Is this new space the best Alaska Airlines lounge in the country?
Alaska Airlines has a new home at the reimagined Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and it’s opened a plush new lounge to go with it. I think this might be the best of Alaska’s nine lounges in the country. Like us first report in June, the Seattle-based carrier moved its SFO operations from Terminal 2 to the stunning new Terminal 1, named after gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk. That move coincided perfectly with the opening of one completely new The waiting room is 11,000 square meters.
I had a chance to check it out at several recent stops at SFO and it gives the top Alaska Lounge in Seattle Northern satellite a race for its money.
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Alaska Lounge location at SFO
Alaska Lounge opened in June at SFO’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1. It’s located opposite Gate B6 and not far from the brand new The Club at SFO lounge, where I have considered last month.
The new American Airlines Admirals Club is about a 10-minute walk from the terminal.
The design of Alaska Lounge is beautiful and modern. As you enter through the sliding glass doors, you will see a large lobby area with a bank of elevators that will take you upstairs to the actual living room.
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As you step out of the elevator, friendly staff at the check-in counter will greet you. I had great interactions during both of my visits. One agent even offered to take my guests’ names to automatically let them in when they arrived later. This way I don’t have to wait and can start enjoying the waiting room.
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I visited once in October and once in November. There was no line to get in and the waiting room was almost empty. The lobby is open daily from 5am to 10:30pm
Alaska Lounge SFO entry requirements
Entry requirements for this new Alaska Lounge are a bit more restrictive than in previous years when they regularly allowed Priority Pass cardholders entry. That might help explain why it’s not too crowded.
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Those with Alaska Lounge or Alaska Lounge+ can get a free membership. (Alaska+ membership also provides access to a network of partner lounges, including all American Airlines Admirals Club, Qantas Club location and some Unified Club.)
Those with an American Airlines Admirals Club membership can also use the Alaska Lounge when flying on a same-day flight operated by American or Alaska. That includes holders Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see exchange rates and fees). Note that you will need to present a physical card in some cases.
Related: Complete guide to Alaska Lounge access
Single lounge tickets will also be sold for $60 per person, but only while seats are available. With the number of people I met in the lounge, I bet tickets will be sold quite often. To buy the pass, you need to fly on Alaska, airline Oneworld, or one of Alaska’s other global partners like Icelandair or Starlux.
Finally, you can also use the lounge if you’re a first class passenger with a paid or award ticket on flights of 2,000 miles or more.
There are several additional ways to enter this lounge. See List of Alaska Airlines lounge policies and regulations for more information.
Related: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card review
Alaska Lounge SFO amenities
One of the highlights is a giant wraparound bar, where bartenders whip up cocktails like Alaska’s famous Bloody Mary and also serve West Coast wines and beers. Among the top picks are Jim Beam, Crown Royal and Maker’s Mark whiskeys as well as Aviation and Bombay Sapphire gins.
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The new concourse covers a whopping 11,000 square feet and has 55% more seats than the old concourse in Terminal 2.
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You won’t find showers here, but there are spacious, clean restrooms stocked with La Bottega’s Salt & Stone products.
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There are plenty of seating and relaxation areas, including four-sided, desk-like tables and comfortable high-back chairs overlooking the runway.
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There are also high-back sofas and several separate soundproofed work areas.
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My favorite seating area is a row of bench-style benches where you can watch the airport…or a few ZZZs.
There’s no fireplace feature like you’ll find in some other Alaska Lounges, but there are some communal couches that look cozy.
The lounge is also fully wheelchair accessible.
I really like the variety of seating and work areas.
SFO Meal at Alaska Lounge
Alaska Lounge at SFO has a rotating menu of light bites and snacks. Fresh fruit and oatmeal are available along with other breakfast items. Ham and cheese are also available. During one of my visits, there was also vegetable fried rice.
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Of course, there’s also the famous Alaska Lounge feature: Popcake’s pancake machine. It’s a fully automatic pancake machine that’s now standard at Alaska Lounges. Tasty.
As has become standard at Alaska Lounges, there is a barista station where you can order espresso or pick up pastries to enjoy in the lounge.
There is also a beverage counter offering two premium Eversys coffee makers, a Coca-Cola soda maker, tea and a few other treats. This lounge serves coffee and espresso from San Francisco-based Ritual Coffee Roasters. This company is independent and woman-owned, and it’s a nice touch in the San Francisco lounge.
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I loved the self-serve candy bar, which featured Ghirardelli chocolates, Alaska Air-colored jelly beans, M&M’s, and fortune cookies made by the Oakland Fortune Factory.
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Another especially lovely nod to San Francisco is the giant sculptural mural on the wall of the main dining area.
I really loved all the tributes to the Bay Area spread throughout the lounge, from the art to the food and drink options.
Bottom line
SFO has really stepped up its game in the lounge space. The three lounges alone on the new T1 make lounge hopping a fun activity if you have the wherewithal and time before your flight.
While I love the new Priority Pass lounge, The Club, it can get very crowded. So far, that hasn’t been a problem at the new Alaska Lounge (nor at the nearby Admirals Club).
I definitely recommend checking it out next time you’re passing through SFO.
It doesn’t have massage chairs, nap rooms, or bathrooms, but then again, most Alaska Lounges don’t. San Francisco Alaska Lounge is my new favorite place.
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