The New SFO Alaska Lounge (Opened 8/31/2021)
Aug 31, 2021, 6:57 pm
#301
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,644
Lol I’ve made fun of the pancake machine here before, because I don’t think it’s all that amazing (or rare. I mean, how many Holiday Inn Expresses are there?). Also am not a big pancake guy either, but it would be a lie if I said I never partook once in a while. Plus, some people really like to load up on carbs just before several hours of sitting in a chair, so I’m happy it’s there.
But most importantly, I sincerely (and yes, sincerely) hope that the cawfee in the AS Lounge is far superior to that which AA used to serve in the same space. That stuff was Ay Trow Shus.
Aug 31, 2021, 7:27 pm
#302
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold
Posts: 917
I fail to understand the delight of the panqueque machines. They're ok, but that's about it, and I am unanimous in that! They do suck up the Morning Mary or Mimosa pretty well. That said, my typical morning fare is to toast a bagel, put some cream cheezy on it, sprinkle pepper on that, and then slice a couple of hard boiled eggs in half and have a sandwich.
But most importantly, I sincerely (and yes, sincerely) hope that the cawfee in the AS Lounge is far superior to that which AA used to serve in the same space. That stuff was Ay Trow Shus.
But most importantly, I sincerely (and yes, sincerely) hope that the cawfee in the AS Lounge is far superior to that which AA used to serve in the same space. That stuff was Ay Trow Shus.
Aug 31, 2021, 7:39 pm
#303
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: On a plane or a beach
Programs: Yes
Posts: 3,156
There is an espresso / coffee machine and barista! ☕️
Aug 31, 2021, 8:25 pm
#305
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 169
Look forward to checking it out on Friday morning before a long weekend! Agree that it may be less optimal than the original very cool vision, but AS’ presence at SFO is arguably also less optimal than their original expansionary vision, so overall this is a solid win for those of us in the Bay Area.
Sep 1, 2021, 7:31 am
#306
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: SoCal,
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro
Posts: 771
I’ll second that. A lot of what AS has done isn’t optimal. So I’m focusing on the one thing they did that was optimal for me…OW entry. For mea game changer in them earning some of my travel $$.
Sep 1, 2021, 9:06 am
#307
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: LAX
Programs: AS MVPG, IHG Diamond Elite
Posts: 1,445
Look forward to checking it out on Friday morning before a long weekend! Agree that it may be less optimal than the original very cool vision, but AS’ presence at SFO is arguably also less optimal than their original expansionary vision, so overall this is a solid win for those of us in the Bay Area.
Sep 1, 2021, 12:37 pm
#308
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: YYZ, SFO
Programs: AS 100K, UA*S, IHG Plat, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond | Formerly: AC Super Elite
Posts: 2,476
Currently in the SFO AS Lounge. It's really nice - two soups with a really fluffy roll, same Teavana tea selection as SEA N. The one part where this lounge is better than SEA N is that there are FOUR salad dressings!!!!! FOUR!!!! Ranch, Blue Cheese, Feta Vinagrette, and Honey Mustard
BTW - if you find that it is simple and intuitive to pour soup, you have me to thank. I was struggling HARD to pour soup into my bowl, while the lounge staff were watching and deliberating on what's going on and how to fix it. Turns out the sneeze shield can be rotated up lol
BTW - if you find that it is simple and intuitive to pour soup, you have me to thank. I was struggling HARD to pour soup into my bowl, while the lounge staff were watching and deliberating on what's going on and how to fix it. Turns out the sneeze shield can be rotated up lol
Sep 1, 2021, 1:11 pm
#309
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2013
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP Gold 100K
Posts: 2,030
BTW - if you find that it is simple and intuitive to pour soup, you have me to thank. I was struggling HARD to pour soup into my bowl, while the lounge staff were watching and deliberating on what's going on and how to fix it. Turns out the sneeze shield can be rotated up lol
Sep 1, 2021, 1:40 pm
#310
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,974
Currently in the SFO AS Lounge. It's really nice - two soups with a really fluffy roll, same Teavana tea selection as SEA N. The one part where this lounge is better than SEA N is that there are FOUR salad dressings!!!!! FOUR!!!! Ranch, Blue Cheese, Feta Vinagrette, and Honey Mustard
BTW - if you find that it is simple and intuitive to pour soup, you have me to thank. I was struggling HARD to pour soup into my bowl, while the lounge staff were watching and deliberating on what's going on and how to fix it. Turns out the sneeze shield can be rotated up lol
BTW - if you find that it is simple and intuitive to pour soup, you have me to thank. I was struggling HARD to pour soup into my bowl, while the lounge staff were watching and deliberating on what's going on and how to fix it. Turns out the sneeze shield can be rotated up lol
Sep 3, 2021, 9:47 am
#311
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 169
In the lounge this morning, and it’s a good space. Lots of staff, mostly new and clearly finding their way, with some oversight and assistance from staff from other AL’s. Prepare to hunt a bit for outlets. Talking with the staff, it sounds like the furniture was a late-night move in the night prior to opening, which explains why several things aren’t hooked up. Even in the eating area, the outlet spaces are covered by a blank plastic cover. To their credit, they made the opening date! Drink selection is a little different from other clubs - wonder if it was improvised awaiting the regular AS fare.
Sep 3, 2021, 3:29 pm
#312
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,535
Cheers.
Last edited by brp; Sep 3, 2021 at 5:48 pm
Sep 4, 2021, 8:03 pm
#313
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 169
Well, perhaps, but it didn’t strike me that way overall. The beer selection clearly is tailored to the SF Bay Area, but as others have noted above, there isn’t any beer yet to go with the tap handles. All in good time, and happy to wait it out. On the other hand, “Cooks” is the sparkling wine selection, which doesn’t strike me as a particularly tailored selection, nor do any of the other wines.
Sep 7, 2021, 12:36 pm
#314
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Burlingame, CA
Programs: TK Miles & Smiles, CM ConnectMiles, AA Advantage
Posts: 2,129
Pretty impressed that this lounge offers fresh food from a self-serve buffet, provides metal utensils, proper glassware and chinaware. It's like stepping into a pre-covid lounge. The only minor disappointment was the lack of desserts since only cookies were available. Also the dining area on the right side of the lounge is too open lacking privacy with a very basic furniture arrangement IMHO.
Entrance.
Reception.
Reception.
Rotunda.
Breakfast buffet.
Lunch buffet.
Dining area
Entrance.
Reception.
Reception.
Rotunda.
Breakfast buffet.
Lunch buffet.
Dining area
Sep 7, 2021, 1:42 pm
#315
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,535
Well, perhaps, but it didn’t strike me that way overall. The beer selection clearly is tailored to the SF Bay Area, but as others have noted above, there isn’t any beer yet to go with the tap handles. All in good time, and happy to wait it out. On the other hand, “Cooks” is the sparkling wine selection, which doesn’t strike me as a particularly tailored selection, nor do any of the other wines.
Cheers.