B757 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
ATC Issue All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure
First Officer had flown into SFO more frequently than I had. We arrived from the North. I have always arrived from the South. First Officer suggested North arrivals usually get Runway 28L; while Southern arrivals usually get runway 28R. This tracked with my experience; as I have generally arrived from the South; and have been assigned Runway 28R. We briefed three approach options: The ILS 28L; the Quiet Bridge Visual from Menlo to 28L; and the Tipp Toe Visual from Menlo to 28L. While still North of San Francisco; we were vectored to the East; passing overhead downtown SFO and over the bay toward Oakland. We were told to expect right base to Runway 28R. We briefed ILS 28R along with the FMS Bridge Visual to Runway 28R. On base we were cleared for a visual approach to Runway 28L; followed by a side-step to 28R at 1;000 AGL. All of this transpired below 10;000 feet. Not a way to run a railroad.
SFO Air Carrier arrival from the North anticipating a specific runway assignment and vector was somewhat surprised with ATC handling and the frequent runway changes below ten thousand feet.