Delta Sky Club at San Francisco International Airport [Review]

On a recent weekend trip to San Francisco, I arrived on an early morning flight, hours before the usual hotel check-in window. Instead of waiting around the hotel lobby for my guest room to become available, I decided to kill time in the Delta Sky Club in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

As a frequent Delta flyer, I love stopping by the airline’s lounges. Over the years, I’ve found that their lounges consistently deliver reliable amenities across most locations.

I discovered the same experience at this lounge, which was spacious, spotless, and featured giant windows that made for excellent planespotting.

Keep reading for a review of my recent visit to the one and only Delta Sky Club at SFO.

What Are Delta Sky Clubs?

Delta Air Lines operates more than 50 Sky Clubs across the U.S., offering travelers access to amenities such as complimentary buffet-style dining, a full bar, comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and more.

It’s worth noting that Delta Sky Clubs are separate from the airline’s Delta One Lounges, which are exclusively available to long-haul business and first class passengers flying with Delta or its SkyTeam partners.

Location

Most Delta flights at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) operate out of the C gates in Harvey Milk Terminal 1. After deplaning at gate C5, I was just a 1-minute walk from the Delta Sky Club near gate C3.

Though SFO is a major hub for United Airlines and a key gateway to international destinations (particularly in Asia), Delta has a smaller presence here, operating only domestic flights. As a result, there’s just 1 Delta Sky Club at the airport. However, Delta’s partners, including Virgin Atlantic and Korean Air, offer nonstop international service to their respective countries.

At SFO, I was met by the familiar Delta Sky Club signage, complete with the red velvet rope and the sleek, wood-paneled façade I’ve come to recognize over the years.

It was immediately clear to me that this location wasn’t busy — there was no line outside the entrance. That’s a stark contrast to major hubs like Atlanta (ATL), where queues are often separated by Diamond Medallion, Delta 360°, and other passengers.

After scanning my boarding pass and confirming my eligibility to enter the Delta Sky Club, I could enter the lounge by using the stairs.

Though I took the stairs, there was a small elevator available for travelers.

Gaining Entry

The Delta Sky Club SFO is open from 4:30 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. daily.

Plus, did you know you can access Delta Sky Clubs up to 3 hours before your scheduled departure or at any time during a connection? Even better, select Amex cardholders are also allowed entry upon landing. It’s a lesser-known perk that gives me a chance to relax and regroup before heading to my final destination.

However, in an effort to reduce overcrowding, Delta Sky Club access policies have changed significantly over the years. Here are the latest policies, as of July 2025:

Delta Sky Club Membership

An individual membership costs $695 or 69,500 SkyMiles per year and grants members complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs. Meanwhile, the more premium Executive Membership costs $1,495 or 149,500 SkyMiles per year and offers complimentary access for the member and up to 2 guests (or spouse or domestic partner and children under 21).

Hot Tip:

To use your membership, you must carry a same-day boarding pass on Delta or one of its partner airlines. Note that passengers traveling on Delta basic economy tickets are not eligible for lounge access.

Eligible Business Class or First Class Fare

Travelers flying on a Delta One itinerary, whether domestic or international, are eligible for access to the lounge. You can also enter if you’re on a domestic flight that connects to or from a same-day international Delta One flight.

Likewise, travelers in an international first or business class ticket on any SkyTeam-operated flight are allowed to enter the Delta Sky Club.

Eligible Elite Status

If you have SkyTeam Elite Plus status, you may be able to enter the Delta Sky Club at SFO. You must be traveling on an international flight (regardless of the cabin) or on a SkyTeam domestic flight connecting to or from a same-day international flight.

On the other hand, Delta Gold, Platinum, or Diamond Medallion members must be flying on a Premium Select or Delta One ticket to be able to access a Delta Sky Club, which includes a complimentary guest.

Select American Express Cardholders

With select premium Amex cards, you can get complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club. This may be a more economical way to enter the Sky Club network than purchasing an annual membership.

