San Francisco - Which airline lounge at SFO to buy a day pass for?

My husband and I have a 6 hour layover at SFO on Oct. 24. We arrive from ICN, OZ 214, an 11 hour flight, at 11:15 am in business class. We continue on to Kansas City on UA 5418 in econ at 5:00pm. I'd like to be able to take a shower, have some decent snacks and beverages, surf the net with free wifi, and hang out in a more comfortable atmosphere than the terminal. I don't really want to go into the city as we will be exhausted from having spent 16 days in China and will have hand luggage with us.

I know if I buy airline lounge day passes in advance they are cheaper than on the spot. Which airline lounge would you suggest? We have plenty of time to change terminals to go to a better one than UA's if necessary. I do have 2 passes for the CO Presidents Club, but they expired April 30. I might not be able to talk my way in on them and may have to buy passes. if it would matter, I am lifetime gold with AA. I have no other airline status.

This long long layover resulted from a massive schedule change to my carefully planned original award flights. I'm not a happy camper. it is taking us 26 hours 25 minutes of travel to get home from China.

There is no more CO PC. Check to see (depending on how you are in Business class - you'll need to check the rules) if you can use the UA Arrivals Lounge - it is airside between the int'l arrivals and the UA domestic terminal. The UA RCC (there are two of them, one in the int'l terminal and one in the domestic UA terminal) may let you in with a same day business arrival. I believe your only shower option is the UA Arrivals lounge. There is a pay-per-use shower service in the int'l terminal (by an independent vendor).

The airport has free wi-fi. If you completely strike out (i.e., no Arrivals access, and RCC denial), you might want to simply pay for the shower service, and then hang out in the G-gate portion of the international terminal. Decent dining options and a lovely public space. It is within the same airside security as UA domestic.

OOPS - I didn't see the originating airline - I assumed UA. you can't use the Arrivals lounge. But you might get RCC access re: star alliance reciprocity.

There is no more CO PC. Check to see (depending on how you are in Business class - you'll need to check the rules) if you can use the UA Arrivals Lounge - it is airside between the int'l arrivals and the UA domestic terminal. The UA RCC (there are two of them, one in the int'l terminal and one in the domestic UA terminal) may let you in with a same day business arrival. I believe your only shower option is the UA Arrivals lounge. There is a pay-per-use shower service in the int'l terminal (by an independent vendor).

The airport has free wi-fi. If you completely strike out (i.e., no Arrivals access, and RCC denial), you might want to simply pay for the shower service, and then hang out in the G-gate portion of the international terminal. Decent dining options and a lovely public space. It is within the same airside security as UA domestic.

If I was to use the UA RCC in international arrivals terminal, how does that work with going through customs and immigration, then rechecking the bags for the onward domestic flight to MCI? I can't do this 4 hours after arriving. It's only open until 12:30 anyways. Once I leave the international terminal I can't get back in, can I? besides, we arrive on Asiana not United. We go on with UAL. Tickets were actually issued by ANA. I don't think Asiana has any arrangements with UA to use their arrivals lounge.

If I was to use the UA RCC in international arrivals terminal, how does that work with going through customs and immigration, then rechecking the bags for the onward domestic flight to MCI? I can't do this 4 hours after arriving. It's only open until 12:30 anyways. Once I leave the international terminal I can't get back in, can I? besides, we arrive on Asiana not United. We go on with UAL. Tickets were actually issued by ANA. I don't think Asiana has any arrangements with UA to use their arrivals lounge.

Sorry - notice my edits which I made before your reply posted. The UA RCC is in the int'l departures area (and you can walk between the domestic and int'l sides airside). The arrivals lounge is landside.

If I was to use the UA RCC in international arrivals terminal, how does that work with going through customs and immigration, then rechecking the bags for the onward domestic flight to MCI? I can't do this 4 hours after arriving. It's only open until 12:30 anyways. Once I leave the international terminal I can't get back in, can I? besides, we arrive on Asiana not United. We go on with UAL.

The A pier of the International terminal (UA/*A) and T-3 (UA) are connected airside post-security, so you can walk between the two.

The A pier of the International terminal (UA/*A) and T-3 (UA) are connected post-security, so you can walk between the two.

