San Francisco International Airport has launched a formal solicitation for a new private commercial terminal that would give paying passengers a separate, upscale experience including dedicated TSA and CBP processing.
What will change for travelers
The airport is seeking developers to design, build and operate a roughly 75,000‑square‑foot facility located across the runway from the existing public terminals. The private terminal would serve commercial flights — not business or corporate jets — and would include private security lines, customs and border protection (CBP) processing for international travel and dedicated valet service from the terminal to aircraft.
Timeline and procurement
SFO officials plan to accept proposals between late September and early October, with hopes of awarding a contract by early December. The airport has stated an opening target of late 2028 if the procurement and development schedule proceeds as planned.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Site size | ~75,000 sq ft |
| Intended service | Commercial flights (not corporate/business jets) |
| Proposal window | Late Sept–Early Oct (year not specified in release) |
| Contract award goal | Early December |
| Target opening | Late 2028 |
Airport rationale and industry context
Doug Yakel, a spokesperson for San Francisco International Airport, described demand for what the airport called “premium experiences,” pointing to the popularity of credit‑card and airline lounges as evidence of a market for more exclusive offerings. “Somebody that uses this product really wouldn’t see the other passengers they’re traveling with until they’re taken up the stairs of the jet bridge and on to the aircraft,” Yakel said.
“Somebody that uses this product really wouldn’t see the other passengers they’re traveling with until they’re taken up the stairs of the jet bridge and on to the aircraft.” — Doug Yakel, SFO spokesperson
Consulting firms tracking luxury travel also report growth in pay‑for‑play experiences. The Guardian account referenced a report by Bain & Company and Altagamma noting rising spending on luxury travel products and upgraded lounge experiences, which airports and airlines have been expanding in recent years.
Local implications
The proposed terminal would introduce a paid, segregated travel pathway at SFO that could alter how premium passengers move through the airport. The facility’s separate TSA and CBP lines would be a distinctive operational element: it would require coordination with federal security and customs agencies and could change queuing patterns and staffing needs at existing terminals.
- Passengers: an option for travelers willing to pay for private processing and dedicated services.
- Airport operations: new security and customs lanes will require federal coordination.
- Community and equity: the airport’s move raises questions about access and prioritization of space at a major public facility.
SFO is accepting formal proposals from developers and operators; the airport has not released cost estimates or named potential bidders. Officials also have not published projected pricing for travelers who would use the private terminal.
The solicitation marks a notable step in SFO’s strategy to accommodate premium demand amid broader industry moves to enhance lounge and onboard services. Residents and frequent flyers should expect more details from the airport as the proposal window opens and as selected developers present designs and operating plans.
