Full List of Airport Lounges at San Francisco International Airport [SFO]

- UPDATED: January 18, 2021

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Serving 56 million passengers annually, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the seventh-busiest airport in the U.S. Many of its 18 lounges are operated by international carriers such as JAL, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific, as the airport is a major gateway to Asia and Europe.

Most of the lounges are exclusively for premium cabin passengers or frequent flyers with elite status, but there are a few that offer day passes or that accept Priority Pass.

For information on accessing lounges worldwide, see our post on the best credit cards for getting into airport lounges.

Update: Some of the lounges featured in this article may be closed or operating under reduced opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Table of Contents

SFO Terminal Map
- SFO Airport Lounges By Terminal
Air France/KLM Lounge
- Air France/KLM Lounge Facilities
- Air France/KLM Lounge Access
American Airlines Admirals Club
British Airways Club Lounge
Cathay Pacific First and Business Lounge
- Cathay Pacific First and Business Lounge Facilities
- Cathay Pacific First and Business Lounge Access
Centurion Lounge
China Airlines Dynasty Lounge
- China Airlines Dynasty Lounge Facilities
- China Airlines Dynasty Lounge Access
Delta Sky Club
Emirates Lounge
Freshen Up
- Freshen Up Facilities
- Freshen Up Access
Japan Airlines JAL Sakura Lounge
Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounge
- Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounge Facilities
- Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounge Access
United Airlines United Club
United Airlines Polaris Lounge
- United Polaris Lounge Access
- United Polaris House Rules
USO Lounge
- USO Lounge Facilities
- USO Lounge Access
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse
Connecting Between Terminals for Lounge Access
Best Credit Cards to Access Priority Pass Lounges
Final Thoughts

SFO Terminal Map

SFO Airport Map. Image Credit: San Francisco International Airport

SFO Airport Lounges By Terminal

Terminal	Lounges
Terminal 1	American Airlines Admirals Club USO Lounge
Terminal 2	Delta Sky Club
Terminal 3	United Airlines United Club (Concourse E) United Airlines United Club (Concourse E mezzanine) United Airlines United Club (Concourse F) Centurion Lounge
International Terminal A	Air France/KLM Lounge British Airways Club Lounge Cathay Pacific First and Business Lounge China Airlines Dynasty Lounge Emirates Lounge Japan Airlines JAL Sakura Lounge Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounge Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse
International Terminal G	Freshen Up United Airlines Polaris Lounge United Airlines United Club

Hot Tip: For information on airport facilities, ground transportation, airlines, and more, take a look at our Terminal Guide to San Francisco International Airport.

Air France/KLM Lounge

Location: International Terminal A, left after security near gate A1
Opening Hours:

Monday, Wednesday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Closed
Sunday: 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Air France/KLM Lounge Facilities

Self-serve soft and alcoholic drinks
Snacks and cold food
Newspapers and magazines
Wi-Fi
Business services

Air France/KLM Lounge Access

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
Day pass	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card	$50 or 6,000 miles Passengers must be flying on an Air France, KLM, or Delta-operated flight
Business class	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card	Valid when traveling on an international Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam flight Guests may purchase a day pass
La Premiere	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 1 guest	Valid when traveling on an international Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam flight The guest must be traveling on an international Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam flight and must be departing from the same hall as the passenger
Flying Blue Gold and Platinum	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 1 child aged 2 to 17 years and 1 guest
SkyTeam Elite Plus	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 1 guest
Priority Pass and Lounge Club	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card	Passengers may access the lounge for a maximum of 3 hours Cardholders must be 21 years old Children under 2 are admitted free of charge Priority Pass membership: Standard $99, Standard Plus $299, Prestige $429

American Airlines Admirals Club

SFO Admirals Club — American Airlines Admirals Club SFO. Image Credit: LoungeBuddy

Location: Terminal 1, Concourse B near gate B13
Opening Hours: Daily from 5 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

American Airlines Admirals Club Lounge Facilities

Snacks
Soft and alcoholic drinks
Premium food and drink for purchase
Showers
TVs
Business services
Wi-Fi

