Escape Lounge Sacramento International Airport (SMF) Terminal A – Review

On a recent trip, just a week ago, I flew out of Sacramento’s Terminal B and visited the Escape Lounge there. This time my flight was departing from Terminal A. Read more about my experience at the Escape Lounge in Terminal A below.

Escape Lounge Sacramento Int Airport Terminal A

After being at the Escape Lounge in Terminal B, I was surprised by how small airport lounges can be. The Escape Lounge in Terminal A is no different. It is about the same size as the one in Terminal B and has a similar layout.

While walking in, I had the same check-in experience. There was no attendant at the counter to check guests in. Theoretically, you could walk right in and if your timing is good enough, they won’t even notice it. That’s exactly what I witnessed at the lounge in Terminal B. Luckily, it took only a few seconds for one of the staff members to notice me and the other guest behind me waiting to check in. After that, check-in was quick and easy. Showing my Amex Platinum, ID, and boarding pass. The agent checking in the guests also let them know to please sanitize their hands before going to the buffet.

The seating layout is very similar to the other Escape Lounge at SMF. There is a dining area with a few dining tables with chairs. The rest of the lounge is separated into different seating areas. The one behind the shelf at the entrance has some “cubical” seats, which gives you a bit more privacy. In the same area there is also a departure monitor in case you need one. Another departure monitor can be found in the dining area.

This time around the lounge wasn’t very crowded. I was able to get a table in the dining area right away. There were also a few open seats in every other seating area of the lounge. I was worried a little bit about getting a seat as it was just before midday. It also seems that nowadays, everyone has an Amex Platinum card. The only advantage is that Escape Lounges seem to be overlooked by many people. Most people just look out for Centurion Lounges and lounges in the Priority Pass network, which is also included by having an Amex Platinum Card.

Unfortunately, there are no restrooms in this lounge either. You must leave the lounge and go left. There are restrooms close to the lounge. As you come back, you don’t have to check back in, you can just walk in.

Food

The food here is exactly what you get at the other Escape Lounge. No difference there. The selection varies by time of the day, and I am sure they mix it up over the weeks. Their selection consisted of Fig & Blue Cheese Grissini, Strawberry-Banana Smoothie, Watermelon & Blueberries, Asparagus Leek Frittata with Herb Cream, Oven Roasted Salmon. On the side, there was also a choice of pre-packed cereal boxes, sodas, coffee, iced water, and orange juice. 

The actual coffee machine where you can make different flavored coffee was out of service here as well. This is probably still due to Covid. I don’t really know what the risk would be. Maybe it’s just saving on operational costs.

Conclusion

It was nice to have a lounge in SMF while waiting for my departure time. The Escape Lounges in either terminal are the only lounges here at the airport. There are lots of food places in the terminal but when you already have access to a lounge, why not use it?

The service was great. Staff kept the buffet restocked and made sure that tables were cleaned and prepared for new guests to arrive. It seemed they were a little bit understaffed here as well as having to take on multiple tasks. It didn’t look as bad as when I visited the lounge in Terminal B though. Overall a pleasant experience for free food and drinks.