In fact, cardholders receive a set number of visits each year — and the best part is that visits are counted by travel day, not by lounge entry. For example, if you’re flying from San Francisco to Salt Lake City (SLC) and then connecting to Atlanta a few hours later, you could access the Sky Clubs at all 3 airports and it would still only count as a single visit day.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express are our favorite luxury travel cards as they offer the most comprehensive lounge access. Both cardholders get 10 visits per year to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta the same day, and to unlock unlimited visits, they must spend at least $75,000 annually on the cards.

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel^® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel^®.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, with over $500 of annual value if you visit Centurion Lounges and each of our partner lounges including Delta Sky Club^® lounges when flying an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations) , select Lufthansa lounges when flying Lufthansa, Plaza Premium lounges and Escape Lounges, and enroll in Priority Pass Select. See terms.
• A Walmart+ membership can get you free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items shipped by Walmart. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive one statement credit for up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible) each month. Free Shipping excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card^®.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Use Global Dining Access by Resy to access premium dining experiences. Receive Priority Notify and unlock insider access to some of the world's most sought-after restaurants with Global Dining Access by Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log into Resy.com and add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

150,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,300

Annual Fee

$695

APR

18.49% - 29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on eligible travel purchases like flights, prepaid hotels, and prepaid short-term rentals booked through AmexTravel.com
• Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection (as of 10/2024).
• Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)

Cons

• High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 10/2024.
• Unlock over $2,000 in statement credits with business and travel benefits annually* on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply. Learn more. *After meeting qualifying spend thresholds
• New! Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
• New! Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
• Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
• Make the Business Platinum Card^® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com
• 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• 1X points on other eligible purchases
• Use the Business Platinum Card^® and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
• $695 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.49% - 29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Cardholders may bring up to 2 guests or immediate family (spouse or domestic partner and children under 21) at a per-visit rate of $50 per person or $25 for grab-and-go locations. The same access rules apply to those with the Centurion^® Card from American Express and the Business Centurion^® Card from American Express.

If you are an ultra-loyal Delta flyer and need more visits, consider the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card. You can receive 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club with a same-day Delta boarding pass, plus 4 one-time guest passes per year. You can also unlock unlimited visits by spending $75,000 on the card each year.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

70,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $840

Annual Fee

$650

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card is a stellar option for frequent travelers who always fly with Delta thanks to its MQD Headstart towards status boost, lounge access, annual companion certificate, and many other great benefits.

Here is a full look at everything the Delta Reserve card can offer to you to help you decide whether the card deserves a place in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x SkyMiles per $1 on Delta purchases.
• 1x SkyMile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights.

Cons

• $650 annual fee (rates & fees)
• No bonus categories other than Delta purchases

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion^® Year to the Delta Sky Club^® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
• Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion^® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion^® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
• Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a First Class, Delta Comfort+^®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.
• $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• With your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion tier and fare class grouping when you fly with Delta.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Airline Loyalty Program

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Receive priority boarding, complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges, concierge support, and an annual companion certificate.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card

Receive priority boarding, complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges, concierge support, and an annual companion certificate.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $960

Annual Fee

$650

APR

20.24% - 29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card is a premium card option for small business owners who are both frequent travelers and Delta loyalists.

While the annual fee may be steep, the card comes loaded with perks and benefits that all frequent Delta flyers are sure to love. Let’s take a look at what makes the card unique, and why it may be a great fit for your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x miles per dollar on Delta purchases
• 1.5x miles per dollar on eligible transit, U.S. shipping and office supply stores, plus all eligible purchases after you spend $150,000 in a year
• Save 15% On Award Travel With TakeOff 15. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.