American Airlines Admirals Club Access

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
Day pass	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers can bring up to 3 children (under 18)	$59 Passengers must be flying with American Airlines or a partner airline
Admirals Club members	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Members can bring their immediate family (including spouse and children under 18) or up to 2 guests	AAdvantage Status	Fee
		AAdvantage	$650 (65,000 miles)
		AAdvantage Gold	$625 (62,500 miles)
		AAdvantage Platinum	$600 (60,000 miles)
		AAdvantage Platinum Pro	$575 (57,500 miles)
		AAdvantage Executive Platinum	$550 (55,000 miles)
		Flight must be marketed or operated by American Airlines, any Oneworld partner airline, or Alaska Airlines
First and business passengers	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card for an international flight	Flight must be marketed and operated by American Airlines or a Oneworld partner airline
AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card for an international flight, traveling in any cabin Eligible passengers are permitted to bring 1 guest (infants under 2 years are admitted for free)
Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card for an international flight, traveling in any cabin Eligible passengers are permitted to bring 1 guest (infants under 2 years are admitted for free)	Flight must be marketed and operated by American Airlines or a Oneworld partner airline Passengers may not access the lounge if traveling solely on North American routes
Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard cardmembers and authorized users	Cardholders receive a free Admirals Club membership with this credit card (see Admirals Club members details above) Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card, along with immediate family (including spouse and children under 18) or up to 2 guests	$450 (annually) Flight must be marketed or operated by American Airlines, any Oneworld partner airline, or Alaska Airlines
Military	Uniformed military personnel with a same-day boarding card can access the lounge Passengers can bring immediate family members (including spouse and children under 18) or up to 2 guests	Valid on an American Airlines-operated flight

American Airlines Admirals Club House Rules

A same-day boarding card is required for a flight marketed or operated by American Airlines, any Oneworld airline, or Alaska Airlines (see rules for the applicable access type above).
Guests may have appropriate access to the required terminal or concourse as gate passes will not be issued for entry.
Existing Admirals Club Lifetime Members may access the Admirals Club with same-day travel on any airline.
A government-issued photo ID is required along with the relevant access card (e.g., AAdvantage membership card or number) and a same-day boarding card.

Read the full list of house rules on American Airlines’ website.

Hot Tip: Take a look at where else you can find Admirals Clubs with our full list of U.S. American Airlines Admirals Club locations.

British Airways Club Lounge

British Airways Lounge SFO. Image Credit: LoungeBuddy

Location: International Terminal A, near gate A5
Opening Hours: Daily from 1:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

British Airways Club Lounge Facilities

Buffet food with snacks and sandwiches
Self-serve soft and alcoholic drinks
TVs
Showers
Newspapers and magazines
Wi-Fi
Business center
Direct boarding from the lounge

British Airways Club Lounge Access

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
First class passengers	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 1 guest	Passenger and guest must be flying on scheduled flights operated by British Airways or a Oneworld partner
Business (Club World) passengers	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card	Passenger and guest must be flying on scheduled flights operated by British Airways
Executive Club Silver or Gold member	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 1 guest (when flying on a British Airways-operated flight)	Passenger must be flying on a scheduled flight operated by British Airways or a Oneworld partner When the passenger is flying on a scheduled flight operated by British Airways, the passenger may bring 1 guest (also flying on a British Airways flight)
Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire member	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 1 guest	Passenger and guest must be flying on scheduled flights operated by British Airways or a Oneworld partner

British Airways Club Lounge House Rules

Children over the age of 2 will be counted as a guest.
Passengers must display their boarding card and frequent flyer membership card (if applicable).

View the full list of house rules on the Oneworld website.

Cathay Pacific First and Business Lounge

Location: International Terminal 1, left after security
Opening Hours: Daily from 7:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Cathay Pacific First and Business Lounge Facilities

Self-serve snacks and sandwiches
Noodle bar
Self-serve soft and alcoholic drinks
Showers
Wi-Fi
Newspapers and magazines
Business center

Cathay Pacific First and Business Lounge Access

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
First class	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 1 guest	Passenger and guest must be flying on a Cathay Pacific or Oneworld flight
Business class	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card
Marco Polo Diamond	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 2 guests
Marco Polo Gold	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 1 guest
Marco Polo Silver	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card
Cargo Clan Elite
Oneworld Emerald	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 1 guest
Oneworld Sapphire	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card

Centurion Lounge

Location: Terminal 3, adjacent to gates F1 and F2
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Centurion Lounge Facilities

Self-serve hot and cold dishes
Open kitchen
Premium bar
Wine tasting area
Family room
Semi-private workspaces
Business services
Showers

