Last edit by: Zorak
Click HERE to read discussion from 2013 - 2021.
FAQ
Q: Where is the lounge?
A: Terminal 3, F concourse, right by Gate F2 (formerly gate 75) and the F-1 security checkpoint (that has PreCheck, sometimes).
Q: Can I visit there if I'm departing from another terminal?
A: Absolutely. Security at SFO will let passengers departing from any concourse at SFO go through security in any concourse, even ones that aren't connected behind security. At the moment, concourses C, D, E, F, and G are all connected airside to the Centurion lounge. From boarding areas A or B you would have to clear security twice. For the most up-to-date info, see Connecting in SFO thread in the FlyerTalk San Francisco forum.
Q: Can I visit if I'm arriving at SFO?
A: Centurion Lounges no longer offer access on arrival.

FAQ
Q: Where is the lounge?
A: Terminal 3, F concourse, right by Gate F2 (formerly gate 75) and the F-1 security checkpoint (that has PreCheck, sometimes).
Q: Can I visit there if I'm departing from another terminal?
A: Absolutely. Security at SFO will let passengers departing from any concourse at SFO go through security in any concourse, even ones that aren't connected behind security. At the moment, concourses C, D, E, F, and G are all connected airside to the Centurion lounge. From boarding areas A or B you would have to clear security twice. For the most up-to-date info, see Connecting in SFO thread in the FlyerTalk San Francisco forum.
Q: Can I visit if I'm arriving at SFO?
A: Centurion Lounges no longer offer access on arrival.

Centurion Lounge SFO [Opened 6 November 2014; Expanded 31 December 2022]
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Seattle, WA (US)
Programs: Oneworld (Emerald)
Posts: 127
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,188
Ah, not bad, in my view. Should you decide to visit the SFO CL, I encourage you to if you have the time, make a left turn towards Terminal (Concourse) G when you enter the Int'l terminal, and go through security there. If you have TSA Pre or Clear, it should be very quick. Once pass security, veer right where you should see a closed UA Polaris lounge, and head down the escalator; then, follow the walkway and you should see the Amex signage once you exit. You can return the same way and exit from where you came, and then walk all the way down the long hall where you'll find security for Int'l A--again, a relatively quick affair if you have TSA Pre or Clear. If not, ah, you might allow for a little extra time.
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#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 55,887
I believe SFO is planning to redesign the International Terminal such that both the A and G Concourses will be connected airside.
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA Plat & 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Exp, Hilton Gold
Posts: 15,396
On the second level they are separated by the massive international checkin area so SFO would have to add a special corridor on the airport side of the terminal post-security (as opposed to the curbside dropoff area) to make this happen. Or perhaps build a wall on that side of the checkin area but that would reduce the area that people use to walk to the security checkpoint.
I doubt it is a high priority as I don't think there are many international-to-international connections as opposed to O/D and international <-> domestic connections.
#5
Join Date: Apr 2010
Programs: AA PP, UA 1K/MM, WoH Globalist, HH Gold
Posts: 935
Perhaps Im reading your statement incorrectly, but the international baggage claim/customs inspection area for A and G are not the same. The only sense that they connect is via a hallway but that is public and youd need to re-clear through security to get access to any of the clubs.
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 55,887
Perhaps Im reading your statement incorrectly, but the international baggage claim/customs inspection area for A and G are not the same. The only sense that they connect is via a hallway but that is public and youd need to re-clear through security to get access to any of the clubs.
#7
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NYC/PHX
Programs: IATA, Sabre, AvgeekAgent
Posts: 1,952
Stopped by today...between recent experiences here, in MIA and PHL, have to say it's the Skyclubs and 3rd party lounges that are most convincing reasons for membership, for me at least (although JFK, LAS, PHX have represented Amex very well).
I always tip bartenders at the CL, but I found the practice here of the bartenders fishing for tips by leaving cash out on the bar a bit off-putting. First time I've seen this at any CL.
I always tip bartenders at the CL, but I found the practice here of the bartenders fishing for tips by leaving cash out on the bar a bit off-putting. First time I've seen this at any CL.
#8
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend; Moderator: American Express, Capital One, Citi, Chase, Credit Card Programs, Diners Club, Signatures
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,250
Moderator action
Further discussion of tipping in Centurion Lounges has been moved to a more specific thread: Do you tip Centurion Lounge bartenders?
Last edited by mia; Feb 10, 22 at 9:12 am
#9
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, CM Plat, Amex Plat, Hertz CP, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Gold, Vons Club
Posts: 6,788
Any recent reports on the food at SFO? Ive always enjoyed, but over the last few months I heard some concerns.
Additionally, any news on the expansion and potential opening date?
Additionally, any news on the expansion and potential opening date?
#10
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BWI,SFO,SJC,IAD,LAX,DCA
Programs: mvp75k, DL-0body
Posts: 302
I am not aware of expansion

#11
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend; Moderator: American Express, Capital One, Citi, Chase, Credit Card Programs, Diners Club, Signatures
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,250
Upcoming Expansions
San Francisco
Estimated opening date: Late 2022
The San Francisco lounge is one of the most popular in the network. Before the pandemic, it was often subject to overcrowding. Fortunately, Amex confirmed a much-needed expansion is coming soon, boosting the footprint to nearly 16,000 square feet. The expansion will introduce a new seasonal menu from chef Ravi Kapur, as well as a second bar and cafe area, additional restrooms, phone rooms and private workspaces.
San Francisco
Estimated opening date: Late 2022
The San Francisco lounge is one of the most popular in the network. Before the pandemic, it was often subject to overcrowding. Fortunately, Amex confirmed a much-needed expansion is coming soon, boosting the footprint to nearly 16,000 square feet. The expansion will introduce a new seasonal menu from chef Ravi Kapur, as well as a second bar and cafe area, additional restrooms, phone rooms and private workspaces.
#13
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1MM, Marriott LTP, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Hertz PC
Posts: 985
Is there such a thing as preregistration for the Centurion Lounge before I arrive at the airport? I remember seeing it somewhere but I cant find this feature in the Amex app.
#14
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,416
I've tried the App check in a few times and had a problem once. After that, I've stopped and will just use my physical card now.
These CLs run by a third party outfit like Sodexo or something? If it were Amex, they should fire whoever is in charge of the food or its prep here.
Last edited by Visconti; Feb 20, 22 at 11:59 am Reason: added multi-quote
#15
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 168
Ah, you can do what they call "check in on your" App, which will spare you having to show your Amex card and can enter with only your ID & BP. This however does not allow you an earlier place in the queue if there's a waiting list--your place in line, assuming there is one, will still be when you physically arrive at the entrance.
I've tried the App check in a few times and had a problem once. After that, I've stopped and will just use my physical card now.
It's been this way for quite some time now and I'd imagine most local SFO flyers would agree with you. "Not that good" is being kind and I'd have put it much less delicately. It's been some time since I've been to this CL, but I can imagine the food has 1) only gotten worse, and 2) it's still chicken.
These CLs run by a third party outfit like Sodexo or something? If it were Amex, they should fire whoever is in charge of the food or its prep here.
I've tried the App check in a few times and had a problem once. After that, I've stopped and will just use my physical card now.
It's been this way for quite some time now and I'd imagine most local SFO flyers would agree with you. "Not that good" is being kind and I'd have put it much less delicately. It's been some time since I've been to this CL, but I can imagine the food has 1) only gotten worse, and 2) it's still chicken.
These CLs run by a third party outfit like Sodexo or something? If it were Amex, they should fire whoever is in charge of the food or its prep here.