Alaska Airlines Completes Move to Upgraded Hub at San Francisco Terminal 1
The carrier has completed its transfer of operations to Harvey Milk Terminal 1
Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art location at San Francisco’s International Airport (SFO) this week, completing its two-year transition from Terminal 2 to Harvey Milk Terminal 1.
The new space welcomed its first guests on June 19, following a multi-million dollar investment project allowing Alaska Airlines to deliver an enhanced passenger experience to those traveling in and out of SFO. It features cutting-edge technology designed to ease check-in and reduce congestion, world-class amenities, a new 11,000-square-foot lounge, and much more.
Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines
Designed with innovation and sustainability in mind, passengers will step into a bright and spacious lobby with 22 check-in counters and SFO’s only automated bag drop technology.
Upon entering, passengers can scan their boarding pass at the bag tag stations to print their bag tags, then take their luggage to the automated bag drop units that will seamlessly check their bags in, reducing the entire check-in process to a matter of minutes.
Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines
The lobby also includes digital signage throughout to help passengers easily navigate the terminal, as well as a 100 x 4.5 feet LED screen displaying panoramic images of San Francisco.
Once past one of the two TSA checkpoints, passengers will find an array of world-class amenities, including local retail outlets, a diverse range of restaurants, children’s play areas, and inclusive restrooms. There are also plentiful seating options with power outlets, allowing more passengers to charge their devices before their flight.
Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines
From July, passengers will also be able to relax in Alaska’s brand-new lounge, which is twice the size of a basketball court and has 55 percent more seating than the airline’s Terminal 2 lounge. The San Francisco-themed lounge will also offer an expanded menu with food made from locally sourced ingredients, a coffee bar with baristas, and complimentary West Coast wine, craft beer, and spirits.
Meanwhile, the new gates at the terminal are also conveniently located closer to the runways, which will mean a shorter taxi time and, thus, a reduction in fuel consumption. According to Alaska Airlines, SFO’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1 uses 60% less energy overall than similar facilities.
Alaska’s move to Harvey Milk Terminal 1 also brings it closer to its oneworld partner airlines, including American Airlines, British Airways, and Qatar Airways, which will allow for easier connections for those on layovers.
Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines
“Our new home in San Francisco International Airport’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1 delivers a world class experience that our guests will love while supporting our goals of innovation, sustainability and long-term growth,” said Shane Jones, senior vice president of fleet and real estate at Alaska Airlines.
“We’re excited to make this move for the approximately 5 million passengers we serve at SFO each year and that this positions us for future growth at our largest hub in California.”
Alaska Airlines, which previously operated out of Terminal 2, is now the dominant airline at the newly redeveloped, $2.4-billion Harvey Milk Terminal 1, and its new location also strengthens the airline’s position as the airport’s second-largest carrier overall at SFO after United Airlines.
Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines
This summer, the airline will offer more flights from SFO to other West Coast destinations than any other carrier, including up to 11 flights to Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) each day, up to seven daily flights to San Diego (SAN), and six per day to Portland (PDX)
Alaska’s $30 million transition project from Terminal 2 is part of its wider $3 billion investment into its West Coast hubs, including a brand-new lobby at Portland and an overhaul of its gates at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