The G pier. The A pier is on the other side and is not connected.

So is the domestic RCC at SFO worth $39 each? We'd be there over lunch time. I think I have some stray UA/CO miles I could use to cover one of them.

Does SFO have an Admirals Club? What other airline lounges are at SFO?

So is the domestic RCC at SFO worth $39 each? We'd be there over lunch time. I think I have some stray UA/CO miles I could use to cover one of them.

Does SFO have an Admirals Club? What other airline lounges are at SFO?

There are two Delta lounges--one post-security in the A international terminal, and one pre-security above the Delta ticketing counters (it's pretty well-hidden, but there are some signs). I don't know what the going rate on discounted passes is right now. In those you'll find cookies, some veggies, crackers, cheese, and fruit, along with drinks. No showers in either one.

So is the domestic RCC at SFO worth $39 each?


No, you could enjoy a really nice lunch at one of the better airport restaurants for that.

No, you could enjoy a really nice lunch at one of the better airport restaurants for that.

I'm sure I can. But I was hoping to find a quiet corner in a lounge and stretch out and take a nap.

I see the Delta pass is $50. No discount for advance purchase. Which is the better lounge-Delta or United? Maybe someone on coupon connection will donate passes to the cause if I ask.

Does SFO have an Admirals Club? What other airline lounges are at SFO?

There is a beautiful new Admirals' Club in T2. It is air side, though, so you probably will not be able to access it without a boarding pass for a flight departing from that terminal.

New AA Admirals Club at SFO T2 revealed (http://thebat-sf.com/2011/04/07/new-aa-admirals-club-at-sfo-t2-revealed/)

The G pier. The A pier is on the other side and is not connected.

Oops, my bad. The north pier (G). :o

I'm sure I can. But I was hoping to find a quiet corner in a lounge and stretch out and take a nap.
I see the Delta pass is $50. No discount for advance purchase. Which is the better lounge-Delta or United? Maybe someone on coupon connection will donate passes to the cause if I ask.

The DL SC is landside in T1. No redeeming features, basically a dump. The RCC is better. If you are going to leave T3, the new AC is T2 is spectacular, but as TWA884 noted, not sure you can access it without a AA or VX BP.

No, you could enjoy a really nice lunch at one of the better airport restaurants for that.

Yankee Pier in T3 is very good.

There is a beautiful new Admirals' Club in T2. It is air side, though, so you probably will not be able to access it without a boarding pass for a flight departing from that terminal.

I've never tried it at terminal 2, but at both terminals 1 and A, I've been able to get through without a BP for an airline in that terminal by explaining I'm going to a lounge. The document checkers have told me I'm at the wrong terminal, but I've mentioned that I'm going to a lounge and they let me right on through with no problem.

There is a beautiful new Admirals' Club in T2. It is air side, though, so you probably will not be able to access it without a boarding pass for a flight departing from that terminal.

New AA Admirals Club at SFO T2 revealed (http://thebat-sf.com/2011/04/07/new-aa-admirals-club-at-sfo-t2-revealed/)

Can I get in there using Priority Pass?

I'm travelling on Virgin America.

Can I get in there using Priority Pass?

I'm travelling on Virgin America.

No. The PP lounges that remain @ SFO are
(1) Alaska Airlines Boardoom (T-1 - the pier with the 20s and 30s gates).
(2) UA RCC - International Terminal (accessible from domestic UA gates)

SFO recently lost the only remaining landside PP lounge, the CO PC.

The DL SC is landside in T1. No redeeming features, basically a dump. The RCC is better. If you are going to leave T3, the new AC is T2 is spectacular, but as TWA884 noted, not sure you can access it without a AA or VX BP.

While the RCC is better, the domestic RCC at certain hours is extremely crowded.

While the RCC is better, the domestic RCC at certain hours is extremely crowded.

The semi-hidden secret of the domestic RCC is the "quiet room." I've seen people napping in the chairs there. It's not hidden, it's just not where you'd expect to find a room and that tends to keep it less crowded. Walk past the bar and keep walking -- it's to the left of the business workstation area.

