Every major US diaspora hub has a nonstop flight to the Bay Area. Use the United corporate code INC7 for discounts on SFO routes. If you are traveling with elders, our volunteer Transport team will meet you at the curb.
| Origin | Airports | Airlines | Frequency | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York / Newark | EWR · JFK | United · JetBlue · Delta · Alaska | 22 nonstops/day | 6h 20m |
| Houston | IAH · HOU | United · Southwest · Alaska | 14 nonstops/day | 4h 10m |
| Atlanta | ATL | Delta · Alaska · Southwest | 16 nonstops/day | 5h 00m |
| Dallas | DFW · DAL | American · United · Southwest | 18 nonstops/day | 4h 00m |
| Chicago | ORD · MDW | United · American · Southwest | 20 nonstops/day | 4h 30m |
Apply at united.com or call United meeting desk 1-800-426-1122. Valid for bookings through August 13, 2026. Not combinable with basic economy.
The free Marriott Waterfront shuttle runs every 30 minutes, 24/7. Pick it up at the upper-level shuttle stand of any terminal — follow signs for “Hotel Shuttles.” No reservation needed. Tell the driver you are with INC-USA.
| Origin | Airports | Airlines | Frequency | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | LAX · BUR | Southwest · Alaska · Spirit | 26 nonstops/day | 1h 15m |
| Denver | DEN | Southwest · United · Frontier | 9 nonstops/day | 2h 30m |
| Phoenix | PHX | Southwest · American | 10 nonstops/day | 2h 00m |
Uber / Lyft direct to the hotel is ~$55 and 40–50 minutes (Bay Bridge dependent). BART is the cheaper route: Coliseum AirTrain → BART to Millbrae → 10-minute taxi or SamTrans 292 to the hotel. Total about $14 and 75 minutes.
| Origin | Airports | Airlines | Frequency | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | SEA | Alaska · Southwest | 11 nonstops/day | 2h 20m |
| Portland | PDX | Alaska · Southwest | 7 nonstops/day | 1h 45m |
Only pick SJC if the fare is significantly lower. Uber is ~$65; Caltrain via VTA + Millbrae takes 90 minutes total. If you are visiting South Bay family before or after Convention, SJC becomes a great choice.
Most Itsekiri elders in the diaspora have not flown domestically in years. Airports are stressful. Shuttle stops are confusing. The window between flight and Thursday reception is tight. Here is how we keep everyone whole.
For attendees arriving from Nigeria. Apply at the US Embassy in Abuja or consulate in Lagos. Mention INC-USA Convention in the DS-160 form under purpose of visit. We provide a signed invitation letter — email visa@inc-usa.org with your passport details at least 120 days before travel.
For attendees from UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Netherlands, or other VWP countries. Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before departure. $21 fee, valid 2 years. No invitation letter needed, but keep one on hand at customs.
Passport only; no visa required. Carry an invitation letter for the land or air border officer. If driving from Vancouver, allow 17 hours via I-5. Flying is faster and cheaper for most.
Every registered attendee can download a signed PDF invitation letter from their dashboard after registration is confirmed. It is bilingual (English + notarized Itsekiri translation available on request). Addresses embassies, hotel confirmation, and return ticket expectation.
Email visa@inc-usa.org with your full name as on passport, date of birth, passport number, expected travel dates, and country of application. Allow 5 business days for your signed invitation letter — we batch-process them weekly. For interview preparation, our team holds a free monthly video clinic, second Thursday of each month.
Volunteer pickups for arriving elders. Free shuttle info, BART tips, and live help from Thursday 4 PM on (415) 555-0133.