Now Boarding: Catch a Sneak Peek of SFO's Terminal 3

By Bay City News
           
A renovated boarding area at San Francisco International Airport's Terminal 3 will be opening Tuesday, but this weekend the public can get a sneak peek.
           
Known as Boarding Area E, the waiting space was closed for the past 18 months for renovations to Terminal 3, where United Airlines is based.
           
The $138-million makeover upgraded the 68,000-square-foot boarding area with interactive displays, new restaurants and shops, art installations, and a yoga room like the one built at the airport's Terminal 2.
           
There are 10 gates for United flights and the new space will handle approximately 50 arrivals and as many departures each day.
           
The design of the boarding area includes the use of recycled and locally sourced materials and energy-efficient designs for the windows, skylights and ventilation system.
           
The adjacent Boarding Area F is also being renovated as part of a $209-million improvement project. Renovations include a new security checkpoint and three new gates in the connecting concourse.
           
That area is expected to open in phases starting in July and be completed by July 2015.
           
A temporary passageway will go up by the end of this month to connect the two boarding areas during construction.
           
The boarding area is set to open Tuesday, but on Saturday there will be a public preview from noon to 5 p.m.
           
A public dedication ceremony at noon will include performances by local choirs, dance groups and others and appearances from SFO airport director John Martin and San Mateo County Supervisor David Pine.
           
The community day preview is free but requires online registration for tickets.
           
More information about attending the free community day is available at http://www.flysfo.com/t3e-opening.