VX Operations at SFO's New T2
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: 1A
Programs: UA GS, NH Diamond, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist (formerly Courtesy Card sadly), Amanjunkie, CLEAR
Posts: 3,713
VX Operations at SFO's New T2
Had an opportunity to try out the new T2 with VX today and wanted to provide some thoughts and a thread we can use for the future to comment on SFO inbound / outbound travels.
Check-in
Slick check-in area, wood paneled walls, and plenty of flat panel LCD's. F check-in line was non existent, Y looked reasonable. Even though T2 has been operating now for some time, staff appeared to still be getting up the learning curve and struggling with the machines. Plenty of baggage handlers available.
TIP: Self serve kiosks are almost around the corner, to the left of the ticketing agents, available for use if not checking bags.
Security
Appears pretty consistent with my experiences at SFO's international terminal in terms of wait time (less than 10 minutes on this particular day). Priority line offered for VX F/MCS. They are utilizing standard metal detectors and don't have the new systems setup like in the international terminal.
Gates
This is where the new T2 really shines. As was pointed out in the Clubhouse thread, VX chose not to put one in T2, likely because the terminal is designed like one large lounge. Minus the free food and booze of course.
In addition to everything being brand new, there are some nice features:
Interested to hear how everyone else's experiences have been and other thoughts on VX and the new T2!
Check-in
Slick check-in area, wood paneled walls, and plenty of flat panel LCD's. F check-in line was non existent, Y looked reasonable. Even though T2 has been operating now for some time, staff appeared to still be getting up the learning curve and struggling with the machines. Plenty of baggage handlers available.
TIP: Self serve kiosks are almost around the corner, to the left of the ticketing agents, available for use if not checking bags.
Security
Appears pretty consistent with my experiences at SFO's international terminal in terms of wait time (less than 10 minutes on this particular day). Priority line offered for VX F/MCS. They are utilizing standard metal detectors and don't have the new systems setup like in the international terminal.
Gates
This is where the new T2 really shines. As was pointed out in the Clubhouse thread, VX chose not to put one in T2, likely because the terminal is designed like one large lounge. Minus the free food and booze of course.
In addition to everything being brand new, there are some nice features:
- Short and high desk-like bars with power for computer usage
- SFO's free wi-fi
- Red "comfy chairs" in front of most gates for relaxing
- Plenty of new restaurants and shops not located in other SFO terminals
- Water re-fill stations for water bottles (think the nicest "water fountains" you've seen)
Interested to hear how everyone else's experiences have been and other thoughts on VX and the new T2!
#2
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Tucson, AZ USA
Programs: DL-Platinum / AS-PlatPro / Hyatt - Glob / Hilton-Diamond
Posts: 1,573
I was through SFO T2 a couple of weeks ago (for the 1st VX ORD flight !!)
Very nice indeed.
As I entered the terminal, I saw the "no checked baggage" kiosks off to the side of the main check-in counters. They were easy to see from my entry point, but no body was using them. Small (insignificant) line at regular check-in. With all the "snazz" at the ticket counters, but the "no bags" kiosks lined up against a plain white wall around the corner, they do kinda look more like some "spare" machines just being stored there. Need some wall art or something to make the area look more inviting.
Decent sized line at security, but it moved fast.
Past security, it's like a mini mall at first. You need to wall a little ways before getting to any gates. Even after walking down the hall and entering the main triangle shaped area, the gates are still like an after thought. You see the food and stores and lots of seating. Have to look beyond or around the retail areas to note the gates. That's not a complaint ... it's just part of how they try to get a "club" atmosphere out of it.
Overall, I was impressed.
Very nice indeed.
As I entered the terminal, I saw the "no checked baggage" kiosks off to the side of the main check-in counters. They were easy to see from my entry point, but no body was using them. Small (insignificant) line at regular check-in. With all the "snazz" at the ticket counters, but the "no bags" kiosks lined up against a plain white wall around the corner, they do kinda look more like some "spare" machines just being stored there. Need some wall art or something to make the area look more inviting.
Decent sized line at security, but it moved fast.