Centurion Lounge Access

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
The Platinum Card® from American Express	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 2 guests free of charge	$575 (annually) See rates and fees Passengers may be flying with any carrier Additional guest passes may be purchased for $50 per person
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express		$595 (annually) See rates and fees Passengers may be flying with any carrier Additional guest passes may be purchased for $50 per person
Corporate Platinum Card® by American Express		$550 (annually) Passengers may be flying with any carrier Additional guest passes may be purchased for $50 per person
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 2 guests at a charge of $50 per person	$550 (annually) See rates and fees Passengers may be flying with any carrier
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card		$550 (annually) See rates and fees Passengers may be flying with any carrier
Centurion® Card from American Express	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 2 guests or immediate family (partner and children under 18) free of charge	Initiation fee: $7,500 Annual membership fee: $5,000 Passengers may be flying with any carrier Additional guest passes may be purchased for $50 per person

Centurion Lounge House Rules

Family members and guests are not permitted to access the lounge or remain in the lounge without the relevant cardholder.
Complimentary guest access is per day.
Children under 2 years are admitted free of charge with proof of age.

China Airlines Dynasty Lounge

Location: International Terminal A, left after security and up the escalators
Opening Hours: Dependent on flight schedule

China Airlines Dynasty Lounge Facilities

Self-serve hot and cold food
Self-serve soft and alcoholic drinks
TVs
Wi-Fi
Newspapers and magazines

China Airlines Dynasty Lounge Access

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
Business class	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card	Passengers must be flying on a China Airlines flight
SkyTeam Elite Plus	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 1 guest	Passengers and guests must be flying on a Skyteam-operated flight
Dynasty Flyer Program Gold member	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card	Passengers must be flying on a China Airlines flight
Dynasty Flyer Program Emerald member	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 1 guest
Dynasty Flyer Program Paragon member	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 2 guests

Delta Sky Club

Location: Terminal 2, Concourse C near gate C3
Opening Hours: Daily from 4:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Delta Sky Club Facilities

Delta Sky Club ambassador for assistance
Self-serve bar with soft and alcoholic drinks
Self-serve buffet food and snacks
TVs
Newspapers and magazines
Business services
Showers
Wi-Fi

Hot Tip: For information on locations, amenities, and opening hours, here’s a full list of U.S. Delta Sky Clubs.

Delta Sky Club Access

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
Executive membership	Members have unlimited access to any Delta Sky Club Members may bring 2 guests	$845 (annually) \| 84,500 miles \| $75 (12 month installments) Passengers and guests must be traveling with a same-day boarding card with Delta or a Delta partner airline (excludes existing Delta Lifetime members that can access the lounge when traveling on any airline) Individuals must be 18 years old to qualify for membership
Individual membership	Individual members have unlimited access to any Delta Sky Club Members can bring up to 2 guests for $39 per person	$545 (annually) \| 54,500 miles \| $50 (12 month instalments) Passengers and guests must be traveling with a same-day boarding card with Delta or a Delta partner airline (excludes existing Delta Lifetime members that can access the lounge when traveling on any airline) Individuals must be 18 years old to qualify for membership
SkyTeam Elite Plus and Delta Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members	Elite status passengers can access a Delta Sky Club with a same-day boarding card	Valid when traveling on a SkyTeam international flight or connecting to/from a same-day international flight in any cabin
Delta One or SkyTeam Premium cabin	Passengers can access a Delta Sky Club on the same day of travel	Flying Delta, Delta One passengers can access the lounge when flying domestically or when connecting to/from an international flight Flying on a SkyTeam flight, premium passengers can access the lounge if confirmed in the first or business cabin for the international segment of the journey
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express card	Cardmembers have unlimited access to any Delta Sky Club with 2 free guest passes annually Members can bring up to 2 guests for $39 per person	$550 (annually). Member must hold a same-day ticket for a Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight Passengers traveling on Delta partner flight can access the lounge for $39 The credit card must be used for payment See rates and fees
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card	Cardmembers and up to 2 guests can access the lounge for a fee of $39 per person	$250 (annually) Member must hold a same-day ticket for a Delta or Delta partner flight. The credit card must be used for payment See rates and fees
The Platinum Card® from American Express	Cardmembers have unlimited access to any Delta Sky Club and may bring up to 2 guests for an additional fee	$575 (annually) Member must hold a same-day ticket for a Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight See rates and fees
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express	Cardmembers have unlimited access to any Delta Sky Club and may bring up to 2 guests for an additional fee	$595 (annually) Member must hold a same-day ticket for a Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight See rates and fees
Centurion® Card from American Express	Cardmembers have unlimited access to any Delta Sky Club and may bring up to 2 guests for an additional fee	Initiation fee: $7,500 Annual membership fee: $5,000 Member must hold a same-day ticket for a Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight
Virgin Australia/Velocity VIP Platinum or Gold card members Virgin Australia business class passengers	Cardmembers or business class passengers may access a Delta Sky Club	Membership card must be displayed at lounge along with same-day boarding pass for a Delta- or Virgin Australia-operated flight

