SFO opens final phase of Harvey Milk Terminal to travelers

SAN FRANCISCO - The final phases of the renovation of the Harvey Milk Terminal have been completed at San Francisco International Airport. 

San Francisco Mayor London Breed joined SFO airport officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the final phase of the years-long, $2.5 billion project.

Some of the new technology includes a ticket counter that isn't a counter at all - instead, travelers will use self-service kiosks and mini luggage ramps to tag and check their own baggage.

"We have a lot of folks coming to San Francisco to celebrate Pride. This is the Harvey Milk Terminal. It will tell a story, one that we can be proud of," said Mayor London Breed.

The terminal is named after the late San Francisco Supervisor, social activist and civil rights leader Harvey Milk. A permanent gallery featuring pictures and historical information about Milk and his legacy is in the middle of the terminal.

"For the 50 million passengers we serve every year, for many of them it might be an introduction. We're proud to be that gateway to help tell that story," said Doug Yakel, spokesperson for San Francisco International Airport.

Other new features included in the final phase of the renovation include a mezzanine-level security checkpoint, two new gates, and a walkway connecting the terminal to other areas of the airport past the security checkpoint.

"Meaning that if you're connecting on many different airlines, you don't need to exit out, and go through security again," Yakel explained.

Long-time travelers noticed the difference. Todd Kuhn from Livermore said, "It's beautiful, way better than it was. It's good they're putting the money into this. We're retired so we fly a lot."

"I used to live here and I remember this terminal. It was quite narrow. It used to be the one I didn't like flying through," said Jeff Wartheow from Denver. "But it looks really nice now, very clean and very efficient. They did a great job."