San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the busiest gateways in the United States, serving as a major hub for domestic and international travel. For frequent flyers and points & miles enthusiasts, SFO offers a robust selection of lounges across its terminals — from airline clubs to premium partner lounges. Whether you have elite status, a premium ticket, or a credit card that grants access, this guide will help you navigate the lounge landscape and make the most of your airport downtime.

Table of Contents

---

✈️ Overview of SFO Terminals

SFO has four main terminals with airline lounge options:

• Terminal 1 (T1) – Mainly domestic flights (American, Southwest, Alaska)
• Terminal 2 (T2) – Domestic, United Express / Star Alliance connection
• Terminal 3 (T3) – United domestic operations
• International Terminal (Intl) – All international departures and many global lounges

Lounge location and access vary by terminal, so it’s important to know where your flight departs.

Terminal 1 Lounges

Alaska Lounge (Terminal 1, near Gate B9)

Location: Terminal 1, near Gate B9

Hours: 5am-12am Daily

This newly upgraded Alaska Airlines lounge offers comfortable seating, runway views, espresso service, local snacks, beer and wine, and modern amenities for Alaska flyers and eligible passengers. It’s one of the nicer domestic airline lounges at SFO and a great pre-flight stop for West Coast routes. Jen and I stopped by a couple of times in the past and things were as expected. Don’t expect something fancy but this lounge is a great place to relax pre-flight.

---

American Airlines Admirals Club

Location: Terminal 1, near Gate B13

Hours: 4:30am-11:30pm Daily

Standard Admirals Club amenities include snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating, making it a reliable option for American Airlines flyers on domestic flights. I have visited this lounge many times prior to an early morning flight and the lounge was always relatively empty. I don’t think there’s a huge demand for American flights out of SFO.

---

Delta Sky Club

Location: Near gate C3

Hours 4:30am-12AM Tuesday – Friday, Closes at 10:30pm Saturday-Monday

The Delta Sky Club at SFO is pretty solid offering a full buffet selection, shower amenities, and a wide range of drinks. Over the years, Jen and I have infrequently visited this lounge thanks to our American Express Platinum cards and the occasional Delta flight to Seattle. Overall, this is one of the better domestic lounges at SFO with a better food selection than its competitors.

---

The Club SFO

Location: Terminal 1, Concourse B, near Gate B4

Hours: 4:30 am-11:30 pm

An independent lounge that accepts Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and other lounge passes. The Club features a full-service bar, complimentary snacks and drinks, relaxed seating, and workspaces. It’s one of the most popular Priority Pass lounges at SFO and is just a short walk from security in T1. The Club SFO is nothing spectacular but offers a modern lounge with decent food and beverage options. In comparison to other “The Club” lounges, I think the SFO location is one of the better ones.

Since this lounge is offerred by Priority Pass, this lounge fills up pretty quickly during busy hours and there may be a waitlist.

---

Terminal 2 Lounges

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge

Location: Terminal 2 4th level

Hours: 5:30am – 7:15pm Daily

This lounge is connected to most of the terminals in SFO making it a solid spot for Star Alliance travelers flying in or connecting out the United States. The lounge can be a bit difficult to locate. Sitting in the domestic terminals, the lounge seldom gets busy and offers the typically features you would find at most basic airline lounges. There’s a small selection of hot foods and beverage offerings. Seating in plentiful due to the low numbers.

One cool unique feature of this lounge is the outdoor terrace that offers seating and a cozy fire pit.

---

American Express Centurion Lounge (Temporary)

Location: Near Gate F2

Hours: 5:00am – 11:00pm Daily

One of the top lounges in SFO with access via American Express Platinum or Centurion cards, this lounge offers a good selection of chef driven meals, premium bar, and phone rooms.

Terminal 3

United Club

Locations: Gate E4, Gates F

Hours: 5:30 am-11:00 pm & 5:00 am-11:55 pm

There are several United Club lounges in Terminal 3 around gates E4, F11, and near other concourses, all featuring comfortable seating, drinks, snacks, and Wi-Fi. These are open to United Club members, select premium cabin passengers, Star Alliance Gold members, and eligible credit cards (or day passes in some cases) Unite Clubs offer a nice place to relax, but have a fairly limited food selection.

---

American Express Centurion Lounge (Under Renovation)

Location: Terminal 3

Hours: Closed for Rennovations

The American Express Centurion Lounge is currently under renovations, but is one of the better lounges in the domestic portion of this airport. The lounges offer chef-driven meals, a full bar, phone rooms, and showers. When the renovations are complete, the lounge will see an increase in space and capacity!

---

International Lounges

Air France–KLM Lounge (International Terminal A)

The Air France–KLM Lounge is a modern but compact SkyTeam space that works best for a short pre-departure stop. It offers a decent buffet with European touches, wine and champagne, showers, and comfortable seating, though it can feel crowded during peak international departures. While not a destination lounge, it’s a solid option if you’re flying SkyTeam and want a quieter alternative to the terminal.

---

British Airways Lounge (International Terminal A)

The British Airways Lounge delivers a classic, no-frills oneworld experience with natural light, standard snacks, and a self-serve bar. Seating is comfortable but limited, and the lounge can fill quickly before evening transatlantic departures. It’s perfectly serviceable for a drink and light bite, but it doesn’t stand out compared to newer or more premium lounges at SFO.

---

Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounge (International Terminal A)

Cathay Pacific’s lounge is one of the stronger airline lounges at SFO, offering a calm, premium atmosphere with quality food, comfortable seating, showers, and attentive service. The space feels refined and relaxing, making it ideal for long-haul travelers heading to Asia or connecting on oneworld partners. While not as large as some flagship lounges, it consistently delivers a polished experience.

---

China Airlines Dynasty Lounge (International Terminal A)

The China Airlines Lounge is functional but underwhelming, especially when crowded. While it offers basic seating, buffet items, and bar service—and is often accessible via Priority Pass—food quality and ambiance lag behind nearby lounges. It’s best viewed as a practical place to sit and recharge rather than a lounge you’d go out of your way to visit.

---

Golden Gate Lounge (International Terminal A)

The Golden Gate Lounge is a simple Priority Pass option with more natural light and quieter seating than some alternatives. Food and beverage offerings are minimal, but the space is generally calmer and less hectic. It’s a reasonable choice if you want a peaceful place to relax without expectations of a premium dining experience.

---

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (International Terminal A)

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is widely considered the standout lounge in SFO’s International Terminal, especially for Priority Pass users. It features stylish interiors, a full bar, made-to-order food, showers, and a lively yet upscale atmosphere. Access can be restricted during peak hours, but when available, it offers one of the best overall lounge experiences at the airport.