SFO lounge options
Apr 25, 2018, 9:32 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Ottawa
Programs: Altitude E50K / *G
Posts: 924
I'm not sure how helpful this post is going to be, but here goes:
I went through security in the international terminal last week and immediately on the right should be a lounge, which is closed.
There were lots of confused people there and the sign pointed down toward the next terminal (Terminal 3 I think)
So I walked though and used the United lounge there. (10 minute walk) It was fine - no windows, some breakfast options and a staffed bar. A couple women half in the bag at 10AM ... maybe this is normal in SFO
However, when I walked back to gate 97, I noticed the temporary international lounge across from that gate. That is probably the best bet for people flying on AC out of SFO right now - unless you enjoy a long walk.
I hope that helps.
I went through security in the international terminal last week and immediately on the right should be a lounge, which is closed.
There were lots of confused people there and the sign pointed down toward the next terminal (Terminal 3 I think)
So I walked though and used the United lounge there. (10 minute walk) It was fine - no windows, some breakfast options and a staffed bar. A couple women half in the bag at 10AM ... maybe this is normal in SFO
However, when I walked back to gate 97, I noticed the temporary international lounge across from that gate. That is probably the best bet for people flying on AC out of SFO right now - unless you enjoy a long walk.
I hope that helps.
Apr 25, 2018, 10:16 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, Bonvoy Plat, Hilton G,Nexus, Amex MR Plat,IHG Plat
Posts: 4,417
I'm not sure how helpful this post is going to be, but here goes:
I went through security in the international terminal last week and immediately on the right should be a lounge, which is closed.
There were lots of confused people there and the sign pointed down toward the next terminal (Terminal 3 I think)
So I walked though and used the United lounge there. (10 minute walk) It was fine - no windows, some breakfast options and a staffed bar. A couple women half in the bag at 10AM ... maybe this is normal in SFO
However, when I walked back to gate 97, I noticed the temporary international lounge across from that gate. That is probably the best bet for people flying on AC out of SFO right now - unless you enjoy a long walk.
I hope that helps.
I went through security in the international terminal last week and immediately on the right should be a lounge, which is closed.
There were lots of confused people there and the sign pointed down toward the next terminal (Terminal 3 I think)
So I walked though and used the United lounge there. (10 minute walk) It was fine - no windows, some breakfast options and a staffed bar. A couple women half in the bag at 10AM ... maybe this is normal in SFO
However, when I walked back to gate 97, I noticed the temporary international lounge across from that gate. That is probably the best bet for people flying on AC out of SFO right now - unless you enjoy a long walk.
I hope that helps.
Apr 25, 2018, 12:11 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2016
Programs: Air Canada Aeroplan, Marriot Rewards, Avis Preferred Plus
Posts: 30
When I was flying through there, I would sometimes go to the Eva Air or the Singapore lounges, which were behind the United lounge. They weren't open all the time though.
Apr 25, 2018, 2:29 pm
#8
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Toronto, ON, CANADA
Programs: AC SE100K, Marriott Bonvoy LTE
Posts: 1,881
As for the lounge across from Gate 97, it was only available to business class passengers - I heard quite a few people *G members turned away and told to use the lounges in Terminal 3.
Apr 25, 2018, 2:44 pm
#9
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Ottawa
Programs: Altitude E50K / *G
Posts: 924
I now have this feeling of missing out. Not only did I miss the lounge, but my seat deflanged when I got on board
Apr 25, 2018, 3:44 pm
#10
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,302
I was told it would immediately become a UC when the Polaris lounge opens (no renovation required), so it will end the need for *G to walk to T3.
Apr 27, 2018, 2:42 am
#11
Join Date: May 2012
Location: YOW
Programs: UA*1K, Marriott Titanium (LTP), Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,665
Although Canada is considered an International destination for standard UC access (domestic business flights only in the US do not allow lounge access, unlike AC's domestic policy), this does not extend to the Polaris Lounge.
Apr 27, 2018, 8:08 am
#12
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Ottawa
Programs: Altitude E50K / *G
Posts: 924
Apr 27, 2018, 8:28 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Platinum, hhonors Gold
Posts: 3,419
The Polaris lounge is also available on arrival from international UA flights connecting to flights that wouldn't otherwise qualify for access. So if you're arriving on UA on a long haul international flight and connecting from AC you should have access. This is only for inbound UA flights, not other international carriers.
Apr 27, 2018, 9:49 am
#14
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Ottawa
Programs: Altitude E50K / *G
Posts: 924
That's interesting. So if I came in from TPE on UA metal in J and connected to YYZ on Air Canada in J then I should have access to the Polaris lounge then?
You know, I need to start writing down these rules just to remember
You know, I need to start writing down these rules just to remember
Apr 27, 2018, 10:07 am
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Mississauga Ontario
Posts: 4,097
I can confirm that .. at least, with the current J restricted lounge in SFO. Came in on ANA in J, connecting to AC in J to YYZ, and the United lounge which is restricted to J pax on international flights was available to me. If I was just regular J SFO-YYZ, I would not have been allowed in. I suspect the same will hold true for Polaris.