Cons

• High annual fee
• Does not earn many miles for purchases outside of Delta spend

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion^® Year to the Delta Sky Club^® and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
• Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases.
• Get closer to elevated Status next Medallion^® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion^® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 on purchases with your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on a First Class, Delta Comfort+^®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.
• With the $240 Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
• Earn up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
• Save 15% when booking Award Travel on Delta flights. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Not a Medallion Member? Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
• As a benefit of Card Membership, you can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
• When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion^® Lounge or Escape Lounge.
• Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $250 after using your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
• Enjoy travel without foreign transaction fees from American Express with your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card.
• Terms and limitations apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Frequent Flyer Program

I booked a Main Cabin ticket and got upgraded to Comfort+ after booking, thanks to my Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion status. To enter the Delta Sky Club at SFO, I used my fourth visit of the year with my Amex Platinum card, leaving me with 6 more visits left for the remainder of 2025.

Hot Tip:

Yes, you can access Sky Club lounges on arrival! According to Sky Club terms, eligible Amex cardmembers must show a boarding pass with a “reservation for a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight departing from or arriving at the airport in which the Delta Sky Club is located.”

First Impressions

I was blown away by how bright and airy this Sky Club felt. I’ve been to older locations that feel closed-in, with minimal natural light or dated, dark carpeting that dulls the atmosphere. But this lounge was the opposite: fresh, modern, and spotlessly clean.

I was curious to find out when this Sky Club opened, given that it felt like a newer outpost to me. To my surprise, I learned that it opened in September 2015 — an entire decade ago — yet it didn’t show any signs of wear and tear.

The front desk staff gave me a warm welcome upon arrival, and based on past experiences, I know they’re also great at assisting with flight changes if any issues come up. I also noticed a small selection of board games near the entrance — a thoughtful touch you don’t always see in airport lounges. I even spotted one of my favorites, Rummikub, which I definitely would’ve played if I’d had more time.

I also appreciated the variety of seating throughout the lounge. Just to the right of the front desk, there was a popcorn machine (though it wasn’t in use during my visit) and a small alcove with a few chairs — perfect for anyone looking for a quieter, more private spot away from the main lounge area.

Bottom Line:

I believe 2 things can be true at once: A lounge can feel quiet and uncrowded yet still offer ample seating for guests. That perfectly captured my first impressions during my visit to the Delta Sky Club at SFO.

Seating

There were several groups of seats near the entrance, separated from the bar and buffet area.

The bar was expansive and had a variety of bar stools and low-to-the-ground chaises congregating in the same area.

Maybe it was because it was only 9 a.m., but this area was largely empty during my 2-hour visit.

As I made my way through the lounge, I noticed plenty of tables and chairs lining the windowed area to the right of the hallway.

To make the most of the space, many of the sofa-style seats had built-in armrests that doubled as miniature tables that were just the right size for a coffee and a small plate.

The lounge then opened up into a spacious main dining area, highlighted by a beautiful mural of the Golden Gate Bridge.

I estimated that the lounge was only about 25% full, if that.

I eventually grabbed a seat in the business center, which I appreciated for being fairly tucked away from the rest of the lounge — something that’s not always guaranteed. Unlike newer Sky Clubs with private phone booths, this one didn’t have them, and a few business travelers were taking calls at the same time.

I settled in at a shared, bar-height table and got some work done before heading downtown.

Food and Beverages

Snack Cart

For those who were not feeling too hungry, a smaller spread was set up ahead of the main buffet. It featured cookies, a charcuterie board, a selection of sliders and wraps, and an orange juice dispenser.

Buffet

The main buffet was between the business area and the main dining room. As I was visiting the Sky Club during breakfast, I was satisfied with the variety of hot and cold foods available.

Starting from right and left, travelers could collect utensils, bowls, and plates, followed by grab-and-go fruits and cold cuts. Most foods were labeled with placards indicating whether they were vegan or gluten-free.

There were a total of 6 hot dishes, including scrambled eggs, pork sausage links, and egg bites. The sausage links were tasty and filling and not too oily, though the egg bites left a lot to be desired with their off-putting, rubbery texture.

