Terminal 3E, or T3E
SFO terminal revamp ready for takeoff
From SFGate:
"Travelers who recall the old American Airlines wing at Terminal 3 in San Francisco International Airport won't believe what's happened to it.
The long corridor with 10 gates featured a low, acoustic-tile ceiling with fluorescent lighting, black-and-white signs with gate numbers, and rows of those generic, black plastic-covered seats you can only find in airports. A couple of crowded restaurants and newsstands were wedged between the gates.
"We've provided a lot of luxury perks that you wouldn't expect to find at an airport," said airport director John Martin. "Maybe at a hotel."
The new Boarding Area E - or Terminal 3E, as some have nicknamed it - is light, bright and ultramodern. It opens Tuesday. Along the main corridor, the ceiling has been raised 20 to 30 feet with plenty of natural light. At the end of the walkway, a 23-foot-tall picture window offers a panoramic view of the runways, and a dangling sculpture of giant metallic globes reflects the sunset and the bustle of the airport."
"Open to the public
Members of the public don't need to be flying out of SFO to get a sneak peek at the new Boarding Area E before it opens. There will be a community day from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free, but reservations are required at: www.flySFO.com/t3e-opening."