Passengers traveling to the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can now enjoy a new section at Harvey Milk Terminal 1 that opened to the public last week.
The section includes seven new departure gates(for 25 gates total) that will eventually accommodate both domestic and international flights via a corridor that connects to the Customs facility.
The terminal has also opened a new and convenient post-security corridor connecting to the international terminal, as well as an expanded "Recompose Area" located post-securit. This area will offer travellers a relaxed space to gather items and focus on the next phase of the journey.
Parents will be delighted to know that this newest addition also includes a children’s area situated next to the new departure gates.There is also a new museum gallery, and a brand new display of exhibit content honoring the life and legacy of LGBTQ+ leader Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the history of California.
The final phase of Harvey Milk Terminal 1, which will create a new North check-in lobby, was postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but has now resumed and airport officials expect its completion by spring 2024.
Airport Director Ivar C. Satero said via statement regarding the section that just opened ;
With this newest addition, we’re taking the airport experience at SFO to a whole new level, using this facility to share the story of Harvey Milk to an even broader audience of global travelers. My thanks go out to the entire project team for this achievement.
Harvey Milk Terminal 1 opened to the public in July 2019 and it is the first terminal in the United States to utilize a tote-based Independent Carrier System (ICS) to handle checked baggage.
According to SFO, this system uses less energy and it is easier to operate and maintain than traditional systems. Another advantage is that it also ensures that "each bag is placed in an individually controlled tote from ticket counter check-in all the way to the plane with 100% tracking and traceability all along the way".
If traveling to the San Francisco International Airport please remember that face masks are still required while in the airpot premises at all times for travellers over the age of 2.The airport states that failure to do so may result in removal from SFO, denial of re-entry, and penalties for non-compliance.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) face mask mandate will remain in effect across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems through September 13.