The UA domestic RCC is most certainly NOT worth $39 in this circumstance - you will be there during one of the most busy times of day, where the RCC is often more crowded than the food court just outside the doors. Nor is the DL lounge worth any money to enter. I'd just suck it up and use the SFO shower facilities (http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/orphan/faq/index.html#11) and then grab a meal at the international food court.

There is no more CO PC. Check to see (depending on how you are in Business class - you'll need to check the rules) if you can use the UA Arrivals Lounge - it is airside between the int'l arrivals and the UA domestic terminal. The UA RCC (there are two of them, one in the int'l terminal and one in the domestic UA terminal) may let you in with a same day business arrival.

According to UA, the Arrivals lounge closes at 12:30 pm (75 min. after the OP's scheduled arrival). http://www.united.com/page/article/0,1360,50684,00.html Considering the time necessary to go through Immigration and Customs, I'd skip the Arrivals lounge.

I suggest the UA RCC in International Terminal G (just airside of security to the right). As others mentioned, there is an airside hallway between International G and Terminal 3. First, present your business class boarding pass from your incoming flight and act like you expect that will do the trick. If no go due to your coach seat on the next flight, I suggest presenting those expired CO passes. Maybe they won't notice or care about the expiration dates. And if that fails, buy the one-day pass. The RCC in the International Terminal is really nice. So is the domestic one, but as others have said, it might be very crowded when you're there.

Safe, comfortable travels! Please let us know how it turns out.

A
I suggest the UA RCC in International Terminal G (just airside of security to the right).

It is a very nice space. The food selection is meh, but typical for a domestic US lounge for a domestic carrier. (I haven't been inside since the latest round of RCC "enhancements.")

It is a very nice space. The food selection is meh, but typical for a domestic US lounge for a domestic carrier. (I haven't been inside since the latest round of RCC "enhancements.")

I was in there a few weeks ago and thought it was looking pretty shabby. It just needs a good cleaning.

I was in there a few weeks ago and thought it was looking pretty shabby. It just needs a good cleaning.

I've had the good fortune of flying out of the A side of the international terminal in recent days.

I was in there a few weeks ago and thought it was looking pretty shabby. It just needs a good cleaning.

I've had the good fortune of flying out of the A side of the international terminal in recent days.

Please note that the UA RCC doesn't have a "day pass" as asked for by the OP. They do have a fee for "one time admittance" with no in/out privileges. IIRC, AA's AC policy is a day pass. Could be an important distinction.

Any updates to SFO lounges that one can pay to enter? I'm flying United from SFO to HNL and have a 6 hour layover. Layover is from 10am to 4pm. Looking for a lounge that's quiet with your own private space to relax (recliner chair in front of a tv is good enough or a club chair by a window). Food and drinks are a bonus. I believe United flies out of T3, section F.

Edit to add, I just read there are 2 lounges in T3. American Airlines Admiral Club and United's. Both are $50 for the day (no time limit?). Both offer free drinks and snacks. No mention of hot food. Any reviews?

The Admirals Club moved to T2 when AA moved to T2 (as you would expect). The only club in T3 is the United Club, There is a second United Club in international terminal G which you can reach via a passageway without exiting security. There are no other clubs in T3 or international G that you can buy access to.

Neither AA or UA club offer free hot food. The AA club in T2 sells hot food, but you can't access it if all you have is a UA ticket.

if folks are willing to pay $80-100 for Club Passes why not simply either bid on Priceline for a room or use your pts for a Hotel room by SFO, you get Interent(in most cases) a shower and beds to catch some Zs in

I understand a 4-5 hr wont give a person much time in the room but once its 6hr+ thats where youd find me unless the Rates are thru the roof $ or pts wise

Any updates to SFO lounges that one can pay to enter?

Alaska Airlines Boardroom - Terminal 1 - $45 per person
American Admirals Club - Terminal 2 - $50 per person, online only!
Delta Sky Club - Terminals 1 and International A - $50 per person
United Club - Terminal 3 and International G - $50 per person

All lounges are post-security, except for the Delta Sky Club in terminal 1 which is pre-security.

There are a few other lounges (Singapore, Air China, Air France, Virgin, etc) but none of these have day passes as far as I know.

The Alaskan Boardroom and both United Clubs allow access to Priority Pass members, however the UC is non-"Select" cards only.

