We wrapped up our December trip Down Under with a business-class flight from Sydney to San Francisco on United Airlines, enjoying the Polaris fully lie-flat seat, meals and complimentary beverages, and plenty of entertainment options on the 13-hour flight. The flight was even more special in that we departed Sydney on the Southern Hemisphere’s summer solstice — Dec. 21 — and landed (thanks to the International Date Line) in San Francisco on the Northern Hemisphere’s winter solstice. After the long flight, I was really looking forward to spending our several-hour layover before our final flight to Portland in the new Alaska Airlines lounge in Harvey Milk Terminal 1.

In June of 2024 Alaska Airlines completed a 2-year-long, multimillion-dollar relocation project to move from SFO’s Terminal 2 to Terminal 1, seeking to deliver a premium, enhanced experience to its guests. Based on my experience there, I’d say they were successful. Because we moved from the International Terminal to T1, we did not have to pass through security, made possible by a post-security connector. For those beginning their journey in San Francisco, they get to experience Alaska’s spacious new ticketing lobby and the first-of-its-kind at SFO automated bag drop system for checked bags. The state-of-the-art technology aims to reduce congestion and long lines in the lobby and shorten the time from curb to gate.

Alaska focuses on sustainability in all aspects of its operations, and the move to T1 aligns with that goal. The Harvey Milk Terminal, the newest at SFO, uses 60 percent less energy than comparable buildings and was the first terminal to earn LEED v4 Platinum certification for its design, construction and operations. Alaska Airlines is the largest carrier in the terminal (and SFO’s second-largest carrier), and the move brought it closer to fellow oneworld Alliance members. T1 also offers Alaska access to more gates now and in the future (it currently serves 5 million passengers a year at SFO), with shorter taxi times and faster access to runways translating to time and fuel savings.

Aside from our quick and easy transfer between terminals upon landing, our next experience was in the spanking-new Alaska lounge (opened just a few months earlier, in July). Although we were flying first class to Portland, the short flight meant our visit was not complimentary; we paid $30 each for the privilege of spending several hours in the comfortable, roomy space. At 11,000 square feet and a maximum capacity of 431 (230 seats), the lounge has 55 percent more seating than the old lounge in T2.

Blues and greens, reminiscent of the forested mountains and clear waters of the Northwest (and Seattle sports teams’ colors) predominated, a soothing palette complemented by the use of natural wood accents. The high ceilings helped make the space feel uncrowded and open, and large windows overlooking the tarmac let in plenty of natural light, even on that gray, rainy day. They stretched all along the outside wall of the lounge, which was a series of spaces boasting a variety of seating arrangements and devoted to different purposes. At the far left end from the check-in desk stood the bar, a stylish, modern, uncluttered room.   Leading to it was a tall counter along the windows with subtle, focused lighting, plenty of power outlets and tall stools for those who wanted to work on their phones or laptops. Opposite them was a row of small booths for those who had grabbed some tasty bites from the series of self-serve buffet tables and food stations nearby. Offerings ranged from pastries and hot breakfast items earlier in the day to salads, soups and sandwich options in the afternoon. Fresh fruit, snack items and sweets rounded out the fare. There was also a barista-staffed coffee bar and complimentary West Coast wines, spirits and craft beers available. Another rank of smaller booths and larger ones along the windows that could accommodate groups stood nearby.

To the right of the centrally located reception desk were areas clearly intended for quieter pursuits, with seating ranging from sofas and group arrangements  to cozy nooks and even Alaska’s signature Loungers facing the windows, which were quickly snagged by savvy travelers. To help maintain the quiet atmosphere, I noted there were even a couple of private calling booths provided. What really stood out to me was the number of seats available and how much space there was between them. Even on this busy holiday travel day with plenty of people eventually using the lounge, it never felt crowded or hectic. I also need to mention how clean, bright and spacious the restrooms were as well, with really great lighting for those who wanted to refresh their makeup or have a quick shave.

As you can imagine, it was delightful to spend time in this space, especially after a very long flight, and it wasn’t easy to leave it for our gate. However, the sense of spaciousness carried through even there, and I really liked the comfortable seating (again, with plenty of power outlets). The gates are designed with lots of open space in front of the counters, allowing plenty of room for queuing passengers. I have to say, my entire experience at San Francisco’s Harvey Milk Terminal was a real treat!

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor