48hrs behind-the-scenes at SFO Airport!

[@1992AC]

As someone who actually works at SFO, it’s nice to see the inner workings of said airport!

[@paulsuprono7225]

'inner workings,' your home port ! If anything, your 'home away from home' . . . 🏠

[@isuzu008]

Same here.

[@Moksha-Raver]

SFO is a damn impressive place. Thanks for highlighting this operation.

[@MeetKevin]

Achievement Unlocked: Get sponsored by a massive, international airport.

[@ItzKKPlaysYT]

Ok

[@monkeybusinessasusuall5467]

Hiiiiii keeevinnn

[@Minecralftsteve117]

And his bucket list maybe look where the fire truck come from when a plane is going to take off

[@jackolanturn_yt]

Only 3 responses to a verified user?

[@dukarroo]

only 4 with 113 likes only?

[@mwiz100]

As a local this episode delighted me. Getting to see an airport that I already know pretty well especially nerding out on the behind the scenes stuff was an absolute delight. I'm so glad you got to really experience and talk about how much depth there is to SFO and how it's more than "just an airport," it's an experience.

[@cchoi108]

Agree, this was absolutely spectacular and I'm so glad SFO paid him to do it!

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

Flemish giant rabbits originate from Ghent in Belgium, and they've been bred as early as the 16th century. Originally, they were bred to be that size so people could lots of meat and fur from it. It became the ancestor of many breeds like the Belgian hare. And if you thought it being 32 pounds is crazy...one named Darius in the UK weighs *49* pounds! From robotic coffee to wonderful art and the adorable Wag Brigade, this airport's got everything! Another plus for the Sky Terrace open to the public without having to go through security!

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

Interesting! Thanks for the info!

[@articleanteater]

appreciate the rabbit deep-dive kimmy!

[@catylynch7909]

Wow ... I've lived in SF all of my life. When I go to the airport for travel, or to pick someone up, I go through security, and right to the appropriate gate area. When I come home, I go for the luggage, and the car. I had no idea what I've been missing. I think I'll plan a "tourist" day at SFO.

[@shar159]

I'm a local too. I think I need to go check out the airport. I fly out of and into SFO frequently. I never knew this was there.

[@mariahwaite]

I guess I'm taking Caltrain up there in order to sit on the observation deck!

[@notinternettype]

I grew up in San Francisco too and for some strange reason me and my girlfriend ended up walking around there after prom...

[@Sharknado225]

I feel bad for you

[@stephaniecowans3646]

The Harvey Milk Terminal is a resort in itself! Forget Lombard St, Coit Tower, Fisherman's Wharf --- I would love to spend a day doing nothing but visiting the museum and the exhibits! Thank you Mike, for the wonderful behind the scenes at the other locations.

[@ChennysaFerrynrera]

This is one of the important walkthrough for guiding in SFO Airport but visited 8 years ago...remembering how clean it was and I was lucky to catch on every little point successfully... That was impress! Seeing your walkthrough today it helps for being behind-the-scenes, every single step is dashing me through place to place.

[@DeanStephen]

Back in the ‘80s I used to fly into SFO frequently and I always tried to arrive at night. The view is incredible. The other plus was that the terminal ring back then was lined with Blue Gum Eucalyptus trees. Especially on foggy nights, walking out of the terminal to the smell of those moist trees was just magical. It was like cat nip for humans.

[@richardanilao9404]

Of all the airports I’ve traveled through since 2019; San Francisco International Airport is by far the best airport architecturally. You should see the bathrooms. AMAZING! The TSA lines hasn’t taken over an hour to get through so appreciate that speed.

[@erichavenbass]

My wife and I were born and raised 50 miles south of there in San Jose, so we know SFO quite well. This was awesome to get to see some behind the scenes stuff. Bravo, Mike! Another great adventure!

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@luisquintero2992]

I'm from Venezuela, living in the United States since 2016, I've been in California 5 times since 1994, the last time was on July 2021 (to celebrate my 50 years old) for the first time I visit both San Francisco and took a flight back to Florida from SFO, and after watching this AMAZING video, I feel regrets that I missed all the cool stuff they have at this airport! Definitely, I will go back again to re visit it.