Terminals 3 and G are connected air-side. Terminals 1 and 3/G are connected airside via shuttle buses. All terminals are connected land-side by the AirTrain, or you can walk.

The Alaska Boardroom is only a relatively small lounge, and whilst it's not normally full enough for that to be a problem, it's still small. All of the other lounges except the United Clubs will require re-clearing security at least once, so the UC is probably your best bet.

Neither AA or UA club offer free hot food. The AA club in T2 sells hot food, but you can't access it if all you have is a UA ticket.

You can, but you'll need to re-clear security twice (once to enter T2, and then again to re-enter T3). As long as you've got a valid same-day boarding pass SFO will allow access to any terminal.

I'll be flying LMT to SFO to HKG and will be in SFO getting into SFO at 6:57 A.M. and departing at about 1:30 P.M. I would consider buying a day pass for a lounge due to the layover and needing to get some work done. Are any of the lounges worth buying a day pass for ?

I'll be flying LMT to SFO to HKG and will be in SFO getting into SFO at 6:57 A.M. and departing at about 1:30 P.M. I would consider buying a day pass for a lounge due to the layover and needing to get some work done. Are any of the lounges worth buying a day pass for ?

What airline? Other than the VS lounge, all others are airside and your options will be limited by your boarding area. (UA and SQ are in the G gates, and CX in the A gates). (You cannot buy your way into VS)

What airline? Other than the VS lounge, all others are airside and your options will be limited by your boarding area. (UA and SQ are in the G gates, and CX in the A gates). (You cannot buy your way into VS)

From LMT it has to be UA, at least on the inbound. Connection could be UA, CX or SQ.

SOORBraves, if you are connecting on UA or SQ, you can consider buying a pass to the United Club in the International Terminal (assuming you do not have Star Gold status). Don't bother with the domestic UC, as it will likely be more crowded and noisy than the terminal at that time of morning. The IT UC may also be equally as crowded, but it's a slightly nicer space, so it may be worth it to you. The International Terminal is actually pretty decent, so you should also consider just grabbing a table at one of the restaurants and/or at one of the seats in the gate area.

If you're on CX, check the DL forum for policies on using the Delta Club in Terminal A (and also check the hours). It wasn't a bad club the last time I used it, which was probably four years ago.

Yeah LMT is UA on the inbound . I do most of my flying out of LMT or EUG to start with because of LMT is my hometown airport and EUG is my college town airport. I've flown enough to HKG that I can now qualify for their frequent visitor channel. The connection is UA so I'll take your advice on the UA club .

QUOTE=rjque;19948070]From LMT it has to be UA, at least on the inbound. Connection could be UA, CX or SQ.

SOORBraves, if you are connecting on UA or SQ, you can consider buying a pass to the United Club in the International Terminal (assuming you do not have Star Gold status). Don't bother with the domestic UC, as it will likely be more crowded and noisy than the terminal at that time of morning. The IT UC may also be equally as crowded, but it's a slightly nicer space, so it may be worth it to you. The International Terminal is actually pretty decent, so you should also consider just grabbing a table at one of the restaurants and/or at one of the seats in the gate area.

If you're on CX, check the DL forum for policies on using the Delta Club in Terminal A (and also check the hours). It wasn't a bad club the last time I used it, which was probably four years ago.[/QUOTE]

....As long as you've got a valid same-day boarding pass SFO will allow access to any terminal.

I didn't know that! Is there any online official or semi-official statement that could be printed out for when TSA says no (and you know they will)?

I didn't know that! Is there any online official or semi-official statement that could be printed out for when TSA says no (and you know they will)?

Not that I'm aware of, but I've had no problems using a UA/T3 boarding pass to get into T1 multiple times (including before United had flights from there). If they ask, just say that you're going in to use the lounge or meeting a friend.

SFO security staff aren't TSA they are CAS, and I've been told by them on 2 occasions that they don't restrict by terminal.

(On the other hand, don't try this in LAX...)

What airline? Other than the VS lounge, all others are airside and your options will be limited by your boarding area. (UA and SQ are in the G gates, and CX in the A gates). (You cannot buy your way into VS)

I lied. I forgot that the DL domestic lounge remains landside, in T-1, upstairs.