The next hot plate area was separated by an assortment of condiments (ketchup, for me, of course). I picked up tater tots and a couple more types of sausage to try: Beyond and chicken apple.

The next station had oatmeal with toppings and a few types of cereals in glass jars, which I skipped.

The next station had yogurts and even chia pudding with blood orange juice on the bottom and mandarins on top.

This Sky Club served both plain hard-boiled eggs and ones topped with paprika, which was a nice surprise. Plenty of fruit was available, including pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew, and a berry mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, plus a spinach salad.

No breakfast is complete without an assortment of baked goods. There were croissants, blueberry muffins, several types of pound cake, and scones.

Finally, there was a selection of breads and bagels near the toaster, along with cream cheese, assorted jams, and butter.

The breakfast here was pretty standard, similar to what you’d find at a hot breakfast buffet in a hotel. I only had an appetite to eat some fresh fruit and a few hot items, but you definitely won’t go hungry when you visit this lounge!

Bar

The bar served as the centerpiece of the lounge and was notably spacious.

Alcoholic drinks were available directly from the bar, while a self-serve station between the bar and buffet offered sodas and coffee.

While draft beers and house wine were complimentary, you needed to pay up for some mixed drinks.

The premium upgrade menu detailed all of the costs (in cash and SkyMiles) for these extras.

I don’t drink alcohol, but I think it’s neat that you can redeem as little as a few hundred SkyMiles for a nicer drink. Unsurprisingly, not too many guests were hanging around the bar for a drink this early in the morning.

The self-serve drink area had a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine and a coffee maker for lattes and espressos.

I always look forward to the refreshing infused water at the Sky Clubs, and this version had slices of lemon and mint leaves.

Amenities

Here are the amenities you’ll find at the Delta Sky Club SFO.

Wi-Fi

All Delta Sky Club guests get access to fast, complimentary Wi-Fi. The password changes every few months, so be sure to check out the placard at the front desk for the latest. I had no trouble opening all of my work-related apps on my computer.

Restrooms

A hallway ran past the small business area, and to the right were the women’s and men’s restrooms.

I liked the retro vibe of these restrooms and the pleasant-smelling Grown Alchemist hand soap. There was a full-length mirror and 3 stalls in total: 1 wheelchair-accessible and 2 standard.

Showers

Once I passed the restrooms, I found 2 shower rooms at the end of the hallway.

I could grab fresh towels here, though I did notice a few less-fresh ones over by the towel bar area.

Showering at an airport lounge is one of my favorite perks of traveling. However, I didn’t need to take one for this quick visit.

Both shower rooms were occupied during my visit. To get access, you need to book one at the front desk. If they’re anything like other Delta Sky Clubs, you can expect a spacious (and wheelchair-accessible) area with a sink, changing area, and large, open shower.

Reading Materials

In the same hallway, you could find a few magazines to grab.

I loved this painting of donuts, which reminded me of one of my favorite spots (Bob’s Donuts) in the Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco.

Business Center

The business center (where I sat) also featured a free printer and copy machine.

Service

The friendly staff were a memorable part of my visit. I stopped by the buffet a few times, and each time I returned to my seat, my used plates had already been cleared away. Likewise, the buffet and bathrooms were kept clean and tidy.

Each time I walked by the front desk to snap pictures, the employees were always cheery and asked if I needed assistance with anything.

Final Thoughts

This Delta Sky Club visit was excellent and reminded me why I have a premium card to access airport lounges. I love that select Amex cardholders can visit Sky Clubs on arrival, as it can help bridge the gap between landing and checking in to a hotel.

Not only that, I can’t remember the last time I saw a lounge this empty. Despite being nearly a decade old, the space still feels fresh and modern. The white marble floors and expansive windows give it an airy, open feel, and there’s no shortage of seating in any direction.

I’m glad I made time to stop by, even briefly — it’s definitely an underrated gem in the Sky Club network. If my travels bring me back to San Francisco, I’ll be sure to return for a hearty meal and maybe even take advantage of the showers next time.