Alaska Airlines opens luxurious San Francisco lounge

New Alaska Airlines SFO lounge is the perfect plance to unwind

By Mark Reif Published July 25, 2024

New Alaska Airlines SFO lounge — Alaska Airlines

On July 24, Alaska Airlines opened the doors to its new lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Covering 11,000 square feet, it has an elegant design and a West Coast feel, welcoming travelers to the Bay Area. Instead of enduring crowds and searching for a quiet place, passengers can unwind in a modern setting, the perfect complement to a luxurious weekend wine tasting in Napa.

Alaska Airlines new SFO Lounge: A resort within an airport

Window seat at Alaska Airlines SFO lounge — Alaska Airlines

The new lounge is situated in SFO’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1. Compared to the airline’s previous lounge in Terminal 2, the new design has 55% more seating, and a sleek, airy layout. The launch coincides with the carrier’s move from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1, part of a two-year, $30-million project.

Recommended Videos

For the design, Alaska Airlines turned to William Duff Architects, who created a space with abundant natural light, open expanses, and cozy nooks. Different areas cater to varying needs, like a quiet lounge with recliners or Talkbox-equipped booths for private meetings.

Then there’s the food. A selection of complimentary options includes sourdough bread, a made-to-order pancake machine, Bay Area candy, espresso drinks, craft beer, and West Coast wine. Additionally, there are paid items like cheeseburgers and pizzas.

Sangita Woerner, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Guest Experience at Alaska Airlines, commented, “Today’s unveiling of our elegantly designed Lounge at SFO represents the culmination of over two years of dedicated commitment to enhance the way we care for our guests.”

“Our Lounges redefine the premium travel experience, providing top-tier amenities and ample space to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport, whether you’re traveling with Alaska or our oneworld and global airline partners.”

Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…

Travel

How Delta uses nature-inspired methods to increase fuel efficiency

Delta look to nature on its way toward net-zero emissions

Delta aircraft in formation

Delta Air Lines aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The airline formed the Delta Sustainable Skies Lab in January 2023 to work toward that. The first-of-its-kind lab concentrates on research, design, and testing to find innovative solutions for its climate goals.

Now, Delta is using two nature-inspired methods to minimize fuel consumption, one inspired by sharks and the other by geese. Here’s how they work.

Travel

How much is a first-class flight? Here’s the breakdown

This is the true cost of flying first class (and how to save)

First class on an airplane

Have you ever found yourself wondering, how much is a first-class flight? I know I did. Before I had the chance to experience it myself, first class always felt like a luxury that was just out of my reach. But now that I know what it actually costs, I’m here to share what I’ve learned about the true price of flying first class. So, here’s how much a first-class flight really costs.
Factors that affect the price of first-class flights

First things first, the price of a first-class ticket can vary depending on the different factors at play. But there is a general range, so let’s break it down a bit.
The airline and route
The cost of a first-class ticket depends mainly on the airline and the route you’re taking. For example, on a popular international route like New York to London, a first-class ticket can range from $4,000 to $7,000, sometimes even more. If you’re flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo, that price tag can jump to $14,000 or more. These prices fluctuate based on the airline’s pricing structure and the demand for seats on that specific flight.
The flight duration
Another big factor is the length of the flight. The longer the journey, the more expensive the first-class ticket tends to be. A shorter domestic flight might cost somewhere in the range of $1,000 for a first-class seat, while international flights that can last 10 hours or more could easily push into the $8,000-$15,000 range for first class.
When you book your flight
Timing also plays a big role in the cost of your first-class ticket. The Luxury Travel Expert recommends booking your flight as early as possible to secure the best deals. So if you book months in advance, you’ll probably find better fares. However, airlines do occasionally offer last-minute discounts or promotions to fill seats, although this isn’t always the case. It’s always best to plan ahead, but keep an eye out for any deals, especially during off-peak travel seasons.
The time of year
Airline ticket prices also vary depending on the time of year. Traveling during peak times, like the holidays or summer vacation, will typically result in higher prices. Airlines usually raise prices to accommodate the increased demand during these periods.
What do you get for the price of first class?

Travel

This is the best state for a luxury vacation, according to a new study

Want a luxury vacation? Head to the Sunshine State

Key West, Florida

If you’re planning a luxury vacation without crossing any borders, you might want to consider heading south. A new study from Wander, a high-end vacation home rental platform, has crunched the numbers to determine which U.S. states offer the most luxurious travel experiences. By analyzing premium offerings like Michelin Guide restaurants, five-star spas, luxury yacht marinas, and golf courses, Wander has unveiled the ultimate destinations for upscale getaways.

Topping the list is Florida, with an impressive luxury escape score of 8.04 out of 10. The Sunshine State has long been known for its glamorous beach resorts and year-round warmth, and the data backs it up. Florida boasts the third-highest number of Michelin Guide restaurants in the country and ranks sixth when adjusted for population. It also comes in second for the number of five-star spas, and eighth for the percentage of spas rated five stars, making it an ideal destination for both food lovers and wellness seekers.