow time for immigration, customs and any required security screening
Unsure About the Route	Ask airport or airline staff for directions

Always allow enough time between flights, especially when your itinerary involves immigration checks, baggage collection or separate bookings.

Cathay Pacific Travel Tips for a Smooth SFO Journey

Planning ahead can help you avoid unnecessary delays at the airport. Before travelling, review the following points to make sure you are prepared for your Cathay Pacific flight.

Travel Tip	Why It Matters
Confirm Your Terminal	Make sure your flight departs from the International Terminal
Check Counter Details	Look for the latest check-in information before arriving
Arrive Early	Cathay Pacific recommends arriving four hours before departure
Review Baggage Rules	Check cabin and checked-baggage allowances for your ticket
Keep Travel Documents Ready	Have your passport, visa if required, and boarding pass accessible
Monitor Flight Updates	Departure times and gates can change
Plan Airport Transport	Allow extra time for traffic, parking or public transportation

For the latest flight information, use the official SFO flight information page.

Important Links for Cathay Pacific and SFO Airport

Use these official resources to check flight information, terminal details and travel requirements.

Important Resource	Official Link
Cathay Pacific Official Website	https://www.cathaypacific.com/
Cathay Pacific SFO Airport Information	https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_US/destinations/airports/san-francisco-international-airport.html
SFO Cathay Pacific Terminal Page	https://www.flysfo.com/passengers/flight-info/airlines-sfo/cathay-pacific
SFO Arrivals and Departures	https://www.flysfo.com/passengers/flight-info
SFO Airport Official Website	https://www.flysfo.com/
SFO Airport Maps	https://www.flysfo.com/passengers/flight-info/airport-maps

Prepare for Your Cathay Pacific Flight from SFO

Cathay Pacific uses the International Terminal at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Its check-in counters are on Level 3 at Islands 7–11, while the Cathay Pacific Lounge is listed near Gate A1 on Level 4, after security. Passengers should check their flight details, baggage requirements and boarding gate before travelling.

For the most reliable information, use Cathay Pacific’s official airport guide and SFO’s flight information pages. If your journey includes a codeshare or connecting flight, confirm which airline operates each segment and follow the terminal instructions shown on your booking.

Frequently Asked Questions