The Ultimate Guide to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Lounges

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a major gateway to the world, and for many travelers, the journey begins long before takeoff. An airport lounge can transform your pre-flight experience from a stressful wait into a relaxing and productive time. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to work, a delicious meal, or a refreshing shower, SFO's lounges have you covered. This guide will break down all the lounge options at SFO, how to access them, and what to expect inside.

Why Use an Airport Lounge?

Airport lounges offer a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the main terminal. Here are a few key benefits:

Comfort: Plush seating, quieter environments, and more personal space.
Complimentary Food and Drinks: Enjoy a variety of snacks, full meals, and beverages, including alcoholic drinks, at no extra cost.
Productivity: Free, high-speed Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, and business centers make it easy to catch up on work.
Relaxation: Some lounges offer amenities like showers, wellness rooms, and even spa services.

Ready to find your pre-flight sanctuary? Let's explore the lounges at SFO, terminal by terminal.

Lounges in Harvey Milk Terminal 1

Harvey Milk Terminal 1 is home to several excellent lounges, primarily serving domestic carriers.

The Club SFO

Location: Near Gate B4, Post-Security.
Access: Priority Pass members. You can also purchase a day pass online or at the door, subject to availability.
Highlights: This is one of the newer and highly-rated lounges at SFO. It boasts a modern design, a wellness room with lululemon Studio Mirrors, a family room, and a menu featuring local Northern California wines and food. Shower facilities are available for an additional fee.

American Airlines Admirals Club

Location: Near Gate B13, Post-Security.
Access: Admirals Club members, AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum members on qualifying international flights, Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members, and qualifying first and business class passengers. Day passes are sometimes available for purchase.
Highlights: Offers a reliable and comfortable space with complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and personalized assistance with your flight.

Delta Sky Club

Location: Near Gate C3, Post-Security.
Access: Delta Sky Club members, Delta One passengers, select Delta Medallion members, and eligible American Express cardholders (like The Platinum Card® and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card).
Highlights: A spacious and modern club with a premium bar, locally inspired food offerings, and expansive views of the airfield.

Lounges in Terminal 2

Terminal 2 at SFO doesn't have traditional airline lounges, but it does offer a unique experience through its restaurant partnerships.

Lark Creek Grill

Location: Post-Security.
Access: This is a Priority Pass restaurant partner. Eligible Priority Pass members can receive a credit towards their bill.
Highlights: Instead of a traditional lounge buffet, you can enjoy a sit-down meal from a menu focused on fresh, sustainable food. It's a great option for a high-quality pre-flight meal.

Lounges in Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is the hub for United Airlines at SFO, offering several lounge options for its passengers.

United Club

Locations: Two locations - one near Gate E4 and another in the rotunda near the F gates.
Access: United Club members, Star Alliance Gold members, and passengers flying in United Business® on qualifying international routes. One-time passes are available for purchase online or at the club, subject to capacity.
Highlights: These lounges provide a comfortable space to work or relax, with complimentary snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi. The F gates location is generally larger.

The Centurion Lounge (Temporarily Closed)

Note: The American Express Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3 is currently closed for a major expansion and is expected to reopen in 2027. When it reopens, it will be one of the most anticipated lounges at SFO.

Lounges in the International Terminal

The International Terminal at SFO is split into two concourses, A and G, each with a fantastic selection of world-class lounges.

International Terminal A Lounges

Air France-KLM Lounge: For Air France, KLM, and select SkyTeam partner airline passengers. Known for its stylish design and quality food and wine selection.
British Airways Club Lounge: For British Airways and Oneworld alliance premium passengers. Offers a sophisticated space with a good selection of food and beverages.
Cathay Pacific First and Business Lounge: For Cathay Pacific and Oneworld premium passengers. Often praised for its noodle bar and serene environment.
China Airlines Dynasty Lounge: For China Airlines and SkyTeam premium passengers. Also accessible to Priority Pass and DragonPass members during specific hours.
Emirates Lounge: Exclusively for Emirates First and Business Class passengers. Offers a luxurious experience with gourmet dining.
Golden Gate Lounge: A shared lounge used by several international airlines. Also accessible to Priority Pass members. It's a functional space offering fresh food and a quieter alternative to the terminal.
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse: For Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers and eligible partners. Known for its quirky and modern design, cocktail bar, and à la carte dining.

International Terminal G Lounges

United Polaris Lounge: This is United's flagship lounge, exclusively for passengers traveling in United Polaris business class on long-haul international flights. It is considered one of the best airline lounges in the world, featuring restaurant-quality à la carte dining, private daybeds, and luxurious shower suites.
United Club: Another United Club location for international travelers not eligible for the Polaris lounge.
Freshen Up: While not a traditional lounge, this facility located pre-security in the International Terminal G offers showers and nap rooms for a fee, accessible to all travelers.

How to Get Lounge Access

Don't have a first or business class ticket? Don't worry! Here are the primary ways to gain access to SFO's lounges:

Credit Cards: Premium travel credit cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer complimentary access to a network of lounges, including Priority Pass.
Airline Elite Status: Holding elite status with an airline (like Star Alliance Gold or Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald) often grants you access to partner lounges when flying internationally.
Lounge Memberships: You can purchase a membership to programs like Priority Pass or an airline-specific program like the United Club or Admirals Club.
Day Passes: Some lounges, like The Club at SFO and United Clubs, sell day passes at the door, though access can be restricted when the lounge is at capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I access a lounge if I'm flying domestically?: Yes! SFO has several great lounges in the domestic terminals (1 and 3), such as the Delta Sky Club, American Admirals Club, United Clubs, and The Club at SFO.
2. Can I buy a day pass to any lounge?: Not all lounges sell day passes. The Club at SFO and United Clubs are your best bets for purchasing single-entry access, but it's always subject to availability. It's best to check online beforehand.
3. Are food and drinks really free inside the lounges?: Yes, the vast majority of food and drinks, including beer, wine, and spirits, are complimentary. Some ultra-premium champagnes or spirits may come at an extra charge in certain lounges.
4. Can I get into a lounge on arrival?: Lounge access policies are generally for departing passengers. While some programs have provisions for arrival access, it is not standard. Check the specific access rules for your lounge program.
5. I have a long layover. Can I stay in the lounge the whole time?: Most lounges have a policy that allows access within 3 hours of your scheduled departure time. This can be more flexible during connections. The United Polaris lounge is a notable exception, allowing access for longer layovers for eligible passengers.