Jazmin Li
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers a variety of airport lounges that can be accessed by paying at the door or through memberships. The airport has nearly 20 lounges operated by international carriers such as China Airlines, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific. Priority Pass, a popular airport lounge program, offers access to eight lounges and restaurants at SFO, including the Golden Gate Lounge, Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, and China Airlines Lounge. The Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club, and United Polaris Lounge are other notable lounges at SFO, each offering unique amenities and experiences. Some lounges also offer shower facilities for an additional fee. It is important to note that access to these lounges may be restricted to specific terminals and passengers are advised to plan their time accordingly when visiting lounges located in different terminals.
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What You'll Learn
Priority Pass lounges
Priority Pass is an airport lounge program that grants members access to more than 1,300 airport lounges and restaurants worldwide. Eight of these locations are at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). However, only half of these "lounges" are actual lounges, with the other half being restaurants. These restaurants offer a $28 credit per person, which can be appealing.
There are four lounges at SFO that Priority Pass members can access: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, Golden Gate Lounge, China Airlines Lounge, and The Club SFO. Three of these lounges are located in International Terminal A, while The Club SFO is located in Terminal 1.
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse offers excellent runway views from its giant, colorful windows. While the food options are limited, the lounge makes up for it with its stylish atmosphere, featuring posh velvet chairs. It is important to note that this lounge has a maximum stay of three hours and is only accessible for flights departing from Concourse A.
The Golden Gate Lounge is located in International Terminal A, Level 4, and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
The China Airlines Lounge has received poor reviews, with a 1.8-star rating out of 256 reviews on Google. It does not allow Priority Pass members to enter after 6 p.m. to accommodate their business-class passengers.
The Club SFO is located near Gate B4 and across from Mills Cargo. It can also be reached from International Terminal A, which is just a short five-minute walk away. This lounge also has a maximum stay of three hours and offers shower facilities for a fee of US$25 per person. It features a separate children's play area and a quiet area.
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Centurion Lounge
The Centurion Lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located in Terminal 3, adjacent to gate F1/F2. It can be accessed after security from Terminal 3, as well as from Terminal G. The entrance is near the intersection of Terminals F and G, with stairs leading up to the lounge.
The Centurion Lounge underwent a renovation and expansion in 2022, doubling its size to 16,000 square feet. It now features two bars, two buffets, and a wine bar with Napa Valley wines selected by wine authority Anthony Giglio. The food menu is designed by Ravi Kapur, the Executive Chef at Liholiho Yacht Club in San Francisco, and features a fusion of Hawaiian, Chinese, and Indian flavours. The lounge also offers a shower suite and private phone rooms.
Access to the Centurion Lounge is restricted to holders of select credit cards, such as the Platinum Card from American Express, the Centurion Card from American Express, or the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card. There are also rules regarding when cardholders and guests can access the lounge: it can only be accessed within 3 hours of departure, and you must have a departing or connecting flight from SFO.
The Centurion Lounge at SFO is highly regarded for its food, drinks, and comfortable seating. It is reported to be quite large, with a variety of seating options catering to different preferences. However, it can get crowded, and it is a long walk from some other terminals, especially the International Terminal A and Harvey Milk Terminal 1.
Please note that the Centurion Lounge at SFO's Terminal 3 is closed through 2027, with a temporary lounge set up at Terminal 2, Concourse D, past the TSA checkpoint near gate D12.
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Delta Sky Club
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers a range of lounges, including the Delta Sky Club. The Delta Sky Club SFO provides impressive runway views through its floor-to-ceiling windows and luxury amenities such as shower rooms with high-end soap products. The lounge also features a sprawling bar and a high-quality buffet that accommodates various dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. The food selection includes sandwiches, salads, hot entrees, fruits, and desserts. Most alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary.
