SFO Lounge access on DONE4
 

Starting a DONE4 at SFO in October, departing on QF 74 (booked as AA codeshare) at 10:40 with several hours of layover (arriving from SEA on AS). AA PLT, Admirals Club and AS Boardroom member. AS Boardroom at SFO closes at 9pm. What lounges do you recommend? Will I have access to Sakura?

Thanks.

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You will have access to whatever lounge QF is now contracting with; I believe it is now the BA Terraces lounge (but operating as a contract lounge, and not as a Terraces during these hours). This is much nicer than the Sakura lounge, which QF used to use because it was cheap. If you can get airside, you also have AC access, but I think AS arrives in the other terminal so you cannot reach the AC without special arrangements (it isn't as nice as the QF lounge in any event). I'm guessing that by October JL will have closed the Sakura lounge and arranged with BA to use their lounge, but nothing has been announced. If JL does keep it, they really need to rebuild this lounge (it is sub-TBIT quality).

Thanks!

Any updates on this? A QF agent told me today that they use the Admiral's Club in SFO.

Thanks.

The Qantas web site is still indicating the Sakura Lounge.

QF is using the BA Terraces lounge for the SYD flight departure. If they are using the AC, it is only for QF codeshares (operated by AA) which leave from the AA terminal and not the international terminal. Maybe they plan to operate the YVR-SFO arrival into the AA terminal, as this will be the only way to be at the AC, but that seems absurd (in the past that was also in the international terminal, and using the BA lounge). There was a time when BA had contracted out their lounge to a non-OW airline during the QF flight time, and QF couldn't use it, but I think this has now been resolved. fwiw, while the BA lounge is disappointing, it is a lot better than the JL or AA lounges.

When I checked in with QF today in SFO, I was told that I would have access to the Sakura lounge. I noticed that BA Terrace was immediately adjacent to the departure gate, so gave it a try. A BA flight had just left so the staff were cleaning up, restocking, etc. Nobody at the desk. Finally, a very pleasant chap appeared and I asked if they were open and could I use Terrace as AA PLT. He looked at my boarding pass (I am flying in Business) and said, "Sure, why not. The place is almost empty." We had a nice chat comparing Terrace with Sekura. Earlier in the day, I spoke with AA, who told me that I could only use BA Terrace as EXP or when flying in first.

Never hurts to ask!

And I scored row 16 upper deck on QF 74.

Interesting, why not the Sakura lounge? Or do you mean the first class lounge in the BA Terrace? Anyway, all the lounges in SFO are not that good. If it is not crowded in the BA terrace, I prefer to stay out in the J section rather than in the small F room. There are no desks and wired internet in the F section.

The AA agent told me I could not use the BA Terrace because "it was for first class passengers". I now realize that there is a small first class lounge within the Terrace. I agree that it is much more pleasant in the J section. I don't recall if the AA agent mentioned the Sakura lounge; I asked specifically about BA Terrace. Also not sure why QF put a sticker on my BP for entry into the Sakura lounge, although the agent was not very experienced. He was very confused about my seat assignment, did not know that row 16 is an exit row, etc. Fortunately, he asked someone with more experience.

In about 3 weeks, we can discuss what lounge(s) I can use in SYD when flying CX!

I heard good things about Qantas new F lounge. i wonder whether you are trying out that one or others.

i believe you can use the Admiral Club in SFO if you are transiting when you return. That one is not too good and a little old.

Please keep us posted!