Review: New Alaska Airlines Lounge at San Francisco (SFO)
I had the opportunity to visit the new Alaska Airlines Lounge at SFO when I flew Starlux Business Class to Taipei and I would definitely go back again.
The lounge opened back in July 2024 and was designed by William Duff Architects, a San Francisco-based architecture firm. (Spoiler alert: The interior design is gorgeous!)
Location
The new Alaska Airlines Lounge is conveniently located in Terminal 1, post-security. This is a significant upgrade in presentation for the terminal.
Once you clear security, follow the signage toward Gates B1-B10. The lounge is located near Gate B9 near The Club SFO (a Priority Pass eligible lounge) and the American Airlines Admirals Club.
Its location is ideal for Alaska's primary operation here, but thanks to SFO's secure connector, it's also accessible if you are flying from Terminal 2 (Delta, etc.), though allow yourself plenty of time for the walk.
Hours
According to Alaska’s official lounge hours listing, the SFO lounge operates 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight) daily.
While some online sources list the lounge’s hours as 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m, I have been able to access the lounge when flying Starlux Business Class after 10:30pm.
Access
Access to the Alaska Lounge is thankfully broad, catering to a range of elite travelers and cardholders. You can gain entry via:
- Alaska Lounge Membership: Both standard and Alaska Lounge+ memberships (and associate guest privileges).
- First or Business Class Ticket: Complimentary access when flying First or Business Class on an Alaska or Hawaiian flight over 2,000 miles.
- Guests: Traveling on a paid or award First Class ticket where no single flight operated by Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines exceeds 2,000 miles may purchase a discounted Alaska Lounge Single-Entry Lounge Pass for $35, subject to space availability.
- Partner Business or First Class: Complimentary access when flying First or Business Class Class on an Alaska partner airline with at least one international flight greater than 5 hours in length. The First or Business Class must be on the international segment
- Oneworld Status: Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members on eligible itineraries (i.e. flying on a oneworld carrier, inbound or outbound under the alliance’s access rules) may use the lounge. This typically means an international flight that’s not Canada or Mexico
- American Admirals Club Member Access: Admirals Clubs members are welcome to bring immediate family (partner and children under the age of 21) or up to 2 guests at no extra charge.
- Day Pass: Available for purchase for $60 (or $30 if you hold an Alaska Airlines Visa or are an MVP member), space permitting.
- Credit Cards: Additional access via certain credit cards such as the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Card.
Checking In
The check-in process is straightforward. Just present your boarding pass or status credentials. The attendant will verify your flight and class, or membership / alliance status, before letting you in.
Depending on your membership or status tier, you may be allowed one or more guests (or immediate family).
While it was completely empty when I visited after 10pm, during peak times (morning and evening rush) you might face crowding or a temporary wait for seating.
Impressions of the Alaska Airlines Lounge (SFO)
This lounge immediately impresses with its design. It features high ceilings, extensive use of natural light from the panoramic windows overlooking the tarmac, and a sleek, modern aesthetic incorporating local wood and subtle greenery.
It feels airy and spacious, completely avoiding the dungeon-like feel of some older domestic lounges. It's a genuine pleasure to spend time here, offering a high-quality environment that elevates the pre-flight routine.
The new Alaska Lounge at SFO lands squarely in the “very solid domestic premium lounge” tier. It does not aim to rival ultra-luxury international lounge flagships, but feels fresher than most of the domestic lounges including United Polaris and Delta One lounges.
Being a new lounge helps, but the Alaska Airlines attendants also look like they are happier and enjoy their jobs.
Layout/Seating
Bright, open, and well lit: Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in natural light, giving sweeping views of the apron and alleviating any sense of confinement.
Varied seating types: You’ll find lounge chairs, booths, sofas, recliners, and regular tables. Alaska’s signature “Lounger” chairs are also present.
The padded chairs with high siding are the best for solo travelers.
Dining/Bar Area: High-top tables and comfortable bar stools in the self-serve buffet area and large bar area.
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Working Zones: There are bunch of areas to work throughout the lounge. Nearly every nook and cranny has a table and outlets.
Private “TalkBox” booths: There are two sound-proof booths for phone calls or mini-meetings. They’re compact and first-come, first-served.
Design & aesthetics: The lounge leans into a soft, organic palette of blues and greens, wood slats, gentle curves, and plant accents; very calming. The lounge avoids the pitfall that many domestic airlines fall into: choosing an antiseptic white color as a base for their lounges.
Amenities
The amenities are standard for a top-tier domestic lounge.
The Wi-Fi was fast and suitable for work. There were also charging options (both USB and standard) at nearly every seat and table.
The restrooms were spotless and modern. (Sorry, didn't take any photos.)
While the lounge lacks dedicated shower rooms, it still feels quite premium.
Food & Drinks: Solid
I always put a heavier weight on food and drink options at a lounge because it’s harder to do right, especially in the US.
Salad bar & hot food: The lounge offers a rotating hot-food selection (e.g. vegetable fried rice, orange chicken, soups) alongside a salad bar with protein additions.
Pancake machine (automated): Alaska lounges have cute pancake machines for fresh pancakes. Note that it takes quite a bit of time for the machine to cook one pancake.
Snacks & sweets: An assortment of cookies (including Bay Area-specific ones), candies, and treats are available. I ate one too many Ghirardelli chocolate bars.
Coffee: Self-serve coffee stations plus a barista-run espresso bar for handcrafted drinks. I did not get to try this station because I was on a late flight.
Full Service Bar: featuring complimentary cocktails, West Coast wines, local beers, and non-alcoholic options (unless premium liquor).
Soft drink machines: Coca-Cola Freestyle are also present.
While Alaska does not offer complimentary a la carte menu like United Polaris, the self-serve options are higher quality and on par, if not better than the Amex Centurion Lounge at SFO.
Overall Rating of the Alaska Airlines Lounge at SFO: (8/10)
As a whole, the Alaska Airlines Lounge is one of the best lounges at SFO and neck-in-neck with the United Polaris Lounge at SFO.
- Food Quality & Variety: 7/10
- Cleanliness: 10/10
- Interior Design: 9/10