The Delta Sky Club SFO is located in Terminal 1 near Gate C3. Access to the lounge is restricted to travellers with a same-day Delta boarding pass in economy class or higher. Basic economy travellers are not granted access. The Amex Platinum Card, which is part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection, can also be used to enter the lounge when flying with Delta.
The Delta Sky Club is part of the Priority Pass lounge network, which offers access to over 1,300-1,400 airport lounges worldwide. Priority Pass members can also access other lounges at SFO, including the Golden Gate Lounge, Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, and China Airlines Lounge.
The SFO Delta Sky Club is a comfortable lounge, but some reviewers note that it may not be as impressive as other lounges in the same airport or comparable lounges in different locations. The buffet, while accommodating various dietary needs and offering a good variety, may not be as extensive as those in other lounges. Additionally, the lounge lacks a sprawling patio for plane spotting, which is available at the Delta Sky Club LAX.
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United Polaris Lounge
The United Polaris Lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located in International Terminal G. At over 28,000 square feet, it is the largest Polaris Lounge in the system. The lounge caters to Star Alliance business class passengers travelling on intercontinental flights and Star Alliance first-class passengers travelling on intercontinental flights, with one guest. Passengers flying on United Polaris Business Class marketed flights can also access the lounge.
The lounge is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. It has two levels, with the lower level featuring shower suites, nap rooms, and a library-style seating area. The upper level has most of the amenities, including dining options and views of the tarmac. The food is served à la carte, with a rotating menu and small portion sizes, allowing passengers to try multiple dishes or just have a small bite. The lounge is elegantly designed and has impressive food and beverage options.
The Polaris Lounge is known for its premium dining options and private rest spaces. It has seating for 440 passengers, with a variety of seating options, including solitary seats designed for solo travellers and "signature seats" that offer additional privacy with partitions, a wide leather chair, a side table, and a personal reading lamp. The lounge can be accessed by turning right after clearing the security checkpoint in Terminal G, and it is located near Gate G.
The Polaris Lounge at SFO is considered one of the best lounges in the world, with beautiful design and impressive F&B options. It is well worth arriving at the airport early to enjoy the facilities. The lounge is above the terminal level, providing good views of the busy airport traffic.
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Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the seventh-busiest airport in the U.S., serving more than 51 million passengers annually. The airport offers various lounges across its terminals, including the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, which can be accessed by Priority Pass members.
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at SFO captures the culture and laid-back style that the city of San Francisco is famous for. It offers spectacular views across the Bay, with design cues taken from the harbour lights and other iconic local landmarks. The Clubhouse provides a tranquil atmosphere, comfortable seating, and large windows that offer excellent views of the runway.
In terms of refreshments, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse offers complimentary West Coast-inspired dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. There is also a selection of complimentary beverages, including signature cocktails, local beers, and California wines. Free WiFi is available throughout the Clubhouse, and shower facilities are also provided.
However, reviews of the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse SFO are mixed. Some sources praise the lounge for its excellent views and comfortable seating. In contrast, others criticise its atmosphere, describing it as "sterile" and comparable to a "sad, outdated living room". Additionally, the food and beverage options have received some negative feedback, with limited choices and mediocre quality mentioned. The Priority Pass access policy for the lounge has also been described as "arbitrary" and "overly strict". It's important to note that access to the lounge is restricted to three hours before the scheduled flight departure, and all cardholders must show their physical or digital card and a valid outbound boarding pass.
Airport Lounges: Who Can Access?
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Frequently asked questions
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers various lounges across its terminals, including the Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club, and United Polaris Lounge. Many of these lounges are operated by international carriers such as China Airlines, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific.
Accepted payments are by credit or debit card, and cash or miles redemption are not accepted.
Benefits include complimentary food and drinks, quiet areas, wellness centres, and shower facilities. Some lounges offer premium dining options and private rest spaces.
Lounges vary in terms of atmosphere and food options. For example, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse offers excellent runway views and a serene atmosphere, while the Priority Pass lounge has generous food options and unlimited alcoholic drinks.
