BA lounge would certainly be open before the OPs BA flight, but it might be horribly crowded, as it has been the last few times I’ve been in there prior to that flight.

I’ve gone to the AC before in that situation, and it’s a lot quieter. I would have gone to the CX lounge if it were open. I never would have considered going to the CL.

Morning, thank you for the replies,
Ah, stupid me, forgot Sunday night at the Intl terminal will not be quieter, (if not busier due to Sat night stay for cheaper tix, like mine).
I wanted check out Amex 'just because' and a bit of sunk cost fallacy from having paid the annual fee.
But with Amex's 3 hours limit it means I can only enter at 1845 for a 2145 flight, and if it takes >30min to get back to A gates then I have to leave Amex at 2000 for the 2050 boarding time. An hour at Amex is not worth it.
Thank you for the heads up!

CX departs at 2355 tonight, so perhaps the lounge will be open at 2055, so I might have a chance.
VS (viaPP) 1930-2230 after their 1940 departure.

csycsycsy, for reasons others stated above, I suggest you stick with the BA lounge, which I believe you and a guest can access via your Sapphire status. Both of these lounges are recently renovated and have decent food and beverage options. Both can get a bit crowded. Neither is significantly better than the other.

When I passed by there in late February, the CX lounge opened up at 18:55 on Sundays.

Although I don't know what impact Pacific Daylight Time (which began earlier today) might have on that.

Hello all,
Sorry for the following OT (not really about connections post):
The BA lounge is very nice and it did get quite crowded just before the earlier BA flight departed though it is now empty apart me.
Usually at OWS level lounges there's not much protein but here there is BA burger (beef/impossible) and stews, no need to go for 'chicken ala amex'.
The booze is pretty good too, particularly if one likes to DIY their cocktails.
Thought about going to AAAC but will stay put, maybe check out CX later...
Answering my earlier question about fast track: yes (BP needs to have fast track and/or group 2)
Looking forward to visiting SFO next time, with the B-C airside connector!
Thank you

Edit: CX opened at 1955.

We all have our preferences, but I think there are only two lounges at SFO that are much better than the BA lounge: Emirates and United Polaris.

And to be clear, I think the BA lounge is quite nice. But I think that’s also true of several other SFO lounges.

How long in advance do you suggest checking in at SFO for an Air Canada flight?

Question for those familiar with SFO.

I have an upcoming 8 hour layover where I'm self connecting between a domestic flight and an international flight. I will have checked bags that won't be able to be checked in until T-3ish.

If I pay to store my bags at the luggage storage facilities, and I have a mobile BP, can I go through security early and burn time in the lounge until T-3? At that time I'd leave the secure area, pick up my bags, checked them in, and then go through security again.

From a security perspective, yes. From a lounge perspective - which lounge? Many will only allow access a few hours before your flight (eg, AC) or for a certain maximum length of time (eg, many of the Priority Pass lounges)

Was considering visiting the Polaris lounge, which from a quick search doesn't seem to have limitations as to how early one may access, or how long one may stay for?

Yup, you should be fine there.

SFO Polaris is about as good as it gets for lounges in the U.S.

The physical lounge is nice enough but the food is pathetic, particularly the buffet. I'd rate numerous SkyClubs ahead for food. IMO it certainly doesn't compare to the QF F lounge at LAX, which is probably the best lounge in the US, or various other top US lounges (including several of the OW JFK lounges).

I actually prefer MLL at SFO (though they have the showers closed, so you'll have to go to Polaris for a shower).

I agree the buffet is nothing special, but the sit-down restaurant has been excellent in my experience.

I have one experience in the restaurant and it was not good. We almost left before the food arrived (chomped it down quickly after the near hour it took to arrive as to get to the gate for boarding time), had to go out to the bar to get beverages while we waited - not an ideal way to relax prior to a flight.