Certain Japan-based SkyMiles credit cards can access Sky Clubs, including Delta SkyMiles® Diners Club Card, Delta SkyMiles® Trust Club Platinum Visa Card, and Delta SkyMiles® Trust Club Gold Visa Card. See Delta’s international credit card website for specific details, fees, and policies.

Delta Sky Club House Rules

Flights must be marketed or operated by Delta Air Lines or a Delta partner airline (see above for applicable rules for access type).
Same-day travel on any airline applies to existing Delta Lifetime Members.
Members must be 18 years old; guests under the age of 21 will not be permitted access to a lounge with a self-serve bar in the U.S. unless they are traveling with another member that is over 21.
No gate passes will not be issued for entry, so guests must have access to the required terminal or concourse when visiting a lounge.

Read the full list of house rules on the Delta Air Lines’ website.

Emirates Lounge

Location: International Terminal A, between gates A2 and A6
Opening Hours: Daily from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Emirates Lounge Facilities

Self-serve buffet with premium hot and cold dishes
Self-serve soft and alcoholic beverages
Newspapers and magazines
Wi-Fi
Business center
Prayer room
Showers

Emirates Lounge Access

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card before a departing flight Passengers may travel in any cabin and be accompanied by eligible traveling companions Passengers may access the lounge for 4 hours prior to the flight	Valid on Emirates-marketed and operated flights and Emirates codeshare flights operated by Qantas Passengers may purchase access for additional companions for $100 Children under 12 are charged at 50% of the rate Infants under 2 years are admitted free of charge
Day pass	Economy and business class special passengers may purchase access to the lounge with a same-day boarding card	Standard passengers: $130 + taxes Skyward members: $100 + taxes Valid on an Emirates-operated flight
First class and business class passengers	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card before a departing flight	Valid on Emirates-marketed and operated flights

Emirates Lounge House Rules

Companions with paid entry must be on the same eligible Emirates flight to gain entry.
Paid entry is limited to 4 hours’ use of the lounge.
Accepted payments are by credit or debit card, and miles redemption or cash are not accepted.

Read the full list of house rules on the Emirates website.

Freshen Up

Location: Terminal G, near the security checkpoint (outside the secure area)
Opening Hours: Daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Freshen Up Facilities

Nap rooms
Showers
Toiletries
Ironing facilities

Freshen Up Access

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
Paid access	Any passenger may use the nap rooms and services at Freshen Up	Nap room: First hour: $40 15-minute increments (first 2 hours): $10 2 hours: $80 15-minute increments (after 2 hours): $8 Shower with Suite rental purchase: $20 30-minute shower: $25

Japan Airlines JAL Sakura Lounge

Japan Airlines JAO Sukura Lounge SFO — Japan Airlines JAO Sakura Lounge SFO. Image Credit: JAL

Location: International Terminal A, left out of security and up the escalators
Opening Hours: Daily from 11:50 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.

Japan Airlines JAL Sakura Lounge Facilities

Self-serve buffet food and snacks
Self-serve soft and alcoholic beverages
Newspapers and magazines
Wi-Fi

Japan Airlines JAL Sakura Lounge Access

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
First class	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 1 guest traveling on the same flight	Valid on a JAL-operated flight
Business class, premium economy, and economy flex Y fare passengers	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card
JMB Sapphire, JGC Premier, JMB Diamond, and JAL Global Club	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 1 guest traveling on the same flight
Lounge Coupons	JMB Sapphire, JGC Premier, JMB Diamond, and JAL Global Club members may purchase a lounge coupon Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card	1 lounge coupon: 2,000 miles

Japan Airlines JAL Sakura Lounge House Rules

Visitors are not permitted to bring food or drink into the lounge.
Visitors must not use mobile phones outside of the designated areas.

