Alaska Airlines Lounge SFO

Alaska Airlines recently renovated the old American Airlines Lounge at SFO in Terminal 2 into their own Alaska Airlines Lounge. The grand opening was just a few weeks ago on August 31st, 2021. I was lucky to be able to try it out on a recent trip during an evening departure. Access is available to Alaska Lounge membership holders, paid First Class and via a Day Pass ($50/person). If you hold the Alaska Airlines credit card, you can enter for $25/person (50% off) if paid using the card. For $25, this makes it a great choice if you are going to grab a few drinks and snacks.

The 9,000 sq ft lounge offers food, drinks, candy and a sourdough cart. There is plenty of seating to enjoy the space and tons of natural light as it faces the tarmac. I enjoyed a local beer (Calicraft Tiki Time), a chicken salad, sourdough bread w/ guacamole and a brownie. Fresh food and tasty beer so no complaints. It would be hard to make a full meal out of it at dinner, but it’s a light meal. If you are there during breakfast, they have the famous pancake machine to satisfy your cravings. The candy wall offers Jelly Belly jelly beans and Ghirardelli chocolates which is a nice touch as they are both local companies. Beer and wine are included whereas mixed drinks are paid (~$6).

I hold the AMEX Platinum card as well so below is how the Alaska Lounge Terminal 2 compares with the AMEX Centurion Lounge Terminal 3 if flying Alaska Airlines.

Location: Alaska Lounge (AMEX Centurion requires you to go through TSA security twice)

Food: AMEX Centurion Lounge (offers full meals)

Drinks: AMEX Centurion Lounge (full bar included)

Costs: It’s a tie! AMEX Centurion Lounge (if you hold an AMEX Platinum) /// Alaska Lounge (if you have the Alaska Airlines card or flying First Class on Alaska)

Breakfast @ AMEX Centurion Lounge

Conclusion: The Alaska Lounge is an excellent option while at SFO and perfect for Alaska Airlines credit card holders. Many First Class fares for inter-California flights are running just $30 more than Economy so this adds value to your First Class ticket along with the included 2 checked bags. I will personally continue to visit the AMEX Centurion Lounge if I arrive with extra time and have a big appetite. My annual fee on the AMEX Platinum card, $695, is a sunk cost so I need to put it’s benefits to use.