Big, bright, new Delta Sky Club at SFO (SLIDESHOW)

At long last Delta has opened its new Sky Club inside security near Delta gates at San Francisco International Terminal 1.

Delta built the new club in an entirely new space on the roof of the existing terminal– the high perch offers sweeping tarmac, runway and tower views through a huge wall of windows that cover the entire eastern side of the 9,900 square foot space. (Pack your sunglasses!)

Due to its location above the terminal, members enter via an elevator or a blindingly bright, sugar-white staircase leading up to the new space. (Tip: Take the staircase for the most dramatic entry.)

Upon reaching the top of the stairs, you are confronted with some of the best views of runways and airplanes at the airport. Turn around and you’ll seen a colorful portrait of Amelia Earhart taking in the same view, forever. (See above)

Turn left and enter the club where you’ll find room for 187 members (up from just 81 at the old low-ceilinged space). As usual these days, nearly every chair or seat has access to a power outlet. Wifi is free, with no password required.

Three big “rooms” (separated by loopy dividers) are tricked out in colorful artwork by six artists (each piece with a link to San Francisco) anchored by a huge multimedia mural of the Golden Gate Bridge. The art was chosen and placed by Delta’s very own curator Susan Gibbs.

Be sure to check out the 10 multimedia art pieces paying homage to Bay Area companies such as Google, Airbnb, Apple, Lucas Films and others. Or try to find the teeny Delta logo in one of the paintings in the rear corridor.

The club includes the standard bar area with long communal tables, a large seating area with chairs set up for privacy or interaction with others. A buffet station includes Delta’s standard spreads of complimentary food and drink. At the bar are standard and local craft beers (from Anchor Steam) and a selection of local wine chosen by Delta’s sommelier, Andrea Robinson, who lives nearby.

Members can also sit at set tables and order “food for purchase” items (from iPads) prepared in the onsite kitchen and served by waitstaff on real china. Much of the food on offer is influenced by local Vietnamese chef Mai Pham– such as pho, banh mi sandwiches or pot stickers— along with a full array of flat bread pizzas, sandwiches and salads, all priced from $8-$12 (not bad considering you are in San Francisco!).

These food for purchase items are a welcome addition to the limited fare available in Delta’s Terminal 1-c at SFO— unless of course you want to take the walk through the new behind security corridor to the fantastic food selections at Terminal 2 (Virgin America & American)

Near the back is a quiet space dedicated to business– with tall communal tables and private carrells with outlets for those working on laptops.

Continue on toward the back of the club where you’ll find restrooms and shower suites (2) equipped with the biggest, reddest sinks you’ll find anywhere. Even if you don’t have to go, it’s worth going in just for a look at the sinks!

Next up for Sky Club? A new club at Seattle-Tacoma International in the main terminal (not the satellite) which Delta says will be one of the largest in the Sky Club system. But first, we’ll see a new Sky Club rise from the roof of Atlanta’s Terminal B. Both are expected to open in mid to late 2016.

Delta’s old Sky Club, a vintage relic of the Crown Room Days and inconveniently located before security, will soon become SFO’s new USO Lounge.

What do you think? Have you had a chance to see the new Sky Club yet? Please leave your comments below. 

NOTE: Be sure to click here to see all recent TravelSkills posts about: Delta’s new Sky Club at San Francisco International + LAX will allow Uber, Lyft pick-ups + British Airways coming to San Jose + Airbnb draws corporate customers