Read the full list of rules on the JAL website.

Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounge

Location: International Terminal A, near gate A1
Opening Hours: Daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounge Facilities

Self-serve sandwiches and snacks
Self-serve soft and alcoholic beverages
Newspapers and magazines
Wi-Fi

Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounge Access

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
Business class passengers and Mabuhay Miles Elite	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card	Valid on a Philippine Airlines-operated flight
Mabuhay Miles Premier Elite	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 1 guest traveling on the same flight
Mabuhay Miles Million Miler	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring 2 guests traveling on the same flight

United Airlines United Club

There are 4 United Clubs at San Francisco International Airport:

Terminal 3, mezzanine level, near gate E2: Daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Terminal 3, Concourse E, near gate E4: Daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Terminal 3, Concourse F, near gate F11: Daily from 5:45 a.m. to 11 p.m.
International Terminal G, between gates G6 and G9: Daily from 6:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.

United Airlines United Club Facilities

Self-serve buffet food and snacks
Full-service bar
Business services
Newspapers and magazines
TVs
Wi-Fi

United Airlines United Club Access

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
United Club membership	Members have unlimited access to United Club lounges with a same-day boarding card along with up to 2 guests	General member, Premier Silver, and Premier Gold	$650 (85,000 miles) annual fee
		Premier Platinum	$600 (80,000 miles) annual fee
		Premier 1K and United Global Services	$550 (75,000 miles) annual fee
		Members must be traveling on a United, Star Alliance, or contracted partner flight
United Club day pass	Passengers have single access to any United Club with a same-day boarding card	$59 (purchased online or on the door) Passengers must be traveling on a United, Star Alliance, or contracted partner flight
United Polaris business class	Passengers can access any United Club with a same-day boarding card at their departure, connecting, and arrival airports (domestic arrivals only)	Valid for travel on a United Airways flight
United Business (international flights)	Passengers can access any United Club with a same-day boarding card at their departure, connecting, and arrival airports (domestic arrivals only)	Also applies to passengers traveling to/from Canada in United First
First class on a Star Alliance airline	Passengers can access any United Club with a same-day boarding card at the departure airport of their international flight Passengers are permitted to bring 1 guest	Passengers must be traveling on a Star Alliance airline
Business class on a Star Alliance airline	Passengers can access any United Club with a same-day boarding card at the departure airport of their international flight
United Premier Gold or Star Alliance Gold status	Passengers can access any United Club with a same-day boarding card for an international flight Access is possible at the departure airport, during connection, or on arrival Passengers are permitted to bring 1 guest
Air Canada Maple Leaf Club membership	Passengers can access any United Club with a same-day boarding card Maple Leaf Club North America members can access lounges in U.S. locations only Maple Leaf Club Worldwide members can access lounges in worldwide locations and may bring 1 guest	Passengers must be traveling on a Star Alliance airline North America pass: $495 Worldwide pass: $665
Active U.S. military	Passengers must have a valid boarding card for a flight departing within 24 hours Passengers must also be dressed in uniform, be on leave orders, or have rest and recuperation papers	Passengers must be traveling on a United or United Express flight

United Airlines United Club House Rules

A same-day boarding card is required for a flight operated by United, Star Alliance, or a contracted partner airline.
United Club members can be accompanied by 1 spouse and child under 21 or up to 2 guests.
Although the minimum age for membership is 18 years old, guests must be 21 to access a club with a self-serve bar in the U.S. The only exception is if they are traveling with another member that is over 21.
Day pass guests may bring 1 infant under 2, free of charge.
Day pass guests may be refused entry if the lounge is at or nearing capacity.

Read the full list of house rules on the United’s website.

United Airlines Polaris Lounge

United Polaris Lounge SFO. Image Credit: LoungeBuddy

Location: International Terminal G, turn right after security
Opening Hours: Daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Full-service bar including beer, wine, spirits, and barista coffee
Self-serve buffet with hot and cold options
À la carte dining
Work stations
Shower suites with amenities
Daybeds
Business services with printers and copiers
Newspapers and magazines
Wi-Fi

United Polaris Lounge Access

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
United Polaris business class	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card, departing for a flight or connecting	Valid for international flights on a United-operated flight
Star Alliance international first class	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card at the departure airport for an international flight Passengers may be accompanied by 1 guest	Valid for international flights on a Star Alliance-operated flight
Star Alliance international business class	Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card at the departure airport for an international flight

United Polaris House Rules

United Polaris is available on transpacific or transatlantic flights and on flights from the U.S. to Buenos Aires, Lima, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Santiago.
Passengers flying on discounted industry fares or staff travel tickets are not permitted in the lounge.
For Star Alliance admittance, long-haul international routes are classed as the U.S. to Asia, Australia, Europe, and select South American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru).

