When it comes to international air travel, the overall experience at the airport can set the tone for your entire journey. I recently had the opportunity to fly with EVA Air out of San Francisco International Airport, and I must say, the EVA Air SFO Terminal offered an impressive and comfortable experience that made my long-haul travel feel much smoother. From check-in to boarding, the terminal delivered a high standard of service, amenities, and overall atmosphere. This is my honest review of the EVA Air SFO Terminal, highlighting every aspect of the experience, especially for those considering flying EVA Air through SFO.
First Impressions Matter
My first impression upon arriving at the EVA Air SFO Terminal was just how clean, spacious, and well-organized everything looked. The terminal is housed within the International Terminal at SFO, more specifically in Concourse G. The signage was clear, and there were plenty of helpful airport staff on hand to direct passengers, which made navigating to the EVA Air check-in counters straightforward. Even during a relatively busy afternoon, the check-in area didn’t feel chaotic or cramped.
There’s something reassuring about walking into a terminal that feels calm, orderly, and welcoming, especially when preparing for a long flight. That’s exactly the impression I got from the EVA Air SFO Terminal. The lighting was bright but not harsh, and the atmosphere had a professional but relaxed feel.
Check-In Process
EVA Air is known for offering excellent service, and that standard extends to their check-in process. The staff at the counter were friendly, efficient, and professional. Even passengers with economy tickets were greeted warmly and helped without rush. For those flying in business or premium economy, there were dedicated check-in lines that moved very quickly.
I checked in a bit earlier than required and appreciated that there were plenty of kiosks for self-check-in, along with manned counters for those needing extra assistance or checking bags. The process of checking in my luggage and receiving my boarding pass was smooth and quick. Overall, I spent less than 10 minutes from arrival to finishing check-in, which is rare at major international terminals.
Security Experience
The security process at the EVA Air SFO Terminal was one of the more pleasant I’ve experienced. It helps that SFO has invested in efficient TSA PreCheck and regular security lanes, which keep things moving. The staff were courteous and clear in their instructions, which helped reduce stress.
What stood out most to me was how clean and organized the security area was. It didn’t feel like a bottleneck, which is often the case at large airports. The security check went by quickly, and before I knew it, I was through and into the airside portion of the terminal.
Terminal Amenities and Lounge Access
Once past security, the amenities at the EVA Air SFO Terminal really began to shine. There’s a wide selection of shops and restaurants within the terminal, ranging from coffee spots like Peet’s and Starbucks to sit-down options like Lark Creek Grill. The terminal has a modern aesthetic, with clean lines, updated fixtures, and plenty of natural light. It felt more like a high-end shopping mall than a typical airport.
As a Premium Economy passenger, I didn’t have lounge access, but business class passengers flying EVA Air can use the Air France – KLM Lounge, which is located in Concourse A but accessible to EVA Air passengers through a reciprocal agreement. I spoke with another traveler who had access to the lounge and they said it was a peaceful and well-stocked space to relax, with hot meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, and showers available.
Even without lounge access, the gate areas within the EVA Air SFO Terminal were comfortable and featured ample seating, charging stations, and clean restrooms nearby. I found a quiet corner to sit, eat a light meal, and get a bit of work done thanks to the free and fast Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal.
Cleanliness and Comfort
One of the most notable aspects of the EVA Air SFO Terminal was its cleanliness. It’s easy to overlook how much of an impact a well-maintained terminal can have on your travel experience, but here it was impossible not to notice. The floors were spotless, restrooms were in top shape, and even the seating areas looked freshly wiped down.
The terminal also offers a sense of spaciousness. Even when the boarding area was full of passengers waiting for multiple international flights, I never felt cramped or overwhelmed. The design allows for plenty of breathing room, and the gate areas are spaced far enough apart that noise levels remain surprisingly low.
Staff and Customer Service
Customer service at the EVA Air SFO Terminal exceeded expectations. EVA Air’s ground staff were approachable, professional, and very organized. Boarding was done in groups, and the announcements were made clearly and politely, first in English, then in Mandarin. The gate agents handled everything—from seat changes to passenger assistance—with patience and a genuine willingness to help.
One moment stood out: a fellow traveler in front of me had an issue with their boarding pass not scanning. Rather than escalating the situation or showing frustration, the EVA Air staff member calmly and quickly resolved the issue while keeping the line moving. It was a small thing, but it showed the level of professionalism the airline upholds.
Boarding Experience
Boarding at the EVA Air SFO Terminal was one of the smoothest I’ve encountered. Priority boarding was granted to business class, followed by premium economy and economy. There was no crowding or confusion, and the gate staff kept the process moving efficiently.
I appreciated that they made extra announcements for families traveling with young children or passengers with mobility needs, allowing them to board early and settle in. The staff was also proactive about checking carry-on baggage sizes and offering to gate-check oversized bags to avoid problems onboard. Everything was handled politely, with a focus on making the process smooth for everyone involved.
Final Thoughts and Overall Rating
Having flown internationally many times, I can confidently say that the EVA Air SFO Terminal stands out as one of the better international terminals in the U.S. From the moment you enter the terminal to the time you board your flight, the experience is consistently smooth, clean, efficient, and passenger-friendly.
