SFO

I was rising bright and early today, and as my body clock was completely out of wack I was awake at 4AM. Tried to snooze, did some reading but was leaving the Hyatt SFO by 7AM. No free breakfast at the hotel so I decided againt blowing $30 as I wasn’t too hungry and had my hopes set for the lounge. Turns out check-in did not open until 7.50 AM so I had one final American breakfast of egg, bacon and pancakes, washed down with black coffee.

Checked in by a lovely ANA agent, they all seemed japanese which perhaps is a prerequisite. I had pre-reserved 15A in Club ANA, which they call their business class. I originally wanted a window in rows 3 or 5 but they were all taken. 15A was recommended by the agent, it’s a bulk head in the aft mini-cabin. I was assured that 15B was open today, so I would definitely have a nice time there. Great!

I was advised that NH use the RCC at SFO, I had forgotten to check this (very non-FTish of me, I know) and was rather dissapointed. I asked if there were any other Star lounges, and luckily there was a SKL, but it was not open for another hour so I checked out the RCC. It was typical RCC fashion, lots of wood panels and lots of seats, but hardly much else except for 2 drink vouchers. Just like the domestic RCC in offerings. The upside was nice views of the apron, and all the UA heavies lined up at the international terminal. I love the airside views, this is a redeeming feature of the lounge as I always enjoy a view. No free wi-fi, that was for UA C and F customers only. When enquiring, they said “no, All Nippon doesn’t pay us for that”. That is exactly the attitude I expect of any RCC, the places are so focused on being profit centres in their own right that the lounge concept of providing a nice, relaxing haven for customers is completely forgotten. In stead I am irritated by the $9.95 fee and don’t pay up as a matter of principle. In comparison, every single other lounge visited on this trip offered free Wi-fi for all customers. This is a no-brainer in 2008. The bar lady came past me and commented “Not a drinker, eh?” on seeing my 2 unused vouchers. I responded “not yet”, but seeing how the other customers were happily drinking away before 9AM in the morning, I did like any good viking would do, finsihed off my drink chits and left the place. Went for a stroll in the terminal, seeing only UA heavies at this time. Another thing about the RCC is that the you’re expected to tip the bar staff. I know the American culture of tipping and always do that when I pay for something in a restaurant, but in this place too… it’s supposed to be free?!

The Singapore Airlines SKL opened at 9 AM so I promtly headed over there, showed my Star gold card and was welcomed in and reminded that NH flights were not called in the lounge. It was deserted, I was the first guest this morning. Finally, a lounge that had some good offerings. Full selection of beer, wine and spirits, breakfast of sandwiches, free wi-fi and things that one comes to expect of a proper lounge in Europe and Asia. I had a sandwich, coffee and a baileys, since I’d already had 2 drinks in the RCC I figured why not. Went to gate 101 just as pre-boarding was announced for premium passengers. Was welcomed and bowed to 4 or 5 times on my way from the gate to the aircraft, it’s incredible to experience Japanese hospitality like that.

Pictures:

United Airlines Red Carpet Club SFO
My ride to Narita, NH 777-300ER
UA 747-400
Food and drink section in Silver Kris Lounge
SKL seating