What Terminal Is Alaska at SFO International Airport?
Alaska Airlines, a prominent carrier in the United States, services over 115 destinations. Operating primarily from its base at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the airline includes San Francisco International Airport (SFO) among its destinations. Additionally, Alaska Airlines manages the Alaska Lounge at SFO. Curious about the Alaska Airlines terminal at SFO? Explore the details in the article below.
Which Terminal Does Alaska Airlines Use at SFO?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) stands as one of the largest airports in the United States, serving as a hub for both Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. Covering a sprawling 5,207 acres, SFO boasts four runways organized into two intersecting sets of parallel runways.
The airport comprises three principal terminals—Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3—and an International Terminal referred to as Terminal IN. Alaska Airlines predominantly operates from Terminal 2, although it occasionally utilizes the International Terminal.
So, what terminal is Alaska at SFO? The distribution of Alaska Airlines’ gates at SFO is as follows:
- Alaska Terminal 2 Gates (Gates D1-D18)
- Alaska International Terminal Gates (Gates A1-A15)
Alaska Airlines provides various facilities at SFO. They include TSA PreCheck, CLEAR service, cargo services, the Alaska Lounge, partner airline lounge, free Wi-Fi, family restrooms, a kids’ area, power outlets at the gate, and Global Entry.
For check-in, Alaska Airlines offers options both before arrival and at SFO airport, with advice for passengers to arrive at least two hours before departure, particularly if traveling with baggage, pets, internationally, or requiring special services. Alaska Airlines’ ticket counters, located in Terminal 2 (Door 2), are operational daily from 4:00 am to 10:30 pm.
Passengers should adhere to check-in cut-off times, especially if traveling with pets in the baggage compartment. It is wise to arrive early to ensure a successful check-in and timely baggage turnover.
If you’re traveling with pets on Alaska Airlines, be sure to familiarize yourself with the airline’s pet policy for a safe and smooth journey with your furry companions. Pets can travel in the cabin or the baggage compartment.
Ground Transportation Options at SFO Airport
SFO International Airport functions as a major hub, servicing both international and domestic flights. Passengers enjoy the following services at SFO:
- Lyft/Uber Services: Lyft and Uber rides at the domestic terminals can conveniently drop off passengers curbside on the Departures or Arrivals levels or Level 5 of the Domestic Garage.
- BART Rapid Rail: BART provides high-speed rail service directly connecting SFO to northern San Mateo County, San Francisco, and the East Bay.
- Caltrain Commuter Rail: Caltrain operates commuter rail services connecting San Francisco and San Jose.
- SamTrans Public Bus Service: SamTrans Routes 292 and 398 have direct stops at the Airport terminals.
- Airporters Service: Privately operated buses, known as Airporters, travel to pre-arranged stops at scheduled frequencies.
- Car Rental Services: SFO Airport provides regular car rental services from a total of nine providers.
- Courtesy Shuttles: Courtesy shuttles to participating airport-area hotels are located at the Hotel Courtesy Shuttle Zone on the center island of the Departures/Ticketing Level roadway at all terminals.
- AirTrain Service: SFO’s AirTrain offers year-round, 24-hour service with departures from stations as frequent as every four minutes.
About SFO Terminal 2
Terminal 2 at SFO, referred to as the Central Terminal, is the departure point for flights to various domestic destinations in the United States. Boasting an efficient infrastructure, Terminal 2 can accommodate over 5.5 million passengers annually.
SFO Terminal 2 comprises five levels:
- Level 1: Baggage claim and arrivals area, offering services such as the American Airlines Credit Union, restrooms, and the American Airlines Bag Claim Office
- Level 2: Departures and the boarding area
- Level 3 (Domestic Boarding Area D): Boarding gates numbered from D1 to D18, known as Domestic Boarding Area D, with cafes, shops, newsagents, and restrooms
- Level 4: AirTrain Terminal 2 Station
- Level 5: Domestic Parking Garage
Accessing Alaska Airlines SFO Terminal
Alaska Airlines operates from Terminal 2 at SFO (San Francisco International Airport). Accessing this terminal is convenient, with various transportation options available, such as airport shuttles, light rail services, buses, or using your own vehicle. The surrounding roads are designed for a seamless and hassle-free journey to reach the designated terminal for your airline.
Alaska Airlines SFO Departure Terminal
As Alaska Airlines utilizes Terminal 2 at SFO, the majority of departures occur from this terminal. Gates D1-D18 are designated for Alaska departures from SFO Airport. Passengers can use AirTrain or other available transportation methods for transfers between terminals at SFO.
Alaska Airlines SFO Arrival Terminal
The arrival terminal for Alaska Airlines at SFO is Terminal 2, as most flights depart and arrive at this terminal. In some instances, Terminal IN (International) is used for international arrival flights. Baggage claim for Alaska arrivals at SFO Airport is at the Terminal 2 D Gates and the International Terminal A Gates.
