A Dozen Things to Do at San Francisco Airport (SFO)

Oct 8, 2010
Mistie Shaw

The BART Station at SFO Makes Going to Town Simple - Photo by Mistie Shaw

Air travelers sometimes spend lots of time in airports waiting for connections. Here are thirteen ideas for fun things to do while waiting at SFO,

Sitting on hard, plastic seats waiting hours to board an airplane is not conducive to good health or a happy frame of mind for travelers, especially those traveling with children. Pick something new to do or think up other creative ways to have fun while waiting in the San Francisco Airport.

Fun Things to Do for Free at SFO

Ride the Skytrain. There are two lines – red and blue – and they go in opposite directions around the airport. The blue line makes an additional circle to the car rental agencies. Best of all the Skytrain is free.
Find IK-Joong Kong's whimsical "Gateway" exhibit in the International Terminal near the ticket counters. The internationally acclaimed artist used more than 5000 3"x3" canvas tiles to create this work of modern art.
Watch the planes take off and land. According to the "FlySFO" website, the San Francisco Airport averages more than 100,000 passengers per day.
WiFi is now free at SFO. Laptop luggers can catch up on e-mail, surf the Internet, or check the latest weather reports for other locations.
Be a self-appointed goodwill ambassador. SFO has many international visitors, so it is easy to meet someone from another country. Many times people who don't speak English need a little help navigating through the unfamiliar territory. Don't be afraid to be friendly.
Walk around and check out some of the museum quality exhibits. Recent attractions include a display of the prominent buildings that make up the Shanghai Skyline and ancient artifacts from South America. Past displays – like antique pottery from China – have been educational and fascinating.

Things to Do That Cost Money at SFO

Although these activities are not free, they won't blow the budget, even for a family.

The MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) Shop is entertaining and educational. Unique gifts for all budgets are plentiful so don't expect to get away without finding something that's impossible to live without. Of course, duy-free shopping for ticket holders who have passed through the security check points is always available. Window shopping is free.
Take BART downtown. The Bay Area Rapid Transit leaves from the airport and has stops all around the downtown area. A one-way ticket costs about $8, depending on the destination. Don't even think of doing this if waiting time is less than four or five hours.
Take a shower. Getting cleaned up can be refreshing, especially after traveling for a long time. Showers are available daily from 7 AM to 11 PM at Freshen Up! in the International Terminal. The price includes toiletries and towels.
Change money. For international travelers, it's helpful to have local currency upon arrival in a new country. There is a minimum amount required for transactions and a fee is charged.
Eat! Airlines are offering passengers less food so don't wait to eat on the plane. Many local eateries have airport locations. Try Lori's Diner for a great burger and fries. Don't forget to grab a loaf of famous sourdough bread.
Get those shoes shined. Looking good after experiencing a long flight can be a real morale booster.

Rounding out this list for a baker's dozen, a traveler can always stick with the primary purpose of an airport: take a plane ride.

Create a Unique Gift or Use the Airport for Homeschooling Classes

Think of the San Francisco Airport as a resource. Customized San Francisco tours that never leave the airport can be helpful for travelers, homeschoolers, youth groups, or anyone who enjoys visiting new places. Need a quick going away gift? Simple but unique gift ideas include packing some favorite snacks and printing a couple of airport maps to help harried parents entertain their airport-bound children. Create a game using ideas such as:

Find themes (colors, objects) in Wang's art.
Count the number of people who are wearing traditional clothing from another country and guess what country.
Find ways to make grumpy-looking people smile.
For older kids and young-at-heart adults, make a list of things to find for a photo scavenger hunt. Use cell phone cameras to collect the required images.

During prolonged times of inclement weather, a visit to the airport can provide a much needed respite for homeschooling parents with restless kids. Lesson plans for history, culture, transportation and art fit in easily at the airport.

Let this list spur you to action. Instead of just sitting, passengers in a holding pattern while waiting for a flight at SFO can make their waiting time more than wasted time.