Last month, Alaska Airlines completed its move to the new Harvey Milk Terminal at San Francisco International Airport. Of course, one crucial piece of the puzzle was missing at the time. However, the puzzle is complete since the new Alaska Lounge is now open at SFO Terminal 1.
There’s no doubt that the new Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport is stunning. The move was not only an upgrade in experience for Alaska passengers but also a move of convenience. You see, Alaska Airlines shares Terminal 1 with its oneworld partner, American Airlines, along with Southwest Airlines, and also places its gates closer to those of its international oneworld partners in Terminal A.
But, after the move, Alaska Lounge members had to check in/drop their bags in Terminal 1, then head over to Terminal 2 for the lounge, and then go back to board their flight. Luckily, there’s a connection airside, but it still wasn’t an ideal setup. However, that’s all in the past now since Alaska Lounge is now open at SFO Terminal 1.
Alaska Lounge is Now Open at SFO Terminal 1
When Alaska Air announced its move last month, it acknowledged that the new lounge wasn’t ready yet but also said that it would be completed in July. Well, they kept their word. Sure, we’re at the end of July now, but the Alaska Aloung is now open at SFO Terminal 1!
At 11,000 square feet, this new lounge has 55% more space than the old one in Terminal 2, which it replaces, and is one of the largest lounges in Alaska’s entire system. Amenities in the new space include Signature Loungers along floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the tarmac, a barista bar, power at nearly every seat, a fully-stocked bar featuring West Coast beers and wines, and a selection of local food items to choose from.
For the first time ever, the new Alaska Lounge at SFO will include not one but two pancake machines, along with TalkBox booths for guests to take phone calls.
Alaska Air has produced a short video showcasing the new lounge, and I must say, it looks gorgeous! It seems to keep the vibe of their flagship Seattle lounge but gives it a bit more of a bright vibe that is better suited to California. That’s not to say the Seattle lounge seems dark – quite the contrary – it has more of a cozy vibe, in my opinion.
Alaska Lounge Location
Within Terminal 1, you can find the new Alaska Lounge in the upper segment. It’s directly across from Amy’s Drive Thru, which itself is next to Gate B6. Other lounges available in the terminal include an American Admiral’s Club, along with a The Club Lounge location.
Alaska Lounge is Now Open at SFO Terminal 1, Final Thoughts
As I said earlier, the new lounge looks fantastic! It almost makes me want to head back to SFO to check it out. Almost. Aside from not being an Alaska Lounge member, I’d much prefer to fly in and out of SJC. I used SFO as an arrival and departure airport once as an adult, and I really don’t like the whole CONRAC setup. Yeah, a lot of airports have them, including SJC. However, at SJC, I’m not forced to take a shuttle off the premises to get to my car and back. Maybe if I wasn’t renting a car, it would be more convenient, but that’s now how I roll when I visit the area.
At any rate, the new lounge is a great addition for Alaska Air customers in the Bay Area, especially since SFO is an important hub for the carrier.