[@thevoyager1546]

I’ve been all over SFO in my career, and I saw places today I haven’t seen before! Super Amazing!

[@DownieLive]

Amazing!

[@leephillips2837]

Mike, one of the things that always appeals about your videos is your genuine expression of awe when you experience something new.

[@PurrBetweenThePages]

Honestly i love seeing Mike get treated so well. He deserves it!

[@Bicyclesbeware]

I love these videos so much he’s always doing something you’d never think of so cool to see the inside of an airport for a whole 48 hours you never know what could happen when you’re not there😊

[@jay9inetvv]

God loves yall

[@BattlestarCanada]

You really need a series. The production is spot on.

[@lindagilbraith5644]

I love that you were at my local airport and covered so much of what makes it special.

[@keeganbryson7960]

As someone who travels on a regular basis, seeing behind the scenes of SFO was really cool. I didn’t know they had an aviation museum or adorable emotional support animals that come around and greet passengers. Also, that baggage handling system is very cool! I might have to connect through SFO soon

[@MacAdvisor]

A classic DownieLive video! Has every element from hidden services like sign making and 15k gold to firefighting vehicle for the open water to museums to, and it wouldn't be DownieLive without it, a peak at the bathrooms. What a great show. I loved every minute, Mike, thank you.

[@amberlvly8737]

I vote "DownieLive Does Airports," should be a new series. Its nice to see what airports have to offer & meeting various airport employees, makes me more appreciative of what it takes to make our travel as safe & enjoyable as possible. I wonder if airports offer day passes for people who are not on a flight, but just want to hang our & visit?

[@YamIa3gypsy]

Hats off to SFO for sponsoring this video. An awesome Airport! Always fun to see the loo, too😊

[@MrFrankhdgs]

WOW! Just WOW! What a beautiful place SFO is. Thank you, for sharing all the beautiful spaces and the hidden places, with us.

[@DownieLive]

Our pleasure!

[@dancox5572]

That was great. Betcha SFO is pleased with that showing. Well done and looking forward to your next video.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Michael Downie living my dream of taking photos with planes flying in the background. Happy to see it.

[@lyonsdavid]

Your first room with The Bed in the Middle and Desk in the Back 3:17 was really cool.

[@mholtebeck]

I once did a teaching convention at hotel overlooking runway 28/10. I spent the whole time watching airplanes land. I would never get off that toilet in that room. Sitting on the toilet and watching airplanes land is special.

[@penntano]

My dad was an airport firefighter when I was growing up. When I was in high school, my dad took me to work with him for one of those 'take your kids to work day'. I remember my dad had arranged the truck servicing for that day so we got to drive around the yard and test the foam and water guns. Seeing this behind the scenes brought back some good memories. Thanks!

[@supertonicman]

This video was absolutely fascinating! It is so awesome seeing behind the scenes of so much of the airport. And what a nice airport too! Way to go, Mike.

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bobtuckey2409]

This is a fun one Mike. Love the pets, love the hotel and found the luggage handling fascinating. Thanks again.😊

[@GreenerGrass]

Loved this, Mike! Seeing the rescue boat was incredible and the sign shop blew my mind. Also, congrats on 500k subscribers!!!

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Jeb! I’m glad I was able to finally release this video! Such a great experience. Airports are amazing!

[@Nynke_K]

I love seeing how everything works behind the scenes! thanks!

[@blueydsniper]

As someone who lived near San Diego international and would spend days watching planes land and take off, listening to ATC to see who is leaving and coming down the line, this would be a dream of mine come true too. This is so freaking awesome

[@Sim0nTrains]

After a rubbish day at work, watching DownieLive has cheer me up and enjoyed the tour of SFO, that toliet seat lifting up on it own made me laugh, honestly been a epic tour, thanks

[@DownieLive]

Great to hear!

[@LazrCat0]

I live mere minutes from SFO and in the first 5 minutes I learned so many things about it, it's so much more amazing than I thought it was.

