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The San Francisco International Airport did it again. A new outdoor viewing deck is now open for visitors. Just one year after they opened the Outdoor Terrace at the G Concourse of the International Terminal, SFO opened the Sky Terrace on February 14, 2020. This is the second observation deck at SFO. Originally it was scheduled to open in the fall of 2019. Another plane spotting heaven for aviation geeks.
Location
The new Sky Terrace is located atop the Terminal 2 building. Access is possible from the arrivals level and departure level. It can be accessed via an elevator or a stairwell. Enter the terminal on the Departure/Ticketing Level and look for the information counter. Pass it to your left and look for the overhead signs guiding you to the “Sky Terrace”. The elevator and stairwell are located next to the security checkpoint and behind Starbucks. Take the elevator to Level 4 for the Sky Terrace.
Sky Terrace Access
The best news is for sure the access requirements. Everyone can access the new Sky Terrace. There is no need for a boarding pass and you don’t even have to show an I.D.
All you have to do is walk through a new type of security scanner with your bags. No need to stop and pull out your items. A security officer will do a secondary inspection of your bags or you if necessary. I walked through there twice with the same setup. The first time, I had to open my backpack to have the security officer check my camera. During the second time, on a different day, they were only worried about the cellphone in my pocket, but not my backpack with camera gear. The whole process is very fast, as you walk through the scanner and if you don’t bring anything which could be considered dangerous, you can walk right on.
You can even bring food and beverages to the area. Only smoking is prohibited inside and outside at the terrace as well. It’s strictly enforced. Please take your trash back with you and don’t leave it lying around. Especially outside as loose objects can easily become foreign object debris (FOD). Unfortunately, I have seen people leaving their stuff behind and being ruthless in that way.
Sky Terrace Hours
The Sky Terrace is open seven days a week and every day of the year during the hours of 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Amenities
With a 1,460 square foot area, the Sky Terrace is split into two areas. One indoor and one outdoor section. Both are furnished with wooden chairs and benches and situated among a creative display of drought-tolerant landscaping.
Indoor Space
Besides a lot of room to sit down and relax. You will also find an exhibit of the SFO Museum that is titled The 1954 San Francisco International Airport Terminal. This exhibition features a selection of objects and historic imagery from the first decade of operations at the 1954 International Terminal building. All material is from the collection of the SFO Museum.
A small window on the side will give you a view of the neighboring gate which is usually used by Alaska Airlines. The big front window wall gives you a few of the outdoor part. The indoor space is perfect for days with not so good weather, as you are protected from wind and rain.
Outdoor Space
This is where the magic happens. You can not only see the planes but also clearly hear what’s going on around you. All the way around the outdoor part you find bird-proof glass panels and which also acts as a safety barrier so you can’t easily fall or throw anything on the airport grounds below. Secondary it provides for some wind protection.
It’s the perfect spot to watch planes taxi from the terminals to the runway and see them lift-off. Of course, we all like to see the “big birds” and this is the spot, as lift-off happens pretty much straight in front of you.
Restrooms and Water Dispenser
Outside of the secured Sky Terrace space are two gender-neutral bathrooms and a water dispenser. If you are looking for additional bathrooms, there are gender-specific bathrooms one floor down. Just use the stairs next to the elevator to get down there. You might have to go back through security on your way back. But it’s easy and quick.
Café
A new café is set to open on the level below the Sky Terrace in June 2020. From there you will also get astonishing views of the airport apron and runways.
Sky Terrace Photography Tips
I am sure you want to come out there to take amazing pictures of the airport and the planes. Here are a few tips to get better photos. Bring a microfiber cloth to clean the windows and glass panels from smudges.
If you use your phone to take pictures. Get close to the glass panel to reduce reflections and glare. For your cameras, I recommend using a polarizing filter or a silicone/rubber lens hood to get rid of the same glare and reflections. I use the Ultimate Lens Hood for that purpose.
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Peter has a passion for Traveling, Photography, and Geocaching. These are the best ingredients for amazing adventures all over the globe. “Traveling is fun, no matter if you stay in a luxury hotel or travel like a backpacker.” Peter shares his experiences on his Blog www.gatetoadventures.com
Some of Peter’s photos are published on corporate websites, in-flight magazines, travel guides, and much more.
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