Charter operators that do not have standard year-long operating permits at SFO can apply for a San Francisco International Airport Day Permit. Day permits are issued on a temporary basis to operators that do not make regular, scheduled trips to or from SFO. To qualify for a Day permit, applicants must be licensed by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) prior to applying. Visit CPUC Carrier Status to verify status.
Permit Limitations
Operators can submit up to five (5) applications per calendar year. Each application may include up to three (3) permits. Permits are valid only for the scheduled days of operation. However, multiple trips are permitted on each day. Each vehicle must have its own permit.
Please have the following instruction available:
- Company Name
- Contact Person
- Address
- Telephone Number
- Vehicle Information (VIN, Color Scheme & Name on Vehicle)
- Insurance Company, Telephone # & Policy#
- Pick-up (Airline, Flight#, Date & Time)
- Drop-off (Airline, Flight#, Date & Time)
- Driver’s Name & Phone#
- TCP/MCC/CC/DOT/PUCO#
- Group Name
- Reason for Requesting a Day Permit
- Electronic Photo of Vehicle
- For non-profit organization – Tax-ID
Operators must apply at least three (3) business days prior to the date of operation.
Below are the applicable Day Permit Fees:
$27 per vehicle for requests received 72 hours or more in advance
$130 per vehicle for requests received with less than 72 hours from the date and time of requested operation
Permits are valid for one day only. Individual permits must be purchased for multiple days of operation.
The Day Permit fee will be waived for non-profit organizations. All non-profits must provide a Tax ID in their application.
Fees are paid via the Day Permit Pass System. The following credit cards are accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express.
For requests 72 hours or less from the date and time of operation while waiting for the Day permit System update, please email GTU@flysfo.com
NOTE: Submission of request is not a guarantee for approval. All other requirements, such as DOT Authority/CPUC Authority, Vehicle Registration, Insurance & Endorsement Requirement, must be all satisfied to be approved.
Pick-up areas are restricted to the Courtyard 1,3,4,A and G. Operators are not permitted to use the terminal curb.
Drop-off areas are restricted to the Courtyard as well.
The curbside access is available for special needs only and must be pre-arranged.
For directions, view charter bus maps.
Waybills & Photo Identification Requirements
Upon arrival in a courtyard, operators must have a waybill. Waybills provide the following information:
- Carrier Name and TCP Number
- Type of Trip (Passenger Pick-up or Drop-off)
- Passenger Group Name
- Number of Passengers in the Group
- Flight Information (Airline, Flight #, Date, and Time)
- Origin and Destination
- Special Needs (if any)
- Driver’s Name and Phone Number
Additionally, drivers must wear a visible photo identification badge while on airport property. The badge must include a photograph of the driver and company information.