[@TomLloyd-18]

Damn! Mike . . . your videos just keep getting better and better. I would dare anyone to feel bored watching this. You are so charismatic and this video was absolutely captivating. No wonder SFO sponsored it. btw - - I'm so impressed with SFO - - I might even take a flight there just to explore the airport. Thanks Mike!

[@andycrawford9870]

Trains. NOW, planes. What's next? Do a series on airports - could be interesting around the world tours - runway lengths, modernity, equipment, baggage handling or not, and so much more, specially the more remote ones. Maybe the odd military one too? Or an aircraft carrier - now that would be a video!!!

[@JoshDoesTravel]

Not many people can say they’ve been sponsored by an airport. Congrats Mike!

[@skraminc]

never seen such a thing. and it's not an invasive sponsor; it's just a name to the video.

[@BasebalIShorts.]

The best airport to :)

[@Mrbeans_and_chease]

One of the coolest videos you have ever done

[@jenneurohr]

This was one of my favorite videos of yours, it's so interesting seeing how much goes on behind the scenes

[@armintelker]

I waited a few days ago in the security line for over 1 hour at SFO. It was really relaxing and slowing my life down. Exactly what I needed in a stressful life.

[@jeffsmith846]

Those massive rabbits are unreal. Great video. I was in USAF 1974-1995 working on radar systems used to land aircraft and was normally about 500 feet from runway centerline so saw a lot of aircraft up close and personal as the landed and took off. Airports are fascinating places. You did a wonderful job.

[@曾品綸-b8w]

I've never seen any youtuber upload the inside of an international airport. I love this video, especially the baggage handing services, I'm always curious about it.

[@marypercoski3326]

Michael, I love your view of the world! We would never get the opportunity to see the inner sanctum of SFO without you & the good people of SFO! Thanks so much for taking us with you! This was so cool! Take good care!

[@DownieLive]

My pleasure!

[@AviationStation]

Always great to see go behind the scenes of such a busy airport. Thanks for sharing with us!

[@Hollgrl98]

You never fail to astound, amuse and inform me!

[@chewar7537]

The dogs are the absolute best!!!!! Great video, thanks for sharing this. As someone who does NOT fly, it is nice to see what goes on at an airport.

[@GlockTuah1017]

When I was a kid I always wanted to be a fireman. But not just any fireman, and airport fireman. They were so much more interesting to me and I loved their trucks. It was so cool getting to see one in this video!

[@kevinelliott1583]

One of the best you’ve ever done (and that’s saying something)! Makes me want to go to the airport…

[@N0M4OFFICIAL]

As someone who works at an airport, I love seeing videos like these getting made on the inner workings of airports, I feel like us (especially those of us who work where I do, on the apron) don’t get enough attention with regards to the work we do to make air travel safe and efficient

[@JamesDally]

It's been years since I flew in or out of SFO, so this update video with so much I didn't know about was great to see! Thank you Michael for sponsoring with some help from your friends. 😊

[@DownieLive]

You're very welcome!

[@michelea3366]

I've flown out of SFO twice since living in the Bay and this was so interesting. I was always amazed with the airport but this had me mindblown! Thanks Mike!

[@christinechadsey6414]

Great video - loved seeing how the airport works.

[@kristianaldrin]

this is awesome ! only you can make an airport so much fun and worth the layover 🤩🤓😎 my fav is Alex ! such an adorable 🐰 😊

[@DownieLive]

Alex is so great! Hahaha

[@PokhrajRoy.]

The Grand Hyatt Suite shown was (chef’s kiss)! I want that big desk.

[@johnchambers8528]

Thanks for another interesting video. I only traveled through SFO once on a trip to San Francisco but did not have much time to explore the terminal. You showed how airports can be nice places to travel through. The air museum was a nice addition it’s nice to know people other than rail fans also care about their history.

[@andrewkast4087]

Amazing post! As always, I get to learn something from every post you make and this was no different. The therapy animals are awesome! The rabbit is huge! The baggage system reminds me of how train cars are handled in freight yards when on train is broken down for other trains to different destinations. Thank you for the invite to see this!