Past security, it's like a mini mall at first. You need to wall a little ways before getting to any gates. Even after walking down the hall and entering the main triangle shaped area, the gates are still like an after thought. You see the food and stores and lots of seating. Have to look beyond or around the retail areas to note the gates. That's not a complaint ... it's just part of how they try to get a "club" atmosphere out of it.
Overall, I was impressed.
#3
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,373
Slightly OT, but since T2 has no FIS, how are international arrivals being handled? Do they use an A gate to disembark into the sterile corridor and then tow the plane over later? Or do they bus pax to the IT, or is there a well-hidden sterile corridor from T2 to International somewhere, or...?
#4
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,639
Slightly OT, but since T2 has no FIS, how are international arrivals being handled? Do they use an A gate to disembark into the sterile corridor and then tow the plane over later? Or do they bus pax to the IT, or is there a well-hidden sterile corridor from T2 to International somewhere, or...?
#5
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Tucson, AZ USA
Programs: DL-Platinum / AS-PlatPro / Hyatt - Glob / Hilton-Diamond
Posts: 1,573
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: AA Gold AAdvantage Elite, Rapids Reward
Posts: 38,326
Yes, they do have some international flight from SFO-CUN/SJD. After VX is pullng out of YYZ due to high landing fees. Because YYZ was an extremely expensive. They couldn't completing against another carrier. YYZ is only preclearance bound for USA flight.
#7
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Redwood City, CA
Programs: AA Plat- 2MM
Posts: 116
For other American Airlines flyers who also use Virgin America- I was able to use the Priority Line (AA Lifetime Plat) even though I was flying Virgin America. I also have an Admiral's Club membership and was able to spend pre-flight time there. For me best of both worlds!
#8
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,639
According to flysfo.com, Mexico arrivals come into Int'l A and all departures are from T2.
#10
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Verdi, NV, SFO & Olympic (aka Squaw )Valley.
Programs: Ikon Pass Full + AS Gold + Marriott Titanium + Hilton Gold. Recovering UA Plat. LT lounge AA+DL+UA
Posts: 3,823
I keep on hoping to find a competitive fare on VA flight...sadly UA always seems cheaper, and has been quite generous with upgrades for this bottom tier elite recently.
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,633
I'm also an AC member, and must encourage people to check out the new SFO lounge. Although the sign says "American Airlines" it feels very VA. With a great view of the San Bruno Mountains, an open bar and a shower it is quite luxe.
I keep on hoping to find a competitive fare on VA flight...sadly UA always seems cheaper, and has been quite generous with upgrades for this bottom tier elite recently.
I keep on hoping to find a competitive fare on VA flight...sadly UA always seems cheaper, and has been quite generous with upgrades for this bottom tier elite recently.
#12
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: AA Gold,DL Gold
Posts: 858
It is like calling a W hotel the St. Regis. The club has some great views but unless someone told me the year it still feels like the late 90s.
The Virgin Atlantic clubhouse is older and yet feels much more modern.
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,391
VX LAX-SEA: $117 a/i
AS, UA LAX-SEA: $247 a/i
This isn't a particularly close decision for me.
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: 1A
Programs: UA GS, NH Diamond, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist (formerly Courtesy Card sadly), Amanjunkie, CLEAR
Posts: 3,713
Back on topic....
SFO T2 this morning was busy but efficient. VX kiosks were available and bag drop check in took <10 minutes. F and MCS lines were relatively empty. Regular domestic economy check in looked to be about 15-20 minutes.
Security was 5 minutes or so. Not bad. Most lanes were open.
Inner terminal is quite crowded, many families traveling for this holiday week, but plenty of desk "work space" and power outlets available.
Overall, as usual, a good experience in SFO's new T2.
SFO T2 this morning was busy but efficient. VX kiosks were available and bag drop check in took <10 minutes. F and MCS lines were relatively empty. Regular domestic economy check in looked to be about 15-20 minutes.
Security was 5 minutes or so. Not bad. Most lanes were open.
Inner terminal is quite crowded, many families traveling for this holiday week, but plenty of desk "work space" and power outlets available.
Overall, as usual, a good experience in SFO's new T2.