Alaska Airlines SFO Terminal Lounge
Wondering what it’s like at the Alaska SFO terminal lounge? Alaska Airlines operates the Alaska Lounge at Concourse D in SFO Terminal 2, just beyond the D Security Checkpoint. This lounge service is available from 5 in the morning until 10:30 at night. Amenities at the Alaska Lounge include high-speed Wi-Fi, drinks, TV, and snacks.
Passengers can access the Alaska Lounge through membership or by purchasing a day pass. The perks and benefits of the Alaska Lounge include food and snacks, beverages and cocktails, productivity tools such as fast Wi-Fi and charging ports, Alaska Hospitality, and free access to PressReader online, along with concierge service.
Alaska Airlines SFO Terminal Dining
Alaska Airlines operates the Alaska Lounge at SFO Terminal 2, offering Lounge Members a range of perks and benefits. The lounge provides various amenities, including food, snacks, and beverages.
Some popular food options at the Alaska Lounge include:
- Yogurt and granola
- Steel-cut oatmeal
- Fresh made pancakes
- Soups
- Salads
- Veggies
- Turkey and crackers
- Cheese
Additionally, the lounge offers a diverse selection of beverages and cocktails, such as:
- Fresh Starbucks coffee
- Soft drinks
- Teavana tea
- West Coast wines
- Local brews
- Custom-crafted cocktails
Alaska Airlines SFO Flight Information
For Alaska Airlines flight status, passengers can use the Flight Status service on the airline’s website or the Alaska Airlines mobile app, available on Playstore and Appstore. Obtain flight status by entering the departure date and flight number or selecting departure and arrival airports.
Specifically for Alaska Airlines flights at SFO, passengers can visit the official SFO website and find Alaska Airlines in the Flight Status section. The information includes scheduled time, estimated time, remarks, terminal, gate, and departure airport. Refining or filtering options are also available based on flight number, codeshare flights, location, terminal, and airline.
Alaska Airlines SFO Terminal 2 Parking
The closest parking facility to Terminal 2, where Alaska Airlines operates at SFO, is Domestic Garage D. This centrally located garage is easily accessible within the airport.
Referencing the SFO Parking Map, parking zones are categorized from A to G, including A/B and F/G. Since Alaska Airlines operates from Terminal 2, Parking location D is the better choice for passengers traveling on Alaska flights.
Parking charges at SFO are as follows:
- 15 minutes: $2
- 24 hours: $36 maximum
Note: Vehicles exceeding 6’6″ in height cannot enter the parking area.
Car Rental Services at SFO Airport
Passengers arriving at San Francisco Airport can access car rental services at the SFO Rental Car Center. The AirTrain Blue Line, a fully automated people mover system operating 24 hours a day, provides convenient access to the Rental Car Center from the Alaska Airlines terminal at SFO. The Rental Car Center houses a total of nine car rental companies, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, National, and Thrifty.
Conclusion
To wrap up, Alaska Airlines operates from Terminal 2 at SFO for all its flights, whether bound for Mexico, Hawaii, or other destinations. It utilizes Gates A1 to A15. The key services at the Alaska Airline SFO terminal, including boarding gates and Alaska Lounge amenities, are consolidated within Terminal 2. Do you need more detailed information on terminal facilities, flight status, or updates? If so, explore the official website of San Francisco International Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Where do you park for Alaska Airlines at SFO?
Domestic Garage D, located near Terminal 2 at SFO, is recommended for passengers flying with Alaska Airlines.
- Which terminal does Alaska use at SFO?
Alaska Airlines operates from Terminal 2 at SFO, with the majority of departures and arrivals happening from this terminal. However, Alaska may occasionally use the International Terminal.
- Is Terminal 2 domestic or international at SFO?
Terminal 2 at SFO is primarily a domestic terminal, serving as the home of boarding areas D (D1-D18) for Alaska Airlines.
- Is it possible to walk from Terminal 2 to the International Terminal at SFO?
Yes, passengers can walk from Terminal 2 to the International Terminal at SFO. Another alternative is using the AirTrain service for convenient transportation.
- What airlines are in Terminal 2 at SFO?
Terminal 2 at San Francisco International Airport houses Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines.
- Which terminal does Alaska use at SFO for flights to Mexico?
Alaska Airlines operates its flights to Mexico from Terminal 2 at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). This is where check-in, boarding, baggage handling, and all other airport services are available for Alaska Airlines’ Mexico-bound flights.
- Which terminal does Alaska use at SFO for flights to Hawaii?
Alaska Airlines conducts its flights to Hawaii from Terminal 2 at SFO, leading passengers to Boarding Gate D within this terminal.
- Which terminal does Alaska use at SFO for flights to Puerto Vallarta?
Passengers traveling with Alaska Airlines from San Francisco International Airport to Puerto Vallarta are to go through Terminal 2 for all their pre-flight and post-flight requirements.