[@kepckatherinec805]

Thanks for this video, Mike! I’ve been flying in and out of SFO since the mid 1950’s. As you can imagine, during those decades the airport has grown and changed massively. But I’ve yet to experience the Harvey Milk Terminal One. Your video was an excellent review of that terminal as well as many of the essential SFO operations. Can’t wait till my next flight!

[@tigerwesti1]

I've been to that airport before and it's quite cool to see a 'behind the scenes' of it.

[@stephanierobb6208]

This was so cool to watch. The animals, the museums, all of it was fun and very informative!

[@jessicareinschmidt4789]

❤️❤️❤️ The Virgin America signs in the sign shop. I loved flying for them!... And my inner pilot nerd was excited to see my airbuses in Alaska paint too!

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Only five minutes in and I thought I've seen it all before Downie reminds me of the behind-the-scenes bit. Recreating the original terminal for the Aviation Museum was a nice touch. Love how inclusive and accommodating they are. I have hip dysplasia and had to spend pre-school in a wheelchair before I got surgery so I could walk (though I still limp because of it), seeing others accept that disabilities exist and that we are human too by taking steps to make things easier gives me hope. I wish JFK's AirTrain was free. It's only free if you're going between the terminals. But if you wanna go to Jamaica or Howard Beach to connect to the LIRR and the A train respectively...it's currently EIGHT DOLLARS.

[@janellevoigt5481]

Last time I was at the SF Airport was in 1984, I was coming back from a vacation, in the vacation, I had gotten hurt, was on crutches with a gi-normous leg brace on, trying to get from one terminal to another, found out my luggage got left behind at that terminal, after I finally got to the next one for my connecting flight home up north, at the Mckinleyville/Arcata, Ca. airport, needless the say, they figured it out for me, and my luggage made it to my destination somehow, and I was happy to get home, unfortunately, I later had surgeries to go through to help get to where I am today, again Mike, thanks for taking us along for the views and sites, loved the video.

[@lorinsmith9898]

Oh my what an airport. We are way behind this standard in the UK. Great content Mike.

[@alexlara4589]

Love going out of SFO, nice to see what they've done lately.

[@Christina0623]

You could seriously be the Mike Rowe of travel 🍻💙🛩

[@Cloud9DST]

I really enjoyed this video and learning about the airport, hotel, museum, etc. I can see myself traveling to that city just to experience the airport. ATL is my home airport and although I enjoy the art exhibits, it’s nothing like this.

[@WilliamWaiteProductions]

I honestly had no idea SFO was this cool. I've never seen that sky terrace. That's so cool! I'm definitely checking it out next time I'm at SFO.

[@DownieLive]

You should!

[@RichKilla86ers]

nice doc. i work at that airport. worked in many companies from cabin cleaner to ramp agent to current BHS/jet bridge technician. many career opportunities to grow in airport industry.

[@fender10g]

The harvey milk terminal is one of the best ive been to! I love a SFO's redesign in general, but the food options in that terminal are really outstanding

[@williamlehtola1793]

For me that was your best yet - I have flown in and out of SFO at least 30 times mostly BOS - ORD - DEN - BDL - love that airport - thanks so much

[@DownieLive]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MoonlightGuided]

Man I love videos like this. Being able to see different places or how places have changed since I've seen them. It makes the boring days at work protecting empty buildings a little bit more interesting.

[@citibear57]

That was awesome, Mike! What a fantastic airport. Great to see the modern technology. I flew out of SFO two decades ago as they were undergoing this massive rebuild/renewal. Nice to see it now!

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Nash1965H]

Remarkable video. You're truly lucky to experience the inner workings of SFO!

[@amitem7]

Great great great content Mike. Thank you so much for taking us on this journey! Loved it!

[@builtontherockhomestead9390]

I grew up in Sacramento. In 6th grade I went on a field trip where we flew to SFO and then toured the airport and flew home.

[@LH-yc5vy]

Great job DownieLive! I work in airport operations and love it when others take a moment to understand the behind the scenes work. On your list of topics to consider, I would love for you to take a walk into crowd management incident command and all that goes into managing crowds inside a facility such as a major airport. Dr. Keith Still is a leading world expert in that field.

[@roulanyu3183]

one huge state of the art vehicle and one huge rabbit. what more can you ask for? well, that trip to the UK of course! can't wait! excited already!

