Serving 56 million passengers annually (in 2019), 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.
SFO Terminal Map
SFO Airport Map. Image Credit: San Francisco International AirportSFO Airport Lounges By Terminal
| Terminal | Lounges |
| Terminal 1 | |
| Terminal 2 | |
| Terminal 3 | |
| International Terminal A | |
| International Terminal G | |
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
Air France KLM Lounge SFO. Image Credit: LoungeBuddyLocation: International Terminal A, left after security near gate A1
Opening Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday: 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday: 7:15 p.m. to 12:30 a.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
|
Hot Tip: The Air France lounge at SFO is considered one of the best Priority Pass lounges in the U.S.
Alaska Lounge
Rendering of the Alaska Lounge SFO. Image Credit: Alaska AirlinesLocation: Terminal 2, just beyond the D security checkpoint
Opening Hours: 5:00 a.m.– 10:00 p.m.
Alaska Lounge Facilities
- Self-serve soft and alcoholic drinks
- Snacks and cold food
- Newspapers and magazines
- Wi-Fi
- Concierge services
Alaska Lounge Access
| Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies |
| Day pass | - Passengers must have a same-day boarding card
- Passengers purchasing a day pass may use an Alaska lounge at any location for 24 hours from redemption
| - $50
- Valid traveling with any airline
|
| Alaska Lounge membership | - Passengers must have a same-day boarding card
- Passengers may bring up to 2 guests or their immediate family
| - Standard members: $450
- Mileage Plan MVP: $400
- Mileage Plan MVP Gold: $350
- Mileage Plan MVP Gold 75K: $300
- Valid traveling with any airline
|
| First class | First class passengers may use the lounge prior to departure | - Valid on an Alaska Airlines-operated flight
- Not valid for passengers traveling on upgraded fares
|
| Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP Gold and Gold 75K | Passengers must have a same-day boarding card | Valid flying with any Oneworld airline to Mexico City, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, or Australia |
| Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire | - Passengers must have a same-day boarding card
- Passengers may bring 1 guest also on a flight operated and marketed by a Oneworld carrier
| - Valid flying with any Oneworld airline to Mexico City, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, or Australia
- Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald passengers that hold status with a non-U.S. airline may access the Alaska lounge when traveling domestically
|
Emirates Skywards Gold and Platinum
Hainan Airlines Fortune Wings Platinum and Gold
Icelandair Saga Club Gold | Passengers must have a same-day boarding card | Valid flying on an international flight connecting to Alaska Airlines |
| Cardholders of Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card | - Passengers must have a same-day boarding card
- Passengers purchasing a day pass may use an Alaska lounge at any location for 24 hours from redemption
| - Cardholders receive 50% off the day pass fee ($25)
- Day pass must be purchased using the Alaska Signature card
|
| Admirals Club members | Members may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card | Valid on an American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, or Virgin America marketed and operated flight |
| Priority Pass and Lounge Pass (North Satelite Terminal Lounge only) | - Access to the lounge is permitted 3 hours before a flight
- Access is limited to 2 guests per cardholder (per person charge where applicable)
| - Valid with a same-day boarding card
- Children under 2 are admitted free of charge
- Priority Pass membership: Standard $99, Standard Plus $299, Prestige $429
|
| Active duty military | Military traveling on orders may access the lounge for free 3 hours before departing on a flight | Valid on an Alaska Airlines-operated flight |
Alaska Lounge House Rules
- Infants under 2 are admitted free of charge
- Members may purchase guest passes for a reduced rate of $25 for additional guests
- Visitors are requested to use headphones when using their personal devices
- Food and drink is not permitted to be brought in or taken out of the lounge
Read the full list of house rules on Alaska Airline’s website.
American Airlines Admirals Club
American Airlines Admirals Club SFO. Image Credit: LoungeBuddyLocation: 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: LoungeBuddyLocation: 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
Cathay Pacific First and Business Lounge SFO. Image Credit: LoungeBuddyLocation: 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
The Centurion Lounge SFO. Image Credit: Centurion LoungeLocation: 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
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
China Airlines Dynasty Lounge SFO. Image Credit: LoungeBuddyLocation: 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
Delta Sky Club SFO. Image Credit: LoungeBuddyLocation: 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 | - $695 (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 | - Annual Fee: $695 (rates and fees)
- Member must hold a same-day ticket for a Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight
|
| 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: $10,000
- 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 when traveling internationally same-day | 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
Emirates Lounge SFO. Image Credit: LoungeBuddyLocation: 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
Freshen Up SFO. Image Credit: San Francisco International AirportLocation: 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 Sakura Lounge SFO. Image Credit: JALLocation: 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
Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounge SFO. Image Credit: LoungeBuddyLocation: 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
United Airlines United Club SFO Terminal 3 Concourse E. Image Credit: LoungeBuddyThere 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 Airlines 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 traveling on the same flight
|
| 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: LoungeBuddyLocation: 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
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse SFO. Image Credit: LoungeBuddyLocation: 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, but some walkways are restricted due to ongoing construction work. 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 Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card, Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard, 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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