Lounge Review: The New Alaska Airlines Lounge at SFO

Alaska moved to Terminal 1 at the San Francisco International Airport on June 19, 2024 and is now operating out of that terminal. Alaska’s Oneworld Partner airline, American Airlines moved to the renovated Terminal 1 as one of the first airlines. Finally both Oneworld partners are now operating out of the same terminal. While Alaska was still at Terminal 2, it took over the old Admirals Club in Terminal 2. Just recently, Alaska opened their own Alaska Lounge in Terminal 1 now and I was able to visit it on one of my recent trips.

Alaska Lounge Terminal 1 San Francisco International Airport

On my recent trip to Seattle I was able to use and experience the new Alaska Lounge at SFO. As you enter you have to take the elevator or stairs upstairs to the lounge level where you will get checked in. I access the Alaska Lounges through my Admirals Club membership.

The lounge has a good size and was not overcrowded at all. While I was walking towards the Alaska Lounge, I passed “The Club” Lounge on the way and there was a long line to get in. I assume it is mainly because they accept Priority Pass as a way to access the lounge.

The new Alaska Lounge at SFO follows Alaska’s design guidelines first introduced with the airline’s flagship lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

The check-in counter for the lounge is upstairs as you exit the elevator or use the stairs.

Seating

The floor-to-ceiling windows are stretching along the whole lounge space and give a great view of the tarmac. There is plenty of seating throughout the lounge. You can find everything from cozy loungers to dining tables next to the dining area. 

Pick your favorite and relax while you wait for your flight. Most chairs and seats have a power outlet nearby.

Dining

The Alaska Lounge at SFO offers premium food choices complimentary for your enjoyment. The choices change throughout the day to adjust with the common food choices you would expect for breakfast lunch and dinner. 

Choose between salads, breads, veggies, warm food and of course Alaska’s famous pancake machines. There is something for everyone. The dining area comes with large tables which can seat comfortable a family for an enjoyable snack.

A soda dispenser and coffee machine are also set up in the lounge and if you are looking for something more extraordinary, visit the bar area at the far end of the lounge.

Conclusion

The Alaska Lounge at SFO is one of Alaska Airlines’ best lounges. It is not as large as their Flagship Lounge in Seattle inside the North Satellite. However, this lounge offers amazing views for aviation geeks, just as the Seattle counterpart. It’s a very open and bright lounge thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Even the bathrooms are great and beautifully designed. 

I like the Alaska Lounge at SFO even better than American Airlines’ Admirals Club just a few steps down the terminal. I also love that the lounge was never crowded during my visits here throughout different days and time of the day. The Admirals Club is more frequented and hardcore American flyers probably flock there rather than coming here. Good for the ones who know. It is my favorite.