[@kikoyyoutubetv8206]

State of the art technologies all run by electronic technology thanks for sharing Mike

[@kencase2179]

Mike, Very Cool! Thanks for sharing.

[@DownieLive]

You bet!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

It’s the empathy and practical nature in designing signs for me.

[@Killerspieler0815]

wow , the animals alone make your day much better

[@PokhrajRoy.]

As someone who was a Connoisseur of Airport based Documentaries on National Geographic, I’m here for this 👏🏽

[@kyyyuwu]

That's my home airport! Glad you enjoyed the place, and really awesome that you got to show us the inner workings

[@mrwest5552]

placing my order now - A two night stay in the large suite with most of the time spent in the Quail + Crane and aviation museum.

[@MrLESiPhone]

Michael, you make everything so much fun!!

[@lindseysharon259]

This was way too short! I could have easily watched an hour just on how the airport does accessibility, furthermore safety. It was really cool to see. Thank you for sharing.

[@DownieLive]

Noted!

[@WaiferThyme]

This was so awesome! I remember when i was i grade 3, (1978) the teacher arranged for us to have a tour of the Halifax Airport. The highlight was the luggage area where suitcases were sorted . The luggage area was located above the terminal so the chutes for the carosuels back then started up near the ceiling . At the end of our tour, each kid was lifted onto the chute and rode it down into the terminal and onto the carousel below. I recall how excited we all were lol.

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Hi Mike, That museum inside the airport looks so interesting. Absolutely adore the animals used to take away peoples anxiety. I wish they had them here in Australia. ( They may exist, but I haven't seen any 🤣) You were like a kid let loose in the candy store, when you got to tour all those vehicles 😃

[@IamIzayis]

I’ve been to SFO 4 times… each time wanting to explore the entire thing but it is HUGE! it’s one of the most beautiful airports I ever been to, we usually end up going and spending the night when we go on trips… at the airport… we’ll walk around and explore what we can, since it’s usually less busy at night that’s one thing we’ve done… even got to try that robotic coffee machine

[@sheilaathay2034]

This is an interesting video. San Francisco had been one of my favorite towns for a weekend getaway. Nowadays it needs all of the good press it can get. I sure hope that town can be restored. Thank you Michael! 🤗💖

[@maj6190]

I grew up in the 1950s-60s watching planes land around the clock at SFO--endlessly fascinating. Our scout troop even took a field trip to SFO and was allowed to sit in an empty plane. It certainly looks different from those days. Now I live in another state about 30 miles from a regional airport that has four daily flights. So glad you got to experience SFO.

[@carina-leahbertuccelli9496]

Hello again Michael and Team 🌺🌺🌺💞💞💞 You had me with your “short “ video! This is a spectacular, educational, video!!! From a person who was born and raised in San Francisco , this video makes myself and my family and friends so proud. Again Thank you for taking us with you! You and your family and friends stay safe and be well! 🌺🌺🌺💞💞💞

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ap94131]

Wow, great video! So glad you came to SFO. It's a beautiful airport, and rather easy to maneuver, which is a huge improvement over some other airports around. That is clearly one of the reasons I live here. And then a Giants game? Perfect ending. I worked for the company that did all of the building materials and welding inspections, so I got to be inside before it opened...such a thrill. Thank you for the wonderful video.

[@je55777]

Wow the animals, that hotel room, the museum, the sign shop, so cool

[@currentfaves65]

That was fun ! Thanks for bringing us along ! I flew out of SFO once. Well run airport and now I can see why.

[@Its_crazyadamla]

Best part of the weekend is watching downie live...

[@timsedmunds]

I just LOVE this man so very much because he's totally the BEST! I wish I could get to know him better?

[@LisaMarli]

I live close to SJC, San Jose International Airport. I can watch the planes land from my backyard, but rarely hear them. One of my friends has therapy animals she takes to SJC. They love the attention. Love the luggage system. Because SJC is going through some major rebuilding (all new terminals), I suppose we will have a similar luggage system. They do look very cool.

[@AmitSharma-vj1lc]

Very educational video