Read the full list of house rules on United’s website.

USO Lounge

Location: Terminal 1, pre-security above the American Airlines ticket counter
Opening Hours: 24/7

USO Lounge Facilities

Snacks
Refreshments
Wi-Fi
Lounge with TV
Children’s room
Gaming
Books and magazines
Work areas with computers

USO Lounge Access

The USO Lounge is available to active duty, guard, reserve military, and their dependents, and retired military.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

Location: International Terminal A, left after security, level 5
Opening Hours:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Facilities

À la carte dining
Full-service bar
Showers
Wi-Fi
Business services
Magazines and newspapers
TVs

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Access

Access Type	Details	Fees and Policies
Upper Class passengers Flying Club Gold members Delta SkyMiles Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion Flying Blue and Platinum cardholders Virgin Australia Velocity The Club, Platinum, and Gold cardholders	Passengers may access the clubhouse with a same-day boarding card Passengers may bring a guest if they are traveling on the same day, from the same terminal	Valid when flying on a Virgin Atlantic flight Guests may accompany the eligible passenger if traveling on a flight with Air France, Delta Air Lines, KLM, or Virgin Atlantic
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Elite Gold members and PPS cardholders	Passengers may access the clubhouse with a same-day boarding card	Valid when flying on a Virgin Atlantic flight
Priority Pass and Lounge Club	Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card Passengers may access the lounge for a maximum of 3 hours from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.	Passengers may access the lounge for a maximum of 3 hours Cardholders must be 21 years old Children under 2 are admitted free of charge Priority Pass membership: Standard $99, Standard Plus $299, Prestige $429

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse House Rules

Guests must be accompanied into the clubhouse by the eligible passenger. Guests arriving before or after the passenger will not be admitted.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult when using the lounge.

Read the full list of house rules on Virgin Atlantic’s website.

Connecting Between Terminals for Lounge Access

Passengers can travel around the airport on the AirTrain that runs clockwise and counter-clockwise to all terminals. The AirTrain operates outside the secure area, so it is required to re-clear security to access the next terminal.

It’s possible to walk between some terminals while remaining inside the secure area. Gates C2 to C11 in Terminal 1 are connected to Terminal 2 via a connector bridge preventing the need to re-clear security. Terminal 3 passengers can walk inside the secure area to departure gates G in the International Terminal.

For all other connections, passengers will need to re-clear security, so you will need to allow extra time if you’re traveling between terminals to access a particular lounge.

Hot Tip: Read our Ultimate Terminal Guide for San Francisco International Airport for more information about connecting between terminals.

Best Credit Cards to Access Priority Pass Lounges

The Priority Pass lounge network offers 4 options at SFO, and over 1,300 lounge options worldwide — making it the largest airport lounge network. So how can travelers access these lounges?

Fortunately, there are many credit cards that come with a complimentary Priority Pass membership. One such card is the Amex Platinum card, which not only offers access to Priority Pass lounges, but also Amex Centurion lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Escape Lounges, and Airspace lounges.

You could also opt for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card that includes access to Priority Pass restaurants — like San Francisco Giants Clubhouse and Yankee Pier at SFO — in addition to lounges. At Priority Pass restaurants, cardholders receive a $28 credit towards their bill, and $56 when dining with a guest.

Here are some other great credit card options that allow cardholders to visit Priority Pass lounges:

Final Thoughts

SFO has a good selection of lounges, as you would expect for a large international airport. Although the AirTrain offers quick transportation between terminals, access can be delayed when having to clear security at both the lounge terminal and departure terminal. Ensure you have plenty of time before your flight, and if you have TSA PreCheck, you’ll tend to have a quicker experience.

The information regarding the Corporate Platinum Card® by American Express, Centurion® Card from American Express, Citi Prestige® Card, and U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and has not been provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of the Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, click here.

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