Alaska Airlines will finally be opening their own lounge at San Francisco International airport in terminal 2. The new lounge will not open until 2020, but will offer frequent flyers and first class customers a more luxurious place to relax before their flights. For those of us who remember when Alaska Airlines was in terminal 1, Alaska Airlines operated an old and small Board Room. This lounge closed June 24, 2014 due to airport construction.
In recent year, Alaska Airlines has allowed boardroom members to access the stunningly gorgeous Cathay Pacific Lounge in the international terminal. However, since the merger with Virgin America, most Alaska Airline flights depart from Terminal 2. Thus making a lounge in a different terminal inconvenient. To access the Cathay Lounge, one must pass through security twice. Terminal 2 and the international terminal at SFO are not connected airside. A dedicated Alaska lounge in Terminal 2, will help solve this issue.
Alaska Airlines Lounge SFO
The San Francisco Alaska Airlines Lounge will offer 8,500 square feet for customers to relax atop of terminal 2. This is approximately twice the size of their new JFK lounge.
The lounge will offer unobstructed bay and runway views, being the only domestic lounge above the terminal. Alaska will keep to the true West Coast spirit and will be designed with San Fran in mind. The lounge will offer locally inspired art, food, and beverages. In addition, the lounge will keep with the new tradition of having a coffee bar. Complimentary made to order handcrafted espresso drinks will be available. Oh Coffee, how we love you!
From Alaska Airlines media release:
Featuring Bay Area brands and design elements, the Lounge’s warm finishes and welcoming vibe are tailored to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. Visitors can choose from a wide array of fresh and healthy food options, including Greek yogurt, steel cut oatmeal, and hardboiled eggs in the morning and seasonal salads, soups, and a tapas bar throughout the afternoon and evening. Those looking for something a bit more filling can purchase made to-order meals such as an Egg and Brioche sandwich with a cage-free egg, caramelized onions, and Tillamook cheddar, or a Korean Rice Bowl with steamed vegetables, gochujang sauce, and chicken or tofu.
As part of the elevated system-wide lounge program, guests can enjoy handcrafted espresso beverages or loose-leaf teas brewed by an Alaska Lounge barista. The lounge bar will offer a selection of local microbrews on draft, West Coast wines and top-shelf spirits, such as California’s own Hangar 1® vodka. No matter the mood a traveler may be in – looking to get some work done, socialize with others, or grab a bite to eat and recharge after a long day – each visitor will find different amenities and seating areas to fit their needs.
Final thoughts
The lounge is set to open in 2020, which is not that far away. I honestly expect this lounge to open mid to late 2020. We all know that airport construction projects never happen quickly. Overall, an Alaska lounge in Terminal 2, where Alaska Airlines operates out of is great news. The Cathay Pacific lounge is definitely a nicer lounge than any lounge by Alaska, however the location is not convenient.
I look forward to seeing this new lounge, along with the new lounge currently under construction in Seattle. Now if only Alaska would offer better complimentary snacks! Then, and only then, they might actually compete with other airlines and private airport clubs.
